The Astor is one of these Melbourne icons that needs to be a stop on everyone's list. The atmosphere is always ecstatic, whether you are there to emerge yourself in a true Rocky Horror experience, or see a classic screening of Gone with the Wind. New movies are also shown there in recent times - the latest entries to the Star Wars saga stand out as real treats in such a grand old cinema. The choc-top ice creams are also rather special. A staple that have been around for decades, they are specially made for The Astor and you aren't seemingly able to get them anywhere else! Make your next movie a screening at The Astor. It might change your life. read more

Yeah, this theatre is nothing short of awesome, but then again it does happen to be a Melbourne icon. Okay, it probably has lost some of its lustre, but honestly, since ownership changed hands, the new corporate owners have done their best to maintain the tradition of this theatre. In fact, the Astor goes an awful long way to try and maintain the aura of the golden age of cinema. Oh, and some of the movies that they show here are absolutely awesome - classics the lot of them (as well as a number of new ones). read more

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The Astor is known as a jewel of Melbourne and could quite easily coast along on the wave of its reputation. But what's truly special here is the obvious love and devotion poured into the place by those in charge. Many feared the worst when Palace Cinemas took over the lease and despite assurances to the contrary, there were concerns that this gorgeous throwback in time might become modernised to the point it's character would disappear forever. Thankfully, that has not come to pass and the Astor continues to provide classics, obscurity and much loved favourites at very affordable prices. Forget your premium seats and VIP packages; this is a place for people who just love film. Now, you might read that and think 'hipster central' but somehow the Astor manages to avoid catering to the crowd alone and patrons comprise of a diverse range of movie lovers. It provides an authentic, golden-age experience way before the movies start and you have to respect that. It's important places like this exist. read more

The Astor Theatre was built in the 1930s and still retains the art-deco charm of that period. Upon walking in you really feel like you have stepped back in time when going to the movies was a one off experience that you saved your pennies for all month. With soft lighting and comfy overstuffed chairs The Astor Theatre can hold around 1,150 patrons at any one time. The cinema screen is up a carpeted set of old fashioned stairs, and The Astor often holds classy events and private screenings on both its upper and lower levels. Featuring only one film each night, with the exception of Wicked Wednesday's where you can see two films back to back for the price of one; The Astor Theatre screens a variation of old school classics to modern day cinema. A cherished icon of the Chapel Street Area I love seeing movies at The Astor, for it's olden day feel and modern cinema approach. read more

The Astor Theatre - Cinema Near Me - St Kilda, VIC

The Astor is an icon in Melbourne. I love the fact it's not tainted and still has its rustic, art-deco furnishing where the fact that it runs double-headers is phenomenal. I'm a huge film lover and when there's a good double header on, I'm there in a heartbeat. I saw Tarantino's "Grindhouse" there and there was something so amazing and old school about it, where it made me reminisce on times when this was the norm (not that I was around then). Yes, the chairs aren't that comfy compared to some of the newer complexes but who cares. You go for the fun of it! There is more charm and beauty in this place that you can imagine as time goes on how much legacy it takes with it. I'm sure it would be an absolute pleasure to work there. I also get a little excited when I get the new timetable arrives in the mail each year. It makes me feel a part of it and I love circling the double features I want to go to in the coming months. There really is no other cinema like it. That's why it will be an icon for a long time. read more

The Astor Theatre - Cinema Near Me - St Kilda, VIC

Last week The Astor and I met for the very first time....it is the beginning of something special. Reasons The Astor is now forever in my heart: -The classic, quirky and random program -The old school art deco cinema -The chunky choc tops (pick axe required) -The awesome crowd it attracts My friends and I cannot remember a more hilarious, daggy-yet-delighful experience as the Grease Sing-a-long! The crowd ranged from 4 to 84 and everyone was in high spirits. Pink ladies danced in the aisles with T-birds. Kids with their nanna's. I suspect every screening at The Astor would be a unique experience! read more

The Astor was only introduced to me about 6 months ago, believe it or not. I saw 'The Cabin in the Woods' with some friends - pretty much a full house, dress circle and bottom level 90% full I'd say. I had a bit of a different experience between 'Cabin in the Woods' and 'The Hobbit' though, and I think it was because of the area I was seated/ demand on the movie to have superior sound quality. 'Cabin in the Woods' was a horror/comedy but obviously does not have a soundtrack like 'The Hobbit', or have multiple character accents. I was also sitting downstairs for 'Cabin' wheareas I was in the dress circle, towards the back for 'The Hobbit'. I just found that the dialogue got a little lost with 'The Hobbit' - compared to modern cinemas where the sound is vibrating the chairs it's so loud (So I like in your face sound, or maybe I'm just going deaf)...I didn't notice this lack at all for 'Cabin'. Otherwise, picture quality and experience is SUPERB, the screen is massive and the surrounding architecture is beautiful. I love that you can have a beer or two whilst you watch, and the choc tops are pretty yummy. Staff are very friendly, program is pretty awesome as well. Easy to get to by tram, easy to have something to eat before or after on Chapel across the road. Will always come back! :) read more

Such a great Theatre. Went here for the St Kilda Film Fest. It seems very classic cinema style, and I like it. Nice a comfy seats and a massive screen. The candy bar stocks some great stuff too. Because a Theater movie inst a Theater movie without choc-top and popcorn. I left this cinema, knowing I will be coming back again to watch films, as it just has a great feel about it. read more

Such a beautiful, classic old theatre! If you haven't been to The Astor in Windsor, you've got to pop over there. Conveniently located on Chapel St, it makes for a lovely night out at the theatre that feels a little more fun and old fashioned than those megaplex cinemas the kids are going to these days... With an amazing selection of classics and arthouse films, The Astor is a pretty great place for cinephiles and general movie lovers alike. Definitely have a snoop at the program and get yourself down there for a film or double-feature when you can! read more

This place is the best. Got to have a big glass of wine ... REALLY CLASSY such an iconic part of Melbourne. The most romantic cinema I've ever had the pleasure of going to. I wish I could live here... just like that cat read more

The Astor theatre is a great place to go for moviegoers who want a little more that an ordinary movie experience. I must say that this theatre adds a bit of glamour back into a trip to the movies. The theatre do double features, which can sometimes be a bit much for your posterior on the old leather seats.n the double features are usually well paired and will have some sort of connection to each other. The food you can get here is better than what you would expect from a cinema. On offer is crispy popcorn, choc tops and other yummy delights. read more

The Astor Theatre's bright coloured and glossy quarterly poster, which advertises their screening schedule, is a staple feature in almost every university student's share-house. Clearly, most of the people who display this poster on the back of their toilet doors have either never been or virtually never go, because the Astor always seems verging on empty. The theatre has a huge screen and they exhibit an amazing selection of new and old films as double features (often managing to secure rare 70mm prints of old classics and arthouse gems). This makes it more than just a trip to the movies, but a real experience. Though a little run down, the art deco building is beautiful inside (if not particularly impressive on the exterior). The Astor is a real Melbourne institution that is definitely worth a visit. read more

The Astor Theatre - Cinema Near Me - St Kilda, VIC

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Quite simply the greatest cinema I've visited anywhere in the world. From the impeccable programming, exquisite attention to detail, not only technically but aesthetically as well. The staff are extremely friendly, and the tickets are great value. You will find no other cinema going experience like it. read more

I'm a sucker for old buildings. And if it's a theatre, ah the joy. Be still my heart. I check their website regularly to see if they are showing any of my favorite oldies. Usually I'm not disappointed. Go there for joy of old cinema days when there was only one screen and comfy chairs. read more

In 2015, this place is going to close its doors...permanently. This upsets me a little as I loved this place (despite only being there once). I visited the theatre for a film screening event and I enjoyed the atmosphere more than the shows. It has a wonderful classic retro ambience. Such a pity that it's closing. read more

The Astor Theatre - At a film screening event last night - Cinema Near Me - St Kilda, VIC

The Astor is an absolute classic. Rumours of it's potential closure were met with a horrified response across Melbourne, with locals ensuring that this institution has stayed strong. One of the few places I know of that you can see a new release one night and a classic the next, the Astor is brimming with that old school charm that is nowhere to be found in the plush modern multiplexes. Even better are the double features. At only $15 for two movies (Hoyts and co could learn a thing or two in the pricing department from this place) its a real novelty and a great way to make a night of it. read more

The Astor Theatre is a Melbourne institution, providing a massive beautiful deco period building with fine furnishings in a central location with an selection of classic and artistic films with very reasonable prices. Yes, the building does look a little plain from the outside. This is a location for serious movie buffs who delight in stepping back in time to where the silver screen retains its magic. Although, it does feel that it has lost a little bit of its soul since Marzipan the cat has gone. read more

This theatre is almost the entire reason I moved to Melbourne and I go every chance I get. I still have my stub from the first time I visited when I travelled down from Canberra to go over 6 years ago. Their love and passion for cinema and what they do is evident in every facet of the place and just entering the building makes you feel like you're home. The staff are friendly, the candy bar is delicious and varied and the array of films they screen is massive; modern blockbusters, art house treats, cult classics, something for everyone! I can't say enough nice things about this place. It is truly a huge part of the heart of Australian cinema. read more

The Astor is a gorgeous, immaculately preserved art deco theater with a quirky, intelligent program of indie movies, old classics, and blockbusters. I've been here twice in recent months: Once to see a sparkling new print of "Dr. Strangelove", and than to a very busy screening of the "The Artist". Oddly, I have yet to catch a flick in colour at The Astor....But no matter. It's the perfect place to see a black and white picture as it's so steeped in atmosphere. You really feel transported back in time when you watch a movie here. The Astor takes you back to a time when going to the cinema was an event. This is a true Melbourne gem. read more

Awesome. Saw Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers one week, Bogart the next. Great environment, great cat, great movies, great great great. Beautiful idea - wish they had something like this in PDX! read more

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Years ago I saw Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas at The Astor for the first time. Given that my mind can take me back to the exact seat (so old and uncomfortable, yet very charming) that I watched this timeless classic (in my mine anyway) is evidence of the great memorable experience of watching a movie at The Astor. read more

Not the same now as in previous years, but still a nice experience. Large screen and excellent projector, but slightly dilapidated and they haven't replaced the nasty cheap looking chandeliers with the original gorgeous art deco style fittings which were originally installed and suited the theatre better. read more

The most beautiful cinema in the world. Watched rear window and vertigo. Can never go back to 'boring' cinemas again!

Admittedly, the Astor does have a few downsides. The seats are so tatty and uncomfortable I've taken to bringing a cushion to sit on*, and the air conditioning is not great - alternately blankets and near nudity seem required. There are few options for food around, and so one has to come prepared if they're planning on sitting through one of the many marathons on offer - or else survive purely on choc tops and bags of chips. But one look at the majestic theatre, and you can forgive these shortcomings. After all, what is comfort when you get the chance to sit in a lovingly restored, richly decorated homage to cinematic brilliance at incredibly cheap prices. The Astor produces a program every six months of what it plans to screen. Little attention is paid to blockbusters and new releases, although they will appear once or twice on the list. Instead, tributes to directors, actors, genres abound, and arthouse is certainly not shied away from. I believe they have screened Matthew Barney's entire Cremaster Cycle several times, which is an experimental series of some very disturbing imagery. Lady Gaga is a huge fan, I suspect, from watching her Bad Romance video. Get your hands on a program, it makes for a great poster, as well as an exciting read. *which doubles as a makeshift sofa experience should the onscreen action get so scary I have to hide) read more