Catlow Theater

Nice theater with tons of character. Large single screen theater with nice comfy seats. Plenty of seats, you probably won’t ever have to worry about a sell out. 7 dollar tickets, up from 5 no so long ago, reportedly from a price increase by the film distributors. Plenty of parking across street or next door near the Jewel.

I know it won’t be popular, but the Catlow only sounds better, the heart is gone.
Prices went up 40%. Those of us who donated money in the names of our loved ones to support the Arcada when they needed money saw their names on the screen for awhile and then they disappeared and we never got any of the free tix, concessions etc. Were we supposed to beg for them?
We were happy to just support the Arcada but they dumped the donor honor roll of our loved ones and replaced it with 20 minutes of REALLY BORING pre-​movie local advertising.
Part of the reason I liked the Arcada was because they didn’t do exactly THAT tiresome pre– movie advertising. They dumped my donation in my mother’s name for THAT?
I guess we DID GET the 40% price increase.
You used to be able to pick up a copy of THE READER here, that was cool, Over.
Used to be able to catch movies that weren’t about to come out on DVD here, Over.
Maybe it died when they projectionist passed, we loved talking to Jim after the shows. He may have been the soul here, RIP, Good job.
It’s ok, but it was better last millennium. We still try and support the Arcada.
Nothing but ghosts here really, but they are friendly ghosts.

A great experience in a very old, cool, very traditional theatre. Also, you can order a sandwich and they will bring it to you in the theatre. So tasty, well priced, and an incredible atmosphere. Go to the Catlow Theatre with friends or for a great date night!

Please change the false advertising sign of $ 5 on the outside of the building. My kids brought money for the movie and it was $ 7 each so there went their popcorn money. not cool. not cool.

Just like I prefer small indie bookstores over Barnes & Noble, and indie coffee houses over Starbucks, I prefer beautiful classic movie houses wiht one screen over the megaplex at the mall.
Luckily for me, the Catlow is such a place and it’s five minutes away.

We saw the movie Chef here tonight and it was great. Terrific turnout — the theater is very large and historic (architect was a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright). Popcorn was delicious. What a cool place!

I love the Carlow! I mean who can complain about $ 5 movies and reasonably priced (for a movie theater) concessions?! You can even get food delivered from Baloney’s. Just not on Sundays because they are closed.
The seats in the back are new and more comfortable but obviously further away. These are often the first to go.
I love supporting family businesses and Carlow definitely fits the bill. They even have the kids there helping out some nights and they are super cute. The little girl is a natural when comes to selling me candy, drinks and other concessions!

There is not an evening that cannot be enhanced by a visit to the Catlow Theatre. Nostalgia aside, which it boasts from every well worn corner, those who grew up watching films from the seats at the Catlow and those visiting for the first time can agree that its beautifully expansive and dimly lit atmosphere warm your heart. It is one of my all time favorite places.

We have lived in the area for a while and finally stopped to visit this weekend. It felt like a really nice walk back in time, with a massive theatre and one big screen. The $ 5 price of a ticket is such a steal. Glad I had read other reviews and knew we could get dinner next door at Baloney’s. They had HUGE sandwiches that we could not finish. Many of the seats are now new, as they save some older chairs for donors who wish to hold onto their memories of the past. You can tell there are lots of regulars in the crowd but a few of us seemed to be new to the place. It was a great family outing on a Saturday night.

What an odd place. I mean that in the nicest way though. I went to the Catlow with my parents (who are huge fans) to see American Hustle last week. We started at the adjacent sandwich shop (which I’ll review separately) and then headed into the theater. There is only one screen here and compared to your Regals and your AMCs, it’s relatively small. There is a mix of old seats and new seats– the old being similar to ballpark seats. We sat in the new seats which were comfortable enough (I’ve sat in more comfortable seats but this was a $ 5 movie so I can’t really complain). Unfortunately we had to give up our original seats (which had sooo much leg room) and move back a few rows because someone came and sat by us, and he had the worst body odor I’ve encountered in many years. I’m talking top 5 smelliest people I’ve ever smelled, and I used to work at an amusement park so that’s saying a lot. Yuck!
As far as concessions go, you can order from the sandwich shop and bring your dinner in on a tray, or they have the staples: popcorn, candy, ice cream. The popcorn was freshly popped and a jumbo bucket was $ 6.
The movie and sound quality were up to snuff, and it really felt like all of us movie goers (except stinkoman) were part of a little cinema community. If you ever want to feel like you’re seeing a movie «back in the day» I would recommend the Catlow!

BEST movie theater with old school charm. Love the popcorn and if you order a sandwich, they bring it to you in the theater on a tray. Can’t beat the $ 5 price and you can vote for their next movie on their website. How fun is that?

Great please with a very old school feel. If you come here expecting a «normal» movie theater or modern experience, go someplace else. If you’re looking to watch a movie while taking in some real history and charm, try this place.

Great space, cheap popcorn, and you can eat in here!

Really? People give this place good reviews? The seats are uncomfortable, the sound is so bad you can hardly hear the dialogue, the picture is faded. Have they converted to digital? If so maybe the picture and sound are improved. So, if you like old and run down, enjoy your nostalgia and pretend you’re back in 1960 again.

Seriously SO COOL. The place have been here for ages and looks so awesome on the inside. Their ticket price is quite vintage as well. Only $ 5 a pop. I know lots of people that have coming here since the 70s, 80s, and way before then! I think that it’s so charming and it has played an important role in many peoples’ childhoods. I woud absolutely recommend this theatre. One of the coolest things to me is that instead of commercials before the movie, they play either really cool 70s and 80s music videos or today’s alternative music videos. Very fun and a deviation from your average theatre.

Strongly recommend. It’s so cute & the perfect date spot for a small town! And compared to a 10 – 15 dollar ticket at a multiplex how can you turn down a 5 dollar ticket chill cinema? This place has history, the people that run it are incredibly nice, and there is a sandwich shop connected to the theater! So if you are in need of a good movie & a great meal, go here!!! ALSO: their popcorn is delicious… the cheese & caramel blend of course!

The Catlow is just an amazing old theater where local come to see $ 5 movies. It’s origins were early in the 20^th century when it was built as a glamorous silent movie house. It’s interior has been restored, while not perfectly, well enough that you can get a feel of what it must have been like way back then.
After a successful round of fundraising, they avoided closing their doors by raising enough money to buy a digital projector. They were in some danger of closing as the newer films are being released in digital format, phasing out film, and making their projection equipment obsolete. As I understand it, the new equipment can be very expensive. But, the community came together to keep this valuable part of the local culture alive. I believe their next step is another round of fundraising to replace their aging seats.
We went to see Argo, the new movie about the CIA’s top secret hostage rescue during the 444 day Iranian hostage crisis that was resolved in 1981. I won’t review the film here, but if you remember those times, it is a great film to go see.
With near first run showings, the Catlow is a fine value that delivers a great experience. Where else can you go to see top movies at $ 5 surrounded by 1920s memorabilia?

Wow, now this was a truly unique movie experience! I’ve been wanting to see To Rome With Love and this was one of the only theaters playing this flick.
This theater only has 1 screen and I hear that you can vote on what movie they should feature next which is pretty neat. Ticket prices are only $ 5 which is a steal! Concessions are also a LOT cheaper than big box theater chains. Getting a popcorn and pop is actually affordable here. You are also allowed to bring in sandwiches/​food from the little shop next door.
The theater itself is huge. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a movie theater that big before. The seats just keep going and going. The architecture is amazing too. To me, it felt very gothic as there is dark wood everywhere and beamed ceilings. The seating seemed original, yet restored (i.e. no drink/​cup holders). I loved the original ticket booth at the main entrance (no longer used though).
I can’t wait to come back to see another movie!

I’m a regular, but first review! The atmosphere is very welcoming and reminiscent of the era of the old style movie house. The architect was the same as the PickWick Theater in Park Ridge.
Boloney’s is next door to the theater and they will serve your food in the theater if you’d prefer. Movies are $ 5 and concession snacks also reasonable. The popcorn is the best I’ve had locally. The movies are not new releases, but new enough!
You won’t be disappointed.

The Catlow Theater was a unique stop on my recent suburban adventure. The deal was to see a second-​run movie for $ 5, and eat dinner in the theater. Yes, movie theater popcorn is a totally acceptable dinner, (you’re preaching to the choir) but the theater’s intention was that you buy a sandwich from Boloney’s, the attached shop, and bring it in. So we did that. You know, «when in Rome.»
We could have planned better and arrived earlier, which would have had two benefits. One, there would have been time to peruse the menu carefully, including beverages (they are cans and bottles in a fridge behind the counter and I pulled the trigger on a water before seeing the IBC root beer (FAIL)). As it was, I narrowed my choice to two and asked the nice cashier for her rec. She suggested the tuna, reassured me that it didn’t have too much mayo, and was right. However, it still wasn’t stellar — just okay.
The other benefit of arriving early would have been more time to eat before the lights went out. The silver lining is that I learned something about myself. And that is that I do not enjoy eating tuna sandwiches in the dark.
The theater itself was pretty cool, with tons of character. It reminded me of the Music Box, and I am pleased that it has a suburban counterpart (the Catlow is also an architectural relative of the Pickwick in Park Ridge, both had the same interior designer). The design is reminiscent of a European beer hall, with dark wooden beams on the ceiling and organ lofts, both painted with subtle floral motifs.
Also like the Music Box, the customers were on board with the experience — mostly older adults out for a little date, and none of the cell phone or chatty-​Cathy business you find in higher-​end schmancy places. Also though, no previews (sad face). The staff, too, were friendly and casual, and I felt welcomed into a business they enjoyed working in.
Overall, it was a charming experience, and I felt the staff, atmosphere and price locked in the Catlow as worth revisiting. Like Miley Cyrus would say, «Pretty cool!»