Embassy Theater Waltham — Attraction in Waltham

A great cinema in all the important ways but no pomp and circumstance. Here are a few highlights...

Staff. Some of the nicest people I've ever seen in a cinema. Most movie theaters have disinterested teens or worn-down middle aged folks who either don't care at all or just care about the company policy that applies at the moment. The staff at this Embassy Cinema have been genuinely and consistently polite sometimes even cheerful. They listen, sometimes smile and try to help. They do not make a request seem like an imposition. They are surprisingly great in a realistic way.

Films. There is a good mix of art house and popular films. I end up seeing both types here. It seems that each showing I go to has a healthy group of people but no fights for good seats.

Atmosphere. The theater is not fancy, but the seats are reasonably spaced and pretty comfortable. The atmosphere is so much better than at West Newton and other haughty art house movie theaters. It may be a the clientele that make those places rough. It is a relief not to hear some loud couple in their 60s complain about anything and everything before having their new iPhone ring during the film because they don't know how it works and then leave while complaining again about how tough it was to find a parking spot for their white Mercedes.

Now I have been going to Landmark since I was a kid growing up on the south side of Waltham. It is a good little theater to have in the area but frankly, the past 3 experiences have been pretty irritating to me. The previous two times I went (Ocean's 8 and 50 Shades Freed) were so quiet, I found myself leaning in to hear what was being said during the spoken word scenes. Its not like these are big action films that the volume fluctuated on. They were mostly spoken word so I have no idea why the projectionist played them so low. Additionally, they never have their masking right. Both of these films, there was a 6 inch column on the side and bottom where the letter boxing was off. Last night was the nail in the coffin when I went to see Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and why I finally decided to write a review. Upon arriving in theater 3, the screen appeared to be set to a flat masking ratio but the commercials were running in scope. I assumed this would be adjusted before the film. Nope. The entire run of the film, the masking was set to Flat on a scope movie. Its not the biggest deal to most but it bothered me because it shows a lack of care of the part of the projectionist. Simply push the button to make sure it is the right aspect ratio. Next, Jurassic is supposed to be a loud movie. I appreciate a theater that does not make me lose my hearing but the fact I could hear the couple behind me chewing on their popcorn while the T-Rex was roaring is pretty bad. All I request is the projectionist spends some time in his theaters so he can quality check what is going on with the film. Finally, what set me off more than anything, was nobody came to shut our theater door. 15 minutes into the movie, when kids were running through the hall and screaming, most likely going to the kids movie of the night, it took me actually needing to get up during my movie to go close the door. Just seems a little disrespectful that the Landmark couldn't send someone to close their own theater door and a customer had to do so. I hope this review finds its way to management and the projectionist in order for these problems to be addressed...

I personally liked it better before- the pricing structure now is byzantine although only within a few dollars and the only way to know what a film costs is to go online and start to book -even though you have no intention of doing so as there's no posting at the register what you will pay based on film, day, time, age. Parking is more expensive now and no guidance anywhere outside - when you get there it's not at all clear what to do- there's an app but only for 2 hrs, meter but only up to 3 ( some movies are more and what if you want to go out afterwards?) My biggest gripe though is the utter rudeness of whoever is the 'owner' who responds here . I read all the recent reviews. I thought the city owned it now, so I assume a city employee. If the review is good, then you get a professional response. Otherwise, it sounds like a snarky defensive college frat boy is responding. The mayor should really vet these. Calling a lawyer cause you don't like a Yelp review lol. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Claiming it was made up? This is not a review of a surgeon's office; it's a movie theater. And while there is no masking protocol here ( not true there is none 'anywhere"- places like the ART don't require but do publicly encourage masks),,anyone who called asking about them should hear that masks are always welcome but not required. If the city of Waltham really owns the theater ,the responses to less than happy reviews should sound like they come from mature adults who can deal courteously with all members of the public.As for 'the best in the area" it's the only one in the immediate area; West Newton Cinema not far is less expensive, free street parking, easy fee structure and much less nice facility-but they are not trying to best anyone. Providing city services should never be overtly competitive when it's nonprofit and city-run. I hope the attitude improves. Now I know to leave time to park on street away from the paid apps/lots, sign up in person for the club ( also not mentioned at the cashier, only on website), and go on Tuesdays when there is then one price. I do wish the place luck. And I sorely miss...