State Cinema

This used to be a great cinema. But the Hollywood rubbish they show now is exactly the same as the Village Cinema, though the tickets cost more at the State. And no foreign-language film festivals any more - except the Jewish! It's so sad to realise what Tasmania used to enjoy and has now lost - sold out to US multinationals.

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 best independent cinema in Tasmania. 12 screens of pure entertainment. Movies that you would not be able to see anywhere else are on the big screen. And it feels intimate as some of the screens only hold a few people. When the roof top cinema opens, it is a magical place to be. What is better than watching the movies under the stars? Watching the movies under the stars but protected from the elements in a glass walled cinema. Brilliant.

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 :)

This is such a beautiful cinema and the staff are a bonus. Very friendly and helpful. Amenities are clean and great bar options.

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.

We have been going to this cinema for many years. My family and friends give me gift vouchers for my birthday that I can use to enjoy with friends. It was very sad to go on Saturday and find that I could not use my gift voucher because the “server was down”. I find this quite unacceptable, these tickets have been paid for and I cannot understand why the cinema staff could not charge my gift certificate later and I could then have enjoyed the movie with my friend. My gift vouchers have always been an enjoyable experience in the past. I was bitterly disappointed. Lesley

Very dissapointed that lately the choice of films is the same as those as the mainstream Village Cinemas and even some limited release films are not offered at all EG the new Deltoro Frankenstein. The cinemas are featureless, the carpet is frayed and dirty, the food in the alleged restaurant is uninspiring and do not get me started on the tizzied up tin of sardines for $19.50. The never ending stream of changing staff do their best. What was once a stylish cinema is now tired and badly in need of a refurbish.

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.