Lighthouse Cinema & Café — Attraction in Pacific Grove

I had never been to this place while the previous owners had it, so I can’t attest to what has changed, and what hasn’t, that said: I’m sad to say my first impression here was not a good one. I know Lighthouse Cinemas was a beloved location by the community, and even though I don’t particularly enjoy going to the theater, I was also feeling unease about it going up for sale, and what would happen when it was bought up. I was happy to learn that it would remain a theater under its new owner.

I had always wondered what it was like on the inside, and now I finally had an excuse to find out as they were screening a film I was very eager to see, that wasn’t playing anywhere else close by.

Im sad to say my first impression with this place was not a good one. The renovations of the front door and lobby create a striking atmosphere, however, that was quickly dampened when I saw only one employee who was doing everything from selling tickets, to preparing food, and bringing out said food to customers. She was breaking her back for this place and I felt sympathy towards her. I buy my tickets, get seated, the first thing I notice was some objects blocking a portion of the screen, presumably left over from an event that occurred earlier. The movie starts, the aspect ratio is off, and I may not have noticed this if it weren’t for the fact the actors are speaking French in the opening minutes of the film, and the subtitles were cut off. At some point I think the person running the projector finally noticed, because it was fixed, however, I could not get back those first ten minutes. The projector quality was also very poor. The colors were very washed out, and some details were difficult to make out, even in a dark room. A lot of money went into renovating the lobby, bathrooms, and exterior, but couldn’t some of that gone into upgrading the projectors? Maybe I’m stupid, but the draw of a theater are the films, why wouldn’t you your projectors? I think this is my biggest complaint of the...

Yes, it is small. It is outdated. However, these qualities are exactly what keeps away the nuisance people who go to the mall and decide to see a random movie just because they're bored. The same people who somehow STILL remain bored during the movie and feel the need to text or loudly talk amongst themselves. The lighthouse 4 is quaint, quiet, cozy, and easy on your wallet. I recommend attending a couple days after the initial release of big blockbusters (marvel movies for example). You'll basically have the entire room to yourself and maybe a few others. There is also a large off street parking lot. My only complaint is that the seating is not levelled. Rather, it slants forward with the viewing floor and causes various pains depending on how you're sitting. That being said, I still vastly prefer it over the more modern theaters...

Friendly staff, great movie theater popcorn, reasonable prices, newer comfy seats in an old-school cinema setting. If you’re in PG and want to see a movie, look no further!

We stopped here during their Spooktacular and the week of their groovy monster mayhem showing, which included the original Halloween and Fantasm! After being invited into the lobby to see their haunt (yes, a Halloween haunt constructed in the lobby) and all of their spooky decor, we absolutely had to see a show. These people are truly Halloween MVPs and they started the show with some spooky skeletons and a little indie movie they produced about the theater’s ghost projectionist, Dr. Horseman. In all, I still don’t know what Fantasm is really about, but we had an authentically spooky time and can’t wait...