The Princess Original Cinema — Local services in Waterloo

Princess is my favourite cinema! Both locations are great! The experience you get there is very personal, nothing like what you’d get at the Cineplex. The staff are friendly and up for a nice chat over films. Curation of the movies is excellent. From documentaries to cult classics and independent movies, you never feel like you live in a small city. I remember I was looking for screenings of ‘The Room’ when I lived in Toronto, but there were none, whereas The Princess in our very own Waterloo had them every month or so. I visited the cinema quite a lot during covid, and I felt absolutely safe in terms of social distancing, ventilation, sanitizing, and everything else. Their snack bar has beers, cookie dough, and hot apple cider in the winter! Although the cinema is closing again due to the restrictions, I know where I’ll be getting my popcorn for when I want to watch movies at home! They are open Tuesdays to Saturdays for that! They offer private bookings for your choice of movie for social bubbles of up to 10 people during the covid restrictions as well! What else...

I am glad that this place exists as Cinemas like these are a place of refuge for me. I saw the owner during the 40th anniversary Casablanca screening and I am moved by his dedication to film and showing movies other, larger ciniplexes ignore. My only gripe (and I get there really isn't anything anyone can do about this) is the lack of elevator going up and the amount of stairs. I personally don't mind but it must suck for people who are wheelchair bound. That being said, I bet the Twin is better for this. I cannot recommend the membership enough. $4 off a movie? I got mine a few weeks ago and it's paid for itself (although as a student I got a cheaper rate). All and all, a wonderful cinema ran by people who seem to really love film....

I love the OG Princess and the Princess Twin. Used to go to the OG at least once a week, when I went to Laurier many moons ago. Love the atmosphere. Love the unique movie viewing options. Have seen a few great shows at the Twin as well. Not sure where else I could have seen Trainspotting 2 - which I had been anticipating for a LONG time. Also the best place to go see Die Hard at Christmas on the big screen. Went to see a clip film about cats once, also, which was excellent.

I remember watching Napoleon Dynamite at the original, back when it was still an indie film and hadn't become a cult classic yet...not a single person in the theater who wasn't laughing.

Great place, great people,...