Hollywood Theatre

I like this theater it nice and old like me. Well not that old but I have my charms. Watching movies here make me think of my childhood I don’t know why but the feeling is there.

The ornate façade on this gorgeous theatre has always captured my attention and imagination.
This theatre itself holds a special place in my heart/​movie going experience. (many actually)
As a child, I saved up my money to see «Star Wars» as many times as I could, while it played here during its original run in 1977.
I think the grand total was 13 times. I still remember the excitement of walking into the theater.
Things that have changed since I was a child:
They have a new 50-​ft. screen with an upgraded digital sound system in the main auditorium and new seats!
In 2015 they brought 70 MM back to the theatre, with showings of films new & old in this format.
The popcorn is VEGAN if you nix the butter. The beer (they serve beer!) selection is varied .
They have Kombucha if you feel inclined to cleanse.
They have a pizza window that’s called the «Pie Hole» that you can order slices from. I wish they had a vegan selection. :(
The beautiful new marquee designed after the original 1926 marquee was installed in August of 2013, replacing the one that was installed in the 70’s.
As Non-​profit theatre, they educate the public with classes, talks, guest appearances from directors, writers, actors etc…
The annual «Queer Documentary Film Festival» is being held here now. Hooray!
I also viewed one of my all time favorite films, «Vertigo» with Todd Haynes (one of my favorite directors) presenting it.
They used to have a (free) «Walking Dead» viewing party, which was super fun and always full, until TCM but the Kibosh on that party.
They also have original series such as:
Fashion in Film– «Desperately Seeking Susan» (80’s fashion) was a recent entry. Costume contests and commentary follow.
Hecklevision — You can text-​to-​screen as you watch hilarious films. «Showgirls» was a recent outing.
Re-​Run Theater — They take television shows originally intended for the small screen and make them BIGGER. «The Bionic Woman-​Fembots in Las Vegas», (complete with retro commercials) was a recent entry that we throughly enjoyed.
This Is Your Theatre– Every month, followers are invited to vote for the film they want to see on the big screen. Once a winner is crowned, 100 tickets must be sold for the screening to take place.
Queer Commons — Is a new, monthly film series created with the goal of bringing a little more queer content to the big screen. I haven’t been yet, but look forward to this series!
Become a member, and support this grand dame of a theatre.

I love the old-​Hollywood style of this great little theater. The seating is comfortable, the beer selection is good, and you can’t beat the prices. $ 2 for candy, $ 4 for beer and popcorn.
I also like supporting this non-​profit.
The last time we came here, there was a mix-​up with their times that were displayed on their website and flyer. We showed up to see The Revenant for 6:30 (what was written on their website) and were told it wasn’t going to play until 7 now (well after we bought the tickets, got our snacks, and found our seats). We were offered a refund if we wanted to leave, but everyone already had their popcorn, snacks, and beer. It kind of stunk, because we all got there super early, too, since it was the day after the Oscars and a popular movie. And it did ruin our dinner reservations. Other people in the theater (about 20 – 30 people) seemed pretty bummed too.
But, that’s not such a huge deal, just an example. I would still gladly return to this beautiful, historic theater.

One of my favorite places in Portland! I come here for unique things like Kung Fu Theater every first Tuesday where they play many 35 mm films you will not see anywhere else. If you buy a shirt then you get entered into the monthly raffle.
The popcorn is amazing — and they know the term «epic butter» and they will actually give you epic butter when you ask for it.
SInce they changed out the seats, it is also one of the most cozy places to watch a movie too and thanks to the fantastic wrap screen you can see the screen perfectly no matter where you chose to sit (or are forced to sit during those super sold out flicks).

This theatre was really cool to see the hateful eight in. It has the ability to show 70 mm films (whatever that means), so we were told we had to go there. The parking situation is a nightmare, there IS a bad seat in the house — so get there EARLY! Use the bathroom early, too, as the women’s only has three stalls. We would go back, but we would plan ahead a lot better next time!

This theater is absolutely charming. This will make watching a movie an experience. You will love walking through the twisted hallways to get to your auditorium. I love this place!

Fun place to go to! We went because this was the only theater in Portland showing the movie I wanted to see, and of course that means I have to go to strange locations. This one was a wonderful surprise.
The ambiance is totally adorable, with incredible kettle popcorn smelling deliciously as you enter. We had to wait in line but that did not matter. Just taking in the fantasmagorical décor — ornate to the point of feeling like you should dress up for it – I love going out when the place screams ‘Enjoy Me I Am Special’ and you see how much effort other people have put into what they are wearing. Yay! That makes it extra-​special.
The parking was doable; we found some a few blocks away for free. A wonderful memory was added to our family history.

Our very favorite movie theater in Portland. When we aren’t exactly sure what to do with an evening you will find us here. We have shown up here multiple times with nothing in mind to see and BOOM walking out the door feeling moved in some way that has never disappointed. Heavy or bright the films this theater chooses to project are clearly unforgettable.
You also have the option of watching old flicks, re-​runs like Edward Scissorhands, or even see the writer or director give an introduction to his or her film on a premier evening. With multiple themed nights, including Queer, there is so much history in this space it literally oozes off the walls. They also have a public voting forum for upcoming films and feature 70 MM film which is a wide high-​resolution film guage for still and motion picture photography. Fancy.
Have a slice of pie, grab a brewsky or a glass of wine and some popcorn and sit back and watch your favorite person in a beautiful documentary. The best place to catch a flick in Portland, Oregon. The only place like it.

I like this place. Friendly person at the door. Fun ramp up to the top. Allows/​offers community viewings of independent showings. Great «museum» of memorabilia throughout. Probably some good food and/​or beer options, but I haven’t looked. There are those little tables in front of the seats that allow one to set their food and/​or drink there, so they must sell stuff that goes there, I’m thinking. :-)

The most incredible ambiance.
They have interesting events, movies that the other theaters aren’t playing and a host of educational and community outreach programs. I am so glad because there was a time when the seats were uncomfortable and the theater was in serious risk of closing. Despite that, one of my favorites was seeing the Creature From the Black Lagoon in 3D. COME ON! BEST! Point Break in Hecklevision! Super date night fun!
Food and drink, comfy seats and tables, the Hollywood neighborhood.

Such a fun place to see a film. We saw The Hateful 8 in 70 MM and it was incredible. The screen was curved and they mentioned being the only place in Portland that shows 70 MM, which is definitely a commodity. Definitely something worth experiencing!
They serve beer, wine and snacks. Although the line for beer was ridiculously long the whole time we were there as well as the men’s bathroom line (my boyfriend chose the outdoors during the intermission).
Other than those small details, it was a good experience and the actual seating in the theater was more comfortable than some of that newer theaters these days.

We’ve been to Hollywood twice, but have yet to see a movie. Apparently there is no system in place to keep people from just walking into movies without paying — both times we’ve been we’ve had to get refunds because there are no seats available. Apparently people either move from movie to movie, or just walk right in and go see what they want. Even showing up 15 minutes early to the show, we could not find a seat in the place — Incredibly frustrating!
Gosh we’d love to see a movie in such a cool movie house, but I think we’re done trying at this place. Let us know when you figure out how to make sure paying customers get what they paid for!

This is theatre gem in Portland. It was restored really well and is run as a non-​profit. They bring in lots of great movies events during the week. They also get their hands on recent films. I have enjoyed several film events here and you have access to alcohol and some food. We always have a great time watching movies in this nostalgic theatre and I am sure you would also. Prices are super reasonable and it is for a great cause.

One of the things that makes Portland Portland.
Great curation of films. Charming clean and well restored historic theatre. Good snacks.
Love it!

The overall vibe, staff, events, and especially film offerings make me love my local, historic theater. The renovations took it to the next level.
The only negative:
Why can’t the iconic Hollywood Theater partner with a notable pizzeria? They do so with Salt and Straw for sweets.
In all my years in Portland I’ve never heard anyone reference Atomic Pizza on the topic of «best pizza.» Crust is the only thing they saves it; just a low to mid grade offering.
I’m sure in our creative gastronomic-​laden city there’s someone who can step up.

Best theater in town.
Pizza. Beer. Excellent popcorn.
Great seats.
70 mm films.
And no theater in town shows better films.

this place is more expensive than the budget theatre’s i cherish but they have killer pizza at the «pie hole» from next door atomic pizza, good beer and charming theatre spaces. they also host some of the more creative film fests, most recently an eco fest and animation festival! i mean where else can i go to sex themed animation afternoon on mother’s day?!
tip: always buy tix online before hand and you won’t risk missing out. the smaller theatre’s sell out fast for any newer film.

We saw It Follows here, a scary movie. It was a really great experience! We had pizza and beer from a can and the seats were cozy. People behaved during the movie.
I think the tickets are a little expensive FWIW but I also appreciate what they do for the film scene so I can’t complain too much. I’m comparing this to Laurelhurst or Bagdad which isn’t really fair since these seats are nicer, the picture and audio quality is better (than Bagdad at least) so yeah, okay. I’m sold! I’ll be back.
They also have a bunch of sponsor options if you’re into that kind of thing, to see special events or help fund their awesomeness!

History. Movies. Beer. Pizza. Portland.
The historic Hollywood Theatre is a Portland landmark. It’s a throwback to a different time that’s become loved as a modern piece of Portlandia where you can catch the latest independent films while sipping a beer and enjoying a slice of Atomic Pizza.
Back when silent movies weren’t an Oscar winning idea from France, the Hollywood Theatre was built in a remote part of Portland as a luxurious palace for entertainment. Since 1926, it has undergone numerous owners and screen changes. Today, it is Portland’s most popular independent movie theater offering all the the art house movies you just can’t find at the mall’s megaplex … making the Hollywood Theatre the perfect venue for Portland.
A non-​profit organization runs the theatre, so, a ticket to a movie here is more than just about entertainment as the group also hosts/​organizes numerous educational activities for the local community. Tickets are $ 8 for adults and $ 6 for seniors/​students.
The concession stand inside sells beer, popcorn, candy, and tickets for slices of next-​door-​neighbor Atomic Pizza which has a small window in the main theater hallway to pick up your pizza order.
The screen in the main theatre is fine as are the seats. The night we went, it was packed and very warm. It was an ok movie-​viewing experience and, of course, we just felt cool to be supporting independent films and the local community in a historic movie theater.
You will too because of the history, movies, beer, and pizza that totally screams Portland.

I’ve been to the Hollywood Theatre once, and it will not be the last time. It is a beautiful building that makes me feel as though I’ve entered a time warp. My mother-​in-​law watched the première of Mary Poppins here, so it’s awesome to think about all the history this theatre has.
The seats are comfortable and there is a table top in front of you, so that you can enjoy food and a brew or a glass of wine. You can also order tickets in advance if you are planning to attend a popular showing.