(Attended 07/31/26 FR @ 11:30am and many times before while growing up): It was a long journey that…read morebrought me back to the Alex Theatre!
Growing up in the city and surrounding area, I saw countless films at the historic Alex Theatre, and later many stage performances, concerts, and revival films. I truly grew up in this theatre. Opened on September 04,1925 as the Alexander Theatre, it was initially a thriving Vaudeville house and movie palace. In the decades that followed, it attracted countless performances to the stage and screen across many entertainment genres. Early on, major Hollywood studios lined up their films and the most glamorous stars of the day here for previews. In 1940, the iconic marquee and 100ft-tall Art Deco neon tower with chasing color lights and sparkling spheres were added to the exterior while the theatre's name was officially shortened to "Alex". On September 26, 1991, a screening of "Terminator 2: Judgement Day" would be the last first-run screening of any film as the theatre ceased operations. Eventually, the venue would be used for live performances and revival showings. Fast-forward to July 17, 2026, the first-run screening of any motion picture in nearly 35 years occurred with "The Odyssey" in 70mm. Would this reconnection with the Alex Theatre prove to be a worthy voyage!?
PURCHASE(S)
"The Odyssey" 70mm Section Orchestra Seat U1 ($24.00): I was a fan of this story when I had to read it for school growing up (along with "The Illiad"), it really resonated with me, and I loved Greek mythology. I opted for a relaxing Friday morning viewing and a good reason to escape the sweltering heat and humidity outside. As for the film, this epic was as eye-popping as advertised, the cinematography was gorgeous, the acting was brilliant, and the pace was amazing as I never felt the weight of the movie's run time. I gave it two hands and feet up!
Online Booking Fee ($3.00): Seemingly a BS charge born out of convenience and the opportunity to choose your own seat, I wasn't a fan of this one bit.
Large Buttered Popcorn ($9.00): Buttery, fluffy, and fresh, this was one of life's simple pleasures, and the collective aroma was just addicting! Plus, this served as breakfast and lunch for me.
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. 805 Blonde Golden Ale Beer 4.7% ABV 16floz Can ($9.00): Golden amber color, malty sweet aroma, light body, malty sweet flavor, crisp smooth finish, and malty sweet aftertaste.
SERVICE
I easily purchased my ticket online, I was able to select my seat, the friendly young man at the concessions quickly completed my drink and food order, a trio of jovial young women ushers checked my ticket outside the lobby area, and I casually found to my seat and settled in - easy-peasy!
PARKING
(Varied; FREE this instance): I literally parked blocks away because I didn't want to pay for it, and walked the nearly fifteen minutes to the theatre. All of the streets closest to the theatre were timed (2-hour limits), the surrounding lots charged (I didn't bother to check the rates), and there was a lot directly behind the theatre that possibly validated because I saw a machine in the lobby - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A beautifully-restored and maintained intimate single-screen theatre of a bygone era with its charming original ticket booth (I didn't believe it was still in use) that greeted you, an open opulent courtyard as you approached the decorative lobby with its two long staircases on each side, and finally inside the actual awe-inspiring theatre with slightly amphitheatre seating and a balcony. I counted three separate concession stands that all served the same things. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large opening that led into the lobby while electric ceiling lights filled in everywhere else. There weren't any TVs nor any background music, but there was plenty of chatter and general sounds all around.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I had an awesome time at The Alex Theatre, and I would definitely return for movies and more. The new sound system was incredible! Sure, getting to the venue could be heavily-trafficked because of downtown Glendale, the movie going and viewing experiences have drastically changed within the past several years, and the prices for both tickets and concessions (limited menu) were getting out of hand. So, this wasn't something I did on a regular basis. The customer service was easy, friendly, and straightforward. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $47.00 BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS
