05/10/08

Best place to see a movie

by sisterinsong

What is it about this theater? Is it the tasty and not too salty popcorn? Is it the staff that's friendly and at least looks at you when they talk to you? Is it that the seats are comfy for a long movie afternoon? No, it's that this theater breaks the multiplex, nationally-owned mold and makes a profit... at least I hope they do. Because I drive from Capital Hill to this movie house, past many other venues, and will continue to do that as long as the Majestic Bay is open.

Old movie-house charm, state-of-the-art technology and urbane aesthetics--all in downtown Ballard.

by Contributor

In Short
An old-fashioned, 26-foot high sign--with "Majestic" spelled vertically in blazing neon lights--alerts you that a larger-than-life experience awaits inside. A nautical theme pervades: Robust mahogany doors with gold-rimmed portholes mark the entrance; glass-blown jellyfish light fixtures droop leisurely from ceilings. TThe generosity is both apparent and real--the theater is basically a gift from local philanthropists Ken and Marleen Alhadeff, the owners who paid $5 million for the theater's 16-month makeover.

10/31/06

Let's Go To The Movies

by danamoroberge

Seeing a movie at The Bay is worth it for no other reason than for the fabulously creative "instructional" clip shown prior to your film. And, you can smuggle in cupcakes from next door..

02/22/06

labor of love

by clarabiker

This place was a major undertaking by the family who owns it and they went to great lengths to do it right. They had a curtain built especially for them since none do that anymore, and there curtain always rises before the feature, because that's what a movie curtain should do. They found real mahogany to reuse in the panelling. They put two-ply paper in the bathrooms!

• Pros: beautiful interior, good selection, comfortable
• Cons: only early matinee

01/04/06

Nice Seats in Charming Part of Town

by raimundo

The seats in this theater are very nice, real high back seats and the theaters are intimate, not huge. Seems to always have the good movies here. And it's nice that it's on Market Street in Ballard near lots of restaurants and bars for a fun filled evening.

• Pros: High back seats, good movies, good part of town

10/01/05

Is the Bay going downhill?

by seattledrew

I've nearly always enjoyed my experiences at the Bay Theater, a beautifully restored Ballard theater.

However, today was the worst theater experience I've had. First, the lights came on during the movie twice, and it took 10 minutes to get them back on. Later, during the climax of the movie, the sound went off never to return. When we went to the lobby for a refund, chaos erupted, including the manager insisting that the glitches were due to weather, so we didn't really deserve either a refund or passes. When the crowd collectively groaned, he grudgingly provided passes while insisting that this wasn't something that he needed to do.

This is completely unacceptable. When I go out of my way to support a local business (we live in Broadview, much closer to Oak Tree), I expect excellent customer service. The Bay, unfortunately, seems to be slipping in this department.

09/30/05

My favorite theater

by janeaustenrocks

I'll go to movies I don't want to see just because they are at the Bay. Comfy and unique...plus there are cupcakes next door for after!

• Pros: comfort , location, nearby shops
• Cons: parking difficult

05/30/03

class, comfort, technology

by jerrodl

seldom in this world of giant corporations and poor customer service, does one come across a theatre like majestic bay. i know, i know -- this may sound like a bit much if you think i'm just writing about a theatre, but if you are a true movie fan, someone who hates with a passion this cineplex odeon's/loew's of the world, these comments are for you. "the bay" oozes quality, from its great sound system to its intimate theatres, to the incredible craftsmanship of the theatres themselves (the drapes, fixtures, and woodwork give most million dollar homes a run for their money). most of all, however, you can tell this theatre is run by a family who loves movies. and no, i don't know the family . . . but i really wish i did. the bay is what movie houses rarely are -- sweet and comfortable.

• Pros: the experience, the picture, the sound
• Cons: parking (street only)

01/20/03

The Best Small Theatre in Seattle!

by pstonge

If you want to experience the best small theatre with a contemporary flair - than this is it!

The theatre is a new theatre with comfortable seats,

excellent audio/visual, and located in area where

you can still find free parking within walking distance.

I would have to say without a doubt - this is my favorite Seattle theatre!

01/18/03

Gotta love this theatre

by technotrope

I agree with other reviewers who've stated this theatre can be one of the BEST experiences in Seattle. When we went, the owner came out before the show and gave us some history of the newly-remodeled theatre.

Yes, the individual theatres are small. But the seating is very comfortable, and the video and sound are first rate.

If you want to sit in a warehouse and can't appreciate a screen unless it's too big to see the whole picture without turning your head, go to the megaplexes downtown. If part of your experience is the quality of the appointments, try the Bay.

• Pros: Wonderful atmosphere
• Cons: Small theatres