California Theatre
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: Yes
128 reviews
Campbell, CA
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24 Reviews for California Theatre
If you ever get the chance to see something here, run, don't walk! It's one of the most beautiful theaters I have ever seen. On the outside it does not look like much but step inside and it's heaven! I saw a Maverick Presentation with Michael Keaton here for Cinequest 2008. Prior to the presentation there was a student quartet playing. The acustics sounded great and the students did a great job. I would love see they Symphony here.
It's so sad we don't have more theaters like this one. This is a gem in downtown San Jose!
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I've stood on the stage of the California Theatre before a full-house and introduced films and filmmakers. It's an amazing experience looking out over the audience there and it's an amazing thing to see to a film there as well.
The Cinequest screenings at the California are very different. There's no popcorn of refreshments allowed. It's an up-scale Opera venue, so they have that rule and you never realise how much you miss that little thing until it's gone.
The theatre itself is a masterpiece. Much grander than the Stanford, it has a lovely lobby and the entire theatre just sings. I wish I could have seen it in it's heyday. It's not quite the Paramount in Oakland, but it is impressive.
The place shows films and plays and Opera. I recommend them all!
So happy that this theater was renovated to be reopened. Thank you Mr. Packard's son. Back when I was going to school at SJSU, I got to take a behind the scenes tour of this theatre. Let me tell you that this beast is amazing. The organ player was there and treated us to a live performance. They have state of the art everything and they are so clean at keeping things neat.
Been here for operas and the movie nights. Saw for my first time, "Breakfast at Tiffanie's." I'd love to go back again sometime to see more productions.
I came here to watch The Magic Flute with some friends and I was so impressed with the interior. I had passed by this place multiple times every day without actually knowing what was inside. I was shocked to see the beautiful decor inside, and how clean everything was. I definitely came with no expectations and was dazzled off my feet.
I LOVE Mozart, and I had wanted to go to the opera for a while now so it was a very rare treat to find people who were willing to come with me. Overall, the experience was fantastic. The seating was great and I had a good view of the translator on top of the stage. The audience was polite and well behaved, and there were no cell phones going off in the middle of the performance.
I would definitely come here again. Street parking may be hard because it's in the downtown area. I parked at San Jose and walked 4 blocks down. There are clubs, bars, and lots of food in the near vicinity, so there's more to do afterwards.
Definitely one of the most gorgeous complexes in San Jose. Judging from the exterior I was expecting something a lot smaller and simpler than reality. Upon entering, I was amazed by the spacious elegance and simplicity. It's just the "right" size, although a little more on the small side. Definitely check out this place if you're in San Jose.
A superb way to spend the evening. Well worth every penny. The venue is fantastic and it is almost a shame that this place is hidden by the craziness we call San Jose.
My list of the "Most stunning historical venues in California":
The Legion of Honor
Grace Cathedral
The Palace Hotel Garden Court
The Fox Theatre in Westwood
Royce Hall at UCLA
And now added to that list:
California Theatre in San Jose
Last night, we came here for the Cinequest Film Festival and saw the Irish romantic comedy "Speed Dating." I'd never been to the California Theatre before, which was renovated and re-opened in 2004. Who could imagine such grandeur existing around the corner from Agenda Lounge.
We were running late, and actually ran to our seats. We had no idea where to enter, but decided to go upstairs rather than down, and found ourselves going through the doors marked "Mezzanine." When I opened the door, it was like stepping inside another world. The theatre was SO impressive. It's the epitome of movie palaces, and I could not get over how breathtaking it was.
After the movie was over (it was a great movie, btw), a few lights turned on and there was a spotlight on two men who got on stage for a Q&A with the writer/director/antagonist of the film. The curtains were being drawn, and I was able to get a really good look at the elaborate details of the theatre. We were sitting in the mezzanine, which meant there was a huge orchestra section beneath us and a huge balcony section above us. The ceilings were so high, and the fixtures and designs were so beautiful. Even the seats were elegantly upholstered and the framework was intricate.
As a Silicon Valley native, I can't believe I had never been here before. This is easily my favorite historic landmark in San Jose, and truly a venue that everyone should visit. I wish they played movies here on a regular basis, but I'm so glad I was finally able to come here for Cinequest 2008. The theatre is home to the Symphony, so I'll definitely be back for a concert.
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I watched "Art of Travel" here and it was an awesome movie. Makes me want to travel after I finish up school and before I really settle down.
Well, after the viewing was over, two main characters: Brooke Burns and Christoper Materson, plus the director and a few other people from the set, they all were up there on the stage answering audience questions. What?! I've never experienced something like this before. WOW! It was great.. the best of from a theatre. I love Brooke, she's so beautiful and full of charisma.
Loved the experience. :O)
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this place is like a hidden gem! From the outside it doesn't look too spiffy - but when you cross the entrance doors is as if you entered Narnia. It's that crazy!
Beautiful decorations and helpful staff make this place a "must-come-back-again" type of place.
Gorgeous! Cal and I came here last night to see Eden Court, the first movie of the Cinequest Film Festival. We had to sit in the balcony because the lower levels were full, but we still had a good view of the screen. No major flubs with sound or picture quality.
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A beautiful theater that might have been torn down had it not been for strong opposition from people who actually appreciate good architecture. Been there a few times and definitely feel like I'm in a different era. The detail on the walls, ceilings, ALL OVER would not be replicated in this age. For years this place was empty and neglected. I recall walking past it and always wondering what would happen to this place. I had never been inside but could sense it was a beautiful building. Off course SF lost it's State Theater in the 1960s what a terrible loss. I"m on a rant here as it still makes me angry grrr., but we also lost many building at Agnew's in Santa Clara because Sun Micro Systems wanted to "create jobs" and didn't want to renovate the largest and best preserved Mediterranean Revival style buildings. The voters of Santa Clara passed the measure which allowed the destruction as Sun Micro Systems promised "jobs". Hmm I wonder if their are H1-B jobs :0).
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I think this place is pretty nice. I was also here for Cinequest and met Danny Glover, TWICE! He asked me how I was doing. As an opera singer, I was excited to finally see the home of San Jose Opera. It looks like a regular theater from the 50s on the outside but the inside is decorated like a classic hall.
Our teacher took us on a "field trip" here to see madam butterfly..
and daaaamn its hella nice inside.
im not that into opera..i dont think any of us were. haha
but we were all stunned on how beautiful it is inside.
yea yea..we all pretty much fell asleep during the whole thing..but thats just cuz we werent too into it hahaha.
other then that its really really nice in there.
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I just attended the Cinequest Film Festival here and I lucked out with this theater. Outside looks very traditional like the theaters from back in the day. Inside I felt very well treated as if I'm about to see an opera. I think I heard the guy who did the introductions say that they spent $75 million for the renovation?
Seatings are a bit small, but if they were any bigger, I probably would've dozed off watching 'Curiosity Kills The Cat'. It was a slow moving drawn out film (in Chinese) about a girl who takes pictures with her camera phone and captures bits and pieces of a plot leading to murder. It was interesting, but definitely not creative. It was Tarantino-esque with different perspectives climaxing to the real motive. Oh well, you win some, you lose some...
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A beautiful theatre! I've only been for a Cinequest 2006 film, though (The Gold Bracelet). The decor is amazing, from the ceiling down. The seats are plush & comfy, and the aisles wide enough so that you don't have to climb over people and tall people's knees (definitely not me) aren't jabbing the people in front of them. So, if whatever you're there for ends up being boring, or before it starts, you can entertain yourself by checking out all the decor (ahem, I used to do that in our college music hall, which had a gorgeous ceiling--that's why I loved sitting in the balcony).
Located on First, south of San Carlos. There's parking on the street & some lots nearby.
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Elegance and a grandeur captured and restored from times long ago. The California Theater has been completely restored to magnificent standards. Plush red carpet, nicely padded and cushioned seats, elaborate art deco surrounding the stage/screen area. Massive chandeliers and grandiose ceilings.
I saw the 70mm film of "Lawrence of Arabia", and had a surreal experience like I was transported back in time. Also, have seen two operas there by Opera San Jose. Both, were enhanced by this magnificent remnant, now restored, of long ago past.
A must see, IMHO.
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It is difficult to describe the really stunning theatres of the world, and this is one of the best. Built in 1927 and reopened in 2004, the California Theatre is the home of Opera San Jose (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) and Symphony Silicon Valley (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). I had the sheer joy to enter is Deco walls and ensconce myself in one of the plush red seats for opening night of the 2006 Cinequest Film Festival. Choose orchestra, mezzanine, or balcony seating. Be sure to check out the gorgeous chandeliers and settle in for world class organ music before the show. Draw in a breath of delight when the curtains finally part.
During the film festival, there was a buzz while people were yapping on the mike, and the promotional movie played with no sound. But once the celluloid projection began, picture and sound worked marvelously to create a fabulous show (and "Thank You for Smoking" is a fabulous film!).
I can't wait until I get an opportunity to visit again. Here are some photos (not mine): http://www.shomler.com...
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Who knew such beauty could exist in San Jose?
I came here for my little cousin's high school graduation and oh my god was i suprised with the elegance and splendor that this historic palace radiates through it's amber light fixtures. From the outside, this theatre looks like nothing - but the moment you step in, you are in awe. Grand ceilings... soft carpet - it's just so nice!!! Haha, I was paying more attention to the architecture than I was the actual graduation ceremony.
see photo i uploaded!
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First time I went here was the Ben Kingsley tribute at Cinequest in 2005. Was here last night for the Opening Night film, Thank you for Smoking, for Cinequest 2006. Recently restored, it has beautiful elaborate interiors, which also apparently serve nicely to block all cell phone reception. Hence, Steve Jobs likes to use this place to make Apple announcements such as the iPod video in autumn 2005. And oh, there are opera and symphony performances here too.
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I saw a Cinequest film here this weekend. This theater looks like an old theater from the outside, but the inside is beautiful. Lots of stained glass. The stairs and seats are in lush red. Once you walk into the theater, you'll be surprised at how beautiful the place looks. I think it is a perfect place for musical performances and plays. Unfortunately, the seats are pretty small and the leg room is tight. The restrooms are clean.
Tonight was my first visit her for the 2006 Cinequest Film Festival. I was able to watch "Lucid." That was a trippy movie that got my mind going. Besides that, I thought I was undressed and nearly went home to put my tuxedo on. It is a marvelous looking place, even the bathroom was nice. Once I walked into the theater, I found myself with my jaw open as I sat comfortably in the red seats. I'd have to agree with Rachel. As the curtains opened, I did feel this sense of delight. It was like I was awaiting for someone royal to address the public. The only flaw was when the film went out for a minute, but I'm not here to review the movie. Too bad I couldn't have my popcorn while watching the movie though.
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This theater has been beautifully renovated in a way that maintains the historic California architecture while providing modern amenities like comfortable seats and extra aisle room in each row so that you don't have to climb over someone's lap to get to your seat. The theater has an intimate feel - it's not too huge like the War Memorial Opera House, but it's great for watching the Opera or even a movie. They've enhanced the decoration and it is WONDERFUL. This is probably one of the loveliest historic California theaters that I've been in, and I was charmed.....
This place is beautiful. I went here recently for a film festival and was not expecting it to be such a nice theater. I sort of felt underdressed. It was just really nice and classy inside. Seemed like just out of a movie, with nice ushers all dressed in capped uniform politely greeting and guiding with their gloves and flashlights. There is a grand hallway entrance to the theater and a cute concession stand right before you enter. They are sneaky like that. :) You could smell the warm fresh cookies as you walked by. I didn't grab anything because they were not letting us take the refreshments in. I think it had something to do with the crowd; SJSU students on a friday, probably assumed they would do stupid things to the beautiful theater inside.
There is a very large with a very nice inner dome. Nice wide walkways and comfortable seating. The only downside I saw of this place was the acoustics. It might have just been because the PA system they were using because when it was off I could here the people on stage pretty well. When it was on, it was a little staticy and unclear at parts. I think if there is a live show here sometime I would like to go back and see it. I think this place is a historic building because it is beautifully preserved.
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