Any cineaste worth their salt must make a trek to the Dryden Theatre! We are so lucky to have a venue like this. With so many multiplexes shutting down, the Dryden is essential! read more

Dryden Theatre - Showtime! - Cinema Near Me - Rochester, New York

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If you find yourself watching criterion channel or TCM and love old movies. This is your Mecca. Being able to talk movies, and see films presented in a way unlike anywhere else in a gorgeous setting. One of my favorite places, period. read more

Dryden is fine -- really cool movies but they really really need to get it together and have snacks. No food, drink of any kind allowed. Which is just lame. It's partly why I so rarely go there because it would truly not be that hard to have a little cart with popcorn, candy and cookies etc. read more

The legacy of George Eastman and his contributions to the world of motion pictures and photography simply cannot be understated. Even though it has been almost a century since he passed, his legacy of presenting cinema to the masses is still in full effect at the Dryden Theatre. Film screenings of every genre and time period you can imagine are available to the public. Out of print features, foreign films, and special guests make this theater the kind of place you can visit multiple times a year and get something different out of it each time. Cinephiles will not be disappointed. For example, throughout this year the Dryden Theatre honored Rochester-area native Phillip Seymour Hoffman with screenings of his films, complete with supplemental content to make each screening unique and present something different than what you would find at a regular movie theater or on streaming services. This is what going to the movies is all about. Looking forward to my next visit. read more

This theater is out of touch with the culture of today. It appears there is no effort to show films that reflect the current dynamic and diverse cultural landscape of Rochester or greater NY. Why are all films screened only championing voices of privileged white men? Where are the stories of women? People of color? These are the stories of Rochester, NY and the greater American experience. Alfred Hitchcock content is tired. Please get a clue Dryden. Stay relevant and evolve with the rest of America. read more

Without intending to, I sidelined plans to visit Rochester's Eastman Museum by discovering the Dryden Theatre. Dryden Theatre is a cool place to know about. Physically, very cool: the first thing my friend and I said to each other at the end of La Grand Illusion was "Geezus, it's FREEZING in here!" and we exited to thaw out before we could begin discussing what we'd just seen. La Grand Illusion is a film from 1937, seen as so threatening in its message that it was certified "Cinematic Public Enemy No. 1" by Germany's propaganda minister (Joseph Goebbels). Its original negatives were one the first things the Germans seized upon their occupation of France. This is the sort of film that screens at the Dryden (along with more recent offerings), something you won't find elsewhere. On the day of my visit, the film was preceded by an introduction and presentation by a man who'd written a book on the film and followed by a Q&A with him. Again, this is the sort of thing that occurs here though not always. I'm a "just show me the film" sort of person and couldn't wait for the pre-film speech to end and didn't stay for the Q&A because, well, I was freezing. Check the roster of upcoming films being screened here and treat yourself to a non-multiplex experience. The Dryden is a single, stand-alone theatre adjoining the Eastman Museum. It costs only $8 to enter ($4 for students) and they have no concession stand. They're not trying to gouge you; just trying to expose you to the wonderful world of great films. Someday I expect to get to the Eastman Museum but I don't regret having missed it on this visit. The Dryden - and La Grand Illusion - were unique; either is worth your time. read more

I don't know how we've never been here before. It's a very comfortable theater with a big parking lot and reasonable prices. There's also a cafe for before movie snacks or you can eat at Wegman's Amore just down the street. Movies are usually classics, some which might show up on TMC channel, but it's a nice atmosphere for a night out. A short lecture before the movie added some insight into the characters and history. read more

I really need to come here more often. I forgot what a great place this is to see a movie. It has been too long! They have such an interesting, ever changing program of films from their archives. We went on a night they were playing an old Hitchcock film and a professor from Brockport did a very interesting intro to the movie that really helped add to the experience. The seats are OK - not as comfortable as I would have guessed given the renovation of a few years ago. Also I used to like sitting in the balcony but that Plexiglas obstructs a clear view of the screen from the first row or two up there (I know that was probably installed to meet a safety code). Overall a great, under appreciated resource in ROC. read more

A faurly sized cinema in the Eastman House with the beautiful gardens surrounding it and a café next to the theater. A jewel of a find read more

I went to the Dryden Theater for the "fast forward film festival". It is a beautiful theater attached to the George Eastman house and unlike other theaters no food or beverages are allowed inside. There is a stage next to the screen where probably directors or producers can make a speech or in the case of "fast forward film festival" where the winners of the festival are announced. I had not been to this theater prior to the renovation and cannot comment on the quality or the necessity of the renovation, but it sure is a beautiful setting. I am all for supporting anything local and would love to go back to watch movies. read more

This theater is one of the best things about Rochester. It is also completely unique. The inside is lovely, you can get gelato in the cafe and it's cheap. The selection of movies is more eclectic that can be imagined and, if you are very interested in a film, there are talks before each screening that are usually quite informative. Sometimes, they're boring, but I'll deal. Reasons you're missing out if you don't make it to the Dryden: There are many films here that you will not be able to see anywhere else because the prints do not exist anywhere but in the Eastman collection. They screen silent films with live piano accompaniment, as they were often originally experienced, and Rochester is so flooded with talented musicians that the quality of the playing never ceases to impress me. read more

I recently visited Rochester and decided to check out a couple movies at the Dryden Theater after visiting Eastman Museum. This is a very unique theater where they have 1 movie nightly at 7:30pm and a Sunday Matinee at 2pm. There are no screenings on Monday and no concessions are allowed inside the theater. The auditorium is laid out like a classic movie house complete with a balcony and gold curtains that rise at the start of the movie and lowered after the end credits have played. They have someone talk a few minutes about the movie they're going to see so no paid commercials or previews just the movie after the introduction. They play both film 35MM and 16MM and they have a Barcos digital projector for the latest movies as well. It's a great cinema worth checking out if your in the area or live near Rochester read more

The film curators at the Dryden Theatre bring in amazing films! It's another Rochester gem. I love it here because they always have something new and different to see, whether it's an unknown documentary film to a classic from 40 years ago that otherwise you'd never see on the big screen. They often feature seasonal favorites depending on the time of year - I'm looking forward to Christmas time for that reason! read more

Dryden Theatre - Lovely renovations - Dryden is a gem! - Cinema Near Me - Rochester, New York

I'm a fan, but I kind of miss the old theater decor. I'm glad the curtain remains. Unfortunately limited in bathroom stalls.

Last night was my first experience going to the Dryden but it certainly won't be my last. I went to see 'Sexy Beast'. They were showing it in 35 mm as part of the "gangsters" movie series. The Dryden theater is connected to the George Eastman house. When you drive into the parking lot, you'll park and enter through the doors on the side of the building. They open right into the lobby and we purchased our tickets right at the box office. Make sure they have cash as they didn't take cash when we were there. Not sure if that's regular practice or if they just weren't taking it that night. Before the movie started, they gave some information on the film, the actors and an excerpt from a review by Ebert. It really added a lot to the film experience, in my opinion. Whether it was the raised balcony seating, the introduction, or the raising of the curtain -- it felt more like a night at the theater than going to the movies. I had a fabulous experience and totally felt like a kid seeing a movie for the first time. My only (teeny-tiny, not really a huge issue) complaint is that the seats felt kinda small and not too comfy. I'm a chunky girl though, so i'm sure that not everyone will have this problem. And, FYI, you're not allowed to have water bottles in the theater -- they politely took ours away and held it for us at the box office. No biggie. Can't wait to go back :) read more

My favorite cinema in Rochester! The monthly programs combines old films, new films, foreign films, documentaries, cult classics, etc. I also love that they spotlight certain directors and periods. Last night was the first time I've been since the renovation and I loved the theatre even more than I did before ( yay new seats!!!). read more

I love it here. They consitanly show super cool movies many of us have never had a chance to see on the big screen. Around halloween there horror movie series is top notch. The gift shop is awesome too. This is a rochester treasure! read more

Dryden Theatre - Carrie! - Cinema Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Truly a hidden gem in Rochester. Many don't know it exists. Plays a mix of old time movies with some more updated stuff too. If you make a night of it and tour the Eastman House as well it is a great time. The theater is great since its renovation and is a great spot to take someone from out of town to see some of the history we have in Rochester. read more

george eastman was, of course, known for his film--that lovely brand we call kodak! well, his contributions to the motion picture industry are not to be overlooked and the dryden theatre, located in his form residence, stands today as a museum and testament to those contributinos. dryden is a lovely old theater where some old and classic films are screened. in the mid 90s i was fortunate enough to catch some screenings of newly remastered satyajit ray films. i was thrilled by how large a crowd the screenings drew! rochester, along with the bay area and possibly boston, is probably one of the few places in the country where an eclectic indian filmmaker's cinema could draw so many viewers! read more

A different film nearly every night? Yes, the Dryden Theater is excellent. Eclectic and exciting programs, 35mm presentations, a quality cafe and great staff make this the number one movie theater in Rochester. If you're not going to see something there every night, it must be because they're closed, or they're playing something you've already seen. read more

A real staple in the city, this was George Eastman's personal theater. We showed an old movie there and had a guest speaker and a host. The theater was very cooperative in every way, even though they had experienced a staff change after the first time we spoke with them. This is part of the George Eastman House and there is ample parking. You come away with knowledge as well as entertainment, as the people there are top-notch. This was the place where curator James Card worked for many years. He was responsible for bringing the great silent star Louise Brooks to Rochester. read more

Two movies in two nights. That's how much we like the Dryden (oh this ain't the Royal we, but we here is me and my wife). The newly renovated theatre is even better than before, no more broken seats, and great projection. Just one problem, no more food or drinks allowed inside, which might be a good thing! read more

Haven't been here in awhile because I moved away, but it's a cool theater that with top notch classic film programming and very low prices. Since this is the only place in Rochester to see films like this, film fans here don't get the selection they would in a bigger city, but on its own the Eastman House definitely one of the best revival theaters in the country. Parking is usually pretty easy in their lot and they often hold interesting events in addition to their regular (6 nights a week I believe) programs. read more