Landmark's Aquarius Theatre — Attraction in Palo Alto

I reviewed the Guild Theater in Menlo Park recently and I have similar nostalgic feelings for what is now known as the Aquarius Theater, on Emerson Street in Palo Alto. This charming, run-down theater has been an institution in Palo Alto for decades. It's a theater with two sides, showing at least two films all the time but, astonishingly, on some weekends, managing the gymnastic feat of showing six films on some sort of rotating basis whose logic only the management has mastered. These theaters are beloved, not because of any comfy factor one could identify, certainly not because of mainstream blockbuster movies which make their way there. There is no comfort. There are no blockbusters. The Aquarius shows only first-rate independent and foreign films which appeal to a certain type of educated audience which appreciates films which are challenging, thoughtful, ambiguous and complex. Sometimes segments of the audience will gather in front after the film to discuss its themes, its merits, its undercurrents and assumptions, and to compare the film to other work by the same director or the same cinematographer. Aquarius filmgoers take their films seriously but have joyous times discussing them. And, again like the Guild Theater in Menlo Park, the popcorn is outstanding. And -- I say this out of pure love -- one could visit either theater and count it as an...

A friendly, helpful staff. Unique Independent, Artsy, and Foreign films are shown here. The theatre was recently rennovated: so now it looks great, and it is kept very clean. Expect roomy leather seats here. In one of the two theatres, the seats recline. 👍

The theatre has great access for wheelchairs or handicapped persons. There is Handicapped parking at two parking lots beside the theatre. The theatre offers teas, coffee, soda, wine, and other great drinks. Tasty food selection, snacks, popcorn, candy bars, cookies ... 'better quality' of items compared to most other 'general' movie theatres. Offers senior and student ticket prices. This is a 'very popular' movie theatre for Palo Alto, Stanford, and neighboring...

First off, finding nearby parking is extremely difficult, especially during prime evening hours! I had to circle around for 10 minutes, waiting for someone to leave. Inside they have a fancy touchscreen kiosk like panel to enter your confirmation number and pick up your tickets. The ushers were polite. The bathroom has some fancy features like a artsy looking urinal but felt a bit cramped. The theater itself was rectangular in shape, with lots and lots of rows. The screen size is a bit smaller vs the big movie chains. The leather-like seats was comfortable and had a nice smell to it. So in summary, it's a nice, cozy, independent theater spruced up with some...