Sundance Kabuki Cinema

1881 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 922-4262
Sundance Kabuki

Review by David Jones:

Saw Letters from Iwo Jima in Auditorium 5 on 2/18 at 4:00 PM

The Kabuki is under construction, and it shows. Insulation is visible through removed sections from the wall, and old seats are piled to the right of the screen. However, neither of these characteristics detracted from the experience once the lights were low.

On the contrary, an unsteady, dusty picture combined with sound that lacked any bass left me frustrated.

Reading the subtitles while the screen was visibly shaking was a constant nuisance while the dust was masked by Eastwood's 'flushed' picture.

The screen was large given the size of the auditorium, and it was masked on the sides.

Before the show the Kabuki projected a disclaimer apologizing for the renovations and describing some of the amenities they hope to offer in the future.

The only feature that stood out (among everyday features like digital sounds and stadium seating) was a promise of no commercials before any movie. A better apology would have been a discounted ticket that valued the experience the Kabuki currently offers. (They charged $9.50.)
Still, I'm not certain how the construction translated into a shaky project and a dirty print.I'd be willing to give the Kabuki another chance after their renovations if other theatres aren't playing the film I want to watch at a convenient time, but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way for the Kabuki.

Cinema Grade = C