davis square theatre

The Davis Square Theater used to be just one theater space. It still has the main auditorium, but they've added movie theaters in the back and upstairs. The main theater is usually reserved for new releases and live concerts and shows. The acoustics are still great in there. They serve the standard fare of movie treats but also have the very special option of Richardson's homemade ice cream. There is parking on the street and in lots on nearby streets. It is right in the heart of Davis Square. There are lots of places to eat within a few steps of the theater for an easy dinner-and-a-movie night. The showing rooms, other than the main auditorium, are small, of course, and not the most modern or cleanest cinema room you'll ever visit, but they offer discount pricing, especially at certain times and on certain nights, and it's better than watching on DVD at home (for most of us). The sound quality is decent. They have big-name acts and special events in the main auditorium. Bono from U2 was there a few years ago and opened his world tour from there, I believe.

There aren't many movie theaters like this left in the world! It so reminded me of neighborhood theaters I remember from the '50's and '60's -- the ornate decorations, the plush padded seats (all of which recline), the curtained screen, even a balcony and side boxes. My husband and I went for a matinee performance last month, and we were seated in one of the basement theaters -- not as impressive as the main theater upstairs, but still very comfortable and beautifully decorated. After the show, we wandered around looking at everything -- including the ridiculously amusing "Museum of Bad Art" (a free exhibit of hysterical paintings and sculptures collected from dumpsters and flea markets -- really, really funny). The theater sells the usual popcorn, soda, and candy -- plus beer and wine (really unusual for movie theaters in our neck of the woods!). The people working there were really nice, too.If you have some free time in Somerville, check this place out. It was a lot of fun -- and it made me feel like a girl again!

Just like the Avon in Providence except cheaper and in a hipper location... Davis Square. Oh, and with current movies...

Wonderful theater that shows both new and almost new movies at discounted prices, plus they have live music. Serves beer, good popcorn and great ice cream. Don't miss the Bad Art museum downstairs.

The Somerville Theater is a great place to catch a movie or live performance ("The Slutcracker" burlesque show in December is always a riot). The Museum of Bad Art in the basement is hilarious and excellent. The theater serves beer and ice cream, as well as the usual candy & popcorn concession fare. They don't give student discounts, but their movie ticket prices are cheaper than the big theaters and you're supporting a local, independent business.

This is actually right in my neighborhood and I have to sing its praises. It is an independent movie theater and also a performance space. They play mostly first run movies as they are released and then will have other smaller movies later in their runs. The setting is terrific, old but not run down. Some of the theaters are super small but you never feel cramped. The staff are all very nice. Hip vibe.

There's a lot of charm to this place. It's a little uncomfortable at times but its always fun to see a movie here. The beers are good, the price of a small soda at most places and the staff is generally cool.

I've been going to the Somerville Theater since it had only one screen, in its original condition. (When it was first built, it had vaudeville shows on the stage in front of the movie screen in the main theater, where concerts and other performances are now held, as well as the feature film of the week. --This theater also has a balcony.) Now the Theater has several smaller theaters as well, a few upstairs and a few in the basement. (There is an elevator.)Unlike newer theaters with stadium seating, the seats are not as tiered, so it can be difficult for us shorter people. (I sit on the side aisles.) I find the balcony seats less comfortable than the main floor seats.But the decor of the theater is quirky and fun, with owls with lights in their eyes perched all over the halls and theaters; and the Museum of Bad Art is in the basement and free to patrons. (I'm not sure what the deal is if you just want to see the museum and not a film... but this is a must-see if you're in Davis Square and need a laugh.) And the ticket prices are lower than at most other Boston-area theaters, and the popcorn is authentic, wonderful, best-in-Boston, and not very expensive. (I get it for free with my Brown School Community Card, so I'm not sure how much it costs.) As others have said, there is beer and wine, and great ice cream, for sale also.If you're coming by T, go out the exit on Holland Street (not the main College Ave exit), and you will literally be right next door to the entrance to the theater. If you exit at College Ave, you can see the theater from the exit, but you have to cross two streets (College and Highland/Holland) at a major intersection to reach it.My only criticism (aside from the seats in the balcony, which don't have enough leg room) is that the theater tends to choose movies that appeal to young male college students more than any other audience. Whenever they show an art film, children's movie, or a movie that appeals most to women, it's there for the blink of an eye (if at all!). I wish the management would think of us women more often! And Somerville is experiencing a baby boom, so showing more kids' films would be great. Especially because this is a wonderful theater to bring kids seeing their first movie, since it's not as overwhelmingly loud or soulless and ugly as newer theaters. -- Plus, it's not overrunning with kids. (In fact, adults at the children's movies tend to look at the kids with surprise...)They've started to show older movies at midnight on the weekends and occasionally show silent films with musical accompaniment.

This is one of the few independent (non-chain) theatres in the greater-Boston area. It is a stone's throw from the Red Line Davis Square subway. Seats are very comfortable and they serve wine, beer and ice cream at the concession stand in addition to the usual movie treats. Many movies are first run and cheaper than going to a chain cinema. While you're there check out Davis Square for a meal or drink. There are many choices. It's best to walk, bike or take public transit. There is very little parking for non-Somerville residents.

See something on the main screen which is a refurbished performance venue in the style of the days of old! Among many special events are screenings of silent movies with live music. Live performances also of music, plays, comedy. Located right at the Davis Sq. Red Line subway stop from / to Boston

A good place to see a movie or live act without any hassle. It's an older theater and doesn't have all the new fangled things that some do but it serves beer and you can always see the screen and stage without a problem.

Where else can you have a beer while watching a movie? Comfortable, great atmosphere, good view of the screen from all seats, and good sound!

I love going to see movies here because of the atmosphere. Never had a bad experience! I can't wait to come back :)

Superb performance to enlighten and enjoy. Really capped off our trip home from Maine. Quaint little theatre; stage is floor level so all seats have excellent views.