EDIT: Since AMC took over, they no longer pay for parking. Instead, you get a coupon for a free movie. Bring your coffee as they don't serve any. It's turned into a bit of a dump.
I don't really make use of the restaurant/bar aspect, but parking is deceptively easy and the upscale clientele generally adhere to high standard of movie theater etiquette. And no tacky carpet!
7:51pm and snack bar and regular bar is closed. Lady said sorry already closed it down.. okay
Favorite theater in Houston. Have a nice little bar area to grab food and drinks.
I DESPISE this theater. Here is what you will typically experience. Your parking will be comped for you when you buy your tickets. Each ticket may cost upward of $12-13 plus they will tack on an amenities fee of $2-3. What that means, I am told, is that this surcharge is done so that they do not have to run product commercials before your show starts. Popcorn bags run $5-7. And if you've ever made popcorn at home you know that this is pure profit.
Now, I'm sure that when Angelika went out of business, the financial planners with Sundance said "Yeah, well, that was Angelika. But we are Sundance. We will revamp the theater, put in some nice sofas, offer better food choices and beverages and yes, we'll even fix those horrifically bad Angelika screens where the picture was so washed out, it was laughable." Now, those sandwiches may be excellent as are the beverages but I can see a party of two getting into the upper $80's before the evening is over.
Sundance was probably gambling on a boom in urban housing downtown that would bring in people from the surrounding high rises. But Houston is a very mobile town. It isn't like other places where living in the city means you won't own a car. And truthfully, even with the cost of gas, one could drive out to the Cinemark Memorial (my current favorite theater for superb sound quality and image quality better than what I observed by popping into several screens at Sundance; no amenities fee and free parking).
The thing that I DESPISED the most though, was the lighting in the theaters proper. I like a dark movie house. That's because I really care about picture quality. At Sundance they have so many lights on along the walkways it never gets dark. There's safety lighting everywhere! under the chairs, along the stairwell. It's ridiculous. I couldn't enjoy the movie.
Is there ever a situation where Sundance is better? I would say only if they are featuring a highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes, independent film, that one wouldn't be able to see elsewhere and one that one doesn't want to wait for streaming Netflix.
But for me, one visit to Sundance was enough.
Staff are slow and rude. There are always issues eg shows not running, being moved to other auditoriums. Ticket machines on the front desk are frequently broken. We went twice; we won't go again.
I loved this theater when it was Sundance, but since AMC took over it is not worth going to. They no longer validate parking. Customer service is not good. Food options are terrible compared to Sundance. I'm not sure how they justify calling this a "Dine-In." I will drive out to Alamo Drafthouse or go to iPic if I want a movie/dinner experience or Edwards Greenway if I just want to see a movie.
Found the theater to be dirty and rundown. When we showed up to our seats about 20 minutes before movie time, they hadn t cleaned yet and our seats had trash all around. Bathroom was rundown as well. We will probably choose another theater next time.
FYI, the parking garage is $12. The attendant said the theater would reimburse us, but they just got credit for the concession stand. Not the end of the world, but a heads up.
The theater seats are old but comfortable. There is a $15 valet service in the front of the building.
Web site said tickets were $11 plus a $3 online processing fee. So I opted to purchases ticket at the theater and save fee. Attend at the theater told me the was ticket is $11 and $3 parking fee total $14. However, I caught the rail and I had a rail pass and they still charged me parking. RIP OFF.
It s not bad. The Japanese restaurant is quite good and the cinema is fine in its conditions
Doesnt have all the latest movies playing in other theatres
A little on the expensive side, but it's well maintained and the theaters are nice.
Considering I went on Christmas Eve, the place was dirty and dingy. The bathrooms were dirty and moldy.
Dirty, nasty ,no space between chairs, worst AMC ever, I usually go to AMC 24 always clean and nice but AMC 8 is not .
I liked how it's located in the middle of downtown. Only it's a bit of a challenge to find parking. There's only valet parking available at the theater itself. If you drive around the block you can park at the meters and walk to the theater. The movie theater inside was beautiful and clean. Also the concession stand is very nice. We noticed though that it was pretty quiet there weren't many people there and it was on the weekend in the evening which was unexpected.
After AMC bought the Sundance Theater and changed everything. It took away the best things about it. Wish it would go back the way it was. Won't be coming nearly as often as we used to.
Great location, easy parking, clean theatre. Had a bacon burger and was very good.
I miss the Sundance Theater. It's just another typical AMC theater that is not kept up and has a horrible concessions counter. The only advantage it has is being downtown. So much potential to make it better wasted.
A party party facility. Can accommodate small groups very large Gathering. A place that will be very much in demand during Super Bowl this year
Bathrooms we're in need of attention...trash overflowing
This theater is terrible! The manager I m assuming was very rude to me the customer, as well as the employee helping me with my tickets. If I could I would give this theater zero stars. Worst customer service!
They just ruined the early release of Avengers Endgame for about 200 people with their poorly maintained or old equipment. Very disappointed.
the bartender gave me a mean stare and it took forever to give her my drink and the restrooms smelled like poop .The screen was all blurry
The pizza was extremely crispy on the ends burnt and dry. It was freezing cold not like a regular theater temp damn freezing. Honestly if I could ve got my money back I would ve, but I didn t want to be that customer. The staff weren t too helpful either.
This theater was very nice. Iv'e never been to a theater like this. It is perfect for an adult date night, as well as with the family.
It was nice. Parking cost was reimbursed with cash.
Theater and food stand was not very clean...trash left in multiple seats from previous showtime, but the awesome customer service and friendliness of the employees made up for it. I ll give this location another try soon to see if it was just an off day.
Unbelievable movie going experience. I find it very difficult to justify going anywhere else in town. I hope it stays that way for years to come.
Place sucks! Staff has no customer service focus. Movie is supposed to start at 12:45. At 1:05 it s a blank screen. No one can explain what s happening. Only one cash register open with two employees working. Place is dirty.
Great atmosphere! There is assigned seating so you can relax in the lobby drinking a glass of wine or your old style coke bottle, while waiting on your movie. They serve a variety of food, pizza, wraps, coffee. The theater seats are very comfortable. Don't forget your parking ticket because they validate. If I have a choice I will not go to another theatre in the Houston area other than Sundance Cinemas. Great date night! I could go on and on and on.
Nice date spot. Always a good movie to watch. Sometimes the line at the bar and grill sections gets long, but the bartenders are always very nice and helpful. Great good selection - my favorite is the pear and Gorgonzola pizza!!
This AMC is the WORST THEATER I've ever been in and it makes me sad.
1. The sound quality is terrible - weirdly balanced so dialogue is almost impossible to understand and just generally too quiet.
2. The temperature controls are way off or AC is just broken - it's been far too hot every time we've gone, whether a full theater or an empty one (definitely worse in a full theater though).
3. Staff ignored our multiple complaints about the two points above on multiple separate visits and were rude about it.
4. The food is all frozen stuff (I think just pizzas now) that's heated up and the drink selection is not great. Wine does not appear to be stored at proper temperatures. One occasion, I was served warm sparkling wine....Not like, room temperature, but actually warm. Another trip, my red wine was very oxidized and had probably been open for a week. Staff unwilling to provide a refund or serve me something else without charging for it.
Also, it's not "full service" dine-in like Alamo Drafthouse or SMG. You still order and pick up food at a counter outside the theater. That's deceptive branding on AMC's part.
This place is the closest movie theater to me and I really really want it to be good. Or even just decent. But I can't justify paying to watch a movie in a hot theater and not being able to hear the dialogue.
My negative review doesn't even take into account how much better this theater was before it became an AMC, but it's definitely salt in the wound. I'm still bitter that they don't validate or reimburse for theater district parking like Sundance did. They offer a $10 credit for food or drinks, but why would I want $10 towards hot old wine and a frozen pizza? I've resolved to driving the extra 20 minutes one-way to another (non AMC) theater.
1. Parking is $12. It was not explained that if you keep the parking receipt it can be redeemed at the food/bar area.
2. I ordered a hot dog. After 10 minutes I enquired where the hot dog was. After checking I was informed to wait a few minutes. After further checking I was told the cook did not show up.
3. 15 minutes into it I asked for a refund. The concessions staff did not know how to issue a refund. Eventually it was taken care of 20 mins since ordering the hot dog.
4. The movie was scheduled to start at 1:30pm. After 30 minutes of ads and trailers it started at 2pm!!!!
5. The seat and general area in the theater had not been cleaned. It was not good.
6. I was told the ladies bathroom was disgusting by wife.
7. My urinal in the men s bathroom had puke in it.
If I could give less than one star I would.
There's no freaking parking drove around for 15 mins before giving up i got a refund on my tickets I bought online and went to Tinseltown.
I love the comfortable warm feeling associated with this theater. I would like to see better menu selections to match their premium experience.
Worst movie theatre I've been to honestly , you're paying $20 for a ticket and it's not even dine in, also they wouldn't sell me even a beverage because my movie was last of the night and they close concession 15 before last showing and also good luck finding parking:) ALSO poorly staffed
Dirty interior. Dirty seats. Dirty restrooms. Dirty windows. Indifferent staff. Never again.
It's not bad. It's an AMC. I liked it more as Sundance -- the food was better and they had a larger beer selection. They keep it mostly clean and the screens don't have holes in them. Crowds here will most likely not be as obnoxious as other AMCs due to the location. It's not exactly carrying on the legacy of the late, great Angelika, but perhaps that sentiment should remain in the past.
We love this theater! Great food, an atmosphere, and they always have the latest indie films!
Great cinema. The atmosphere is wonderful. Loved the art exhibition they have right now. Wonderful place to go on a date or spend some time with loved ones.
Love the spacious seating, clean environment, hot dogs need improving.
Great location, but ever since AMC took over the place is extremely dirty. Sad to see AMC let this place go down.
I love this theatre. This is the third version of this venue in a short time. Food is ridiculously expensive but ticket prices are decent. I hope they can stick around.
I couldn't believe this was a downtown movie theatre. It was old and dirty. No new technology like at AMC Willowbrook... and we had to pay $12 to park. We will never return.
Terrible since AMC took over
Will not go back Bad food selections no parking poor movie selections
Just not the same atmosphere
Best theater in Houston. Advance tickets AND you get to choose your own seat. The theme is very cozy and the bar is great. Seating is spacious and the sound is top notch. Recommend it to anyone!
Food suck.ever since AMC took over. Frozen pizza for $9.00 . Cheap ass hot dogs for $ 8.00.. these manuals in an all very cheesy. No longer go there any more . This place going down hills.
Trash. I was so disappointed that my favorite theater, Sundance, had been replaced by AMC. The entire reason that I frequented Sundance was to have a more mature space. The food and drinks from Sundance was great. I gave this AMC a chance and it was as much of a let down as I imagined. Poor customer service and an immature environment. The food was terrible. I live in the Downtown area and what a spoil...
Nice cinema, the only complain is that there were too many ads. Good prices if you became a member.
This place has awesome for awesome prices and drinks are great also
Staff is very pleasant. Great location. Love the intimate feel of the theaters. Unfortunately, it's not being kept clean. There was debris all over the food counter. Most of the napkin boxes were empty. Debris on the floor. AND THE BATHROOMS WERE VERY DIRTY!!!
Wish you could order while in the theatre but great otherwise
From Cream of the Crop to Bottom of the Barrel!
Used to be a great theatre under Sundance. Parking used to be reimbursed... Now you pay the $12. The bathrooms are absolutely filthy, and the theaters aren't much better. A real shame!
I've been here twice. I thought I would give it another try... but they failed again. This is nothing against the actual workers. They are all super nice, but whoever manages and runs this location needs help. The first and second time I went here, the food/bar lines took so long. I missed all the previews and almost the start of the movie. The second time I was there it was so hot I was sweating the first half of the movie.
Great location as it is walking distance from me. Their $6 Tuesday is great economical entertainment and have a great little restaurant, bar and snack bar. Polite and helpful staff.
Thank goodness it was a Monday night and no one was there. Else, how would they keep track of who ordered what if the lobby had been full of people? The cashier at the concessions barely mumbled a word when we ordered. When I finished paying for popcorn and water, she went on to the next customer without giving me my popcorn. Then the popcorn tasted old and there were too many small pieces. . . a sure sign of old popcorn. The website advertises "unique eats". Pizza, chicken fingers and giant pretzels does not constitute uniqueness. The seats were wide and comfortable but the theater had a mildewy odor. There is so much movie theatre competition these days, I think this one needs to step up its game.
Very clean movie theater will kind and helpful staff. Popcorn is good and they have the big 100 selection soda machine. There is also a full bar with a grill that is priced fairly well considering it's a movie theater.
I wanted to purchase a gift card for my niece, who lives in Houston, for Christmas. I'm from Kansas and the manager said he would not transact business over the phone or online, so I was unable to purchase the gift she wanted. Very disappointed they refuse to do business.
This is the old Sundance theater, now owned by AMC. I have to admit that I'm sad that Sundance is gone, but I love the location and AMC has not changed the vibe of the place too much. You can still get beer, wine and cocktails, but the food menu has been gutted. I've been told that they are working on bringing back better food selections, but we'll see. I'll upgrade my review if this improves. I like that they still have reserved seats and serve adult beverages though. They have also changed the parking policy. They no longer refund your theater district underground parking in cash, BUT they do allow you to use the ticket for credit at the ticket both (if you have not purchased in advance), or at the concession stand for food and drinks. Parking as of this writing was $12, which is easy to spend at the concession stand.
Needs to be cleaned a little especially restroom sinks, but other than that ok experience
Parking isn't easy, but the place is nice with decent food and craft beers. Great place for a date.
Great theater bit the price is a bit high...except Tuesdays! 6 dollar movies?! I'm ALWAYS in for that!
Gus, was an amazing wonderful help and made our evening even better. Thanks from Russell and Heather and Slayer and JOKER
It s sad that it has gone downhill since AMC took over ownership.
Comfy seats and great movie selection. They will cover the 10 buck charge for parking and validate for you.
The movie hasn't even started and it has been a horrible experience. 1) they are completely out of carbonation (no drinks, no mixins for mixed drinks; I don't drink soda often, but I enjoy one at the theaters), 2) the AC is out, 3) the screen is broken and they are working on it, and 4) the popcorn is stale. I will never come back to this location.
Very clean. Great staff. The theaters have tables and very comfortable seating.
Great theater. Snacks are a bit pricey though. I would suggest getting the popcorn if you are on a budget. The food is good though if you want to splurge on having dinner.
The absolute worst theatre I have ever been to. We paid $20 for parking for nothing. We went in to see Avengers Endgame and upon walking in, we saw that the entire theater, floors, seats, tables, etc. was disgusting and filthy. The TWO soda fountains were out of almost everything. We asked for water and they gave us two tiny cups and said "you'll have to fill it up at the water fountain". No soap in the DISGUSTING bathrooms, and dead roaches on the floor. When the movie started, we realized the sound was super low and all we could hear were children talking and people fumbling around in their popcorn buckets. I went and asked to have the sound turned up, they said okay, then after 20 more minutes, it was the same. You couldnt hear anything except during action scenes. We went to ask for a refund, they called the manager TWICE and they never showed up. We tried calling corporate and you can't talk to a person! We would press 3 on the first menu and then 4 on the second, then it hangs up on you. We will never be back and you can rest assured that everyone I know will hear about how horrible this place was.
I would give this place 0 stars if I could. They close the concessions before the final movies even start. When I was able to order food, it was cold. The hot dog buns had dried to a rock and the sausage was cracked and cold. Do not give this place your business. Just relax and watch Netflix. You will have a better experience.
Nice place for family and friends. A little on the expensive side as they are basically forcing you to pay for selected seats. If you are a movie goer such as me arrive early so that you who ever you Go with can choose where you want to sit. This reserved seating is bs. But I guess this is just another way to stereotype white America because they figure most African Americans can't afford such places.
Caught a late show last night and the bar service was slow. The bathrooms were messy and the trash needed to be taken out. The movie viewing was good, the chairs were comfortable and roomy.
