Scene One Spectrum 8 Theatres — Local services in City of Albany

If I were to describe the Spectrum Theater in two words, they would be classic and cozy. I hadn't been here in years, because honestly, I forgot it existed. I moved back to New York from California about 8 years ago and have been annoyed with the ridiculous prices of Capital Region movie theaters ever since. So I've found myself avoiding movies unless they are an absolute must-see big screen blockbuster like Star Wars or The Avengers. Everything gets queued for streaming in the comfort of my own home, and then I spend the hard earned money I save on things that are actually worthy of it's value.

Moving along, my friends and I were excited to see the new Absolutely Fabulous movie based off the 90's British sitcom, and The Spectrum was one of the only places in the area that we could see it (of course). Tickets were purchased for a reasonable price, and we headed over. As I entered the old school theater, it took me back to the 90's when I used to come here to see interesting independent films like Clerks by Kevin Smith. And then it all hit me like a rock to the head... Fair priced popcorn and drinks? Comfortable seating in a small theater where every seat is a pretty good one? Adults who shut off their cell phones and don't talk during the film? I even bumped into old friends I hadn't seen in years -- in the SAME movie?!?! I thought, what is this tomfoolery?

Then I remembered where I was, The Spectrum Theater. One of the best places to watch movies in the Capital Region. A place that doesn't gouge their customers. A place where the employees don't act like mindless drones. A place where a more intellectual crowd gathers for modern cinema. A place where you can see classic films, foreign films, and blockbusters alike. And through that one awesome experience, it's now my favorite theater...

We have loved the Spectrum for many years, but beginning to wonder if the current ownership is losing interest in some aspects of the business. The staff tend to be great, and the film choices remain attractive - however, attention to amenities is starting to slip. We went to a matinee a few weeks ago and the theater was filthy - the floor was so sticky we had to move our seats because our shoes kept sticking and unsticking as we moved. There were leftover cups in the holders, as well as empty candy boxes and popcorn bags on the floor. Last week we went to an evening movie and I got my usual popcorn - however it was TOTALLY stale....so chewy and uninspiring that though we were going to a late dinner and I was starving, I ate barely 1/4 of the bag. Upon leaving I tried to speak to someone at the concession counter, but no one was in sight. This week my wife went to an early afternoon movie with a friend, and the concession area was a mess - popcorn all over the floor and counter, and there was clearly no fresh popcorn in the machines (a welcome staple of the original Spectrum). One incident was chalked up to a rare miss-step, two incidents were concerning, three incidents is almost alarming. This is still our favorite place to see a movie, but the lack of attention to cleaning and quality of concessions is a red flag.

11/3/18 UPDATE: in all fairness I would like to update my previous review. Subsequent visits to Spectrum (we still love the place!) suggests that management acknowledged my observations and responded accordingly. On two or three visits since my review, the popcorn has been fresh and the theaters tidy. Film choices continue to be outstanding, and this continues to be our favorite place to...

To see a movie that's not in a mall, without the "mall" crowd, long lines, sticker shock prices, etc. Priceless. The theaters are smaller than the big theaters but I've never had someone tapping the back of my seat here, never seen a kid under 5 at an "R" rated movie, or ever been treated rudely here. The Spectrum 8 has plenty of safe parking, I've enjoyed movies there I never would have thought of seeing, and enjoyed most of them. The counter people are never rude, even when my wife is still deciding what to watch and asks them for suggestions with a line behind us...(BTW: thank you "salmon fishing in the Yemen" was excellent) Anyway, the reason I am writing this review: the other night we watch a movie then go to dinner. At dinner my wife can't find her phone. After dinner we drive back to the Spectrum 8, the doors are locked as they are playing their last movie of the night. An employee opens the door for her while I wait in the car. 5 minutes later my wife comes out with her phone. She tells me the employee asked her where she was sitting and he ducks in the theater with a flashlight in his mouth, like a ninja on his stomach crawls on the floor and retrieves the phone. He comes out of the theater with the phone and tells her, "good memory you were only 1 row off". If the doors weren't locked I would have gone in there and kissed him on the lips. (not really but you know what I mean) I have nothing left to say but Thank You. & the mint brownies...