Everyone loves a great movie, and sometimes getting out of your comfort zone-infused Netflix couch adds excitement, and allows you to skip the fights over the remote control. Whether you are a weekend fan or prefer the traditional midweek deal, Toronto is blessed with a diverse range of movie theatres to soak up the joys of the silver screen. Check out some of the most unique venues in the GTA.
The Scotiabank Theatre, formerly known as the Paramount Theatre, is located in the Entertainment district in downtown Toronto. It has 14 auditoriums fitted with IMAX screens, six with 3D screens, and state-of-the-art audio. Renowned all over Toronto, the Scotiabank Theatre showcases the latest movies and is one of the major venues to host the Toronto International Film Festival movies.
Formerly known as the Bloor Cinema, the Bloor Hot Docs is located in the Annex district in downtown. The movie theatre is the primary home of the Canadian International Documentary Festival and hosts yearly screenings of documentaries and films. The two-level theatre has a bar, and features in-seat cup holders allowing you to enjoy drinks in your seat. The cinema has an excellent reputation and is repeatedly selected as one of Toronto’s best.
Renowned as one of Toronto’s most famous cinemas, the TIFF Bell LightBox is located at the corner of King Street West and John Street. It features five cinemas, two restaurants, a gift shop, a rooftop terrace, and learning studios. It is also the Toronto International Film Festival headquarters, hosting several film screenings and international feature film festivals. Considered the ultimate downtown theatre, the TIFF Bell Lightbox theatre has quiet soundproof auditoriums with comfortable seats and quality sound projection.
The newly-renovated Royal Cinema features state-of-the-art Dolby calibrated recording stage with a 400-seat capacity, complete with in-house audio and 35mm projection with a live streaming capacity. The College Street cinema is known for its classic indie movies. It also hosts free monthly screenings of cult classics, along with documentaries and international films.
Considered one of the oldest cinemas in Toronto, the Fox Theatre was built in 1914. Located in the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto at the intersection of Queen Street East and Beech Avenue, it underwent extensive restoration in 2007. The theatre showcases single-screen movies along with classic Hollywood movies and foreign films. It includes plush reclining red-finish seats with cupholders, and serves wine, beer, and a dose of nostalgia, thanks to its old-fashioned popcorn machines and chalkboard menus. If you are in the quiet and pristine area of The Beaches, this is the movie theatre to check out.
If you are heading to the cinema with a group of friends, the Cineplex Queensway has fewer crowds and a large parking lot. It has 20 large screens with comfortable state-of-the-art reclining seats. The theater is known for its VIP experience, replicating the red-carpet treatment for its guests. Expansive hallways and friendly staff complement the movie theatre. Among its most notable perks is the ability to select your preferred seats beforehand. It also has several restaurants with great menu options delivering food and drinks to your seat.
David Messiha | Staff Writer
