Bloor Hot Docs Cinema

Best place to see a fantastic documentary. Been a member several years now, and been attending Hot Docs festival for years. Such great quality of films.
Gem of the Annex!
Popcorn is a bit salty is my only negative comment.

the nostalgia of this place is fantastic, being a staple for a couple of generations has really made this place timeless. came here of a documentary and was quite surprised to be able to purchase alcohol with my movie, I’m in love with how this place looks both on the inside and the outside, which both parts really tie into the charm as others have stated. the sound system is really good, and the seating is very comfortable, and organized in such a way where literally no one can block you’re view sitting down.
i wish more movies were shown here. will defiantly be back

I love the Bloor because it has so many things!!! They play awesome non-​hollywood type films, there are always political type films (Cinema Politica for example), then fun events like Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The renovation a couple years ago really revamped this place and it looks really great. Has a mix of an old cinema and new cinema feel.
It’s such a good cinema, their events are great, too.

Just last night I went to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Bloor Hot Docs. The shadow cast had much to be desired. A 300lb 45 – 50 yr old woman does not make for a good Columbia. I found the timing to be off and the general overall ambiance of the house and crew to be sub-​par and unprofessional. I found it to be run by a bunch of rude dilettantes who made mediocrity seem sublime. I would definitely not suggest wasting your precious and time and money on this production.

This is the best place to see hot documentaries. It’s a much loved venue and seethes it like some living being. It’s not unusual to see a lineup go out the door, down Bloor St. and around the corner half way down the block when a smash hit is being shown. There’s a slick façade above the door and a lobby meant for events with space to welcome you. Right at front is the snack bar that sells craft beer too. The balcony is great with its straight on sight lines, and with the slightly elevated screen allowing room for guest speakers just below it, the main floor area has you looking slightly up so keep that in mind if you prefer to look downward when watching a movie. The sound system is very sweet, with natural sounding bass and way less distortion compared to a typical theatre system. We saw ‘Amy’ and the jazz segments were well imaged throughout the space. Spellbinding audio! Get more out of life, and see a documentary.

I love the idea of a documentary theater, but this is the most unprofessional theater I’ve ever been to– I was watching a film and I could hear the projectionist’s Sykpe notifications going off throughout the whole movie, like someone was just chatting on the computer they were projecting the film from, and no one was paying attention that worked there! So distracting and whack! Don’t even bother going to this place!

The Hot Docs festival tops my list of favourite things in the city, so it follows that this cinema is on my list of favourite places. (I won’t focus on the incredible curation of the festival, which has its own Unilocal listing and which I’d prefer to TIFF any day of my life.)
This theatre has its [very limited] faults (e.g. the first floor is so flat that virtually any seat seems too close/​low to the screen; the balcony’s upper rows are too far back). But while my festival screening locale of choice is the comfy Lightbox, the homey, green-​powered BHDC is the heart of Hot Docs itself. It gives you a taste of those 10 days year-​round, with its screening of great films (documentary and otherwise), gathering of doc-​nerds like myself, and often filmmaker Q&As.
The super accessible and convenient location is adjacent to all manner of snacks, meals, or drinks (my go-​tos: pretzels, cheap sushi, or a dolsot bibimbap), lending itself to excellent post-​film discussions.
Best part: your tickets and memberships to the cinema keep funding the organization, so that I can keep going to the festival every year. Thanks!

My favourite cinema in Toronto! I bought a membership here as I know I will be making great use of it. Their programming is excellent if you like high quality documentaries. They have great staff too, very passionate and knowledgable. Oh, and amazing film festivals are held here. Can’t rate it high enough.

I went to Hot Docs Cinema’s showing of the Prince movie, Purple Rain, with a big group of friends. The movie was hilariously bad, but the experience was great. Everyone was having a few drinks and a few laughs — very relaxed and fun atmosphere. Also $ 15 dollars for a ticket, popcorn, and a beer was a great deal.

Quick tips:
— First floor seating, middle to back rows, you’ll get the best view. When you’re upstairs, people ahead will block the bottom of the screen (blocking subtitles). THIS IS BAD! I missed all the subtitles for Last Day In Vietnam. First floor seating, you’re LOOKING UP to the screen. You won’t block anyone, and no one will block you.
— Q&A is a lot of fun!!! This is when the film features an evening where the filmmaker, director, god daughter (Keep On Keepin’ On) etc… will be up on stage to share their experiences as well as to answer personal questions. Try to make it out! They fly all the way to Toronto specifically to watch the film with us and talk to us about their work. Who wants to come to Toronto, seriously right? Even if questions or the audience are lousy (I can bitch about this all day), I always learn something new at these Q&A events.
==========WHY HERE?
My friend is really, really into TIFF that he takes a week off his actual job just to work at the TIFF Festival and watch films all day. Hot Docs Festival is similar, except it’s all documentaries.
Clearly we are not similar.
Bloor Hot Docs Cinema shows a new list of documentaries every two weeks. If you missed one, you won’t see it again until Bloor Cinema decides to include it again. So it cycles through old and new documentaries twice a month. I don’t always find something interesting to watch… but somehow I end up coming to this theatre at least twice a month.
However I do have:
==========FILM SUBSCRIPTIONS
There are a two types of packages (ticket bundles) you can get:
— Doc Soup subscription, a part of Hot Docs Festival (I paid $ 211.79 with tax for 2014 – 2015 subscription) — Every first week of the month from Oct-​April, they feature a documentary from last year’s Hot Docs Festival, films that made Sundance’s selection, films that made SXSW selection, etc. Every screening for Doc Soup, somebody who worked on the film (director, producer, cameraman) will be up on stage for post-​film Q&A. You’ll also get 10 tickets for the next Hot Docs Festival. So this package will work out to be $ 12.46 per ticket (regularly they’d be $ 13.27+HST+$ 1 non-​member fee). DOWNSIDE: it’s available only months before October. AND if you’ve already watched a lot of docs, you’ll probably have seen the films they show. You won’t know the film they choose to show until three weeks before the date.
— Bloor Cinema memberships, NOT Hot Docs Festival, but with the theatre itself — different pricing levels starting at $ 39. You’ll get some free tickets, a discount on all future tickets (as well as discount for the Hot Docs Festival), some popcorn coupons, and you won’t have to pay the $ 1 (per ticket) fee. I hate this fee. Technically you’ll save at least $ 3 per ticket. That is, if you go often enough (like I do). With this, you do not get 10 advance tickets for the Hot Docs Festival (like above) but there is no deadline when buying Bloor Cinema membership. You can buy a membership any time.
AND YES, you can buy single tickets to ANY film ANY time –you don’t need a subscription to watch Doc Soup films.
==========THE CROWD
I come alone for Doc Soup. It’s sort of my «getaway from all life’s stress» evening. I never ask questions during Q&A, but I get to sit and watch quietly. I have also fallen asleep during the Q&A (some are seriously boring) and during the movies (some are seriously boring).
The people here range depending on the film, of course. With the Doc Soup subscription screening (first Wednesday and Thursday of the month), majority of people are gray hair, healthy folks. Probably retired, very friendly, and they have this «I love my life» look on their face.
During regular screenings, people are couples, younger, sometimes louder.
For the Madonna Truth or Dare documentary, there was a «party» that started an hour before the movie. There was a DJ, beer special, and people brought their drinks to their seats. We had the winner of a small voguing competition (and two people from the audience) come up on stage to dance (and vogue). The crowd here was a little tipsy but made the movie so much fun. (I also had two pints before coming here, woohoo!)
Doc Soup days: 100% full
Regular days: 10−50% full
==========THE THEATRE…
The lobby is so small. The box office is also super small and right at the door. It’s a little messy when there are LOTS of people. Washrooms are upstairs.
We don’t get the obnoxious crowd for documentaries, so the theatre stays clean and quiet. People don’t push each other when getting in/​out.
Staff are always around to find you a seat when the theatre gets full.
I think my favourite guy is the man facilitating the Q&A at the screening of Point And Shoot. He directed the conversation so well and he asked amazing questions. Thank you, favourite guy!

This place is great for cinephiles like myself. The renovations they did a few years ago has paid off well. Gone is the outdated décor of the past and replaced with a more casual dark look but keeping it modern and old school at the same time. Sound system is much louder and clearer than before, New lighting and seats and it’s the only place in town to watch documentaries all year round not to mention a liquor license so you can have a Steam Whistle while watching your favorite movie. My only gripe, they need bigger bathrooms, could barely be able to go because the stalls were close together. Other than that I would recommend seeing films at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.

I absolutely love this cinema! I went for the first time to watch Citizen Koch and had a great experience. The cinema is very large with a balcony, and the screen is massive. Staff is very friendly and the volunteers are sweet. I can’t wait to go back!

This is a wonderful, wonderful cinema. An absolute pleasure. Gone are the nostalgic days of basement Cinema Du Parc in Montréal (I love you. tear…) and here are the days of upstairs prime viewing (rows 1 – 3 on the balcony level are my favourite) at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. Although I have been going here for the Hot Docs fest for years, since I moved back to Toronto in the later part of the first aughts decade, I have visited this theatre for many more reasons: Doc Soup screenings, late-​night screenings, Oscar’s night, and just particular films that catch my eye. The relatively recent renovations are fantastic. I’m so grateful to have this theatre in my little universe.
What about the concession stand? Don’t expect this to be a super speedy process (there are only a few people working here) but the selection is great and the folks working the stand are typically helpful and friendly. Expect treats like organic, fair-​trade chocolates, a decent selection of beer, wine and spirits, booze and popcorn combos (…heaven?!), date-​night combos, coffee and more. In addition to actual date nights, try taking yourself out on a solo hot (doc) date! Very much endorsed by nerdy Natty.

I probably can’t add anything here that somebody else hasn’t already written. This is a great place to see a documentary film or a classic during «Back to the Bloor» screenings.
How lucky are we Doc lovers of Toronto? Between Doc Soup, Hot Docs and now an entire cinema, this city is really a doc lover’s paradise.
Much has been made of the reno and I feel like it was done well. There was a lot of charm in the place pre reno but let’s be honest: the sound and screen are way better, the seating is more comfortable, there is more choice at the concession stand and prices really did not jump. The Bloor is now a serious contender that anyone would be proud to premier in or host their festival.
Special shout out to the volunteers that keep things running well during the festivals, Doc Soup screenings and regular nights. THANK YOU!
Most highly recommended – but then this is one of my very most cherished reasons I love living in Toronto.

I love the Bloor Cinema. They offer an excellent lineup of interesting, educational and funny documentary films as one of the only documentary-​focused cinemas in the world. Every time I go I see a preview for another movie I want to come back for.
Seats are plush and comfortable, although the seats on the main floor seem a bit close to the large screen. There’s also an upper level, although I have yet to venture up there yet.
The concession stand is cash only, but you can pay at the ticket counter with debit or credit and they will give you a voucher to get your popcorn and drinks. Not only do they offer beer and wine, they also have jugs of water where you can get a cup of H2O to drink fo’ free.
Membership (~$ 30/​year) also offers a host of benefits including discounts on tickets and popcorn and two free tickets during the month of your birthday. Support indie theatres and catch your next movie at the Bloor!

Was there earlier this week for the Ryerson’s Documentary Media Festival.
First and foremost, I was a fan of the old Bloor Cinema, if only because I like to support my local cinema. It was great due to its history, inexpensive and generally off the wall movie selections, like documentaries, classics and foreign films. Just like the Carlton, except with just one screen and bigger… okay so not so alike at all. But still an enjoyable night out.
Then HotDocs bought them and closed it down for renovations for about 3 – 4 months. That kind of sucked specially if you had a membership which I had for a few years. But no worries, the Bloor Cinema has reopened and I am happy to report the renovations are quite worth it!
The old, charming but creaky seats have been replaced with larger, more comfortable bum-​cushions. There is a new paint show throughout and they have demolish a wall right through to the front so you can see right into the theatre when you walk in. Cool.
The second floor remains almost the same as before with a few posters showing the history and the shots of the renovation.
I am happy to see the Bloor Cinema was given a breath of fresh air although there are a lot of remnants of the old if you know what to look for but still, a worth addition to the Annex and still a enjoyable night out.
One of my favourite real cinemas in Toronto.

Un espace exceptionnel qui a été entièrement ré-​aménagé pour le festival du documentaire de Toronto, HotDocs.

The newly renovated Bloor is over the top wonderful! Plus, it’s dedicated to all documentaries, all the time. The only cinema of its kind in the world. Amazing!
From the moment you walk in you, you’ll be impressed by how gorgeous the space is. Hard to believe the venue is almost 100 years old. Seats still have that wonky recline, but they’ve all been re-​upholstered and comfy. Balcony seats are okay, but the comfy seats are definitely on the floor. Washrooms are on the second floor and went from ghetto to modern and expanded with more stalls and sinks.
Snacks are deal and they use real butter on their popcorn. You might as well get a beer as well, they are licensed. Awesome!
Follow them on twitter here @TheBloorCinema

I hadn’t been here since the renovation – wow! What a change! I absolutely love the glass wall – it lets people who arrive late or sneak out for snacks still watch the movie, so they don’t miss anything while they’re waiting.
Seats are cushy, snacks are reasonably priced, and the lineup of movies is awesome – lots of documentaries and older cult films. I’m glad there’s a place like this in Toronto.

WOW RENOVATIONS!
Bloor Cinema has had some major renovations, and it looks SO good!
While the upstairs balcony seems pretty much the same, the downstairs has new seats, and a beautiful new concession stand — but still has it’s classic theatre style which really adds a lot of charm.
The best party of the cinema — THE GLASS WALL! This means that if you’re about to watch a movie, but grabbing concessions, you could still see through to the movie screen as you wait in line — so you would know when the trailers started/​ended though you couldn’t hear anything. It’s such a little change but makes a huge difference!
I’m not sure if they updated the screen, but it is very high quality.
While I wouldn’t choose this theatre for major blockbuster movies, it is absolutely perfect for Hot Docs, TAD, and other film festivals. It really puts you in the mood to watch independent /​classic /​documentary movies. I’m serious.

I don’t frequent the Bloor Cinema outside festivals such as hot docs or Toronto After Dark too much, but each time I come here I’m always treated to a great atmosphere. Anyone that’s been to a Midnight Madness screening at tiff would love it here (although it makes sense to say anyone that’s been here would have fun at a tiff MM screening).
You know that you’re going to watch a movie amongst other like minded fans resulting in a fun movie watching experience.
The actual building while old definitely has it’s charm, but I highly doubt I would ever come in here to watch a recent movie I could watch at a better quality at a cineplex or amc location. But they do have a very reasonably priced concession stand with popcorn, pop and candy.
But they are undergoing renovations right now so hopefully they get a bit more oomph in their sound and picture quality and while seats are not uncomfortable maybe a little bit of new paint or something would definitely help.
Overall for the right movie this is a great venue but for the majority of the year this is not within my movie watching radar.

Does anyone here remember when the Bloor Cinema ran the Dark Side of Oz and you used to be able to smoke pot INSIDE the theater? Man… those were the days.
I also have fond memories of the Rocky Horror Picture Show back from my High School days. I remember the first time I attended, I was called up onto the stage as part of an initiation for «virgins» and had to act out a scene with another «virgin» who happened to be a crazy drunk guy with a missing front tooth wearing a DRESS. Definitely no shortage of interesting characters around these parts.
Food at the concession stand is far more reasonably priced than at a commercial cinema as well.
It’s conveniently located by Bloor Subway station and has a plethora of restaurants to visit pre or post show.