Madison Theater

I love this place. It takes the movie experience to a whole new level, even during Covid. There is food and drink...GOOD food and drink. My burger was done perfectly, and the fries were crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside (double fried maybe?). The boozy shake (maple bacon bourbon) was mostly bourbon, and no complaint here, but there was definitely ice cream in it, also.

Lastly, it's good food and good times, as the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Quick to help, or suggest, or explain, all within Covid restrictions, the atmosphere is truly a casual night out with friends hat will stay with you a long time.

I've been wanting to go to the Madison Theater since it was renovated and reopened in its current form. Finally, fate intervened. As I was heading home, I passed the theater and saw on the marquee Mad Max was starting in ten minutes.

Not the new Mad Max mind you, the original.

Movies are meant to be seen on the big screen. Some are fine at home, but I don't have a man cave and I don't turn the sound up loud. Going into a theater is an immersive experience and really helps you to focus on the picture.

Amazingly, even on a Saturday night, including myself there were only three people in the audience. And for a moment there I thought I was going to have a private showing.

Part of that may be that despite the sign suggesting a 9:30 start time, the box office looked closed. And when I tried to suggest to the lady behind the concession stand that I'd like to see a movie, she didn't quite seem prepared to sell me a ticket.

And when I asked where to head from there, she had to once again leave to find out. It was really quite odd.

Also odd were the ratting and banging noises coming from the air conditioning grates in the ceiling of theater four. Once the action picked up, it wasn't quite as distracting as I had feared, but I hope they get it fixed. Much like I hope they get the theater cleanliness fixed. Because there was an empty soda can in the arm rest left over from a prior showing.

Like I said, none of these things will prevent me from going back. I love seeing older movies on the big screen. But it could explain why the place wasn't more busy.

I'll look forward to awarding this theater a fifth star as it grows and becomes a vital part of the community.

I write this review with a heavy heart. I'm worried. I'm very worried, but more about that in a moment.

Madison Theater is special and I adore it.

Madison Theater has been around it seems forever. It was built in 1929, 86 years ago. It was built on the cusp of the Great Depression, before World War II.

Think about that for a moment.

This little theatre, on Madison Ave., has managed to survive in one form or another for 86 years. That's quite something.

The current owners have completely refurbished the building. It has three movie screens, with a fourth space dedicated to live performances that seats 168 people. Two of the three theaters seat 120, the third seats 90. The theaters have very comfortable seats (that recline) and modern surround sound systems. When watching a movie here you won't miss the larger (chain) theaters at Crossgates or Colonie Center. In fact, compared to Madison Theater, they seem grossly overpriced. Admission to a movie here is only $5.

For a more comprehensive write up, see All Over Albany's article written last year just before they reopened: http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2014/01/06/a-peek-at-the-reopening-madison-theater

The concession stand is special too. They only sell organic products made by hand. That's fantastic, but what caught my attention is the popcorn.

The popcorn is popped in coconut oil.

Years ago all movie theaters popped their popcorn in coconut oil, but the powers that be decided that was unhealthy. They deemed coconut oil evil, and pressured movie theaters into abandoning it. But coconut oil was used for good reason, and the popcorn at Madison Theater is out of this world. They'll top it with real butter it you opt for it, and I recommend you do, because the combination of the coconut oil and butter combines to give the popcorn an unctuous mouthfeel and rich decadence that is amazing. It has a very subtle coconut flavor, and it's better than any other popcorn I can remember eating. If you don't want to see a movie, stop in anyway, and grab a bag of popcorn. It's that good.

But as I said, I'm worried. I've seen three movies here, and all three times the theaters have been nearly empty. On my most recent visit, my wife, me, and my daughter were three of only nine people in the theater. I'm worried that business is so bad, they'll close up shop. That would be a terrible shame. Because, as I said, Madison Theatre is special, and it deserves to do well. It's historical significance is something to be proud of. It will be a great loss for Albany if it closes.

I don't know why I didn't write a review previously, but I'm a big fan of this theater! It's very charming and has a vintage feel, makes you feel like you are kind of stepping back in time.

I'll reiterate what some have said about the tickets being super cheap - especially compared to more modern theaters in the area. They play some great old classic movies, and also newer movies a little bit later than other larger theaters. Their snack options are unique, and the location is great - you can enjoy a nice dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants and then take a short walk down to the theater to complete a nice night out.

I do love me a nice fountain diet coke when I'm at the movies, and that wasn't an option, but it certainly won't prevent me from returning in the future!

This isn't just a theater- it's now a Performing Arts Center! Yes, there are new and old movies. But now, there also are live acts: live music and comedy. There is a partial bar- wines & "beer, here." Reputation has it that the popcorn is better than Landmark/Spectrum. I am happy to support the last and only independent theater in Albany.
Cheers!

My husband and I tried this theatre on a whim and may I say I am a huge fan of historic theaters. This theater has quite the charm about it and I love feeling as if I have stepped back in time.

That being said, we were greeted at the door by a guy eating a bagel. We ordered drinks and popcorn. The guy proceeded to fill our cups with ice and the sodas all while chomping on his giant bagel. Now, I'm not against someone eating during a slow lull, but he could have at least put down the bagel just long enough to fill our beverages. The popcorn was tasty and the sodas were well carbonated which was nice.

The movie theatre was small, but the screen was a good size. I'm not sure if they were trying to cut down on the heating bill, but the room was freezing! I kept my coat and hood up the entire movie. Also, the ladies bathroom was pretty gross. Two of the three toilets were dirty and clogged.

All in all, not a terrible experience, but not the best.
I wish the staff could care a little more about cleanliness and customer service and the theatre could be warmed a bit more. I'd really hate to see a charming and historic theatre go downhill because of these reasons.

I LOVE the madison theater! Here are five reasons why you should love it too!

1. The popcorn is legit! Made with coconut oil, the perfect portion size and only $1 on Tuesdays!
2. The seats are new, big and comfy.
3. The snacks are high quality... ex. dark chocolate, vintage sodas etc and reasonably priced.
4. The ticket prices are only $5!
5. Its a little slice of history in the Upper Madison neighborhood updated for us to enjoy today. :)

I hadn't been here since it was renovated and I was really surprised and impressed with how nice it was. The theaters have nice new reclining seats and seemingly completely up to date video and sound systems. No difference from the big chains nad nicer / newer than the Spectrum. I love that you can go next door to the Tierra roasters (nuts / snacks) or the coffee shop for food to bring into the theater as they are owned by the same group as the theater. And the popcorn was fantastic.

Props for renovating the Marquee outside and for investing in the building and the community.

I went to see Mike Stern at the Madison Theatre and wow! Amazing venue for acoustics! I didn't love that you couldn't dance, but otherwise I had a great time!

The wine and beer selection in the theatre makes this theatre fabulous! There are vegan dessert options, real popcorn served with real butter, healthy non GMO snack items and a cafe next door if you need an espresso or some thing more substantive. It's a great place to take a date (I was impressed when my Bf took me;) a little outdated it seems, but it gives you that sense of "nostalgia" when you walk in and feel like you've time traveled.

Parking was ok. In the past I've parked in the price chopper lot (at my own risk) because there are signs everywhere indicating not to. I recommend street parking to be safe. I can't wait to go back!

I went to Madison theatre during the Improv Festival. The theatre was very clean and staff were all very good too. Although I didn't see any movie there but the improv festival was very refreshing. And oh, their popcorn. It was super yummy and the best theatre popcorn ever.