Burns Court Cinema

I had an experience similar to Robin’s (three reviews down). I went last week to a 1:45 pm show. Normally, it is no problem to arrive at this small theatre 15 – 20 minutes early, but on this particular day, despite the fact that the inside counter (with three people working) was relatively quiet, they had everyone lined up to buy tickets at the outside «ticket office» with only one person working. The result was a 20 minute wait to buy tickets, running me right up against the beginning of the film. Ticket in hand, I went inside. Because I was on my bicycle, I had my leftovers from the lunch I had just eaten with me. I had done this several times in the past without incident. I set the bag on a table inside the theatre before i went to the ladies room. When I came out, the bag was gone. I was told by another patron that the manager had taken the bag outside. I went out to find him and the bag. I found the bag on the theater’s back patio. I grabbed it and went back inside. I was stopped by the manager, who told me that I could not come inside with food. I assured him that it was leftover Phở (soup) from my lunch and that i had no intention of consuming it on site. I also explained that I was on a bicycle and had nowhere to store the bag. He said that it didn’t matter, it was not coming inside with me. I asked if I could please leave it on the counter behind the concession area where it would at least be safe and out of the Florida heat. He said that he would give me a refund for my ticket and the glass of wine that i had purchased at the concession stand. I was flabbergasted. I understand that theaters want to force you into buying their food and beverages, in fact, I had made a purchase at the concession stand, but the rigidity with which this rule was enforced is, as Robin put it, off-​putting, and that is being kind. My plan that day was to see two films at Burns Court, with an hour to browse the nearby galleries in between. This «manager» ruined my entire day. I am staying in North Port temporarily looking after my father following my mother’s death. It takes a 90-​minute bus ride one-​way for me to get to Sarasota. I then use my bike to get around the city. My escape days are few and far between and are well-​planned. I do this so that I do not take the car away from my father for the day.
I quickly looked up showtimes at the downtown AMC Hollywood theater and was able to see a movie there. The ticket-​checker there did not give me any trouble about my leftovers. However, because Burns Court is the only game in town when it comes to Independent and foreign films, it was not the same movie. And that is really the problem, they have a monopoly on these films, which seems to «entitle» them to act rudely without consequence. This theater is part of the Sarasota Film Society, which claims to be a non-​profit entity, however, I sincerely doubt the legitimacy of that claim as most not-​for-​profit agencies are extremely customer-​centered and logical in their behaviors.
By the way, I did follow up on this incident with the managing director, Nick Caras. He was extremely helpful… his suggestion, «Maybe you should have finished your lunch at the restaurant.» Gee thanks!

Very cute little theater showing films of the more artsy persuasion.
My Grandma and I wanted to see Brooklyn, and Burns Court was one of the only places showing it. They don’t have much in the way of parking which was a bit of an issue for my Grandma who can’t walk far, but we made it eventually.
I enjoy that a small popcorn here is actually small, I could eat it all without having to share! What a concept! lol They also had a good selection of wines and beer.
The theaters themselves were very small and a little dingy but it got the job done. The seating could definitely use an upgrade, though.

Having lived in Sarasota for 5 months now, I can honestly say that we have not had one single really negative thing to say about this town until last night when we went to Burns Court Cinema. I have been bringing my own water bottle to movies for as long as I can remember. All movie theaters say that no outside food or drink is allowed into theater right? I never try and hide my water bottle. I have never had a theater tell me I can’t bring it in. Well, Burns Court did and not only that, they wouldn’t even hold it for me at the concession counter so I could get it after the movie or allow me to empty it and just keep it. It is a fancy insulated bottle that I did not want to lose. We had walked to the theater so didn’t have the option to put it in a car. The rigidity and attitude of the place was so off putting as was the small size of the screen, the not so comfortable seats, the sound was low (I do not have any hearing issues) and we could hear the movie next to us from time to time along with an extremely loud air conditioning unit. Fortunately my water bottle was sitting outside on a ledge when we got out of the movie, which again boasts highly for this wonderful little city in Paradise, but we will do all we can to avoid returning to Burns Court Cinema. Come on water? Really???

I love this little theater, yes it’s small and it’s old, so what? I feel so comfortable going to Burns Court Cinema, all by myself to enjoy a movie and escape. It just has a very intimate comfortable atmosphere to me. Buy a membership and you get a free pass and $ 5.00 movies for the year, not a bad deal. I have yet to run into little kids or teenagers at this theater, it’s pretty much all just older adults, which is fine by me. I realize there are some nice restaurants within walking distance of the the theater, heck Owen’s Fish Camp is right next door, however I wish they had a better selection at their concession stand. I love that you can get wine and beer, but other than that nothing but candy and crackers. I would like it if they would maybe have some cheese trays to go with the wine, or least some hot dogs.

One of our favorite things to do in Sarasota is to catch an independent film at Burns Court. We’ve been going for years. It’s a great way to enjoy a more intimate viewing while avoiding the craziness at Hollywood 20 — there are hardly ever any kids and I’ve never seen anyone hanging their feet over the seat in front of them.
The film selection is terrific — plenty of foreign films and independent films that you might not see in a bigger theatre.
Burns Court served alcohol way before any of the others, so Linse and I have a long tradition of enjoying a beer or glass of wine with our flick.
Everything is clean and the staff have plenty of recommendations. Parking can be a challenge sometimes, so we arrive a little early and have a drink at Burns Court Café or the Fish Camp.
The screens are small, so feel free to sit near the front. My only complaint is that sometimes the volume is a bit too low. Otherwise, this little gem would get five stars.

Great independent films and clean.- so did not give it 3 stars that it deserves for all the rules for patrons.
It would be nice to relax the language of their endless policies. No water, no outside food– I had one item in my purse put away and one of the workers almost insisted on looking inside my purse! Really? No eating inside theater is clear enough. Also, a warning before the movie about recording and if you open your phone in the movie theater– they will ask you to leave! Who records a movie these days? A nice reminder to turn the phones off and be courteous would suffice .
Just a bit too any rules — feels like you are in «1984» Orwell’s novel! Leaves a bit of an unpleasant aftertaste …

I love this theater. The staff is so friendly and helpful. Cozy place. It’s kinda old but cared for, like me. Glad there are people who care. Go to Owens next door for dinner after the show. Great food

Everyone makes a big deal about this cinema… it’s a movie theater that shows independent films. And «mainstream» independent films. Doesn’t every city have one?

Saw The Imitation Game here not too long ago. A cozy little whole-​in-​the-​wall theater with only three screens, I believe. The screening room itself was a little dingy and the seats were a little cramped, but everything else about the experience was great. Good sound quality and concessions, including a nice beer selection.

Beware when something is described as «charming,» «quaint» or «quirky.» They are code words for «its a dump but I like the films it plays.».
Undoubtedly the worst cinema theater in Florida. The positive reviews are for the movies. The theater itself is an embarrassment– tiny theaters, bad sound, sound leaking between theaters. The theater is dated, the staff would rather be somewhere else and the management doesn’t care, They (apparently correctly) think if they play independent films, they can get away with everything else being sub-​standard.
The purpose of Unilocal is to rate the facility, not the films– there are film reviews for that. If the movie you want is also somewhere else, go there. Otherwise, wait for Netflix.

Go here. Support this business. I wish all cinemas were like this. Save the Cineplex 12’s for the mall rats. Everyone else head to Burns Court. This is truly one of Sarasota’s gems. Beer, wine, snacks, a cool vibe, all tucked away in this quaint district of Sarasota. On street parking is pretty easy and convenient. Never a big hoof if you get their a little early. Go tonight. Thank me tomorrow.

Tiny little independent theater with wine/​beer, it’s the best. Only old people know about this place, so be patient while you wait in line for the elderly gentleman in front of you to pick our his candy, and go early because it gets packed quickly. If you’re in the mood for that non-​blockbuster film, go here. Get some concession food to support them as they’re non-​profit, and become a member, tickets are cheaper.

I went to this theater last night on a whim, as there was a meet-​up group going to see the final James Gandolfini and Julia Louis-​Dryfus movie. The Burns Court sections is a very cute little area I was unaware of but pleasantly surprised with. I would definitely love to go back to the Owen’s Fish restaurant. As to why I am only giving 3-​stars for the movie theater, by the time I was able to find parking and get to the theater there was a huge line and the seats were sold out for the movie (I’m assuming because the theater is pretty small) I was going to see. Silver-​lining though: I went to see ‘In a World’ which was a pretty decent movie with a stellar cast.

Great independent theater! Quirky neighborhood small theater.

I love this theater! I’m gonna miss it so much when I leave Sarasota. It’s in the cutest little plaza in downtown SRQ. They play quirky indie films and the tickets are 5.00! The staff is friendly and it’s just nice to find an independent theater. They are so rare and they always play quality films. The facilities are a bit dated, but who gives a F***? I’m not there to get pampered, I want to watch a good film!
two thumbs up

Great foreign and «artsy» movies, often same or close to NYC release dates, customer friendly staff, small and charming place;a gem

Great, tucked away in a charming neighborhood indie theater. The downsides are small screens and sound bleeding over from the two theaters. That said, the film line up is usually exceptional. I always look forward to spending part of my Sarasota getaways at Burns Court Cinema.

Beer and indie Movies… what a way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Burns Court Cinema is a unique cinema in Sarasota… places like this are all over Austin, Providence, San Francisco, etc… but to have this place in Sarasota…
Get your butt there now and support these folks and those filmmakers who make rad, weird, crazy, out-​of-​the-​ordinary films.