I love this theater for countless reasons. First and foremost are the fantastic offerings of indie films. I also love when the Director attends a show and offers an audience Q & A afterwards. (That's the Elmwood's management going to bat for their customers, and we appreciate it!) They offer delicious uncontrolled substances from popcorn to wine, and whatever else you may like. All yummy. The theater is well kept and clean. Not everyone cares about that, but I do so I want to thank the Elmwood for going the distance on that score. Last but certainly not least: if you join (for free) their Movie Lovers club, you'll earn a free movie now and then (depending on how often you attend and how much wine and popcorn you buy). Today my ticket was on the house! Whoo hoo! read more

I like the selection of movies, but the theater seems so poorly designed that it's dangerous. The rows are spaced so closely together that if you have long legs, you can't adequately move them. The chair cushion design sticks up on the sides, meaning that even on an empty row of seats, you can't sit at an angle. Most coach flights I've been on have more comfortable seats than this theater. I'm not exaggerating. "Uncomfortable seats" sounds trivial, but it can be dangerous or even literally life-threatening for people who have a blood clotting condition. Such conditions often don't manifest until a blood clot forms in their leg after sitting in a constrained seat like a plane (called a "provoked deep vein thrombosis"). I know this because I had one a few years ago, and I've needed to be very careful on flights, long car rides or other times where I wouldn't be able to adequately move my legs. Until I went to this theater, it hadn't occurred to me that a theater would be in that category. So if you have long legs and a personal or family history of a blood clotting condition, I would recommend avoiding this theater entirely, or at least sitting in the aisle so it's easy to stand. I would also strongly advise the theater to redesign their seating, since I think its current design is unsafe. read more

Nice little theatre around the corner from Ashby street. This is the only independently owned theatre in Berkeley . The building originally opened in1919 so pretty old . It had a long history a closure during the war years and reopened as an Art house in 2007 . Glad to be there although I know I've been there before but doesn't seem the same . They have the regular concessions with popcorn and drinks and candies . I had planned the movie after a test in Berkeley not sure about the movie a big surprise. The seats are rather ordinary but very clean . To me any time a theater stays around for many years . It deserves a visit as often as possible to keep them running for the future generations. I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit this historic place and with any luck I shall be back. read more

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Small local movie theater in Elmwood, very charming and old school in a good way. Good volume, and crowd people are respectful and don't talk during the shows. One of day we went the pop corn machine was broken and after they fixed it we got free pop corn which was nice. The staff is very amicable. read more

This is my kind of theater. The seats are comfortable, it's pretty small, it shows independent films, the interior is pretty cool. You can get snacks, but of course they are expensive. Maybe opt for one of the restaurants within a stone's throw? There is no parking, but street parking is fine-I found a spot on the same block. read more

Love to come to this old fashioned movie theater-- a locally owned alternative to AMC! Great artsy films, as well mainstream flicks. OK popcorn (have to admit AMC does best them in this regard...) & they have a few vegan sweets, too Give yourself some time for parking. Lots of options nearby for drinks, dinner, dessert-- make it a date night! SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS read more

Rounding up from 3.5 stars. This theater was once a single screen joint, that has been carved up, with the balcony now supporting two additional small screens. That's the same layout as the California theater was, and the Piedmont is. I've seen shows upstairs and downstairs. I mostly recommend this place based on their programming, and also the concessions. For such a small space, they serve a lot. The upstairs seats can be quite cramped, but the audiences are more respectful than most. Cheap movie Monday nights at nice, and occasional free classics, but get there early-ish. read more

I'll give it to the Elmwood, achieving their tier of hypocrisy is no small accomplishment. We went to a National Theatre Live screening of Hamlet on Jan 22. Here are two of the preview videos that were run before the show: Preview #1: Rialto Cinemas promo featuring a clip of Sean Baker's Oscar speech in which he advocates for movie studios to continue producing and releasing films specifically for live cinema, because contemporary American society is heavily divided, and going to the movies in a theater alongside other people in one's community helps push back against that divide by bringing people together in a shared experience. Preview #2: Land acknowledgment showing the theater's own public affiliation to one hotly contested political extreme, making some audience members feel allied in tribal loyalty to the theater, while other audience members feel alienated and outraged before they even get to the main attraction. Which one is it, Rialto Cinemas? Are you trying to bring people together, or rip them apart? You're a private business, and you can do whichever one you like. Have the courage to pick. read more

People drive from all over to see the indie films mainstream theaters simply choose not to show. Appreciate this theater for providing a great space to watch art films, we travel a half hour but it is so well worth it. Seats are roomy & comfortable. We saw the Mary Oliver documentary (fantastic) with an interview with the film maker afterward. All this for the price of a movie ticket. Bravo! read more

Rialto on College is the last movie theater in Berkeley which is crazy to me. I saw an afternoon matinee showing of Didi and decided to also eat at the theater since I heard that they are now serving food. In addition to the standard popcorn, my friend and I also ordered the impossible chicken nuggets and the bagel dog. The food is pretty standard reheated frozen fare, but I appreciate the wider offering of food. Unfortunately, the seats in the theater aren't configured so that patrons can easily eat. There aren't any flat surfaces so we were balancing food on our laps and on the seats. There aren't any fancy seats or anything like that at the Rialto, but you'll find friendly service and a totally serviceable theater with lots of walkable options close by. read more

Berkeley's only remaining commercial movie theater. Somewhat dated with very small screens, but fun to go to.

Support your local movie theaters! This old timey theater house whose marquis is a staple of this little section of College Ave is a gem. Read, with caution, as I see from other reviews that there may be some concerns.... 1- I went to one movie, Opennheimer, in the main theater downstairs and the seats were large and comfy. Sound was great, although a bit crackly at times, but it could have been the movie. (Oppenheimer was incredible and some great Berkeley scenes in there!) 2. Staff is so friendly and belong in that indie movie house vibe. 3. Free family movies monthly - September is Jim Henson and Frank Oz's 80s hit: the dark crystal. 4. Free monthly old timey black and white movies! 5. Good snacks from popcorn and candy to what was advertised as a Nathan's hot dog! We joined the free loyalty club that includes free popcorn refills and $9 movie Mondays. 6. Located right on College Ave in Elmwood, making it a perfect dinner/dessert and movie date! Overall, in Berkeley, we went from 4 movie theaters to 1.... Let's keep it alive so we all don't have to schlep to the mall in Emeryville to see a movie. Go to this movie theater, load up on snacks and enjoy the film! read more

Came here to watch all of us strangers. Very intimate movie experience. Our theater had 30 seats? but i wish they played the sound louder because I couldn't really hear from the top of the theater. I wasn't sure if the amps in the back of the theater were even on or off bc the sound was faint. They do offer bottled sodas at the concession stand so that's cool. Very simple snack stand which classic popcorn and candy. read more

Upstairs theater is very small, can be crowded. Reading captions can be difficult if someone in front of you is taller than 5'4. Went Friday and they over sold meaning late comers had to stand .How can this happen? The guy selling tickets was not all there. read more

The Elmwood remains a wonderful movie theater. It had several screens and yet it feels cozy. They feature National Theatre filmed plays from London as well as current Hollywood and foreign films. If all the films were to have subtitles, it would be PERFECT! And similar to Home. read more

Love this independent art house movie theater in the East Bay. We need more art house theaters in the East Bay!

Please please please fix the keystoning on your projectors. twice in a row, two different screens a month apart - both were really really badly keystoned for the main feature. Really love the theater otherwise and this is a super fixable issue in theory. read more

(as of July 2022) Such a lively, vintage art house with impressively curated programming, including locally-organized events and nonprofit fundraisers. IMO, it's one of the last historic businesses that keep the spirit of Berkeley alive. I'm closer to the Cerrito Rialto so don't typically come all the way to Elmwood for movies, but getting tickets to this location meant a more convenient dinner-and-movie date night (who doesn't love the Elmwood area) :-) AND, they were showing Everything Everywhere All At Once-- how could I not go? The theater is dated, but well-maintained and clean. Minimal decor, even throughout the years-- not so much of an experience as Grand Lake Theater, but it's quaint and cozy. Staff were kind and personable. Concession prices were about average, nothing astronomical. When we were seated in the auditoriums, it's noticeably compact. I expected this of an older theater, but for two lean adults who are 5'8" and 6'2", we found ourselves having to bend or stretch our legs in awkward positions to feel comfortable. May be less egregious to shorter moviegoers. The sound and picture quality was decent, although it's unfortunate that you can hear neighboring films... Poor insulation. Sort of a bummer when you're in the grip of any emotional scenes with quiet dialogue and there's some wacky musical number or action movie explosion going on next door ;_; If you can get over that, still charming and indubitably a cornerstone of Elmwood. Their film selections are great and the atmosphere is nice. read more

The most claustrophobic viewing experience of my life. If you're seeing a less popular film, please see it somewhere else. The small theater packs in a dozen more seats than it should, resulting in steep poorly lit stairs to narrow rows with narrower seating. Poor ventilation meant for a sweaty screening as well. Audio issues rounded out the experience, as I got to listen to the sound of the Bob Dylan biopic next door as well as my film of choice. A two for one special if you're a glass half full kind of girlie. read more

I go with my friend about every other week. Don't like big movie blockbuster theaters. This one is never crowded or loud or cold. Their concession stand good. Only go other theaters if I must see something they don't show. And when I do, I regret being in the commercial version of a movie theater with no comfort . Too loud too cold ridiculous concession prices horrible parking options. I chose Elmwood over all. read more

The last movie theater in Berkeley, and a neighborhood treasure in the Elmwood. Now showing several first-run films, including Oscar nominees, since they don't have to compete with other theaters. Comfy, good food, movie club discounts, sometimes free showings of family and children's movies. read more

We went to Elmwood Theater to see Dune. We needed proof of vaccination (that was important to us), and a mask to enter. I like that Elmwood is a vintage theater. It has been around for over 100 years. It has style. When you go, make sure to check out the bathrooms. We also found the seats quite comfortable, and the staff is friendly. Also, I liked how clean and well maintained the grounds are. Something that could use improvement is the sound insulation. In the quiet parts of our movie, we could hear explosive sounds from the other theater. I recommend going to Elmwood Theater! read more

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This is a rounding up review. It's kind of a 3, but a 3.5 with heart. This theater is kind of like when you were a kid and would make a fort out of your couch cushions to watch a movie in. The screen was small, the space was small, but maybe the experience of what you watched was greater than the sum of its parts. This is not a theater that provides great visual spectacles or audio experiences, but they offer good stories in a fairly tight viewing experience - albeit in a good neighborhood with relatively decent human beings nearby. read more

I try to root for the independent art house film places, but this one was so small it was beyond uncomfortable and was literally painful. The seats are so close in front that at 6' tall I could not move my legs at all for the duration of the previews and film. It was painful. The theater was so small that when someone got up to use the bathroom their head would block the projector and thus the film on the screen. Majority of the people showed up after the film had begun and so no one who showed up on time could actually watch the film as everyone was standing up to let them pass. People who show up late just shouldn't be allowed in (Alamo Drafthouse theaters got this part right). It was also probably 85 degrees in this theater, and you could hear the audio from the film next door when there were audio lulls in our film. read more

Rialto Cinemas Elmwood - Super small theater - Cinema Near Me - Berkeley, California

We love this local theatre! We love it so much that we want to help make it better. Might management consider a capital campaign for bathroom (#1 priority!!!) and sound improvements (major soundproofing improvements needed)?? I think many community members would contribute. read more

I love supporting independent theaters and go to the movies a lot. The Elmwood is fairly disappointing unfortunately. Twice now I've watched a movie in theater 3. Both were pretty quiet movies. The issue with the upstairs theaters seem to be that you clearly can hear the other movie. I saw Tár last night, and Babylon was blasting from the left. Tár is dialoge heavy (and felt a bit too quiet to begin with). Hearing loud Jazz music really took me out of the movie I was watching. It's unfortunate as the theater itself is nice. read more

I'm really liking this theatre more and more. Why? Because of their wonderful showings! Today, we came to see Faces and Places - wonderful movie. Soon, they'll be showing Julius Caesar, Hamlet and MacBeth, from National Theatre Live. If you can't make it to see the live performances at the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland (which, by the way, is superb), this is a more convenient alternative. Plus, they'll also be showing performances from the Bolshoi Ballet (2018 season). Pretty darn cool, huh??!! Apparently, others are also taking a real liking to the Rialto Elmwood as well. The woman at the ticket booth told me that just last month they had 600 people come via Movie Pass, and that most of them had never been to the Rialto, but many came back again afterwards. I can see why. Enjoy your day at the movies here!! read more

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This place is freakin adorable. I would hate for this place to close and I'm so happy they made it through the pandemic. My only wish is that they could update the interiors and have better sound proofing because we could hear the movie next door. Watching house of gucci while hearing 007 playing ain't the best experience. The good is that this place is so charming and old school that it makes me feel warm inside. As much as I complain about it needing updating the cuteness of having a small theater walking distance from my house is such a rare treat that I will overlook the lack of updates. I know it's been a tough couple of years for theaters. This place is still totally worth supporting - especially since they are asking for vaccination cards and giving us a safe way to come back to the movies and see films that you might otherwise not find in big box theaters. read more

Yesterday, I went to the opening of "A Complete Unknown." We arrived early, expecting a zoo, and we were not disappointed. I have loved this theater for decades. Kudos to the staff for working on Christmas Day, and for their patience and fortitude with some outrageously rude customers. Some old people in Berkeley have forgotten how to go out to the movies. The manager had to advise one obnoxious, elderly couple to stop yelling profanity at him. They were saving seats for extremely late young people who waltzed in and sat down, oblivious. There were verbal fights all around the theater. Finally, the lights mercifully dimmed. After sitting through trailers for horrible, violent coming "attractions," our Bob Dylan movie mercifully started. It was worth the wait and Timothee Chalamet and the other actors are fantastic. So is the Elmwood staff. read more

Love it. We have recommended this business for several years. Staff were very helpful and the screen and sound were top notch! We referred friends and family! read more

Just went to see a new indie film called Shortcomings, based off the visual novel by Adrien Tomine. Movie was good but this is not review for the movie, this is for the lovely theater. Staff here are extremely friendly, there seems to be some great deals for loyal customers. They offer diet coke here which is awesome.. and their popcorn is quite yummy! Seating is limited compared to big chain AMC or Cinemark but it's a rather old timey like theater. So I think the atmosphere is still charming. Recommend visiting here, and considering their Movie lovers free membership... read more

LOVEEEE LOVE this cinema. Friendly service, beautiful bathroom, fun movie experience. Wish they sold icees.

Gorgeous historic theatre. They play interesting independent films and documentaries. Nice staff.

I want to support small local theaters but they make it so hard. My mom (who is partially disabled) is in town and wanted to see a Complete Unknown - it had left the big theaters but Elmwood was playing it and I had never been since moving here a few years ago. Bought tix online. I got there 20 minutes early since seat selection was not an option and was told it would be upstairs. My mom looked at her cane and asked for an elevator - none. I worked with my mom to carefully walk up the stairs. Took about 10 minutes. We get in the theater. Every row except the last one (at the top of another flight of stairs) is taken 15 minutes before trailers start. We painfully get her up to the top of the theater and have to look down at the screen - which is partially blocked by part of the ceiling. Every time someone stood up in the last 2 rows, their shadow showed on the screen. Finally the audio was bad. The dialogue portion of the audio only plays in front but the theater is not very acoustically sound. The back speakers where we were only played background noise like cars honking or people clapping in scenes with applause. It was awful. read more

Wonderful theatre, great ambience. Very relaxed and warm. It is important to appreciate such places.

If your movie is in the first floor large theater, it's great. But in theater 3 upstairs our movie was considerably impacted by the movie in theater 2. I was in the second row about 3 seats from the wall. Maybe try sitting further back and to the right. read more

Finally got to check out this Berkeley institution! They were the only theater still playing Bohemian Rhapsody in the area. The good: customer service was really friendly and I really like the small, intimate theater setting. The bad: infrastructure needs to be updated. We sat next to the wall of our theater and could hear the movie next to us for much of the showing. The space is also super cramped. I have short legs and still felt like legroom was way too limited. I would hate to see this business go so I do hope they think about updating some of their space. Otherwise, it's a great local theater option. read more

My goodness, what is up with this theater? I know it's a small, very old theater, but I've never experienced anything like this. Felt like maybe only thirty seats. A very tiny screen. And where's my legroom? I thought I was on a tiny airplane with how very little room I had. And while I was watching, all I was doing was wishing that they showed this movie at the Shattuck Cinemas. Now that's a great Indie Theater. Oh well. Just hoping that next time, my choice of movie isn't relegated this this travesty of a theater. read more

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The management was quick to respond to my concerns about ticketing, after my initial bad experience with an employee when I tried to express my concerns. They we're reassuring, contacted me by email, asked the ticketing company about adding a security icon to assure ticket buying was safe, and when I then went back to the website, the security icon had indeed been added. I bought a ticket on line as a result. read more

3.5 Stars (Rounded Up) Gayle and I came here last Saturday to see Vicki Christina Barcelona. We probably should have seen this movie earlier, but we both lead busy and sometimes complicated lives. We also were here during bargain matinee time, so the first run - second run dynamic wasn't as severe. However, it's nowhere near the deal my folks back in Iowa get at a place that offers a 50 Cent special for probably third run movies. I really like small neighbourhood theatres, and it's always fun to stroll in the Elmwood before and after the movie. The theatre itself has a nice Art Deco design (including box office out front), good coffee, friendly staff, and at least on the men's side the nicest and cleanest restrooms I have seen in a very long time. We got one of the smaller screens upstairs which although a little funky, was significantly better that our experience yesterday at the Cine Arts in Pleasant Hill. Gayle would tell you that I'm biased towards this side of the tunnel, since I live in this "gritty" part of the East Bay. The movie itself was great. We both thought that this was the best American film we had seen Penelope Cruz. We also enjoyed Javier Bardem and quickly got over our previous "No Country for Old Men" image and haircut. Gayle also thought that the movie was a very accurate depiction of 2 young women in Spain. read more