AMC Loews Plaza 8

Are you sure this is a bargain house?

So is the Loews Six.

Why did they lower the prices (here and at the Six)?
The Columbia Park 12, featuring stadium seating and $2 admission, is located at 3125 Kennedy Blvd. in North Bergen.
Compared to that price, the Eight and the Six, each located less than two miles and 5 minutes away, aren't really much of a bargain at $6.50.
In addition, Loews Cineplex's own Ridgefield Park location, just 7 miles away, went bargain several years ago. The circuit's been cannibalizing itself.

What are the seating capacities for each of the 8 auditoriums?

Why would they go bargain here? I was at these theatres a few years ago and they were getting huge crowds.

Seating capacities at the Loews Plaza 8 are: 520, 521, 333, 321, 336, 338, 222, 221 - Total of 2812 seats.

RobertR: note my comment of 1/18 to see why the price has been reduced. As a side note, I attended a 5:15 show at the Eight's sister theatre, the Meadow Six, on Wednesday 1/19 and my family had the auditorium to ourselves.

As per Dave-Bronx's entry earlier today, this location's Seat count needs to be updated.

Both AMC Theatres in Secaucus need to replace ALL 35mm projectors and have much brighter lamps to project the picture on screen. But still have capabilities of 70mm as well. New sound systems (as in new speakers are needed). Also have all auditoriums THX Certified with the ability to read Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, SDDS, and DTS. NEW screens themselves would really help in all auditoriums too. And last but not least they do need to get at least one Digital Projector at each location. (Two per location would be better but one at each would be great).

I know that's a VERY EXPENSIVE TALL ORDER. But I have noticed that when going to newer theatres, the picture is much brighter and way sharper and the sound is also better. If both AMC 6 & 8 in Secaucus want to be highly successful they really need to upgrade to new equipment listed above. Or they will close down to these new Multiplexes with just that kind of equipment that is listed above. Plus the fact these new theatres have stadium seating.

Haven't been to either the Plaza 8 or its older brother, the Meadows 6, in quite a long time, but it wouldn't surprise me if advances in projection, sound, and seating have passed these two complexes by. They did withstand two attempts at competition by Regal in the '90s--both the stadium-seated multis that Regal built in nearby North Bergen are now second-run. The Muvico Xanadu 26-plex slated to open nearby in 2007 is supposed to be the behemoth that crushes all other theatres in its path, but I read recently in the New York Times that the developer of the Xanadu shopping/entertainment complex has run into major financial difficulties, so I have to wonder when the Xanadu complex, and the Muvico theatre, will actually open. FWIW, there was another Muvico multi scheduled to open this spring in NJ, in Linden, but when I was in the neighborhood a few months ago construction hadn't even started.

when did this theater open?

as of right now, even with the recent increases by AMC and other theaters as of 11/2/2007, this theater, along with its bigger brother, remain the cheapest places to see a movie near the Meadowlands. Get there while it lasts, cause the new Xanadu theater will probably open sometime in 2008 or 2009. And a movie theater in Linden that you mentioned about, Mr. Bubny, is now an AMC. It's called the Aviation 12, located near aviation plaza. It doesn't have DLP, just the same stuff as the AMC in ROckaway.

When SDDS was introduced, probably the 8 channel version was shown in the largest auditorium in each complex. As of right now, SDDS is discontinued and replaced with Dolby Digital Surround EX.

This theater hasn't changed the titles on its Route 3 West marquee since last summer. It still features things like "Bug", "Gracie", "Shrek 3", "Pirates", etc. I guess they just gave up now that Xanadu is on the horizon, but they do still change the marquee for the Plaza 6 a little further down the road.

Before I figured it out, I thought "Bug" was somehow enjoying a record-breaking long run in Secaucus.

Bug was one of the most underrated films of 2007.

They finally got "Bug" and the other old titles off that marquee, a few weeks ago. Now it tells you to check out fandango.com to find out what's playing.

that's good...since the age of the marquee is almost over due to the internet. The Loews over in East Hanover still uses the marquee sign, although it's updated every weekend. There's still a marquee right by the Loews over in Ridgefield Park, although it doesn't mention movies. Over in Wayne, there's a nice electronic marquee sign right by Route 23 and Willowbrook Blvd. showing titles of each movie. BTW, what's the latest on the new megaplex over in Xanadu that will threaten the future of both Secaucus theaters? If that happens, then both theaters will soon be turned into more retail space, even though the current climate is not going to make that happen.

"...the age of the marquee is almost over due to the internet." What does that mean? The internet is fine for people who sit down with their planner and plot their life down to the last minute, but the marquee will always have value for enticing spontaneous movie-going. Even those who plan will be reminded that the theatre is playing a particular movie they want to see and work it into their agenda. The marquee or pylon, whether electronic or with conventional letters will always be the best form of free advertising that a theatre has, and a manager who doesn't use it, or worse, leaves outdated information on it for months on end really doesn't belong in the theatre other than perhaps cleaning it during the overnight hours.

a marquee provides a commuter what to expect what's playing at a theater, dave-bronx. As for the new Muvico complex, it will be just 23 screens, with one screen reserved for IMAX, which means attendance at the Secaucus theaters will decline when the new theater opens later this year (November 2008). That is, unless things change for the worst. As for when this theater opened, it was around four years after the Meadow Six opened. With a total of 14 screens, and a total of 6,288 seats, the Secaucus theaters were the hot spot for movies for Giants/Jets/Devils/Nets fans until Clifton Commons opened.

According to a post on this theater's larger brother, both of these buildings will be closed by next year to make way for a 14 screener from Kerasotes, a little-known chain. It'll be sad to see both theaters go but it will be simpler for Secaucus moviegoers to see a movie in just one building rather than two seperate buildings. This was the same case with the two Paramus theaters owned by Cineplex before Loews took over before the AMC merger and paved the way for a 16-screener, as well as AMC's two Rockaway theaters in and out of the mall before the 16 plex opened.

It looks like another one of the last "classic style" theaters is on its way out, along with its sister theater, the 6-plex. Let me just say that I despise AMC for what they've done with the classic theaters they aquired under the merger with Loews. Instead of keeping money makers, like the 10plex in Paramus which was still going strong, they decided to close that and open a new factory style theater at Garden State Plaza. Now it looks like these two gems will be closed as well to make way for another factory style theater with narrow screens and stadium seating. I know I'm not alone in preferring the style of these older theaters, with their wide screens and normal seating arrangement, but the younger crowd seem to be all the theater chains are going for these days and they love anything "new". I've never heard one of them complain that they're watching movies like "The Dark Knight" on the narrow screens at the AMC at Garden State Plaza, when they could have been watching them on a true wide screen at the Tenplex, or the 6-plex/8-plex for that matter. I'll never understand why the crowds migrated from these theaters in Secaucus to that horrorible factory style theater in Clifton. Maybe I'm just getting too old because I still appreciate the classics, even with their flaws, over the newest fad. Thank God the Ziegfeld in NYC isn't going anywhere, because after these theaters go, and I still hope that doesn't happen, that's going to be one of the last "classic style" theaters in the whole area. I only say that because I'm guessing the former Loews in Wayne will eventually be converted into a factory style theater in the near future as well. :(

I don't know why people keep saying that the theaters at Xanadu, which are in doubt now due to the bankruptcy issue of the developer, would steal theater goers from this and the 6-plex. If anything, another gigantic factory style theater with lots of small screens will just drive more of us into NYC, where you can still find some classic movie houses. I think the loss of the Devils to Newark, another hit to us Bergen County residents, was a huge reason why these theaters lost a lot of their business. I know a lot of people who would catch a late show after a game. The same can be said of Houlihans in Secaucus which doesn't get the crowds it used to. It's a shame that New Jersey has become such a "newer is better" state with the new Giants Stadium, which will offer no real improvements over the old one, being the worst example of this. I'm so happy the state forgave the Jets/Giants close to 400 million dollars in taxes owed to get them to agree to built the stadium, while us working stiffs get screwed in our property taxes. :(

My family and I are just going to have to enjoy this and its sister theater until it's no more. I can't believe only a year or so after the Tenplex closed I already have to say goodbye to another cherished theater. At this rate, I might as well just watch movies on DVD, instead of wasting my money at some megaplex with screens narrower than my television at home.lol

Thats right! Home theater is killing the experience of going out to a movie! As far as NYC having older theaters! They are all gone except for the Zigfeld, and the seats in that place will kill you!

I would beg to differ with Christophersepp's assessment of the new Garden State 16 - which has undoubtably larger, more comfortable theaters and bigger screens than the tenplex (aside from maybe Theater 1). Garden State 16 is a better multiplex, still a multiplex with its faults.

Most of the theaters AMC acquired from Loews were in poor repair long before AMC took the keys. With that said, there are a few they haven't done much with. Palisades Center saw a new carpet and paint, but that's the only modification I've seen. I've heard they did correct some sound problems in other markets at new Loews sites. The Plaza 8 still seemed to be in good shape - it reminded me of the National Amusements in Orange, CT, I suppose it was well constructed so it didn't look run down. A few blocks down though, at the Meadows 6 - well that's another story. Between the leaky roof, and the teenagers sneaking in through the front door from the outside, and the musty smells...it might be better off leveled. It's a shame because they were once the flagship of the Loews chain. Sony ran the theaters pretty well, but when they got out and the investment bankers bought in the chain went to hell. Perhaps AMC knows it time is up, and they're pulling out. The new theater will be built by Keratoses, a chain building momentum in the Midwest. I've seen pictures of their builds and can assess it'll be pretty comparable to Garden State.

Noting is like seeing a big event picture in a 1000+ seat theater and I wish chains would bring this experience back. They have to some extent on a smaller scale by incorporating IMAX theaters in some builds, and Harkins has the Cine Capri theaters that have wider screens, but they lack the detail and the excitement of seeing a film at the Ziegfeld (then again the last time I was at the Ziegfeld was for the premiere of The Butterfly and the Diving Bell - so that on its own was pretty darn exciting).

I know the seats may be more comfortable at the Garden State 16, but I still liked the wider screens better and the "classic" nonstadium seating arrangement. I know it was only theater 1, and perhaps theaters 7 and 8 at the Tenplex that were wide, but I just seemed to appreciate that experience more. It seems so long since I've been at the Tenplex, that I might be remembering things bigger and better than they actually were. There is something I like about having a slightly scratchy screen, sticky floors, and not the greatest sound that reminds me I'm at a movie theater, not at home watching a movie on my dvd player on a comfy couch. That's one of the main things I don't like about the Garden State 16 or Clifton Commons. I know I'm probably alone in that feeling though. I've always thought that might be why so many more people talk through the movies these days, as they almost forget that they're in a theater instead of at home with their friends. I look at the newer AMC theaters in the same way I look at owning a new Honda Accord. Yes, it might not have any problems and they might be put together with the latest technology, but there are tons of them on the roads so they are in no way unique or a classic. I look at theaters like the Plaza 8, Meadows 6, and the Tenplex like owning an old Mustang convertible from the 70s. Yes it might leak a little when it rains, have some mechanical problems from time to time, and be out of date, but it's completely unique and reminds you of good times long gone, as well as being a true classic. Again, I know everyone might not share my feelings on the subject. Living in Bergen County, it just seems like lately so many of the haunts of my youth are being torn down every time I read the paper. I wish at least they would find a way to keep these classics open, or at least renovate them. I wouldn't have had a problem if they just modernized the 6 and the 8, as long as they didn't put in the stadium seating. I guess that's the main problem these days. No one wants to fix anything up anymore instead of demolishing and building a completely new structure. I guess fixing a building up doesn't put money in the pockets of local officials who have to approve all the contracts and zoning issues. Maybe I'm just being cynical though.

In relation to Forrest 136, there are quite a few "classic" style theaters left in NYC, especially in the village and Chelsea, though not the true movie palaces of old like the Ziegfeld. I was referring more to the seating arrangement and age, as compared to the AMC theaters of today. In fact, other than the Regal and AMC on 42nd St., and a few of the theaters near Lincoln Center, most of the theaters in NYC are similar in style to the Loews 6 and 8. I don't have any problem with the seats at the Ziegfeld, but as compared to the newer seats you find in theaters, I can relate to what you're saying.

John, I agree with you that theater chains have totally forgotten about the 1000+ seat theater experience that used to be so typical in the old days. I still think they could make a profit by having 4 to 6-plexs with that style of arrangement and wider screens, than the 14-20plexs of today with their narrower auditoriums, etc... I never really found the Loews theaters to be in that poor a state of repair, but maybe I was just oblivious to their flaws as I tend to just see things I've loved over the years with rose-colored glasses. I'm sure you must have truly appreciated the Ziegfeld and its style at that premiere you were lucky enough to attend. Can you even imagine attending a premiere at the Garden State 16 or the Clifton Commons? It just wouldn't be anywhere near as special. Now the Tenplex in its heyday, or even the Plaza 8 might be a different story. Oh well, I just hope the AMC by Willowbrook in Wayne doesn't disappear anytime soon, as I really won't have any theaters to go to around here anymore. I really though Xanadu was the only threat to the Plaza 8 and Meadows 6, and when that got put on the backburner due to the bankruptcy issue I thought they had a chance, unfortunately, I was wrong.

Same thing that Rockaway was a threat to all the other theaters in Morris County, and most of them still survive to this day.

The opening of the new theater will be fall of 2009, meaning that moviegoers in Secaucus will still go see movies at this theater and its sister for one more year this month. Kerasotes' Showplace 14 will be one of two new theaters in the Meadowlands region, the other being the mammoth Muvico complex near Xanadu to compete with the leading Clifton Commons theater.

this theatre is closing down on Feb. 16, 2009. Meadow 6 is closing sometime in June, 2009

With the economy in the state that it is, I was hoping they would have abandoned plans for the new theater, but it seems that's not the case. I just checked on Yahoo and Monday is the last day that movie times are listed for the 8. As this is the only site I where I heard about this definite closing date, it seems like AMC is again trying to keep the closing hush hush, just like they did with the Tenplex in Paramus. There was a constant line of cars in and out of the Tenplex parking lot the weekend after it closed as most of its usual theater goers had no idea about the closing. I wonder if that will be the case with the 8, although I know its popularity isn't what it once was. I have to make sure to get there before the closing. Thanks for the info SlimShady. I just wonder why they're closing now, when the new theater isn't supposed to open for some time.

AMC also did the same thing with Rockaway as well. On the way to a Knicks/76ers game at the Garden, I was right by both theaters on Route 3 as well as Clifton Commmons, which AMC owns. Closing down the Plaza 8 is a good idea for AMC, since it should have only one theater in town to keep moviegoers busy until the opening of the 14 screen Kerasotes. BTW, I read somewhere that Xanadu might not open in August, so moviegoers in the Secaucus area will have only one new movie theater to check out that month along with a 10-year old theater in Clifton that will outlast its only smaller competition.

I don't get it though. As long as the theater was still profitable, which the manager said it still was, why close it now. Then again, the same thing was true with the Tenplex, as it was still selling out most of its Friday and Saturday night shows when it was closed, in favor of the newer theater at the mall. You couldn't pay me enough to go to Clifton Commons. Small screens, horrible parking situation, and stadium seating are not my favorite things.lol AMC wants every single one of their theaters to look the same, similar to the new corporate look TGI Fridays, so they're getting rid of all the old Loews style theaters. I'll be amazed if Xanadu opens at all. With the state of most retail companies in the garbage these days, who would ever want to open NEW stores. Heck, if you keep up with the business news on CNBC or Bloomberg, you'll hear about more and more store closings every day. On top of that, I don't know many people around hear who are looking forward to Xanadu's opening, or are going to rush out to visit it. As I said, if both the 6 and the 8 were still doing good business, why close one early? Then again, why let a completely unrelated theater chain come in and open a new one in your backyard, causing you to close your own in the first place?lol As I said, I think AMC just wants to get rid of every Loews property they aquired in the merger/take-over. I really wonder how many days the Willowbrook AMC has left. :(

I tell ya, someone needs to take over the 6 screener, remodel, and maybe expand if possible. Perhaps using retail space. If done right, it can hold it's own against the Kerasotes 14.

this theater will become an la fitness center.

I agree with you CinemarkFan, although I don't think it needs a full remodel, just a fix up. I think it would hold its own against the Kerasotes 14. A lot of the older crowd who go to the movies don't like stadium style seating, due to having to walk up stairs, which is difficult at their age. Those people will still flock to the weekend matinees of any of the older style theaters. I swear, I never see anyone over the age of 25 when I'm at Garden State Plaza mall, in the area where the AMC theater is located there. In comparison, the Tenplex used to get droves of older theater goers on the weekends, and I still know a lot of my parents' friends frequent both the 6 and 8 in Secaucus as well, mostly due to the traditional style seating arrangement. I'm only in my thirties, but I still hate the stadium arrangement, as it's just not a true theatrical experience to me. I like looking up at the screen, not down.lol On top of that, soon there won't be any theaters around North Jersey that still have wide 70mm screens. As always, it shouldn't be about the quantity of theaters/auditoriums, but the quality.

it's now closed.

Sadly, that is true. I went there yesterday to reminisce and enjoy a good movie. As I walked around the theater, I realized how truly ridiculous it is that it is closing. Honestly, the entire theater is in great shape, much better than the Meadow Six. The seats reclined and were very comfortable and the screen was nice and wide. On top of that, the sound was realistic, not tv-like, which is so typical of the digital theaters these days. As much as I love the Tenplex, I will freely admit it had gotten run down looking in recent years. That was definitely not the case with the Plaza 8. The rugs throughout the lobby still looked brand new, as did the sparkling chandelier over the concessions stand. I spoke with the manager for quite a while and she told me that the theater was still profitable, so she also couldn't understand why they would close and let the new theater chain open a theater in the parking lot. As with the Tenplex, AMC kept the employees in the dark until recently and they still don't know their fate with the company. The main thing I took note of in the auditorium I was watching the movie in was how accessible it was for the elderly and disabled, as there was only a slight incline and one door to go through. AMC's stadium style theaters, like the one at GSP and Clifton Commons, usually have a hallway to walk down and around, after going through the door to each individual theater, and then steep steps to climb, if you don't want to be stuck in that little area with the 6 seats and the clearing for wheelchairs. Even the lower area closer to the screen has steps to walk down. As you can imagine, those types of theaters are very unfriendly to the elderly who have trouble walking or the disabled in the same situation. The one area they have for wheelchair bound theater goers at the bottom is small, and eliminates the right of someone to choose where they want to sit. A lot of the elderly usually sit further back in a traditional theater, which they can't do in a stadium seating one, due to the steps. I guess AMC really doesn't care about the elderly or disabled, as they continue to get rid of all of their traditional theaters and built more and more of their new style, which never seem to include even one or two auditoriums that have traditional seating, to accomodate those who like it better or need it due to their physical limitations. I just wish Clearview had more theaters around this area, as they seem to stay true to the old Loews model. All I can say is that I'm extremely saddened to see the Plaza 8 close, as I'm only left with the Meadow 6, which will be gone in June, and the AMC at Willowbrook to see movies at in this area these days, along with NYC. It still blows my mind to think that between 10-15 movie theaters I grew up with, within about 15 minutes of my house, have closed in recent years. Sadly, many of those 2-3 auditorium theaters had 70mm, which seems to be going the way of the dodo bird. Unfortunately, as the youth of today seems to be content with the cookie cutter factory style theaters that AMC is known for, I just don't see a positive outlook for the traditional theaters left in this area. I'd still love to know the real reason AMC is dumping both theaters in Secaucus now, as they are still profitable. If they were losing money, then I could understand it, but to do it now just makes no sense.

After the Meadow six closes, then the only Loews-style theaters that will be left are the ones without stadium seating across the hudson, especially the Lincoln Square w/ IMAX, and the ones in East Hanover, Wayne, and Ridgefield Park.

As much as it hurts to read Christophersepp's comment above, I have been feeling his pain now for years. As an IA projectionist, who has run everything in a theatre, 16MM, 35MM, 70MM, IMAX, I can say that this is the future. Traditional is out, this stadium crap, with all that digital crap is in. And don't even get me started on the newest rebirth of 3-D. I was around for the last one in the late 70's that only lasted a few years. Wait until people realize they have to pay $ 3.00 to $ 5.00 more to see digital and 3-D. With this economy, the theatres should be thankful they have people coming at all. My wife who works on stage at various venues has been out of work since the beginning of the year. There are many more like us. And I at least have the privilidge to see this digital crap for free, and you know what? You can keep it. As I have said numerous times before, give me good ol 35 or 70MM anyday, anytime.

Could the Columbia Park 12 in North Bergen have anything to do with the closing? I often wondered how this theater, only one mile east of Secaucus, could be playing the same movies at the same time as the Loews theaters. Right now 4 of the movies at the Meadows 6 are also playing in North Bergen.

The AMC Loews' were always more accessible. When you pass the Columbia Park on Route 3, unless you're a local resident you have no idea how to get up to it.

The funny thing Bill is that after Regal bailed out on Columbia Park, it became a $ 2.00 house for a while, then Pheonix came in and its first run again. I often have tried to figure out how you get to that place. Maybe there's a secret passageway. (ha-ha)

I live in the neighborhood and can walk there. If you can get up to Kennedy Boulevard, I think there are signs directing you to the theater. If there aren't, there really should be!

When it was a $2 house, it was in terrible condition. There were about two employees running the whole place. The bathroom sinks were always stopped up, with popcorn floating in them. There was also popcorn all over the escalators, stuck in the metal ridges. It's in much better shape now.

"Slumdog Millionaire" has been playing at the Columbia Park since November.

The Plaza 8 for some time has been playing a mix of Indian fare.

movie534, it's nice to know that I'm not the only person who thinks all of this new "technology" is crap. :) "Change" is rarely a good thing, as it's so often for the worse, not the better. I agree, the extra money involved with buying a 3-D ticket is rarely worth the expense, especially in this economy. I would definitely take 35 or 70mm over any of the new technologies that they're trying to convince us are an improvement. Back in the 1940's, 50's, 60's, etc...., when they would come out with some new way of showing films, it was usually in the best interests of the audience, with much wider, sometimes curving screens, better color, and improved sound. These day, the only reason for "changes", such as stadium seating and "digital" projection, are because it's better for their bottom line, since they can built a "bigger" theater on a smaller footprint, and explain away the smaller screens by touting them as being "digital", which to the kids means "super duper".lol They want more auditoriums per theater, which means "smaller" auditoriums and smaller screens, which is of no benefit to the consumer. It's not like AMC is known for showing hard to find indies or foreign films in it's 16-plex theaters, to go along with most of the big budget tripe. If that was the case, it would be a little easier to stomach. Mostly, it all comes down to the audience. If the company is only worried about the younger audience, who has absolutely NO taste whatsoever, they will continue to get away with closing all of the beloved theaters and replacing them with garbage. Since the elderly pay a reduced rate, AMC is probably happy that the newer theaters don't truly accomodate their needs. It's a foolish move, as that's the reason most of the matinees in their newer theaters are EMPTY. For those of us who are middle-aged, they just don't hear a loud enough outcry from us to stop their current course of action. As you can see, there are only a small number of us really dedicated to a true cinematic experience. Possibly there are more, who just aren't up on networking about it.

I don't think the theater in North Bergen is the cause of the two Secaucus closings, as the manager at the Plaza 8 said they were still profitable. Based on my own experience there on the weekends, I believe she was telling the truth. I'm not saying it was selling out its Friday and Saturday night showings like the Tenplex was doing right up until its closing, but it seemed to be filling up quite nicely. I always wonder the same thing about the Columbia Park 12 as I pass by on the highway, which is basically, how the heck do you get in there.lol Luckily, it never attracted me in the first place, as it has stadium seating. I liked the fact that the Plaza 8 would occasional show some Indian/Bollywood films, as it made their film selections much more diverse than the typical AMC. I think AMC just wants to close ALL of the original Loews theaters, so they can advertise everything they own as being "New and Improved", even though that's far from the case. With both Secaucus theaters closing, and the Tenplex gone almost two years ago now, I wonder if the Willowbrook AMC in Wayne will be on the chopping block too. The only thing that might keep it afloat is the fact that it has 14 theaters, which is closer to AMC's typical 16-plexes. Why they'd want to close it or change it to stadium seating, when it still makes a bundle, is beyond me, but I wouldn't be surprised if they do just that. Sadly, it has been renovated quite a few times in recent years, but then again, the Plaza 8 truly looked brand new inside when I was there on Monday and that didn't stop them. I swear, the beautiful blue carpet they had throughout the theater looked like they had just laid it down recently. I think one of the biggest casualties of AMC's policy is that they've taken away the feeling of "home" that most of us had at the old fashioned theaters. That is DEFINITELY not a feeling anyone is ever going to get at theaters like Clifton Commons or Garden State Plaza, which feel more like going to a factory or a college lecture hall.

The Columbia Park also has quite a large Indian clientele. That may be why "Slumdog Millionaire" is doing so well there.

WOW Christophersepp, you said everything that just couldn't bring myself to type. You are right on several accounts, the biggest one being, AMC doesn't want anything less than 15 to 20 screens. End of story. (too bad for the rest of us) And as the independant owner I work for always says, 90% of the ill's in todays movie business is because of AMC. They were the ones who introduced 20-plexes, they were the ones who brought about stadium seating. And they are the ones who are pushing for the elimination of film and having digital projection and dietmax (or minimax or whatever the hell you want to call it, but it isn't IMAX). I have been in the business for over 30 years, and I can tell you, I hate it now, the only time I get pleasure is the occasional film fest at the Count Basie in Red Bank. Reel-to-reel and changeovers, on 20 minute reels. Movies the way they were meant to be.

AMC is the Walmart of the theatre business.

Bill, I don't think it's JUST the large Indian clientele, though I'm sure that has something to do with it. Slumdog was just a really fantastic film and will probably get the Oscar. I still think Gran Torino was the best film of the year, but the Academy decided to snub it, along with The Wrestler and Revolutionary Road for best picture.

Movie534, AMC's greed is why they want those 15 to 20 screens, though they try to say it's for the good of their customers. You and I both know that's just BS. I agree with your boss, in that, AMC has truly destroyed the movie theater business. Up until a decade or so ago, when Clifton Commons arrived in North Jersey, AMC had no presence here. Back then, it was all either Loews, Sony-Loews, Cineplex Odeon, RKO, or just plain old independent theaters around here. Back then, it didn't matter which one you went to, as you were going to get a wonderful cinematic experience at whichever one you chose. All of a sudden, AMC arrived and started spreading like a virus. I still don't know why Loews merged with them, or allowed themselves to be acquired, as their business seemed to be at its peak when it happened. I wonder if their execs knew what the negative results were going to be down the road for the movie going public. Then again, as long as these idiot kids keep filling AMC's horrible theaters, blissfully ignorant to what they're missing out on, AMC will never see a dip in their bottom line. As I said earlier, the digital projection reminds me of watching a movie on my home television. To me, it's not really cinema. I like a few flaws and scratches here and there to remind me I'm watching a film, along with sound that sounds normal and natural, not overly amplified and alien. I know that's probably just me. As you said, "movies the way they were meant to be". Sadly, AMC doesn't even list a customer service email address on their site or a phone number to call. There are lots of links and sections on there, but it's like going through a maze to find an actual person to contact about something non-business related. Due to that fact, I haven't been even able to express my opinion to them regarding these theater closings, along with asking them why they have no interest in making their newer theaters comfortable and accessible to the elderly and disabled. Not everyone in that situation is in a wheelchair, and many of them just want the be able to sit further back or closer to the screen, which is prevented by the endless stairs in their auditoriums. I just wish there were a lot more people like us who were "vocal" in their distaste of the current state of the theater business. There probably are a lot of people who agree with us, but they're not really willing to speak their mind about it. I keep hoping I'll wake up one morning and find everything has gone back to the way it once was. Sadly, I know the odds of that happening are incredibly slim.

Dave-bronx, I think you nailed it with the Walmart reference.lol

The worst example of movie going is the AMC Newport Mall Cinemas , complete with the old CINEPLEX ODEON signs!

I've been to another theater with CO decals, the one in Menlo Park Mall in Edison, complete with Cineplex Odeon logo outside and Loews Cineplex decals near the auditorium with Rear Window/DVS. That theater should close down since there's other theaters in Edison. I hope they make a better Bridgewater Commons theater with stadium seating and digital projection to compete against the Reading Cinema in Manville.

status should be closed.

I remember when I was young that this theater always showed family, comedy, and indie films such as Aladdin (where I got a coloring paper and wanted to win something like free movie tickets but didn't) while the Meadow six had the event films like The Fifth Element (probably the last movie I saw there before they expanded the Loews Wayne) back when Sony/Loews owned the chain before AMC ran it to the ground.

On the AMC website, there's still a webpage featuring the now-closed theater, but the fandango showtimes say they're not available.

What other theatres in Edison, Justin??? You dont mean that hunk of junk on Oak Tree Road that Clearview used to run, that now shows Bollywood films on 6 of the 8 screens?? And I like the theatre in Menlo Park. I remember when it was built, I was there for 3 weeks helping to install all the screens. What that theatre needs is some TLC, which they wont get from AMC.

And to my friend christophersepp, I wake up every day hoping things go back to the way they once were, but as you said, I think its just a pipe dream.

thanks for updating the status of the theater.

Movie534, if only that was reality and not a dream, I would be one happy camper. According to most of the articles I've read in the local press lately, the movie theater that was supposed to be part of Xanadu might not be opening at all, due to the company having serious financial trouble. As most of us already know, Xanadu as a whole is facing MAJOR financial trouble. Corzine and Codey are really the only two people who seemed to want it in the first place, as the sheer majority of local residents were against it, according to all of the studies/polls that were done by the local press and I know I definitely didn't want it in my "backyard". Sorry to get off topic. My original point was that, if the theater at Xanadu doesn't open will AMC look even more stupid for closing these two theaters and letting the new chain opening up in their place take all their business? In other words, wasn't the whole reason they were closing the 6 and the 8 because they were going to have a "major rival" at Xanadu, which now might not be the case. Xanadu, the Prudential Center, and the "new" Giants Stadium represent everything WRONG with our state, as all three were given HUGE tax breaks and also state and local funding, while the state budget is a disaster. It doesn't help matters that all three were TOTALLY unnecessary endeavors. If the new Giants Stadium had a dome, allowing it to host the Super Bowl, then I could possibly understand the expense, but it's going to be a carbon copy of the old one just with more luxury boxes and ridiculously expensive seat licensing fees. In other words, like the newer movie theaters we've all spoken about, the new stadium really won't be a "benefit" to the fans, just newer. Close to 400 million dollars of tax debt was forgiven by the state to the build the stadium, while the governor talks of raising the property taxes of us "little people". :(

I just realized, I'm pretty sure I've also been to the theater at Menlo Park, though not in quite a few years. I, like movie534, also liked its style and format quite a lot. Of course I understand that it could have taken a turn for the worst since then, but if it is the theater I'm thinking of, the "traditional" lay-out it offered was something I wish more theaters would follow. Sadly, as AMC has no interest in classical styling, I just don't see that happening any time soon. Too bad they don't use the Ziegfeld in NYC as an example when they build new theaters, instead of whatever kind of "factory" composite they currently use. If I wanted to see movies in a warehouse, I'd bring a projector to Home Depot.lol Heck, forget about the Ziegfeld, copy the Tenplex's design from it's heyday. Then again, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the set-up of the 8, as the seats were comfortable, the screens were nice and wide, and there was easy access to any seat in the house for anyone with a disability or who's elderly.

I agree with ur comment, christophersepp. When did the 8 plex open?

I know the manager told the answer to that question when I was there on the day they closed, but for some reason, I just can't seem to remember right now. I'm pretty sure she said it was somewhere between 1980-1983. If it comes to me, I'll definitely let you know.

The Meadow Six was the first to open in 1982, so I guess the Plaza 8 opened shortly thereafter. Now Secaucus will have only one theater left until the Meadow Six closes and the new Kerasotes Showplace 14 opens. BTW, how's construction going at that place?

A friend of mine asked me if I knew about a theatre being built near the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel. Is this Kerasotes Showplace 14 the one he could be referring to? Also, with Muvicos money woes, I guess someone else will be finishing the plex in Xanadu. (If Xanadu itself ever gets finished)

Maybe Regal could do it, since they're publicly traded and are in much better shape than AMC.

Demolition of the Loews Meadow 8 is proceeding - the building has been almost completely gutted and no longer looks like a theater. The new Showplace 14 is a huge concrete monstrosity going up in the parking lot on the other side of the Loews Meadow 6, just off Route 3 West. Supposedly it will open up sometime in August.

That's good to hear...and pretty soon not too far from there another towering hulk of a theater will arrive....Xanadu. That thing will have a real IMAX screen, unlike other theaters that have mini versions of the famous format.

I was told that the Kerasotes Showplace 14 will open around Oct.

Just in time for Halloween...ha ha ha!!!

Will LA Fitness open in time? I read an article online that there was a shooting at an LA Fitness in a suburb near Pittsburgh....they should put extra security at that building since it's a highly trafficked area.

Drove by today after attending my final film at the Secaucus sixplex - the old Loews Meadow 8 has been completely gutted open, although the exterior walls on the sides and back are still up

Pretty soon they'll remove any signs that say "Loews Theatres" and the searchlight logo, as well as remove the marquee...I hope the Kerasotes shows a mix of indie, foreign, and box office fare much like the old Loews theaters. The Plaza 8 was popular with kids as they often show family films. Since the theater's closing, attendance to the nearby shops and stores have probably decreased. The same could be said once the Meadow Six theater closes this Friday, to be replaced by retail space.