Spectrum 8 Theatre
Spectrum 8 Theatre
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
33 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
11
Average
0
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Barbara T
Troy, NY37 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We went to see the Yogi Berra documentary because it was not available elsewhere. The long walk from the parking lot prohibits my handicapped daughter from attending anymore and limits me sometimes, but there movie selections interest me much more than the other theaters.
Admission costs at this art theater are lower than Regal.
Admission costs at this art theater are lower than Regal.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne H
Albany, NY19 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
Theater becoming more and more like mall theaters, with overpriced tickets, long lines for tickets, refreshments and lavatories, and, increasingly dull movie fare. Parking often difficult, too. Theater used to be only one worth going to, but decline that began some years ago, is gaining speed. Snack bar still has some gems!
Written January 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Von1287
Albany, NY773 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
We went here for the first time in a long time with movie pass cards, which was very easy because you dont have to wait in the ticket line and you can go right up to the guy/gal taking tickets and he/she scans your phone. Anyway, Thursday evening, steady flow of people in not too long of a wait for anything. restrooms can get busy... guys only one stall and one urinal.. ladies- 2 stalls only... yikes.
i believe it is around $10.50 to see a movie- theaters are half the size (seating and screen) as your usual regals ($13.75) in the area.
parking lot in rear with plenty of off street parking was a nice perk for the area!
our issue was the price at the food stand... $8 for two large coffees and an average brownie. popcorn and the ice cream were even more expensive at $6 for a small popcorn that was definitely small!
overall great old school feel and great location next to a lot of nice restaurants around!
will go back, just might bring my own snacks and drink next time... which they didnt seem to care that we had water bottles with us.
i believe it is around $10.50 to see a movie- theaters are half the size (seating and screen) as your usual regals ($13.75) in the area.
parking lot in rear with plenty of off street parking was a nice perk for the area!
our issue was the price at the food stand... $8 for two large coffees and an average brownie. popcorn and the ice cream were even more expensive at $6 for a small popcorn that was definitely small!
overall great old school feel and great location next to a lot of nice restaurants around!
will go back, just might bring my own snacks and drink next time... which they didnt seem to care that we had water bottles with us.
Written August 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven S
5 contributions
Jul 2023
The Spectrum runs a number of independent and lesser known films, which is great. Unfortunately, I've experienced some of the rudest moviegoers there, with an incessant need to talk through the film. Today one man was snoring, the couple behind me issued a running commentary of the action, and there were multiple conversations happening. For $30 I'd rather get takeout and steam a film at home.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toni P
New York28 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
We frequent the Spectrum for movies about every couple months. One reason we choose the Spectrum is for the "old school" ambiance, amazing popcorn and unique goodies at the concession stand.
This last visit was so disappointing, however, I was moved to share this review.
Upon entering the theater, we both noticed a bad smell...we couldn't tell what it was, but it certainly was unpleasant. We arrived about 10 minutes after a 7:15 movie started, so we got to our seats and decided to get some treats once we settled. When I went to the counter (about 10 minutes later) I was told that they were closed as the attendant was either discarding or bagging the popcorn.
After the movie was over, we used the restrooms on our way out. To say these were dirty was an understatement. I have used cleaner port-o-johns! We left feeling like our previously charming movie venue has taken a turn for the bad...Perhaps Regal will gain our business for our next movie date night, simply because they keep things MUCH cleaner and concessions don't close down at the beginning of the movie (just an annoyance). It's too bad, because Spectrum used to be the BEST for nostalgia and experience.
This last visit was so disappointing, however, I was moved to share this review.
Upon entering the theater, we both noticed a bad smell...we couldn't tell what it was, but it certainly was unpleasant. We arrived about 10 minutes after a 7:15 movie started, so we got to our seats and decided to get some treats once we settled. When I went to the counter (about 10 minutes later) I was told that they were closed as the attendant was either discarding or bagging the popcorn.
After the movie was over, we used the restrooms on our way out. To say these were dirty was an understatement. I have used cleaner port-o-johns! We left feeling like our previously charming movie venue has taken a turn for the bad...Perhaps Regal will gain our business for our next movie date night, simply because they keep things MUCH cleaner and concessions don't close down at the beginning of the movie (just an annoyance). It's too bad, because Spectrum used to be the BEST for nostalgia and experience.
Written December 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MovieGoer
1 contribution
Nov 2019
This theatre in the past was my go to spot for a movie, but it no longer is. It has definitely changed and not for the better.
Tonight I went to see a show, found a seat and after the movie had started (good 15 minutes) I left my seat to go back to the concession stand to purchase one more item. When I returned to my seat, I found that another guest had taken my seat even thou I had left refreshments at my seat. This person thought it was acceptable to just make me move. I didn't want to ruin the movie for the other movie goers so I moved to another section. Take note: I did say I left my seat after the movie had started.
After the movie ended, I asked 2 female staff members that were just sitting and talking, to see the manager. They looked at each other like they didn't know who the manager was. I explained the situation that had just happened and they just looked at me. About this time I pointed out who the couple was that took my seat. The women acknowledge she saw my refreshments at my seat. She said she thought it was left over from a previous show. She said she was sorry. Sorry is a easy thing to say after you are so selfish that you don't move to another seat that may not be as appealing.
The staff lack of reaction to the situation doesn't cut it either. This place is not what it use to be.
In addition to this, there have been numerous times in the last few months that the concession stand has not had advertised products. E.g. There was no banana bread tonight. And the prices are getting out of hand.
So I can relate to some of the other reviews I see posted.
There are a lot of other movie locations around, with nicer facilities, which I will be visiting more often now.
Tonight I went to see a show, found a seat and after the movie had started (good 15 minutes) I left my seat to go back to the concession stand to purchase one more item. When I returned to my seat, I found that another guest had taken my seat even thou I had left refreshments at my seat. This person thought it was acceptable to just make me move. I didn't want to ruin the movie for the other movie goers so I moved to another section. Take note: I did say I left my seat after the movie had started.
After the movie ended, I asked 2 female staff members that were just sitting and talking, to see the manager. They looked at each other like they didn't know who the manager was. I explained the situation that had just happened and they just looked at me. About this time I pointed out who the couple was that took my seat. The women acknowledge she saw my refreshments at my seat. She said she thought it was left over from a previous show. She said she was sorry. Sorry is a easy thing to say after you are so selfish that you don't move to another seat that may not be as appealing.
The staff lack of reaction to the situation doesn't cut it either. This place is not what it use to be.
In addition to this, there have been numerous times in the last few months that the concession stand has not had advertised products. E.g. There was no banana bread tonight. And the prices are getting out of hand.
So I can relate to some of the other reviews I see posted.
There are a lot of other movie locations around, with nicer facilities, which I will be visiting more often now.
Written November 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy B
Albany, NY25 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
This theater has lost its soul. I will NEVER COME BACK TO THIS THEATER. It has been our favorite theater for over 30 years - they towed my car because I “wasn’t in a parking spot”. I was not blocking the flow of traffic whatsoever. What kind of soulless establishment does something like this to patrons? I am beyond disgusted with you Spectrum - soulless manager Bekah has forfeited my family’s business. Her parting words to me were that she’s sorry that having my car towed “didn’t work for [me]”. Seeing this movie cost us $160 — way to ruin an evening out for a long time customer.
Tow truck driver confirmed that my car was NOT blocking traffic. He was such a doll — he felt so bad for us that he gave us back some of the money. Kind of lifted our spirits after dealing with soulless assistant managers Bekah and Nora at The Spectrum Theater.
I called to speak with manager, Joe, today. The woman who answered the phone could give me no idea when he will be in.
Tow truck driver confirmed that my car was NOT blocking traffic. He was such a doll — he felt so bad for us that he gave us back some of the money. Kind of lifted our spirits after dealing with soulless assistant managers Bekah and Nora at The Spectrum Theater.
I called to speak with manager, Joe, today. The woman who answered the phone could give me no idea when he will be in.
Written December 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LMom1
United States373 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
This theatre has changed hands, and is going downhill. Many of us remember it fondly due to past experiences. However, under new ownership, the maintenance and upkeep is poor. The theatres are small with aging chairs and really bad floors. They also are not honoring guest passes purchased from the theatre when it was under previous ownership. The company they purchased had received the guest pass income, so they should honor the guest passes. Patrons shouldn't lose money because the theatre changed hands.
Written January 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MissJJ
199 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
Although they could use more comfortable chairs I love this place. They have the best popcorn ever with real butter! Great selection of food ie coffee and chocolate cake. It’s and old theater with great charm.
Written October 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G.Crewell
Altamont, NY24 contributions
Aug 2018
Small theater with wonderful deserts. The staff is always friendly and the place is kept clean. Down side it can be cold in spots in the middle of winter (bring a sweater)
Written August 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingSpectrum 8 Theatre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Spectrum 8 Theatre
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Spectrum 8 Theatre Information
Excellent Reviews | 17 |
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Very Good Reviews | 11 |
Spectrum 8 Theatre Photos | 2 |