Reviews of Landmark's Downer Theatre (Movie Theater)

Karen Copper

Friendly 2-screen neighborhood cinema offers great refillable large popcorn and drinks. On same street as Pizza Man, other restaurants, CVS, and Boswell Books, so it is a happening place! Senior price is appreciated. Street parking, though there is lot parking down one block in both directions.

Angi TH

Clean, beautiful constru tion and terrific employees. Absolute great experience

dennis lemahieu

Great movies and popcorn.

Stacy L. Steele

It's a nice old-fashioned theatre, which should be appreciated in and of itself. That said, the concessions are more expensive than the usual expensive concessions at cinemas. And, Landmark can learn a lot from MKE Film, who recently purchased and upgraded the Oriental. It does need some renovation, but don't let it stop you from coming here. They often show indie and foreign films that aren't shown anywhere else, and it's worth it for that.

Jessica Draeger

Theater has old world charm. Staff is always friendly & helpful.

Sabastian Laurent

Wonderful small little theater. Perfect for couples on date night.

Deborah Pagelsdorf

I went here to see a movie with an elderly man that I care for. There were volunteers at the door that assisted him to sit down while I park the car. It was so appreciated! Parking was a hassle and difficult as there is really nowhere to stop, help somebody inside, and go park. Other than that we enjoyed the refreshments and movie.

Randy Egan

Very old theater but a beautiful Theatre all the Furnishings were clean and in very good conditionthere were no lines because there were very few people there enjoyed the experience

Jon Streier

Older there, historic, bathrooms could use updated, but are clean.

Patrick McBride

Very nice old place

Milwaukee WI

Charming old theatre however it needs some updating. The sound and picture is fine but the bathrooms need sprucing up. The floors need painting and cleaning. The carpeting either needs to be shampooed or replaced. The seats are a little tired as well. Stil it is a cool place in a great neighborhood

Ahnoki Doxtator

This historic theater is absolutely beautiful! The architecture and design are fabulous! We visited recently for the Milwaukee Film Festival and could not ask for a better time! Every one that worked there and for the film festival were courteous and helpful. No they don't have your huge seats like at a Marcus theater but that isn't too be expected here. The sound quality of the theater was very good infact I think it was better than at a Marcus theater. I can't wait to visit again!

Patrick Wilson

The Landmark is a nice but older theater. No Dreamloungers, but it is clean and comfortable and they play a lot of indie films. It lacks the wonderful old time design features of the Oriental but is a Nice theater

Brad Ehlert

Hip theater in historic building. Artsy films. They really need to update the seats... they're old and uncomfortable. Full bar available.

Ravindranath Barathy

Enjoyed my time in this theater. It's just classic!

K.W. Bernoska

Landmark used to run this and the Oriental. They have done a really good job with the upkeep of these historic venues. Now they are down to just one, after selling The Oriental to Milwaukee Film. Landmark has had some blind spots in their programming. They missed booking Johnathan Glazer’s “Under the Skin” amongst others. Mostly their revenue comes from a “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” type booking. And they are trying to do more throwback programming — like screenings of “A Clockwork Orange” and other video nasties. So their regular demo hovers firmly in the settled East Side retiree with some diversions into midnight schlock. I saw a 103.7 KISS FM sponsored advanced screening of “The Shape of Water” at The Downer in late 2017 with a friend. This was perhaps the perfect way to spend time in that space.

Eric Lewis

Small cinema with very good independent films. I enjoyed the old theater atmosphere and its simplicity.

Barrett McCormick

This is a grand old movie house, now in its 90th year. If you love movies, this is a place you want to go.

Jonathan Wright

Such a charming theater. There are only two screens (i think) but the architecture is beautiful, and they really do choose great movies.

Jatziry Neuburg

Who doesn't love this place, I think however it may be time for a remodel (?) The staff is great, the snacks are delish and obviously you COME HERE FOR THE MOVIES!!! We have seen many many great films here!!

Scott Donohue

The Downer Theatre is a true gem. The intimate theatre size and decor is a wonderful step back in time. This theatre (to me), is geared toward the cinefile - from the fantastic monthly film selections, to the absurdly good midnight show offerings. Nothing but love and respect for what the Downer Theatre provides for the Milwaukee neighborhood scene.

Grant Garson

Great place!

Dustin Underwood

Wonderful movie selection in a comfortable, familiar environment. Classic, casual styling in a great location. I'm a fan of regular seating styles without having to pick seats before I get into the theater.

Jeff Martinka

love the place and also that they've added beer and wine options to their concessions

Heather Liban

The staff at the Downer is wonderful. We go there for good movies and Italian soda.

Christina K

Smaller simple neighborhood theatre. Nice.

Sheliah Altendorf

Great old theatre. My favorite will always be the Rivoli

Robert Kowalsky

Great neighborhood theatre to catch a great movie.

Dane Peplinski

My mom and I saw Paulo Sorrentino's new film Youth here back in January or so and we had a great experience here.

racerda31

Variety of movies

Amy Haynes Coe

Adorable and charming vintage theatre. Totally underrated. Popcorn with real butter instead of that chemical garbage. Friendly staff who really seem to love movies. They offer some neat opportunities like midnight movies for older films as well. Parking can be a bit of a bear but staff will even plug your meter mid show for you if needed. You won’t get that level of service somewhere else. Try the yeast powder on the popcorn for something a little different.

Stacey Tyler

Cozy

Shante Johnson

Beautiful theater. Great service

Levi Haynes

This place never disappoints. Real butter popcorn, awesome staff, great theater, and their almost midnight series is amazing.

Mario Gayoso

Wanna go back in time? This small bug theatre will do! Watch your favorite movie in a vintage feeling theatre

Zach Ream

Old school with a little modern touch

Don Tolbert

One of the last classic movie theaters in Milwaukee.

Carlos Martinez

Great atmosphere and there are many restaurants within walking distance making this a very good dinner and a movie date night location

Jonah Jones

Wanna get some pins down, go here

Robert Osswald

Great venue

Joe

Visited the midnight show. What a great time. The staff were friendly and cheerful. Great experience.

Joey Crowley

Fun place for indie movies. Get the yeast on the pop corn. Go here

Eric Christopher

Great ambiance. Good limited bar menu. Seat Comfort has definite room to improvr

Kevin Radmer

What's not to like? Good location, nice staff, small theater size. Cool if you're sick of megaplexes.

Elizabeth Casarez

Is a special place to go and watch a movie and I really enjoy it

Chandler Blomquist

Fun!

Gramma Patty P

Always has a very good selection of thoughtful, provoking, intelligent films. Seats are OK. Generally a nice-sized audience that knows how to enjoy good film - lots of laughter, but not disruptive. Seats OK. We love the Downer. Without a doubt, the BEST FRESH BUTTERED POPCORN IN MILWAUKEE!

TIM Banks

Always superb

Patrick Auld

Cool historic theater

Lawrence Grinnell

Comfortable enough with films not available elsewhere. Kosher items available.

Rye Schubilske

Don't miss their Almost Midnight shows!

Meenal Atre

Get trapped back in time. Good old theater with charm and great selection of movies.

Kory Beavers

Super excellent service at the snack counter. Beautiful theater.

Charles Rush

Historic Art theatre. Great popcorn and Movies.

Richard Darrington

Great historical theatre

Arrcee X

Cozy older venue.

Cooking Secrets For Men

Not the most comfortable seats, but movies are usually pretty good

Gtr R

Cool classic theatre.

Steve Reupert

Great feel for an old school theatre

Evan Knapp

A great old theater on the east side to see independent films. However there are only two theaters. It is not as scenic as the Oriental but it is more low key if that's what you're looking for.

John Aldridge

Outstanding choice of intelligent grown up films. On the down side, the acoustics aren't t great and there's no drinking fountain for men.

Mike Hogan

One of the great independent theaters in Milwaukee.

Jon Wyatt

Quality, historic theater.

Joe N.

This is a small classic Theater. It's quant and cute and plays very artistic films. The film festival is definitely an experience and the crowds can be huge for big premiers. What a gem on Milwaukee's East Side.

Doug K.

Nice old school movie house.

Mike Martincich

Very historic theater.

David Mouradian

I've always loved Landmark Downer theater it seems like it's a great neighborhood, Old Time movie house. The staff is very friendly the seating is very comfortable, and the sound has always been consistent. Never too loud always easy to hear the dialogue. The Acoustics are great in the theater. Although parking is always difficult, this is especially inconvenient on a cold winter in Milwaukee! They always have a good selection of current movies, and periodically have great, independent titles with limited runs. I'll continue to visit this location both for the variety of films, the quality of the service Chama the comfortable seating and great sound, and it's historic location.

Ron Johnson

Super cute old school theatre showing more indie pics.

Jen Aprison

Great interior, not stadium seating but the feel of the theater, and the movies they play are top notch.

Jane Mendelblatt

Great popcorn

Thomas Wolf

Great popcorn. Nice staff. Shows movies that aren't available most places.

Stephen Thompson

I love the landmark theatres. Always great service and courteous staff. Beautiful, old theatres with history that are well maintained. Lots of independent films, live broadcasts of international theater productions and operas at The Met.

Anthony Boothe

Thoroughly enjoyed the show and service.

DR MkE

If you've never been here you need to come. Enough said.

Cookie MonstA

Quality art house theater, great drinks

Nicholas Gardner

Nice spot to see a flick

Emma McGovern

What's great about the Downer is that it offers a more classical way to view movies in the heart of Milwaukee. You're able to watch more artistic movies which aren't shown at other more blockbuster oriented theaters. In addition, the staff is all very friendly and welcoming which makes the viewing experience even more enjoyable. Another plus is that if you're hoping to go out for dinner before or after your meal there are tons of amazing restaurants all around in the area. All in all, this is a great theater with a lot of charm and heart.

Lara Hau

A lovely hometown theater with great staff and an interesting indie movie selection. I wish they were still part of the Milwaukee Film festival though

Private Eye

Great Movie Theater shows good movies.

Steven and Rebekah

Good relic, but with old comes time consumption ...and physical discomfort. Hope they stay around.

Lauren O'Hear

Amazing service, nice intimate space, never too crowded. My favorite movie theatre without a doubt!

Linda Brown

Great experience and a step back in time to an old classy theater, and very reasonably priced.

Rena Petersen

I love old time theaters. Brings me back to my youth when most theaters were single venues. The ornate interiors and quaintness of older buildings is becoming a lost venue.

Dae On Google

I came here with my mom to see the fantastically talented Charlie Plummer in Lean on Pete (see it if you haven't already, I'm serious) and the theater is GORGEOUS! It is small and absolutely wonderful. Go see great films here with great, once-in-a-lifetime talents!!!

Cindi Hennes

Great movies. Wonderful original theatre atmosphere.

Michael O

I like old theaters for obvious reasons and choose to see movies here regularly. But I won’t pretend that this is a comfortable theater to see a movie in. Sound is adequate but barely and the and tilt of the theater floor is challenging. More to the point, the theater is not well designed, it wasn’t back in the day and definitely isn’t now.

john doe

Really nice old school theater. Good food and drink options. Clean and comfy seats. Great sound.

Aaron Watt

Good popcorn & two simple auditoriums.. the employees can be a bit of a gossip tho

Moto Guzzi Vrm

Sweetheart staff!!!

Cheryle Janasiak

Love my little neighborhood theater!!! And they serve REAL BUTTER on their popcorn!

Dennis Jahnke

A convenient neighborhood theatre with good movies and reasonable prices.

David Berry

Friendly staff and loved the classic decor inside the theatre

dave warner

Great old theatre with such charm! Well worth a visit.

Kyle Johnston

Staff are exceptional! Very enthusiastic and helpful all around, especially those assisting with hosting my event.

Jordon Meyer

Beautiful historic theater

MikenConnie Beuche

Nifty theater. Nice staff. Good place to see a film.

Scott Molling

Love the Downer, I go there all the time. Great movies to choose from.

Camille Johnson

Small movies,my favorite.

Mark Mitchelson

Great location, architecture and popcorn. The seats are gettig a bit worn.

Ken Somerville

Art movies, try yeast on your popcorn

Steven Marcus

The Downer Theater is an old time neighborhood place with charms of yesteryear. They play quality movies. Amenities are not up to today's standards. Concessions are limited, though popcorn is excellent. Seats don't offer best sight lines. Facility is small. Parking is street only.

Eric Sobush

Stan and Ollie was very good

Russ G

Good

Eric Jahnke

I saw the documentery about swing dancing the night I went,and the old theater complemented it nicely.