Byrd Theater
Byrd Theater
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
247 reviews
Excellent
148
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11
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4
Terrible
3
urbanguy
Richmond, VA5,104 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
The Byrd Theater, opened in 1928, is Richmond's "Movie Palace." All regular shows are $1.99 for seniors, adults, or children. On weekdays, there are generally two showings, an early show (7-7:30 PM) and a late show (9-9:30 PM). On weekends, in addition to the evening showings, they usually have matinees of G, PG, or PG-13 films. The movies are, of course, second run, but not all movies including well received movies will make it to the Byrd.
Prior to the Saturday night showings, there is a "show." That is, a huge Wurlitzer organ and organist rises out of the orchestra pit, and a 10-15 minute concert begins. Currently, there is a fund raising drive to "restore" the Wurlitzer.
Each spring, the Byrd hosts the French film festival (lasting four days), which may be the largest of its kind in the country. In 2010, there were approximately 22,000 tickets sold (not for $1.99). Ticket prices for other special showings, e.g., the upcoming, "The Big LEBYRDSKI," and the recent showing of the silent film, "Phantom of the Opera," with organ accompaniment, are generally more than $1.99.
Unfortunately, most of the seats are "original," and are consequently uncomfortable. This is the big negative of the Byrd. Our solution has been to get there early, try out a few seats, and find a couple that are relatively comfortable.
The Byrd Theater is designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They don't build them like this anymore. In fact, I think they stopped building one-screen theaters a long time ago!
Prior to the Saturday night showings, there is a "show." That is, a huge Wurlitzer organ and organist rises out of the orchestra pit, and a 10-15 minute concert begins. Currently, there is a fund raising drive to "restore" the Wurlitzer.
Each spring, the Byrd hosts the French film festival (lasting four days), which may be the largest of its kind in the country. In 2010, there were approximately 22,000 tickets sold (not for $1.99). Ticket prices for other special showings, e.g., the upcoming, "The Big LEBYRDSKI," and the recent showing of the silent film, "Phantom of the Opera," with organ accompaniment, are generally more than $1.99.
Unfortunately, most of the seats are "original," and are consequently uncomfortable. This is the big negative of the Byrd. Our solution has been to get there early, try out a few seats, and find a couple that are relatively comfortable.
The Byrd Theater is designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They don't build them like this anymore. In fact, I think they stopped building one-screen theaters a long time ago!
Written 5 November 2014
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.
Hui L
Austin, TX361 contributions
When time comes for me to move away from Richmond, Byrd Theater will be high on the list of the "things I miss". The ambience of this old old theater is non- describe in words, you gotta experience it!
Written 10 October 2014
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.
ltw52
Hampton, VA366 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
Ok, so it may not have "comfortable" seating (what it really is, is just old), but for $2 for a movie, who cares? It's a fabulous setting--just sitting and looking at the chandelier and artwork are worth the price of admission. I absolutely loved the organ player and the lack of trailers or commercials was totally refreshing, replaced by an old Walt Disney cartoon. It was a great look at the movie experience of yesteryear. Despite the seats being relatively small and perhaps uncomfortable for some, the theater seats hundreds and has a balcony that wasn't in use on the night we visited, but the capacity was surprising. Hint--if it's a weekend night, parking will be at a premium and the "parking garage" behind the theater will be full--park several blocks away and walk and you'll be well ahead of most still circling the block. Overall, it's what going to the movies use to be and was for us, a refreshing and enjoyable experience!
Written 16 March 2014
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.
Regina N
Washington DC, DC2 contributions
Mar 2012 • Friends
Excited to see the French Film festival, my friend and I travelled to Richmond only to be kept standing in the cold 15 minutes after the film was to start. A simple enquiry from the staff earned us some very rude remarks and our request to speak to the Manager resulted in a bully "muscle man" threatening us. I have never been so embarassed and will never, ever return to the theatre. Art is to be appreciated and paying art lovers should never be treated like common club gate crashers!
Written 2 April 2012
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.
Catherine M
MIDLOTHIAN10 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
We go to the Byrd almost every Saturday for the movie and the organ. It's an unbelievably good deal for a date night or with the kids. The original 1920's decor, including chandelier, is beautiful. The seats are cramped, but I guess people were smaller back when it was built. For only two dollars a ticket, I'm not complaining. We'll go see almost any movie at the Byrd. There's nothing to lose.
Written 3 November 2013
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.
CynthiaJ760
Azle, TX15 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
This theater is absolutely STUNNING! And for $2 a movie, you can't go wrong! Saturday nights are the best time to go for a show, but be sure you get in line early... you'll likely see it wrapping around the street corner, even when you show up early or on-time. Saturday nights are extra special because Bob Gulledge plays the Might Wurlitzer organ prior to the evening show starting. It is such a fun experience, and such a crowd-pleaser. This theater is so family-friendly as well.
Once you walk in the theater, it is like being at the opera at the turn of the century. The old, crushed-velvet red chairs are not very comfortable, but it's all part of the charm. Overall, it is such a great time, and draws a young, college-age but respectable crowd.
Once you walk in the theater, it is like being at the opera at the turn of the century. The old, crushed-velvet red chairs are not very comfortable, but it's all part of the charm. Overall, it is such a great time, and draws a young, college-age but respectable crowd.
Written 7 December 2012
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.
TeeJayD
Richmond, VA2 contributions
Dec 2010
Byrd Theatre is amazing. It's old and thats the best part. Everyone should go, it's cheap too. Movies are 1.99
Written 5 February 2011
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.
mark7579
Richmond, Va32 contributions
You can go see a movie on a date for less than $5. It is an older theater so I don't recommend seeing an epic 3 hour movie there.
Written 14 February 2010
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.
Bob K
Richmond, VA222 contributions
Jun 2019
No where else I know can you see a Saturday night movie launched by a concert on a Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra (aka The Mighty Wurlitzer). Bob Gulledge does a wonderful job keeping this tradition alive and well on weekends.
It was great growing up in Richmond hearing that incredible instrument played by Eddie Weaver. It's even better being able to enjoy the same in such an opulent environment and have popcorn too!
It was great growing up in Richmond hearing that incredible instrument played by Eddie Weaver. It's even better being able to enjoy the same in such an opulent environment and have popcorn too!
Written 2 December 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.
Brian Ochoa
13 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
The Byrd Theater was a breath of fresh air to my normal movie going experience. The tickets are cheap and its unlikely there will be a large crowd. Although it was built in 1928, it has everything you need. Comfortable enough seats, candy/popcorn, and a nice screen/sounds systems. My girlfriend and I had a great time looking throughout the theater before the show. We saw Lady Bird, how appropiate I know, and can't wait to see another movie next time we visit.
Written 12 February 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.
How is the sound system in the theatre? Is it comparable to the Regals and Paragons our there?
Written 19 December 2018
How large is the screen in comparison to the average seating distance from it?
Written 19 December 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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