Assigned seats being mandatory has really become annoying. Sure, if you WANT to pay another 1.50$ per ticket, cool. But what if you are like me and the way you go to the movies is on a BUDGET.
I get that Scotts Valley doesn't understand that word a lot, but that 1.50 PER ticket, not per transaction is a little bit of a deterrent. I plan to go places, and plan to see the movies before 12 so I don't pay 10.50 (or 8.50 at Matinee).
Having no other option than to use FANDANGO , well kind of sucks. If assigned seating is the option, I think that it should be available to purchase on their website as well. Without the convenience charge.
POSITIVE: That being said, I do enjoy the comfortable seats and clean theatre, they do a great job at keeping it that way. have always run into professional and courteous staff and management (with one exception, and he wasn't rude, just annoying)
Definitely enjoy not going to Santa Cruz for a movie anymore.
Popcorn and Caramel Corn usually fresh and delicious.
**ordered drinks a few times, one a mudslide kind of drink, we sat at the bar and drank it while we waiting for the movie, I noticed my cup wasn't absolutely full, no big deal, but I did see the "bartender" take the remaining mix from the blender, put it in a cup for himself that he slyly tried to stash under the counter, even saw another employee come up and take a drink. Must be a common practice, they had a system going. I would be aware Scotts Valley Cinema, that being seen by a health official or corporate... would probably get you some fines or in trouble. Pretty sure you don't condone drinking on the job, regardless of how watered down it is...
note, There was one seat "Barron" and when we (myself and my daughter) were sitting on one of our feet, were flashlighted and told that our shoes would ruin the seats so we needed to sit with feet on the ground. I kind of get this but then, not really. Were not jumping on the seats or grinding dirt in (I mean I WAS sitting on my own foot. If it was filthy, it would be all over me too) and the jewels on the backs of jeans nowadays, or the keys in pockets....it just...
Read moreBest movie theater in Santa Cruz County! First-run films, food (and booze!) options, assigned seating, ticket kiosks outside, DBox (if desired), clean restrooms and threaters -- it has it all -- and really great management and staff.
I'm a huge fan and would comment that to those here griping about beer and wine sales, or "greasy food" menus (like theater popcorn isn't the greasiest, nastiest thing ever) and all this stated confusion about assigned seating -- get over your own moral or mental challenges -- none of those gripes has anything to do with lowering the value of the movie experience for 99% of moviegoers and they are a real bonus to most people.
ALSO, it needs to be noted here that contrary to false negative reviews here the theater does NOT assign you seats. YOU PICK your seats. Can this be problematic for groups arriving late to get 6, 8, 10 seats together? YEP! But hey - there's a kiosk right out front that works 24/7, so if you plan ahead (or even call the theater) you can get your seats all bunched together. And as one commentator noted the theater management will also either offer a full refund if you, say, have a really tall person in front of your assigned seat -- or simply advise you that once the previews end and the movie starts you can find empty seats you might...
Read moreLove this theatre! Clean, comfortable, staff is professional and helpful. Management is observed floating from venue to venue troubleshooting issues and ensuring a high quality experience.
The assigned seating is actually a great benefit. I always get my favorite seats. The only time I don't like the assigned seating is when planning large group get-togethers. You can't just meet up at the movies anymore; for groups, you have to plan which showing and buy the block of tickets in advance so you can sit together.
The café food is upscale such as sliders, wraps, salads, restaurant-quality nachos (not just the usual low quality hot dogs, tortilla chips and cheese), and even their popcorn is better (Orville Reddenbacher) and hot dogs are large and plump, not the small, sad skinny dogs served by other theatres. While I've never taken advantage of it, they also have wine and a quality selection of beers for those who drink. If you get on the mailing list, you get regular coupons for free or discounted concession items.
I much prefer the Scotts Valley theatre goers to the Santa Cruz Cinema 9 movie watchers. The Scotts Valley audiences are well behaved. And unlike seeing a movie in Santa Clara or San Francisco, you can pretty much always get a seat, even if you do not plan ahead (no...
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