VIP Review:
I frequent the Varsity a lot and recently tried their VIP cinema again after the recent renovations. The VIP theatre seats more than it previously did and the seats are all new. However, it does not compare to the Shops at Don Mills VIP theatre. The Varsity VIP cinema does not have the same reclining chairs they have at the Shops at Don Mills VIP Theatre.
The Varsity chairs do not have a button to make the chairs recline like they do at The Shops at Don Mills. I looked around for the button but was unable to find it. The only way my chair would recline was if I put my feet against the chair in front of me and pushed backwards. I also didn't like how I couldn't select and reserve my seat like I can at the Shops at Don Mills.
I also found the Varsity to be a little short staffed. I waited for a couple minutes to find someone to take my ticket and let me into the theatre. No one came around so I just walked in.
After watching the movie my friend and I went to the VIP lounge. The lounge is really nice if you sit by the window and the employees are really friendly and helpful.
Normal Cinema Review:
The Varsity is always really busy. You usually need to purchase your tickets over an hour in advance to see a new release or it will be sold out. I find the Varsity theatres to be smaller than the other theatres I frequent. I prefer Empress Walk, the Scotiabank theatre and Silvercity Yonge and Eglinton over the Varsity theatre. The theatres I listed are newer and bigger than the Varsity. They also have tiered seating on a higher slope, which makes it easier for people to see the screen past the people sitting in front of them.