Sundance Kabuki Cinema

Classy place and great theater but not the least bit friendly, this is especially true for the ground floor service. Not kid friendly, not youth friendly, not friendly at all. The only section of this place that understands what costumer service is the people at the snack bar, but the snack bar doesn’t have that great a selection either, but the balcony does and thats 21+ only. I’d much rather go to metreon or amc, better everything in general.

Giving 2 stars because I really love this movie theatre and I go here a lot. However, had a bad experience tonight. We got the Humphry Slocombe ice cream and when we sat down and started to eat it, we noticed it was bad. It was more ice than cream.
I took it back to the counter and didn’t get an apology, and they were quite rude. They had to lookup my exact order to refund my credit card. No apology, didn’t ask if I wants anything else. Just got some attitude.
So, DON’T get the ice cream.

More like 4.5 stars. This place is one of my favorite movie theaters in SF because tickets are not only affordable, but you can choose your seats online. This is a huge bonus for me. They have an awesome bar and restaurant as well. Both are a little pricey but what else can you expect for the area. I’d give it a full five stars if they had reclining chairs.

Went once, and overall I had a pretty good time. Being able to have drinks during your movie while guaranteeing there are no kids around is definitely pretty awesome. Chairs were nice and roomy as well.
Some drawbacks:
— Size of the screen felt small
— Picture was very dim; it was hard to see, especially with the 3D glasses
— Drinks were OK, but not great.
Overall, it was nice to experience, but considering the price and what you get for it, I would not go back again.

One of the very best movie theaters I’ve ever been to! Super nice place to bring someone on a date. Parking is a little hard to find on the street and you may be driving around for a while if the parking garage nearby is temp. full. There are some great places to eat around the area and cute little shops you can walk around before or after your movie. Sundance is made up of three different floors, 2 bars, and a small bistro. I tried their pineapple IPA and it was so good! They even have movie themed specialty cocktails.
You purchase your tickets online and get to pick your exact seats which saves time and headache looking for a good seat in the dark. We had a 2pm showing but couldn’t find parking because of the Cherry a Blossom festival so we asked if they could switch us to the second showing later in the day and they did it for us as a courtesy. Great customer service!
We opted to sit in auditorium 3 (balcony) which was at the very top floor and they check your I. D’s to get on that floor. We watched The Jungle Book in 3D. You can bring your alcohol with you so you can sip on it while watching the movie which is perfect. The sound could’ve been louder and the lights could be a tad more dim but I think it only bothered me because we were in the balcony. Next time we’ll just sit downstairs! The auditorium was huge and the seats are super comfy and they have nice armrests. Don’t have to worry about bumping elbows with a stranger.
This is very well maintained and classy establishment and I loved the food options. Overall I had a really fun experience and will definitely be back!

$ 18.50 a ticket?! for Batman v Superman.
«Is this in 3D?»
«No» said the mgr in street clothes.
It was in 3D. Dim projector bulb in theatre #5
Is this why no film festivals are being presented here?
I was a little wary of my experience when I saw a sign in the bathroom saying they were hiring for every position and a note saying they will give you an interview the same day.

Good theater to go. Convenient parking location.
Staff is always nice and happy.
Drinks allowed!

Things have improved considerably in recent years at the Kabuki. Projection and sound are more often good, and there seem to be more staff around which helps discourage random people drifting in and out of theaters.
Especially after the botched renovation of the Embarcadero Center Cinemas, this is probably the Bay Area’s best multi-​screen theater that shows art house or independent film.

I’m a big fan. I came here to see Deadpool with some friends and I love the convenience of pre-​selecting my seat. Their 21+ area boasts some great snacks, meals, and a surprisingly good beer and wine selection in addition to their movie themed cocktail menu. I enjoyed a quick bite, then took my Sculpin inside to sip while I watched the move. The seats are large and comfortable, and overall I was very pleased with my experience here and will definitely be back.

What I love about Sundance Theater the fact that you can pick and reserve your seats once you pay! Show times are a bit limited and tickets here are a bit pricey, but heeeey if I can be able to seat at the balcony, wear their cool 3D glasses and drink a Classic Margarita and watch a movie all at the same time… Priceless!

I’d hate to give this place 2 stars because I’ve always loved going to kabuki. However, in more recent times, I’m noticing a steady decline.
What I’ve always liked about Sundance Kabuki are a few things: reserved seating, balcony seats to bring in alcohol from the bar, and the bar itself that serves several options of tasty snacks other than the usually typical movie theater food (I know it’s a bit overpriced, but when you get out as much as I do, you’d be happy to pay a little extra for a once-​in-​a-​while experience.
But I probably now won’t be coming back any time soon. Here’s why: the last 2 times I’ve been here to watch a movie I’ve noticed that the sound volume is terribly low and I know others have said the same. At times it’s difficult to understand basic dialogue. I’ve also noticed that there’s a lot of rain damage, and I mean a LOT of rain damage to the ceiling of the theaters. It’s been a while since we’ve had a massive storm that would cause such damage. Also, I’d hate to be a snob, but that being said, I’m about to be snobby. A «down and out» guy carrying his whole life around in bags was allowed in the theater and camped out in the back row, wreaking like God-​knows-​what. People were shifting away from him because he smelled so bad making it difficult to enjoy the movie. I know everyone deserves a chance to enjoy a film, but the man was obviously someone who lives in the street.
If I’m paying extra for an enhanced movie experience, I’d hope to get one. I think the AMC closest to my house now has a bar and better snacks, so I think it has more to offer.

This place is awesome! The workers here are very friendly. Make sure you buy tickets online so you can reserve your sets.

The Sundance is a very nice theater that offers assigned seating and alcoholic beverages. You can only bring your drink into the theaters for the 21+ crowd. Those are its key features. You can also purchase and reserve your seats online. The seats recline, but I’m not sure if every theater has reclining seats.
Drinks aren’t bad. The food is overpriced. But when was the last time you went to a theatre and said that’s a good price for popcorn and soda?
For all the Secret Breakfast lovers, there’s Humphry Slocombe ice cream available.
Pricing:
Matinée: $ 10.50
Senior Matinée: $ 10.00
Evening: $ 12.50 + amenity fee
Senior: $ 11.50 + amenity fee
Amenity fees: $ 1.50 — $ 3.50 depending on time of day or theatre
= the cost of reserved/​assigned seats and no advertisements
We had some time to kill before the movie started, so we hung out at the Balcony Bar and ordered a martini & a vodka soda.
We didn’t order chicken tenders, but we got them. They mistakenly gave these to us and told us to enjoy. I didn’t mind snacking on them, but I wouldn’t order them. They’re very expensive for just a few pieces of cornmeal breaded chicken.
We did order some Garlic Tater Tots and the Bastard Brat on Pretzel Bun. It didn’t have much flavor. The bun didn’t really taste like a pretzel bun either. I appreciated the sauteed onions and peppers on top for a little sweetness.
Expensive mediocre food aside, it is still a more enjoyable way to watch a movie.

I came to the Sundance Kabuki movie theater to watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) with my sister and brother-​in-​law. The Kabuki is one of their favorite theaters in the Bay Area and they’ve been coming here for 15+ years. I’ve known about this theater for a while, but this was my first visit. I liked this theater a lot for the following reasons:
1. Ample, affordable parking in Japan Center’s garages.
2. Reserved seating which you can purchase online.
3. Comfy, reclinable seats with big armrests and wide, spacious rows.
4. Yummy food and drink including ice cream (and alcohol)!
We went to a Tuesday night showing at 7pm. The theater was packed. The theater has multiple levels, but each floor is sort of small. Since it was a busy night, it felt crammed. You can purchase tickets on the ground-​level lobby from both ticket salespeople and self-​serve kiosks. My sister purchased tickets in advance online. We went to a 3D showing and the tickets cost $ 16 per ticket plus a $ 2.50 fee per ticket (so $ 18.50 total per person).
The second level is where the concessions counter and entrance to the auditoriums are located. In order to take the stairs or escalator up to the second level, an employee must verify you have a ticket. There was only one employee checking tickets and a flood of people coming in, so you can imagine what that was like. My sister stored our tickets on her phone as did many other people. Be sure to have your ticket (s) ready to show the employee when you approach the stairs/​escalator to keep the line moving.
In addition to the classics (e.g. popcorn, candy, and fountain drinks), the concessions counter serves a sizable menu of Peet’s coffee and tea and smoothies. The third floor contains the Balcony Bar. The Balcony Bar is pretty much a restaurant serving a full menu of food including salads, sandwiches, burgers, and even Mediterranean plates and pizza. It’s a classy looking spot where people like to hang before or after a movie. There was an employee checking IDs in front of the stairs and escalator to the third floor. Our seats were located on the balcony, so we had to go to the third floor and walk through the Balcony Bar to access our seats. The balcony was sold out for our showing.
As for the movie-​watching experience itself, it was fine. 3D picture and sound quality were very good, on par with other modern movie theaters I’ve been to. I liked sitting in the balcony. There was nothing/​no one obstructing my view and no one kicking or bumping into my seat from behind (the rows are too wide for that). The armrests were big enough so we could set food down on them. We got ice cream (Humphrey Slocombe) and other sweet treats. They were sticky and delicious. After the movie was over, there were attendants who stood outside the auditorium exit to make sure each person returned their 3D glasses.
Generally, the theater was clean and comfortable. It has a nice, aesthetically pleasing design with wood panels and ambient lighting. The storefront is a glass-​tile façade which slants and extends all the way to the lobby ceiling which is at least three stories high. There’s a bunch of tall bamboo right inside the entrance, which I guess is supposed to be the bit of Asian flair befitting of a movie theater named Kabuki in Japantown.
The Sundance Kabuki used to be known as the AMC Kabuki 8 until Sundance purchased the theater from AMC in 2006. Sundance renovated and reopened the theater in 2007. Of the theater’s 8 screens, 2 are capable of 3D. In Q4 2015, it was announced this theater, along with the four other Sundance theaters, were sold to Carmike Cinemas. According to a 12÷3÷2015 post on The New Fillmore (
), the sold theaters will continue to operate as Sundance theaters despite Carmike’s ownership. Hopefully, these theaters will continue to show documentary, independent, and foreign-​language films.
Park in one of Japan Center’s two garages. The main garage (1610 Geary Blvd) can be accessed via Post or Geary and the annex garage can be accessed via Fillmore (1650 Fillmore St). Validate your parking at the theater to get $ 2 off your parking fee. To see Japan Center’s affordable parking rates, the current number of available spaces in each garage, and more, visit:
.
Note: It would be nice if we could purchase gift cards to this theater online. I live in Atlanta and wanted to purchase a gift card to this theater to give to my sister and brother-​in-​law so they could enjoy a future movie at their local theater. Gift cards to the Sundance Kabuki can only be purchased in person. Boo.

I love the Kabuki cinema! You can actually pick your seats on the web and don’t have to be stressed about not finding a seat at the last minute. My biggest pet peeve is when you go out to the movies and once you get to the theatre about twenty people are saving seats or have coats on seats!!! I hate that so much. it pisses me off, so coming here helps eliminate that stress. I love the snack bar and upstairs you can purchase liquor. I also love the fact that they keep this place clean, including the restrooms. Good place to catch a flick. Parking garage is right next door.

Had a lovely time here for a «Kill Bill» event. The food they put out was adequate, the beer they put out was exceptional, it’s a nice space and they had fun people. Sort of bummed it wasn’t the double-​feature… hoping they have the second half available in coming months!

Order your tickets ahead of time to pick your seating BUT make sure you reserve tickets in the balcony section. I made the mistake before not knowing there were two different seating floors. There is a huge difference in sitting in the balcony then on the bottom floor.
There is a bar upstairs, with side tables for your food/​drinks and roomy seats with plenty of leg room. Your entire movie experience will make you feel like VIP.
You can also validate your parking ticket in the lobby for $ 2 off.

Great place for a date in the city.
Pros:
–The theater is nice and comfortable
–Food is good
–Prices are reasonable, food or drinks
–Staff is friendly
–They have Petes coffee!
–Parking is nearby
Cons:
None that I can think of
I definitely see myself coming back here.

Gosh, having seats that you can reserve ahead of time is a game changer.
Why haven’t this been done earlier?

This place is pricey, but legit. We came to see Hateful Eight in all it’s 70 mm glory here and were not let down. Stadium seating, but what’s really cool is seats are assigned, so no standing in line un-​necessarily early to get a decent seat. Comfy seating was also appreciated, Full bar– I was surprised to see only one bartender working on the holiday weekend– the line was pretty long. I got one glass of wine for $ 14– YIKES! My favorite part? 21+ so no annoying babies ruining your movie (trust me that’s a problem in Emeryville). I think we’ll be back here if there’s a big opening we want to see.

I would have given them a 5 star review a while ago, but not so much these days. It seems as if EVERY TIME I go there, their prices have gone up again. Ticket prices, snack prices, booze and food prices all keep rising. I understand that, but they seem to have the pedal to the metal in that department. The theaters themselves are great, no problem there. The actual main reason I rarely go there anymore is that none of the movie listing apps list the Kabuki anymore so you have to check their listings separately, and their website is not very mobile-​friendly. It’s much more difficult and expensive to go to the movies there, and their selection of films is not especially eclectic.
Also, the guy who used to check your ID for the drinkin’ theaters doesn’t seem to be around anymore — he would always rattle off the names of hit movies from your birth year. The kind of employee they should keep.

Este cine es verdaderamente un placer. Me encantó que todo este hecho para el placer de los amantes de las películas.
Nadie habla durante la peli, no hay ningún anuncio, la calidad de la proyección: excelente.
Solamente, y sí hay unos peros, el precio es muy elevado (33 dólares para dos boletos), también el costo de las bebidas y palomitas se me hizo fuerte, y el asiento puede ser incómodo.

I admit it, they made me upset so in reserving the 4 th start till I get over my bad attitude! A few theaters are not allowed to have booze. I am not positive why I think it is due to location on street level but it seems weird and like something that can be taken care of it someone wanted too. Twenty years ago when lived here last I used to come here all the time for the substance style films they offered before they were sundance. I like the changes, the addition of some beer options is cool but the draft system on one floor of the 3 is not convenient with crowds and I’d checks and so forth. The food looks good I think? I didn’t see too much but the couple theaters I have been too are Comfy and I hope to go more and raise my stars to a new level.

Probably by far one of the best movie experiences primarily because the inclusion of actual beverages. I’m not looking for a huge bucket of high-​fructose corn syrup anymore when I’m in the mood for a movie and I’m happy that the Kabuki understands that. Reserving seats is also a big plus for me to skip lines and crowds.
Now, if they added the leather recliners that Century 16 in Mountain View has and the screen quality of the Metreon, my rating would EASILY go to 10 out of 5 stars. However, you can’t have it all and the Kabuki is still a winner in my book.

I like a lot about this place. BUT two things that could easily be fixed but aren’t are:
1) Balcony Bar Hidden Pricing. Just put the prices on the menu that people actually use (the big colorful one on the wall). We ordered a beer, a water and a small popcorn. $ 32? It is a theater, so I get the ridiculous pricing, just wish they were transparent about it.
2) Pants Ruining Popcorn. Popcorn covered my pants in grease. Remember that innocent small popcorn? Well, we got it with «light butter». The popcorn itself was delicious and not too greasy. Where I set the bag on my pants however are now giant grease stains. Was this just some novice move on my part? Was I crazy not to set it on the side table because I wanted share popcorn with someone? I don’t think so. Please Kabuki, just spend a nickel on better bags so you’re not ruining yours guests clothes.

We Love Kabuki Sundance… This is the BEST of the BEST Theatre in the City… The team here is top notch. every one is super nice… they do a rockstar job here of creating a Fantastic Experience!
The Food, Drinks, Snacks and Dessert are awsom. a million starz for Kabuki and the awsom team who work here… they are best at what they do.

OVERPRICED! Drinks at the bar are overpriced. There were no pricing on most of their drinks so to my surprise I paid $ 30 for a glass of wine. When asked why the high pricing, they reasoned out that it’s a half bottle worth. It was not half a bottle worth and they couldn’t even remember which bottle they served me with cos they ‘switch bottles’.
I’ve checked their menu online and showed it to the people working at the bar. They reasoned put that they changed their pricing and menu. But why won’t they update it and write their pricing on their menu?!?
I’ve been to more upscale places and never have I encountered a $ 30 glass of Sauvignon Blanc especially for a place like this.
Where did this Sauvignon Blanc came from? Clearly it didn’t come from a unicorn.

Love the concept of this theatre especially being able to drink while watching a movie and being able to reserve seating in advance.
Watched spectre in this theatre. Theatre is located in japantown with lots of food and drinking options around.
Overall great experience and can’t wait to come back. Note that not all theaters and sections accommodate drinking during the movie so double check before you book!

Going to watch movies at the theaters have become a rarity for me but after tonight (double date night) it might – maybe just a lil – make movie nights a comeback. My friends bought tickets for us online with RESERVED seats. I’ve been to fancy theaters like this back home in Glendale but never knew they had one here on SF. Anyway here’s are the basics:
–Comfy chairs
–Food, drinks, humphry slocombes, wines & beer
–Reserved seating
–Clean and firefly staff

Assigned seating and booze. Yes please. Oh this costs more? Duh? It should cost more. Finally I’m not standing in line out front for an hour hoping to get the middle seats. Or worse yet eating all of my popcorn before the movie starts.
This is how watching a movie is supposed to be. The drinks are expensive but who cares you can buy a bottle of wine and watch a movie in comfortable chairs.