We went to the 80s throwback of "Critters" and it was an amazing time and experience :)

Not really a review, just a report about Dipson Amherst Theatre's Secret Cinema, for Tuesday June 9, 2026. Because I've gone to Regal's Monday Mystery Movie a few times, I thought I'd compare the two events. IDK when the next Mystery Movie will be, but last night the next Secret Cinema was said to be scheduled for July 14. That would be Bastille Day, if I'm not mistaken, so maybe the movie will be an old French film, or something set in France. Maybe The Pink Panther. No way to know in advance. I did find out on June 8 that Secret Cinema does not show new movies, but went anyway. (The TCM channel is one of my favorites.) Last night The Wizard of Oz was shown on the big screen, after a short talk about the film. Tickets for Secret Cinema are $10 and concessions are half price. Or maybe that's just for popcorn. I'm not sure because all I got to drink was a 20oz bottle of Aquafina, which was $5.50. If you enjoy old movies, "old" being anything from vintage to classic, you will want to check out Dipson Amherst's Secret Cinema. Always a Tuesday night. read more

I would have liked to give this theater 3 1/2 stars as not quite worthy of 4, but 3 seems a little low. The theater replaced their seats with the comfy recliner seats, but they are beginning to show some wear sooner than I would have thought. It is still very comfortable, but they do need to stay on top of the tears. "A stitch in time....". My other negative is that I went today, "Bargain Tuesday", expecting an $8.00 ticket. It was $10.00. I think it may be worth it to drive a little further to a larger chain theater where Bargain Tuesday is actually a bargain. P.S. I enjoyed the movie. read more

When I'm out in Western New York (frequently for work) I'll come here to catch up on some of the independent releases. Where I live most of these theaters have been going mainstream so it's nice to have a place like the dipson in Amherst. Great old Marquee and really good popcorn as well. And very close to my hotel in Williamsville.. easy drive. I discovered it many years ago to see one of the Coen brothers movies... read more

Came for a movie yesterday, had a good experience! The theater has a nice, old vibe. Big, comfy seating; very clean bathroom, what more could you ask for? I plan to visit again. read more

A great local theatre with three screens and an intimate setting with about 70 seats per theatre. It's easy to have this place to yourself on a week night a few weeks after a movie comes out. Part of the Dipson family of theaters, you'll get discounted tickets on Tuesdays and half price pop and popcorn. Serves wine, beer, energy drinks and other concessions. Assigned seats and power recliners. read more

Dipson Amherst Theatre - Screen 3. - Cinema Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Open again! Very exciting. Clear Covid seating. In an effort to support local, but not crowding restaurants, movie theaters seems the way to go. So come see a movie. Update 120 2021 read more

I love this theater. The best movie viewing seats, so comfortable. Dipson has the very best popcorn, and it's all about the popcorn!! read more

This review is not so much on the movie theater but more about the UB movie seminar that is held every Tuesday night during the school year. There is a talk before the movie telling you interesting tidbits about things I never knew I had an interest in but now know that I do. Could be about camera angles, lighting, history of the producer, director, or actors, filming locations, etc, etc. I've heard things about set pieces placed in the movie just to see if people catch them. Makes no difference if you don't know about them but kinda fun to try to find them if you do know. After the movie is a question and answer sessions where again items are discussed that just make the whole movie experience a little better. Definitely worth checking out. The theater itself is very comfortable with large reclining seats while still keeps its 'Old Theater' charm. read more

What a gem. We went on a random week night to see a movie we have never heard of (highly recommended going into a movie completely unaware of what it is about!) the person working sold us our tickets, refreshments and chatted with us. Super friendly. We then sat in the comfiest chairs!! Highly recommend this theatre read more

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The movie is current and up to date. The bathrooms haven't been updated for about 40 years and need a redo. Also the ladies room stalls are too small for an average sized person and are not so clean. read more

The best way to see a movie , just lean back & put your feet up & watch a wide variety of movies in luxury seats.There's never a bad seat in the house, so come & enjoy a movie in comfort & style in one of three theaters.The snack bar has hot popcorn with real butter, pepsi products & candy to enjoy with your movie.The Thursday Night Terrors series is fantastic with frightful films from the past, its a must to check out. read more

Dipson Amherst Theatre - Dopson Amherst Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This past week I've been talking about really wanting to check this theatre out as I've never been. Let me start off my saying this little theatre is clearly way underrated! I was up late the other night, just two days after talking about wanting to check out the Dipson Theatre. I quickly checked out for any upcoming events on Yelp, and stumbled upon a UYE for Child's Play with following a live Q&A from Alex Vincent. I was super stoked when I saw that and was highly surprised that I hadn't heard about it. I looked it up on Facebook and it was legit! Alex Vincent was in town for the Nickel City Con. I bought two tickets to see Child's Play (and was definitely shocked there were any available, especially because I saw the event posted the day of the show!) messaged Alex Vincent and he confirmed he would be there. We arrived about 20 minutes prior to show time, there wasn't a line at all. They have really comfortable, adjustable reclining seats. You can sit wherever you'd like, as long as there isn't a "reserved" sign over it. It was still surprising to me that the theatre wasn't full for this, but it made it that much more fun in the sense that it felt like I was going to a "underground" type of event. We watched the movie, and immediately following, Alex Vincent did his Q&A. He took quite a few questions and j found out a lot more about the Child's Play franchise (which is my favorite horror movie series). He then had a meet and greet afterward to take pictures with fans with his Curse of Chucky doll, and to sign autographs for an additional fee, which was really affordable. He's a really stand up guy, very friendly and down to earth. I found out that they have something called "Thursday Night Terrors," which is what this was. It seems to be old school horror movies played on the big screen, occasionally on Thursdays, and sometimes a Q&A and meet and greet with one of the stars afterward. I'm seriously the biggest horror fan, so I'll be making sure I know about all of these events ahead of time. Dipson has a rewards program, however with the $45 we spent, we weren't able to sign up to apply it as you need to purchase a rewards gift card. I definitely see myself coming back soon so I will sign up next time. read more

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Sit in luxury with seats that recline and provide much comfort, its a great way to see a movie in their three theaters. The Thursday Night Terrors Series Captivates you with the horror movies of the past & the obscure you might have missed the first time out.The snack bar has candy, hot popcorn with the real butter & Pepsi pop, all served fast & by their friendly staff.On Tuesdays there's even reduced admission, pop & popcorn. read more

Dipson Amherst Theatre - Dipson Amherst Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Dipson is a great find for affordable movie tickets! The movie tickets cost $10 regularly and $8.50 with a student ID. They only have 3 movies theaters but they have pretty good options for movies. I visited the first time to watch IT 2 since it was close and I want to watch it. They had it out the same time AMCs release it so it was more affordable to visit Dipson. I was genuinely amazed by how clean it was and the comfortable reclining seats. The popcorn prices were similar to AMCs prices and they offer free refill on large popcorns and drinks. Tl;dr - clean and affordable movie theatre, limited to 3 movie options read more

Came back to see a movie and think this will be my go to spot. I got my ticket and concessions online and went in and scanned my code to pick up. They now offer wine which is nice and selections are plentiful. My small popcorn was like a medium so a kiddie would've been fine. I also got a medium drink which was too much. Only 3 movies are shown and the seats recline w a tray table. Very nice place in a college area. Low key and classy. read more

I love seeing movies at the Amherst Dipson. The independent and limited release movies always come to the Amherst or the North Park. They also recently renovated the theaters and added the comfortable reclining chairs! Many of the Oscar contenders start at the Amherst and aren't released at the AMC or Regal until several months later. Even if a movie is playing at the Amherst and a major theater simultaneously, I always choose the Amherst. On top of having better movies, this theater itself is very charming. It has the feeling of an old time movie theater, as opposed to the chain theaters that seem to only play blockbuster box office hits. I also love the painted murals and old photographs of the classic Hollywood stars in the lobby. Not to mention that the popcorn is also better and fresher. The people behind the concession stand are always so friendly. They like talking to the patrons about what they liked and didn't like about the films they are currently showing. They are also honest with their recommendations if you ask which ones are worth seeing. read more

Dipson Amherst Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Buffalo, New York

After coming here a few more times, I have to give this small Theater huge props. It rocks! Why? - The staff is friendly and will chat you up (if there's no line). - They play movies that you won't find in other Theaters (it was one of the only Theaters to show the limited released Shame around B'flo) - It's independently owned. - The Theater is always clean and although not all the seats have cup holders, that's part of the charm of this place. My only feedback would be to see if they can turn up the sound to some of the movies. Maybe I've shot my hearing from too many concerts lately, but it seemed like the volume of the movie was a little low. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a nice independent Theater -- check this or North Park out! read more

One of the best theaters in Buffalo for many reasons including: Nostalgic marquee sign, Popcorn with real butter, Recliner chairs, good audio levels, excellent films. Also the staff are intelligent and like to chat about cinema. Last but not least, if you order a large popcorn you get free refill. Oh, and they offer Hot tea! Choose this place over Regal, your ears will thank you! read more

Dipson Amherst Theatre - Popcorn with real butter - Cinema Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Have I not reviewed the Amherst Dipson ? How did I manage that ! Located on Main Street in Buffalo ,across from the UB Main Street campus, this is my favorite theatre in the area . A small (but impressively so) theatre with 3 screening rooms , the Amherst Dipson features new releases , indie films and other such events that you may not find in larger theatres (film seminars and at the time of this review a monthly classic or cult classic horror movie night.) You will likely love the super comfortable reclining seats that were in the main theatre (not sure if the other 2 screening rooms also had this luxury so I will update when I find out. . The popcorn was delicious , I cannot compare prices as I simply was not paying attention , but you will find the usual candy options here as well. All in all , a charming , comfortable , friendly theatre that I hope continues it's unique offerings . read more

This establishment has three theaters with huge comfortable leather reclining seats. This, similar to the North Park Theatre, carries the hard to find independent films. Watched Juno here before it was famous. It is clean and well maintained. Great theatre to see movies away from the busy and loud cinema complexes. read more

Nice theater. Love the reclining seats. Clean theater and nice employees. Plenty of parking in the lot close by. Near a McDonalds and a Tops. read more

Dipson Amherst Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Buffalo, New York

What a great theatre!!! Seats are very comfortable. Love the show options. Very nice and clean read more

New seats! What a delightful surprise. I never minded the old springy seats - they reminded me of the good old days. More about the new seats: I feel like I'm at a big-time theater. They are the reclining type, with big arms and cupholders. And as Christina H. wrote, you don't need to reserve your seat before the movie. Open seating! New seats! I've been coming to this theater since 1985 and I love it. read more

I love this theater. It's my go-to for independent films. They recently updated all their seats to comfy recliners like other area theaters. One of the things I like about Dipson though is that you don't have to reserve the specific seat. So you can come in and sit wherever you want. Staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, and the popcorn is great (way cheaper than Regal). read more

Reclining chairs. New Dolby sound system. New bright 4K projectors. Delcious popcorn. Willing to show less well-known movies. Perfect! read more

Dipson Amherst Theatre - Brand new comfy seats. Tonight is their first show. - Cinema Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Deceptive practices: I purchased two $25 gifts cards + two free 5-gallon bags of popcorn via a website promotion. I then discovered that the gift cards cannot be applied to any of the movies, apparel items, or food items listed on the website. Given the Amherst location has been closed since March with no sign of re-opening anytime soon, it's impossible to use the gift cards to see movies in the theatre. In other words, the $25 gift cards are absolutely worthless and I've just paid $50 for two free bags of popcorn. I tried to contact the theatre via their website form and a phone call. Their phone # leads to a recording but I did receive an email message stating that a vendor handles their online movie offerings and the vendor won't accept Dipson gift cards. Dipson should have been stated on their website that their gift cards can't be used to purchase anything for sale on their website and that the only hope of redeeming them is if/when the theatres reopen. Finally, on a positive note: the popcorn was tasy. read more

Came here for a 9:35 p.m. show. Wasn't very crowded. Easy to buy tickets. $10. The theater seemed clean and they have the Lazy Boy type lounge chairs. My only complaint was it was really cold in there, I wish it was warmer. read more

The Amherst Theater on Main Street, operated by Dipson Theaters is pretty much everything a movie theater should be. To be clear... It is not McDonald's; it does not serve hot dogs, hamburgers, cheese-swamped pretzel bites, cheese-swamped nachos. It is not Disneyland; it does not have fountains, streamers, banners, or characters. It is not an arcade. It is not a stadium. It is not Ripley's Believe It or Not. It does not have stadium seating, 3D thingamajigs, or any of the other unnecessary frills Mr. Regal and Mrs. AMC have conditioned you to want. To be clear, Amherst Theater is a damned good movie theater, which means... It shows movies, good movies, movies you won't find in megaplexes at malls with vast parking lots out in front. It is staffed by polite, competent individuals with palpable personalities who give two damns about movies. It is clean and tidy. Its screens are in proper working condition to view beautiful art films. So what kind of movies will you watch here? "Doubt." "Michael." "My Blueberry Nights." "Brokeback Mountain." "Fahrenheit 9/11." "The Artist." "Black Swan." (At least, those are some of the movies that I saw there.) You'll find critical darlings. You'll find Oscar bait. You'll find movies other theaters are afraid, unwilling, or unable to show. Moreover, visit here enough and you'll quickly learn that the place is dedicated to the community, that it hosts college-affiliated screenings with lectures, special Midnight features, and local premieres. You'll learn that you can lop $2 or more off an admission every Tuesday. Moreover, you'll learn that even their regular priced tickets are a buck cheaper than that of Regal. Note: this theater is owned by Dipson, which also operates North Park (on Hertel), Market Arcade (downtown), the McKinley Mall theater, and the Eastern Hills Mall theater. Between them (all of which share a similar mantra and similar pricing), it is entirely possible to swear off Regal and AMC for good in the greater Buffalo area. Do yourself a favor and give this place a shot. read more

When you sit in the main theater, you can tell: This used to be one large theater (a la North Park) that was cut and diced in order to make three theaters. This is usually a huge annoyance for me, but the way they have done the seats in the main theater makes up for it. The problem in theater conversions is usually that the sight lines are often terrible. This theater can suffer from it, but they've installed really nice recliner seats that you can use to adjust the viewing angle to eliminate the somewhat wonky sight lines. The sound system is good for the film we saw, which was a Coen Brothers film. So - not a blockbuster, big action movie. This (local) chain specializes in more art house films and limited release movies that you won't see at the Regal or AMC. The popcorn is hot and fresh, the prices are really good as well, less expensive than the other chains. The employees are slightly stoned, but that's part of the indie charm. I'd definitely come back here to see a film. read more

Saw the latest Jake Glyllenhaal (he's a great actor and so handsome!) movie Nocturnal Animals at this lovely theater few days ago. Great experience. Had been at this theatre years ago. It's much better now. Comfortable reclining seats and clean (even the bathrooms). I will surely be back to this theatre for some independent / art films. read more

5 stars for playing Moonlight- the only theater in the area playing it. I didn't think it was coming to Buffalo so I was ecstatic when I saw it was here. I've never been to this theater so I was super surprised when I walked in and the seats recline! The seats are huge and comfortable, complete with pop-out footrests. Very nice theater. read more

Got there about 3 minutes after the movie started and it was dark as a bag in there. Fumbled around, accidentally felt up this guy's bald head, finally found a seat. Nice & cool in there with reclining seats. A-ok! read more

Dipson Amherst Theatre - We were ready for Ricki. - Cinema Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This theatre is clean and comfortable they have reclining chairs and good concessions. Every Tuesday night a professor from Ub holds a film seminar, they start at 7 but sell out quickly. They play a lot of older black and white classics in the beginning of the school year and then slowly screen more modern films. In the past couple years some of my favorites have been Mildred Pierce, Singing in the Rain, Laura, and Persona. I love seeing the old flicks in this theatre and hearing the before and after discussions which give relevance to the film and historical context. read more

Have always been a HUGE fan of this locally owned and operated theater, dating way back to the days when they used to show Rocky Horror for the Friday late show... +1 for locally owned with friendly staff +1 for excellent independent and foreign film selections +1 for AWESOME and comfy new RECLINING SEATS! (seriously...top notch) -1 for stale popcorn for a matinee show +1 for REAL BUTTER read more

This pains me somewhat, as this movie theater is the most likely of all the theaters in Buffalo to screen films I want to see and wouldn't be able to see elsewhere in town. And prior to today, I've been there many times and had nothing but positive experiences. Today, though, I went to see an 11:15 a.m. matinee. I paid for my ticket and only then did the clerk ask if I could "leave [my bag] in [my] car." I informed him that I took public transit and did not have a car. Bear in mind, I carry this bag everywhere, have carried it with me to this very theater many times before, and no one has ever mentioned it. It is, in fact, a purse. Beyond that, it is merely a medium-sized, open, tote purse. No zip, no closure, so there's really no chance I'm hiding anything contraband in this not-very-large purse. The clerk then told me he'd have to look through my bag. "I don't care if you have food," he said, "it's just policy." I replied, incredulous, "What, in case I have a camera to record a bootleg of the film?" He repeated, without explanation, that it was the theater's policy. It must be a new policy then, this never having happened before. In addition to which, at least at the time of this event, there was no signage posted anywhere in the theater indicating such a policy or alerting customers to this possible invasion of their privacy as a matter of course on the part of Dipson Theaters or the Dipson Amherst. The more problematic issue here is that I am trangender. I am almost always misgendered and seen as male, and treated as such. Would he have asked someone he interpreted to be a biological female to go through her purse? (My purse, by the way, is smaller than many popular purses. It is no Birkin bag.) Would any woman on the planet let a stranger rifle through her purse merely to see a movie? How many instances can one think of where a woman willingly lets a stranger go through her purse, absent a legal requirement she do so, as at the airport? Is Dipson adopting TSA screening policies now? Will we soon be having to turn out our pockets and take off our shoes to enter a matinee showing of an art-house film (always a hotbed of criminal activity). So, in sum, I was carelessly discriminated against when this officious clerk did not take a moment to consider my gender or that he may be asking a transfeminine, genderqueer person to acquiesce to an invasion of my privacy. What movie theater asks, as a matter of policy, to go through a woman's purse before she can be cleared to enter the screening? Further, the purpose of this policy was never explained. What are they looking for in these searches? Firearms and automatic weapons? Would they actually have us believe the twenty-something clerk is trained to do more than piss his Underoos if he actually *found* a weapon? What is he going to do, hand the bag and weapon back and ask the person who's determined to kill innocent people to politely leave? Yeah, that'll work. Or is he going to hold the bag and call the police, hoping the owner of the bag does not come over the counter and wrestle the weapon from his scrawny arms in the meantime? This. Policy. Makes. No. Sense. And. Serves. No. Logical. Purpose. I refused to let him go through my purse and had a refund issued. And I won't be going back, sadly. It's shitty enough being misgendered everywhere I go, I really don't need it at the movies, too. And whether Dipson or this clerk perceive this to have anything to do with gender--that is, they insist they rifle through the bags of those they take to be male and those they take to be female equally (which would be unbelievable, given the social norms around who carries bags and purses more often, meaning this policy has gender discrimination built into its very structure)--it is a completely useless invasion of privacy. This policy will make no one safer, and no one feel better served by the business. read more

The Amherst Theater is a jewel in north Buffalo. It is one of the last main stays of quality entertainment. Besides quality movies their popcorn has real butter, a thing of the past. To be honest the popcorn could taste better if it were hotter. I think the cashier arriver a little late to heat everything up properly. The help was VERY courteous and knowlodgable of the movies. The reason I gave this 5 stars is for the quality of the theater not the concession stand. read more

I'm glad Buffalo has the Dipson Theaters, because there's nothing like seeing a movie on a big screen, but I prefer to keep my money local and to see films that are a little off the beaten path. The Amherst Theater is a great choice, with three screens to choose from and super-comfortable reclining seats in the center theater. A delightful way to relax and see a film! The staff is also friendly, and the popcorn is delicious--with real butter! read more

I go here because I love the choices of movies the theater offers. They aren't your summer blockbusters like Transformers but artsy movies not offered any place else in Buffalo (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Enough Said and Chef). I tend to go Tuesdays cause half off popcorn and drinks, it's really good deal! Friendly staff, large screens, crappy parking and real butter on your popcorn! read more

I had a great movie viewing experience here! It's clean and has reclining seats. The play movies and you can hear them. Is there more that you really need other than that? read more