South Bay Cinemas

I don't know what condition this theater is on the inside, but it appears somewhat rundown from the outside.

Is this independent?

It's now a 5-plex. The original main auditorium is still largely intact, with some small theatres having been carved out of one side section of seats. The lobby has some really cheesy maritime displays and wood paneling that give the place a funny, dated 1970's feel. I've been told this theatre was designed exactly like either side of the Hicksville North/South Twin, later known as the Hicksville Mid-Plaza Cinema 6. I've been to both, but only have vague memories of the latter, and as a 6 screener at that.

When this was a single house it was first run and yes very similar to the North/South. After passing the concession stand you made a left down a short hallway to the auditorium. The front of the lobby was all glass looking onto Montaulk Highway. I saw The Exorcist in it's intial run as a single screen. For a while they showed just double features such as "10 Rillington Place" and "The Burglars" and "The Big Bus" and "Bugsy Malone". One summer they had a 3D festival and I saw "Dynasty" a kung fu flick and the next week went to see "The Stewardesses" but they had a problem with the print and didn't screen it. Then they twinned it followed by a third screen added behind the twinned screen. If was a few years before the last two were built. Although far from from a grand place, it seemed to do really well and has stayed alive probably because The Movies at Sunrise Mall closed. There is another triplex, the former UA Babylon right down the street.

Does anyone know what the opening picture was for the house when it was a single?

The theater has updated a lot since. You should really check it out considering the low prices and high quality. Not many great theater's on Long Island left that are family oriented.

This is one of my favorite theatres around! I see at least 4 - 5 movies a month at this theatre. Its got great sound and picture. They have removed most of the maritime displays and there has been a nice amount of work done on the lobby. Its a great deal to see a general admission for $7.00. Let's hope this theatre will be around for a long time!!

HEY GUYS GOOD NEWS IT 'IS WRITTEN' THAT MY GOOD FRIENDS AT 'THE SOUTH BAY CINEMA'ARE GOING TO SHOW 'LARENCE OF ARABIA' IN 70 MM APRIL 7TH TO THE 13TH, THEY HAD AN OPEN SCREEN THAT WEEK AND A PRINT WAS AVAILABLE. BY THE WAY, THE GUYS THAT OWN THE THEATER ARE THE GUYS THAT SAVED THE DAY THAT SUNDAY WHEN THE FILM BROKE AT THE ZIEGFELD. O K SHOW TIMES ARE AT 2;00, 7;30 EVERY DAY, THE ADDRESS IS 495 MONTALK H/WAY IN WEST BABALON 1/4 MILE WEST OF ROUTE 109 PHONE ;631;587 7808 MORE TO COME

How big is the screen in the main auditorium? As big as the one at the Ziegfeld, or maybe even bigger?

ABOUT 40 FEET WIDE, PLEASE TELL EVERYONE TO COME SO THEY WILL RUN MORE 70 MM FEATURES

This Theater has some mileage on it, but it's still pretty good; and a bargain at only 7 bucks. The doorman (in the wheelchair) is a really cool guy and very knowledgeable. Plus, they have the nicest menu board (above the concession stand) and the best ice you've ever had. Give the place another try. Go and enjoy "THE SOUTH BAY EXPERIENCE."

I concur.

I'm taking my 24 year old niece to see Lawrence sometime next week. I know she'll love it.

For those familiar with the inside, does it look mokre inviting than the outside appears?

This theatre is really a great experience for the viewing. The picture and audio are always excellent. The popcorn is great and the soda always ice cold! $4.00 matinees and $7.00 tickets all other times.....The outside is so-so, they have been doing some work inside...all and all a great movie house!

Does anyone remember the older married couple that ran this theatre in the 70's? The wife was always a little rude, barking at customers to "step lively!". Also she did the recordings on the phone schedule, and my friend and I used to call just tho hear her butcher certain actors names, like Yvette Mimieux, where she pronounced the x. We would laugh our heads off, of course we were only 14

You people ask how the condtion is inside...its horrid. It's like being in a haunted house. There are holes in the cieling and walls. The bathrooms are gross and they smell bad. The current owner doesn't re-new anything. He doesn't even fumigate, there are flies and cockaroaches. Also if you listen carefully you can hear the rats scurrying in the cieling. I saw rat poop in the lobby one day. It's disgusting. I advise you people go to a different more clean movie theatre.

is this part of a smale chain? or is this one owner one theatre?

i mean small...

I think its like 3 owners. They just dont like renovating it

This building looks like it needs work from the outside.