Regal Union Square Stadium 14

This place has two decent size screens and 12 small ones. HOWEVER...they have the most consistent projection and sound in the entire city. Probably the best place to go for a good presentation. And that includes the Ziegfeld.

This strikes me as incredibly lazy - the LED-display marquee makes mention of only two of what I'd guess to be the 10-12 films currently playing at the Union Square Stadium 14. Granted, they're both Oscar winners - 'The Aviator' and 'Sideways' - and both films, irrelevant of snagging those awards last month are worth seeing, but wouldn't you think a theatre would want to exert as much energy touting ALL the films they're showing at once as they do an online and telephone ticket ordering service?

While I haven't been there lately, I've been advised by someone who has that while seated you must keep your feet up off the floor, since the place is infested with rats - once a UA, always a UA...

My favorite memory of this theater is that of people jumping up and leaving due to the high volume of mice. They scurry across you feet. I was extremely afraid to eat my popcorn after witnessing how free they were, and it's like 6 dollars for a small. With the extreme prices they could attempt to exterminate. It was disgusting and horrible. The employees are like "we're sooo embarrassed by the mice" and they very well should be.

Yeah...they have a few mice. But you can actually HEAR THE MOVIES here! Clearly. Every word. Without straining. The picture is also always ON THE SCREEN. ALL OF IT. In focus. Consistently. There's not another theatre in the entire city that has such consistently fine presentation. I'll live with the mice. The popcorn IS expensive, but it's GOOD! They all have mice...Kips Bay, Ziegfeld, Ewalk

I've never had that experience at the Union Square thankfully, but I wonder if anyone who has filed a complaint with Regal's home office -not that there's a guarantee they'd give a you-know-what or that the person filing the complaint would receive a response, but anyway...

I tolerate the Union Square well enough - Movieguy718 does bring up some valid points - but I miss the Waverly (in its incarnation as a first-run mainstream house with the occasional specialty flick) and the Art Greenwich, despite their quirks and sometimes somewhat imperfect comfort levels. Ah, for the heyday of the 1-4 screen neighborhood moviehouse in Manhattan...

It's all true but how can anyone focus on the movie with the thought of *a mouse may jump in my bag*. br91975 my first instinct was to complain to management and all I got was a "we're so embarrassed." I want to know what happens when something huge is premiering and the theater is too crowded for people the have their feet across chairs. (Luckily I was only seeing Miss Congeniality 2-which didn't capture the cities inerest) You have to watch with rodents jumping around you. I'm sure they all have mice but as the saying goes out of sight out of mind. Bottom line I don't want to see them. This is a big fancy expensive theater they should be able to afford pest control.

I remember once seeing a film at The Selwyn, a horror film no less and a rat ran down the isle. You would have sworn it was part of the show, a girl screamed and ran down the isle waving her arms in the air. Most of the audience told her to shut the f%$# up and watch the movie. LOL, ah the good old days.

Ahh, the Selwyn... a doorman who worked at my theatre also worked at the Selwyn told me they had to close the main floor and make everyone sit up in the balcony because the rats were chasing the customers!

Hey BELLA! >>>how can anyone focus on the movie with the thought of *a mouse may jump in my bag*<<< With me, at theatres where they show the movies at very low volumes (Beekman, Cinemas 1/2/3, Chelsea West, Lincoln Square, 84th St, Village7, etc etc) I can't focus on the movie cuz all I'm thinking is "It's not loud enough!" I'll still take the mice ;-)
And ROB! I got an electric shock from the hand dryer at the Selwyn. And also recall cats wandering about. I LOVED this place tho' Double and sometimes triple features of new releases on a big screen! For $5!!!

I've never experienced the mice, but I'll be on the lookout. This was the first of the megaplexes in Manhattan and maybe NYC to feature stadium seating.

Meanwhile, it isn't your father's 14th Street anymore. The days of the bargain basement shopping, taking your life in your hands if you walk though Union Square Park and Klein's abandoned hulk are long gone. But I remember the good old days and there were two shells of theatres (and Julius' 2nd Floor pool hall!!) east of where the Regal is. One of the theatres was the famous disco, the Paramount maybe and the other was just a hulk a little west of the the disco. Anyone know the names of those theatres. They were both closed by the time I arrived in NYC way back in '82? And was there a porno theatre on Third Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets on the east side of the street?

I went here tonight for the second time, the first being a few years ago. The auditorium I was in was maybe 400 seats, but I was so disappointed in the screen, it was too high and on the small side. There was also sound problems about a half hour into the show but then it was ok. I have to say one thing though the place was very clean, the floors were not sticky and the mens room was clean. They don't air condition the lower lobbies, I don't know how the staff stands it. One thing that blew my mind was the #2 combo was 2 large popcorns and 4 medium sodas and you get 2 free candies and the price, take a breath $32. I ordered a large nachos and amedium drink and it was $12.25, can you believe that.

I'm sure Regal would claim, in a polite moment, they charge such high prices because of the rent they pay for the site, but, if they had a couple of martinis in them and were feeling particularly blunt, would comment that since it's NYC, hey, what else could you expect? You're supposed to be gouged...

Yeah, Robert, I agree with you about those screens, especially the auditriums with balconies (4 and 8) - 8 is larger, I think and sitting in the balcony actually makes it dificult to see the screen (I wonder if subtitles are cut off) whereas theatre 4's screen is too high so sitting in the balcony is actually a good viewing experience. As for those prices- DOESN'T MOST OF THE TICKET PRICE GO TO THE STUDIO? I don't see the benifit of having unreasonable (10.75!) prices. I once e-mailed National Amusements to protest a price increase at one of their sites (9.75 in Manchester, CT, making it the most expensive theatre in CT). They claimed they were being "competitive" when in all honesty all the cinemas in CT are pretty much N/A sites, everyone else at that time was pretty much charaging 8.75. These folks are greedy and want to look good in front of the studios by putting up high per screen averages. As well know they are now being burned as folks are resisting the high prices and renting DVDs.

As for Regal's concession prices, they are also the same outside of Manhatten as well - no where else does a large popcorn and a large soda cost 11 bucks. This is true not only of Regal Union Square but also at the Regal in Waterbury, CT atleast, so I'm sure its everywhere. It's a shame the largest movie chain in the world doesn't make movie going an affordable activity. They have the power to and they don't.

I think it's safe to say, on the corporate level, Regal (and most chains) ultimately don't care much about the customers who attend their theatres; to them, they're consumers and little else.

Does anyone know if the singage on the Union Square Stadium 14 says Regal, or if it stills says "United Artists"?

Some of the ads for films in the NY Post still list this as UA Union Square Sttadium 14, but the main listing list it as "Regal Union Square Stadium 14".

Either way, i'd just call it "REG Union Square Stadium 14"

This is a photo of the Union Square Stadium 14 taken around 1999 and thats why it still reads UA on the sign.

It definitely says Regal, and during a viewing of "Rent" I had a mouse run in front of my seat.

Yeah and a few years ago they upgraded the theater to look more like a Regal, including changing signs, lobby areas and the color scheme of the theaters themselves.

I happen to work at this Regal. So allow me to share from an employee's perspective on any of these issues.

First and foremost, the everpopular mice issue.

Yes we have mice. I can't exactly support my argument with "So what? All buildings in NYC have mice! GIVE US A BREAK," because we are a corporate company whom deals with those matters in a professional manner. Managers have constantly gotten in contact with exterminators and they do the best they can to resolve this problem but we can only go so far. Them mice are tricky animals. And don't worry, they would never get in your popcorn. We pop our popcorn every five minutes are so, so it is hot and fresh. Plus these is no way a mouse could ever climb in there because the only opening is on the front where we have access to it. I have dealt with this machine may times to know this.

High prices. Yes ridiculously high. I feel guilty giving a person a popcorn after they spend 5.50 on it. The one thing that upsets me the most is when customers complain to my face telling me that we should consider lowering these prices. Besides the fact that I DON'T CONTROL THE PRICES along with everyone else who works at the theater, there is good reason for this. As mentioned before, yes rent in Manhatten is expensive. If anyone has ever used a premere ticket or a VIP pass from any Regal, you may notice on the back the fine print which states that only in Manhatten an extra surcharge of 1.50 may be applicable.

Movie tickets are currently 10.75. Keep in mind that a huge chunk of it goes to the producers, directors, actors, etc. I'm not exactly sure what percentage we get but it is highly insignifant in comparison with our concession prices.

We are trained to be good salesmen. We upsell whenever we can. It is policy that we do so. So don't get mad at us when we do it. I have had some customers give me this response "Just GET ME what I asked for." I usually politly tell them that we have to do it. Sometimes they get even more angry so I simply tell them "Sir, if you have a problem you can go to www.regalcinemas.com, write a complaint, give them my name and date of visit, and they'll be happy to know I'm doing my job.

Really the money in concessions is barely enough for us to pay rent, pay employees(including nightcrew), buy more products, etc. It's a buisness. The law of supply and demand definetly apply here. No one is allowed to bring in outside food or drink products unless it is water or unless they are diabetic. I have had one customer said she was going to bring their own food next time. I told her she wasn't allowed to and she said that I wouldn't know anyway. I was offended. Things like that effect my paycheck. It is truely an insult.

Simply... if you're not hungry, do not buy food.

If you want free food?

Sign up for our Regal Crown Club. It's FREE! What do you get? Free small popcorn on tuesday, every tuesday no matter what. Every dollar you spend you get a point that can get you free stuff (popcorn, soda, AND movie tickets).

If you're looking for a "deal" (used loosely) get a combo and you can get a candy for two dollars instead of 3.75. That's the best kind of deal we can give right now. It is working great however.

Marques... us being lazy? Ridiculous. You're being lazy here. Just walk inside and check. We just want to show the popular movies on the marque. How boring would it be if we ran on the marque every single movie... It would take quite some time.

I hope that answers some of the concerns that were on this board. If you guys have another question please feel free to comment on contact me. I'll be happy to answer.

-NYN

I have a few things to say. First to hardbop, the disco down 14th St. was the Palladium, not the Paramount. The other theater hulk one block east of Palladium was the Jefferson. Second, I really can't stand the Union Square multiplex. It is the only one in Manhattan that I avoid at all costs. Those times that I do go it isn't pleasant. The place is almost always filthy and not only the bathrooms. Though I've never seen mice there, I'm not surprised because there is trash everywhere. Second, on many occasions they have been "out" of certain concessions that I requested or they would say "We don't have that here, you have to go to the other stand" This was infuriating since I had already waited a lengthy amount of time on line. I find customer service here is poor. Finally, I am past the age that I enjoy going to the theater with a bunch of college kids. My experience, and many of my friends agree, that Loew's and AMC manage their theaters much better than this one. For now Regal has no incentive to change, many people decide to put up with it. I don't. Ok, now I feel better! :-)

Hi Luis - I agree that their customer service is lousy - particularly the concessionaires and ushers. Most of the managers are acommodating and they really can't do anything about the type of crowd they attract. I mean, they're next door to the NYU dorms. I rarely go to the movies on weekends, so I tend not to have the crowd problems and I've never seen the Union Square in any condition you'd call filthy. I did not like this place when it first opened (small screens, small rooms, sound issues) but it is now one of the three best theatres in the city that you can depend on for good presentation

Hi Movieguy - I agree that they can't help who they attract and for NYU kids the location can't be beat. Just the same i would much rather go to Loew's (or should I now say AMC) 34th St or AMC 25 to see films. I much prefer these theaters (although the bathroom situation on 34th St. is very peculiar). Though I don't like Union Sqaure I occassionally go because there are so few theaters left in Manhattan. And that is sad!

Hey Luis - I've never had a good experience at the 34th Street. I've been there maybe 8 times and something was wrong every time: low volume, muffled sound, blown out center speakers, film threaded backwards, blown out amplifiers, picture half off the screen... And only ONE single good experience at the AMC. In theatre six. For SHOPGIRL of all things. In comparison, I rarely have a bad experience at the Union Square. Have you tried Battery Park? It's quite excellent. I also like the E-Walk...

Hey Movie guy, Yes, I love Battery Park, AMC 42nd and Loew's E-Walk and 34th St, but I'm not changing my mind about Union Square (especially now that it appears mice are rampant (and the staff confirms it!) :-)

LuisV, AMC has the AMC Loews 34th Street, the AMC Empire 25, the AMC Loews Lincoln Square 12 & IMAX, and until it is sold, the AMC Loews E-Walk 13.

My 3 favorite AMC Theatres to see films in are: AMC Empire 25, AMC Neshaminy 24 (located in Bensalem, PA), and AMC Pleasure Island 24 (located in Lake Buena Vista, FL).

My favorite REG Theatres to see films in are: REG King Of Prussia Stadium 16 (located in King of Prussia, PA), REG Kaufman Astoria Stadium 14, and REG Oxford Valley Stadium 14 (located in Middletown Township-Langhorne, PA)

I actually have found the Union Square Regal to be clean, mice free and quite handy with my living in the area.

Was just there for "DaVinci Code" and, god help me, "Just my Luck" and had a good time.

I just wanted to get any feedback on the "Original Halloween" screening over the last 2 nights at certain Regal/AMC theaters nationwide. It was from a HD source(720P?).
I saw Halloween in NYC Hallowen night & was pretty disappointed. While it wasn't an ntsc dvd, it was disappointing for no screen masking to cover up 2.35 letterboxing on the HD.I do so enjoy seeing 2 different blacks on display. It also came from the pre-show projector which to me, is not a good way to market Digital Cinema.The theater should use the higher quality projectors when they are charging us normal admission.
I was also hoping they could've removed more grain in the HD transfer.
When it was over, I would've preferred a slightly dirty film print.
Can anyone give me more technical info and/or observations.
Thanks,
Tom

This is a recent night view of the Regal Cinemas.

Does anyone know an online source that lists BY SCREEN NUMBER what movies are playing at this theater? I hate showing up and then learning that my movie is playing on the dinkiest screen in the theater. The NYT prints this info in its weekend edition, but you can't find it online.

Off the top my head movietickets.com does it for certain theaters (IFC Center) and I think Film Forum lists what shows in what theater, but there is no online source to the best of my knowledge and I really do wish their was - especially for Union Square. However, I don't think would theaters want that out there (unless they are advertising its on a "Super Screen" "I-Max" or in "DLP Digital Cinema") - its like a bait and switch. Sometimes you can figure it out if you call the theater and get their recorded show time line, but too often those lines refer you into a central call center which sucks because I've had an experience where a theater chain has made a data entry error and the wrong film was reported online, to the papers and on the theater's voice recording. The result, I showed up to an AMC in New Jersey to see Idiocracy only to be told I had been sold a ticket through movietickets.com for Jackass (even though I had my confirmation stating I had 2 adult tickets for Idiocracy). There is a world of difference there, I wouldn't trust such a listing if it existed, sorry because theater size changes at some locations daily and by showtime, and even at the last minute. You know who would have this information, the movietickets.com and the fandangos that offer the ability to print your tickets at home, I wish they'd offer that up without having to drop $12 and a service fee per ticket.

I'm surprised that the city health inspectors haven't shut down the theatre from the rodent issues like they did with that Taco Bell.

I've never been to New York but if I do come, I probably won't go here due to my fear of rats and mice.

A list of movies that were shown in Digital Projection (DLP) at the UNION SQUARE 14 from Fall 2003 to June 2007

9/12/03- Matchstick Men
9/12/03- Once Upon A Time In Mexico
11/1/03- Brother Bear
11/14/03- Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
2/6/04- Miracle
3/5/04- Starsky & Hutch
5/7/04- Van Helsing
5/19/04- Shrek 2
5/28/04- The Day After Tomorrow
7/7/04- King Arthur
7/16/04- I, Robot
10/1/04- Shark Tale
11/5/04- The Incredibles
11/10/04- The Polar Express
12/22/04- The Phantom of the Opera
1/14/05- Elektra
3/11/05- Robots
4/1/05- Sin City
5/19/05- Star Wars: Episode III-Revenge of the Sith
5/27/05- Madagascar
11/18/05- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
12/9/05- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the...
1/13/06- Glory Road
2/17/06- Eight Below
3/17/06- V For Vendetta
4/14/06- Scary Movie 4
5/19/06- Over the Hedge
6/28/06- Superman Returns
7/7/06- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
5/4/07- Spider-Man 3
5/18/07- Shrek the Third
5/25/07- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
6/15/07- Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

personal opinion.....worst multiplex in Manhattan! Avoid at all costs.

Going to get even worse if Regal ever decides to get rid of the union projectionists, like they did around the rest of the country.

back in '99 I think Phantom Menace had its very first public preview screening at this theatre?

The theatre opened on November 13th, 1998 and the premiere engagements were Meet Joe Black (on four screens), I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (on three screens), Dancing At Lughnasa (on two screens), Lolita (the remake), There's Something About Mary, Saving Private Ryan, Welcome To Woop Woop and Citizen Kane (a special reissue for the theatre's opening).

I've never had a mouse problem here. I like this theater.

By summer, the entire south side of 14th Street between 4th Avenue and Broadway will be vacant due to the closures of Circuit City and Virgin Music. I wonder if Regal has given any thought to expanding its multiplex, which is right next door?

Another photo of the Regal Cinemas
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyblade/471849069/sizes/o/in/photostream/

Wrong link, Chuck.

Thanks Al, this should be the correct link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyblade/1538904294/sizes/o/in/photostream/

It has all the charm of the Port Authority Bus Terminal; all that's missing are announcements of departure times and gate assignments.

This link -- (which also has a photo of this house) -- http://nymag.com/arts/architecture/features/49959/index16.html -- mentions an "historic Union Square Theater" being torn down. Was that a playhouse, because I haven't heard of it before.

I think they be referring to the Acme.

http://cinematreasures.org/theater/12399/