The State Theatre
What people are saying
The State Theater: A Daily Delight in Downtown Ann Arbor Walking into the State Theater feels like stepping into a slice of Ann Arbor's daily charm. Amidst the bustle of city life, this neon-lit treasure provides a cozy retreat for those who crave a dose of daily cinema magic. Whether I'm dropping by for a midweek matinee or joining friends for a Friday night feature, the State Theater consistently delivers a quality experience. It's where I unwind, laugh, and lose myself in stories from around the globe. The selection of films is thoughtful and refreshing, often offering titles that stir conversation and inspiration long after the credits roll. The staff here are local movie buffs who add to the theater's homey vibe with their friendly banter and spot-on recommendations. The snack bar, with its offerings of classic popcorn and artisanal treats, is a delightful cherry on top of the already splendid movie-going experience. Sitting in the auditorium, with the soft glow of the screen lighting up faces around me, there's a sense of shared anticipation that's rare to find elsewhere. The State Theater isn't just a building; it's a central part of our daily lives, infusing an ordinary day with the extraordinary wonder of film. For those of us who call Ann Arbor home, the State Theater is our go-to spot—not just for special occasions, but for the simple, everyday joys of watching a story unfold on the big screen. It’s a five-star experience woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Some old theaters are uncomfortable or far outdated, but this one is very nice and fun! Stairs, elevator and escalator assist with getting to the different floors (entrance on first, box office & concession stand on second) Posters, film-roll-tables and directors chairs decorate the hallways, and the atmosphere definitely lends to the movie-going experience. If using a wheelchair or stroller, definitely double-check that elevator is in order before visiting!
A very solid theater. I was most impressed by the sound quality of a relatively small theater. The audio quality in this theater is some of the best I’ve ever heard. Downside, at least one of the theatre rooms has a screen with a dead blue pixel constantly projected on the screen. Other than that, no complaints or criticisms. Great theatre.
Most famous movie theater in Ann Harbour, built in 1942 being designed by C. Howard Crane (1885-1952, that among many other architecture projects built the LeVeque Tower in Columbus, OH) in the Art Deco style. The State was designed as a movie theater, with a small stage and no dressing rooms. The Butterfield circuit continued to use the nearby Michigan for live shows, with both theaters showing first-run movies. It was reformed for a bigger screen (13m from the original 5m) in 1953, and had its balcony and main floor were each divided into two theaters in 1979, decreasing the total capacity by 200 seats. After and era of declining business, it was reformed and restored in 2007 with a major renovation began in 2017 that restored it to the original appearance, which divided the space into four fully accessible theaters, featuring improved sight lines and contemporary projection and sound equipment.
The renovations are exceptional, selection of films is bar none, and customer service is excellent. The new seats are very comfortable as well. It's a beautiful historic theater with an art deco motif. Highly recommended for a one of a kind cinema experience.
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