State Cinema

I love the State and have been a long time and regular patron but feel the options and quality in the restaurant has dropped significantly, often finding they run out of food or meals during dinner service and if you want a coffee after a movie forget it! They close up way too early! I feel if the cinema is open so should the restaurant for coffees and cake after a movie. It’s not like they go all night! You used to be able to do that…. They even removed the coffee machine from the front, so you can’t grab one from the front either like you used to after a movie. The cinemas are great, but the restaurant and its limited offerings and indifferent staff do not support the establishment as a whole at all. Once upon a time they would have had a 5 star review from me, but my rating seems to be dropping every time I go these days and I am going less often because of it.

The State is so much better than Art cinemas I've visited in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. The fabulous book shop, good quality wines and/or hot chocolate, film range and the comfortable seats all contribute to a great experience. Those who complain ought to look elsewhere first. So grateful we have the State.

I've always had a soft spot for film houses and when I was in Hobart, I made sure to watch at the State Cinema. There were a lot of independent films being shown here on the daily and I was lucky enough to watch The Eight Mountains. The price was fair for the experience. There were lots of food, coffee, drink options that you can purchase at their cafe and bring in with you. There's also a popular bookstore in the building. Definitely a must try experience when you are in North Hobart :)

The State Cinema feels like someone watched a Wes Anderson movie, drank two negronis, and said “yeah, I could run a cinema.” And honestly? They kind of nailed it. The couches are a cute idea until you realize you're one stranger away from accidental spooning. Great if you're with someone. Weird if you’re solo and both of you lean the same way. The film selection goes hard if your idea of fun is emotional damage with subtitles. The crowd is full of people who look like they own more Criterion DVDs than plates. You might overhear someone whisper, “This director peaked in 2009” while adjusting their tote bag. Also: wine in a real glass. No plastic. No shame. Go for the vibes, stay for the arthouse energy. Just choose your couch partner like it’s Tinder.

The staff are so friendly and helpful. Love the vibe of the cafe and enjoy every tome I go to have some food and a drink or to enjoy a movie.

Great place to see films, documentaries, movies or Hollywood's blockbusters. They also always have Foreign language films being shown. Summertime there are several open air rooftop theatres that are very popular and normally sell out quickly. Very popular also are their special screenings. The State has smaller intimate theatres. They are very clean and seating is varied from the normal theatre seating to comfy lounges and bean bags. The complex has multi theatres of different sizes, a small bar allowing you to take a drink into the theatre with you should you wish to with real glasses. They also have a Cafe which I have not tried yet but seems to be very popular even with people not seeing a film so just popping in for a meal. Right next door they have their own large Bookshop that is well stocked with a huge selection. The decor across the whole complex is bright and suits the building. It truely an oasis in the busy food street of North Hobart.

Believe the negative reviews. And you can do that by seeing that this company doesn't engage with people who have provided negative feedback. This is a reflection of the owner's arrogance. Fortunately, we're only visiting this state. But it's sad that they only have two cinemas near the city and this is one of them. I don't think Hobartians know they deserve any better.

Went on a date to watch wicked, but the heat in cinema 6 was unbearable. I asked the lady on the bar but nothing was done. We had to leave mid movie and stayed outside because we were feeling sick from the heat.

The State is a little old, a little stuffy, and a little fabulous. Wait, what? Yeah, duh, it's a five-star review, I'm not going to get THAT stuck into it. I love this place. It's one of many real character buildings in North Hobart and always has a great selection of films that aren't always obnoxious blockbusters... but my absolute favourite part of the State Cinema is the glass (okay, it's probably perspex or whatever) elevator that takes you from the ground floor up to the rooftop, and then also the rooftop cinema itself. Small but brilliant, with canvas deckchairs for the front two rows (this is the first time since being a kid that I've actually enjoyed sitting in the front row of a cinema) and a bar for buying copious amounts of red wine to try to stay warm while you're up there. Yes, even in March will you freeze right through to the bone if you also don't take at least one blanket each with you (on top of the winter coat you should wear). But that's part of the reason I love it. EXTREME FILM-WATCHING! Also the session (only one each evening) seems to be timed so you get a moment to appreciate the loveliness of dusk falling before the lights, camera, action is underway. I have a feeling they may put a halt to the rooftop cinema once winter's well on its way, because it's so bitingly cold up there, but I plan to get there as often as possible (without being preposterous) before such a time arrives. You should, too. No, really. Rooftop cinema sales can't be purchased online but you can reserve tickets over the phone and then pay for them when you arrive. Perfect. Same price as a standard cinema ticket but for a gazillion times more magical an experience.

Great place to meet friends to see a movie. Superb location and it is close to many restaurants within easy walking distance (hint: some even offer a discount if you show your movie pass on certain days of the week). Very comfortable lounge type sitting areas where you can enjoy your beverage before or after the movie. Want to bring your glass of wine and enjoy it during the movie - no problem! This is a very nice theater and well worth 5 stars.

The state cinema is one of Australia's oldest (if not the oldest, but don't quote me on that) purpose built movie theatres. In recent years it has undergone a massive transformation and now boasts 7 separate theatres, plus a rooftop theatre in summer,a large cafe and book store. Each of the theatres are quite small, which I like, and the video and audio quality is excellent - especially when compared to the competition. Traditionally the state cinema has focussed on art house titles, but these days has expanded its repertoire; the art house movies are still there, but so are some of the season's main blockbusters (such as Lord of the Rings etc). The State cinema is fully licensed and you can take drinks into the theatre with you. Furthermore, prices are competitive with Village Cinemas in the CBD (and NO-ONE would choose Village over the State). My only real criticism is that I was disappointed by the food in the cafe. The snacks were ok, but the coffee and hot chocolate were very ordinary and they didn't seem to have any substantial food, so don't plan on a main meal here.

The nostalgia that the grand yet quaint State Cinema brings is wonderful. In addition, the comfort has not been sacrificed - so the chairs are comfortable for the duration of the film. It's a pleasure to arrive a tad too early and have an earl grey tea with a biscuit before an afternoon weekend session. A great selection of films on offer with various Film Festivals, Art house, Foreign and Mainstream.