Hate to break it to all of you yupsters, but the Grandview Theatre is NOT independently owned. It is operated by Mann Theatres, who also run Champlin and a few other of those "twenty screen... More

Hate to break it to all of you yupsters, but the Grandview Theatre is NOT independently owned. It is operated by Mann Theatres, who also run Champlin and a few other of those "twenty screen multiplexes" you find out in the burbs. Steve Mann will NEVER install new chairs or nicer facilities, because he simply does not need to. He makes all of his cash off the suburban theaters, and keeps the Highland and Grandview open because they cost ZIPPO to run (every employee makes minimum wage) and he can rake in a few extra dollars off shmucks like you who think they are supporting a locally owned theater. I worked at the Grandview for 4 years and was never treated with anything but the uttermost disrespect by management (we were robbed 5 times, two at gun point, while I worked there and Steve still won't put in a security camera.) Support the grandview, but do it only to save some gas money driving out to the burbs.
Less

I am a huge advocate for the indie film house/art house cinema. And I go back to the Varsity, thru the years of U Film Soc, Oak Street, Suburbian World, Uptown, Parkway, Heights, Riverview,... More

I am a huge advocate for the indie film house/art house cinema. And I go back to the Varsity, thru the years of U Film Soc, Oak Street, Suburbian World, Uptown, Parkway, Heights, Riverview, Highland, and Grandview, etc. We need more of cinemas that seek to give the filmgoing audience greater choices and something other than the mainstream big box office releases. However, these old cinemas cannot escape the overwhelming responsibility to provide an excellent film-viewing experience and many fall short. It disappoints me when they do because I know many of these theaters are hanging on my a shoestring and loosing box office receipts every month. The Parkway slid steadily into a poorly managed and neglected auditorium and spells disaster for any entertainment business. Recently at the Grandview, we went to see the documentary SICKO and two thirds into the screening the audio/video system went bonkers and we started hearing the extremely annoying and poorly produced pre-film ads and tacky music we have to tolerate ad nauseam before seeing the film. Add to the fact that the theater will only accept cash at the box office (this only hurts their business in the long run) and poorly maintained restrooms (dirty and unkept) along with broken down chairs (you have to move around the auditorium to find a fully supportive back on their chairs) -- I can only think that it is a matter of time before the doors are going to close here. And then we'll hear the screams that the indies have been run out of business by the DVD rentals or internet downloads when, in fact, the theater itself brought on many of its problems. Now, by contrast check out Riverview where the theater is properly maintained in the character of when it was built, the management is always looking for new ways to bring in the local community or support special film and media events. The Riverview tries harder and it makes a huige difference to the experience of seeing a film. I hope Grandview can learn lessons from Riverview. Pay attention to providing the best film-going experience for your audience and clean your theater! And that's what it is all about!
Less

The Grandview, on Grand Avenue would be a GREAT theater if they would just do one thing - replace those old rickety chairs. With their prime location, taking out a business loan to upgrade to... More

The Grandview, on Grand Avenue would be a GREAT theater if they would just do one thing - replace those old rickety chairs. With their prime location, taking out a business loan to upgrade to some nicer seating would send this landmark movie theater into super-profitable territory. They have the advantage of loyal clientelle, who have been going there because they are indpendantly owned & local, for years. The atmosphere inside is vintage and fun. And the location is perfect, on busy, fun, Grand Avenue. But if you are looking for the latest theater ammenities, cup holders, stadium seating, leg room, this is not going to do it for you. The Grandview theater is old school style. And maybe that's part of it's charm.
Less

I really enjoy this theatre! It has a very nice atmosphere and being on grand avenue sure doesnt hurt! There are always top notch movies playing on their two screens and its a nice getaway from the... More

I really enjoy this theatre! It has a very nice atmosphere and being on grand avenue sure doesnt hurt! There are always top notch movies playing on their two screens and its a nice getaway from the 20 plexes that are springing up left and right in the twin cities. Great theatre for a date! check it out:)
Less

Okay Theater, Great Location The Grandview Theater is one of two remaining neighborhood theaters in the Groveland and Highland neighborhoods of residential Saint Paul. The theater’s Grand Avenue... More

Okay Theater, Great Location The Grandview Theater is one of two remaining neighborhood theaters in the Groveland and Highland neighborhoods of residential Saint Paul. The theater’s Grand Avenue location can’t be beat. The theater plays mainstream movies and select “art house fair”. Unfortunately the “art house” flicks tend towards saccharin titles like “Bend it Like Beckham” and “Billy Elliot”. Both of which enjoyed extended runs at the theater. Additionally non-mainstream titles are normally relegated to the upstairs “Screening Room” . Like so many theaters in the area, the formally one-screen Grandview has been divided into two theaters. , and “Screening Room” is a euphemism for “cramped, converted balcony”. Ticket prices are average and so are concessions. What can’t be beat is the theater’s Grand Avenue location. Enjoy a coffee at Dunn Bros after the show. Between the Grandview Theater and its sister theater, the Highland, you should never have to drive to a suburban multiplex again. There is plenty of street parking. At night, parking is also available in the Wells Fargo lot across the street.
Less