Revue Cinema

Let’s support this place.
Why? Because I am a fan of supporting our local, sometimes Art Deco, almost-​heritage-​yet-​always-​in-​danger-​of-​being-​turned-​into-​a-​condo-​or-​book-​store movie theatres.
The Revue was in danger before, in fact I used to live in the hood when it was closed and dropped by to see a few movies not too long after it reopened 5 – 6 years ago thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers who run it. You have got to respect their commitment.
The décor is looking better then back then, as it recently received a new coat of paint which sprouts up the place. Granted the screen is not the biggest in town but you also do not pay as much and at least for me, I do appreciate the south of mainstream niche that independent theatres cater to. Their selection of mostly 2^nd run high-​quality films, classics, foreign movies instead of reels upon reels of stuff mindlessly blowing up or ridden with romantic cliches is a welcome one.
In fact I was just there to watch a rare screening of The God Of Ramen, sponsored by the Japanese Foundation which included a Japanese tasting at the venue with sushi and other treats.
As a whole it is a great place to drop by, not only to watch a movie but also to get a peek at the history these venues offer not only to the neighbourhood, the community but Toronto as a whole.
These movie houses are worth saving.

Go here. Go often. If you don’t live in the west end, make a special trip to go here. Recommend it to friends and family. Spread the word on social media. Sadly, one of a small number of independent cinemas left, and they’ll all be gone soon if we don’t visit them.
Seeing a movie here is just like it was when you were a kid! (assuming you’re older than, say, 25). It’s a time warp! It’s magical! Enjoy the experience not with a sense of irony, but with a sense of wonder!

By far the best cinema experience in the city. Silent films introduced by intriguing hosts with live piano accompaniment, food-​centric films with delicious food served at the screening as well as quality screenings presented nightly by a courteous pleasant staff who clearly love film. What more could you want? The facilities may be a little rough around the edges, but the place more than makes up for it with heart.

Exactly what a neighbourhood theatre should be. Programming makes a real effort to find something that appeals to everyone, like extra matinees on PA days for the kids, midday movies for young parents with babies, artsy fartsy foreign films, docs, festivals you name it! Even their e-​newsletter reviews that arrive weekly in your inbox are the tops (and never reveal the spoliers either!) A real effort has been made to keep the old girl cleaner, comfier and more welcoming, and it’s working.
A real alternative to the suburban big box experience… no cookie cutter promo machine here. And easy on the pocketbook too!

Revue Cinema is a wonderful not for profit heritage community theatre. I believe it is one of the oldest running movie cinemas in the country. The build form pays homage to old school movie theatres and the building has been designated a historical landmark. Prices are very reasonable and the charm of the building makes your movie going experience priceless. The movies they screen are always pretty interesting. Often they screen old classics which allows viewers the opportunity to see and be exposed to Hitchcock or Polanski on the big screen… thus potentially open the minds of a younger generation to older film classics. I love that this remains a staple in the Ronci community and that people have rallied to support the theatre and keep it alive. Please continue to support our local community.

I love this place, It’s a small neighborhood, second run theater that also doubles as an art house cinema. The ticket prices are very reasonable, and it presents a great opportunity to see some movies on the big screen that you may never otherwise have the chance. For instance, I recently saw Hitchcock’s Rear Window — released before I was born, I don’t know when I otherwise may have ever seen it in a theater.
I also love the Roncy strip on which the Revue resides. There is the Local tavern next door, and a jazz club across the street. There are some wonderful book shops and cafes along that strip as well. It all makes for a nice «destination» outing, if you want to kill a few hours poking around in shops, eating and drinking before or after a film.
Long live the Revue!

When we moved out of the Annex, I lamented not living near the Bloor Cinema — our theatre of choice for 2^nd-​Run-​Movies (who can afford movies when they first come out, anyhow?).
Cue the Revue (ta-​da!) The prices are totally decent — $ 7 with membership. & it is just a stone’s throw away. The seats are super plush & while the prices of popcorn & candy aren’t a bargain — it feels good to know you’re supporting the Revue directly.
They also have specialty runs — for instance, their Spielberg Summer Flicks — which give you a chance to see some of your favorites on the big screen.

The Revue has a fantastic array of films, festivals, speciality nights, etc. The atmosphere is vintage, classy, and intimate as it only has the one screen. The programming is appropriate for all ages, and film enthusiasts new and old. In traditional bijoux-​style theatre style, the cinema only has one screen — but don’t let this fool you! Films are still fresh and updated.
The cinema is a second run place, meaning, if you missed it at the AMC or Cineplex, the Revue will now have it — and for cheaper! The prices are decent, however, speciality days are slightly more expensive (but still reasonably priced). I attended a «Silent Sunday» event a couple months back and I can tell you honestly it was one of the most enjoyable film experiences I have had (and I’m in film school!). There was a live pianist playing the piano as we watched vintage Little Rascals and Buster Keaton films. It was fantastic!
The food prices are, however, not as discounted as the films they show, but still reasonably priced — especially for an independent place.
It is most certainly worth your while and the trek to Dundas West station and through Roncy construction. I would recommend «Silent Sundays» for sure.

this the way movies should be seen… cheaper, funner, cooler… if this place would only get a liquor license it would stand out!

It helps if the films being shown are good because they have only the one screen. It is cheaper than most other cinemas but obviously thats because this is a second run place. As I type this for instance I have noticed that sod-​all is on worth watching… and wont be for the next 10 days.
Typically the popcorn etc seems a bit overpriced. It is nice to support local places and I will generally go a few times per month… you may see me hobbling down the street to the Intersteer after the movie to drink and deaden the pain from having to sit in those awful seats.

Another of the revived festival cinemas, The Revue has an excellent selection of films, both new and old. Occasionally they’ll have free films targeted toward kids, or other events, like an evening of old commercials. They do a good job on keeping the programming fresh and accessible to the average patron.
Once you get a membership (which lasts about 6 months) the prices are in the $ 6 range, making this a very affordable option. Everyone who works here is really cool. Well, they’re cool except when the popcorn machine breaks. When that happens, they’re stressed.
The concession also offers coffee and tea, which is I think is great, because sometimes that’s exactly what you want with a movie. The inside has been renovated, and the seats are comfortable.

A year after being saved from extinction, the Revue is back in full swing! An early and a later show every night, great flicks and all at a not-​for-​profit enterprise.
Tickets are $ 12.50 for non-​members, BUT you automatically become a member for 6 months after you visit the first time (from that point on, it’s only $ 6.50!). Tuesday’s are $ 5, and Sunday matinees are too… which means you can go watch «Scrooged» for $ 5 on the big (er) screen the Sunday before Christmas. Ebenezer approves!

The story of the Revue Cinema is like something out of a Frank Capra film. A few years ago, it was part of the Festival Cinemas network of second-​run theatres in Toronto, but then the chain shut down. There was a community outcry, and this theatre was saved; now it’s locally-​run and not-​for-​profit. The venture has been successful enough that they’re commissioning architects to redesign the façade soon.
The Revue still sticks to the basic formula of second-​run theatres, with a few classics thrown in. Understandably, the day-​to-​day selection of movies isn’t as varied as it was when they were shared between the Festival Cinemas: I doubt the days of midnight shows of Drunken Master 2 will be coming back. But the Revue remains an essential alternative to the crass path the big cinemas have been following over the last fifteen years.