AMC Loews Menlo Park 12

This multiplex opened in December 1991, and is located in the back of the Menlo Park Mall. Originally, this multiplex replaced the old GC-owned Menlo Park Twin Cinema, which was at the corner of Route 1 and Parsonage Road, just a few feet south from the mall. Ironically, the mall complex was torn down and rebuilt into a two-story shopping mall just 9 months before this multiplex opened.

The Menlo Park 12 started life as Cineplex Odeon when it opened, becoming a Loews Cineplex after the merger.

The Menlo 12 is a hugely popular theater, however not one of my favorites due to its poor theater design. Many of the theaters have "off-center" seating, meaning that the seats are not center aligned to the screen but are in some cases off-set to the left or right.

Also, during its Cineplex Odeon days, the Menlo 12 had the rightful reputation as one of the priciest theaters in Central Jersey, with its limited bargain matinees and high priced evening shows. I remember shortly after its opening that it even charged 50 cents extra for the "butter topping" on popcorn.

Just went to this theater to see "Shrek the Third" and I was a bit disappointed. The projection was decent, and the sound was so-so. The seating needs improvement, as there are better theaters around the area (especially around New Brunswick and surrounding cities). This is the only Cineplex Odeon theater remaining in NJ after the Tenplex was closed.

Beowulf was shown in Digital 3-D at this theater. Also worth noting on the theater's Fandango page is that one of the theaters is THX certified. Is this true? It's playing "Atonement". Still a pricey theater, since the price change back in November.

This cinema seems to have become rather unpopular lately, though it doesn't seem all that different than in its heyday - unless somebody knows something I don't. Or is it just an overall decline in cinema attendance these days? I remember having trouble finding a parking space back in the 1990s so popular was this place once. Where have all the patrons gone?

probably both.

I think part of the problem with the Menlo 12 is that it's showing it's age, poor theatre design and terrible parking situation. Parking is really limited on the upper parking deck area outside of the theatre with 2 main entrances to mall on that level so it's mixed shopper and movie-goer parking.

Also, I recently went to the Menlo 12 and was surprised that the theaters and the interior area are looking a bit thread-worn and shabby compared to other theaters. Another factor that may be turning patrons away is the amount of loitering that goes on outside the theaters on the weekends and evenings. Going into the theaters is like running a gauntlet at times with young people hanging around outside the entrance area. On exiting that evening, mall security and Edison Police were breaking up what looked like a scuffle that was occurring 10 feet past the exit to parking deck.

Maybe AMC should take a page from Paramus and Rockaway and rebuild the theater as a 16-screen stadium seater with digital sound and picture, in order to spruce up the shopping area.

I went to this theatre a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed. I like the fact that it's throwback with Cineplex Odeon signage/seating. As choices become fewer these days it's a nice change of pace. I also like that's located directly across from an arcade in the mall. The closest thing to the tenplex feeling I'be gotten. While it's too far for me to make a special trip just to see a movie if I'm in the area I'd go.

Funny enough after saying I'd wouldn't make a special trip here to see a movie, this become what the tenplex was to me, The place where I go to see movies. I know AMC owns it (and has gone so far to replace the Cineplex Odeon logo ont he marquee with theirs, boo!) but after being used to the CO signage from the tenplex there's a familiarity there. I saved the interior pictures from the tenplex and confirm thwe insides of thsi theatre are identical, even the carpeting is a close if not exact match.
Unlike the Garden State 16 where parking is a nightmare this mall has three levels of parking. I've never once had an issue getting a space.
The other thing I noticed is the same criticisms were leveled at this theatre that were leveled at the tenplex...until people found out it was closing.

The same company that is building the new theater in Secaucus is also planning to build and open a 16-screen stadium seating Kerasotes theater in Edison. Once that opens, this theater might close.

I worked as a manager in this theater for a few years in the mid 90s and loved working there. I am sad to hear Cineplex went away and that now it is an AMC theater. I liked the spacious environment the theater had and the design. I also worked with a lot of great people there.

digital projection is now at this theater.

O.K.