UA Cinema 150
111 Jericho Turnpike,
Syosset,
NY
11791
111 Jericho Turnpike,
Syosset,
NY
11791
14 people
favorited this theater
This was one of a handful of "Cinema 150" movie theaters across the country, designed as an "all-purpose" luxury theater that could exhibit films in the following formats: D-150, Todd-AO, 70mm, Panavision, Cinemascope and 35mm.
Streamlined in a very late-1950’s, early-1960’s post-modern style that placed a premium on functionality, the Cinema 150’s vast auditorium featured a large, detached balcony, oversized rocking-chair seats, a huge curved screen with a 120' arc, and a phenomenal sound system. The theater could hold well over 1,000 (probably 1,200 or 1,400).
In contrast to the "golf ball" style of the now-restored Cinerama in California, this theater favored a simple, understated red brick and concrete exterior that blended in with the suburban surroundings.
Right up through its last days of operation, the theater remained immaculately maintained and well attended for blockbuster movies. Unfortunately, however, the geniuses at the United Artists chain decided to build a 12 screen stadium theater a mere one mile away in 2000. Not only did UA demolish the last remaining drive-in on Long Island, the Westbury Drive-In, to make room for the new multiplex, but it ultimately led to their decision to shut down the Cinema 150.
Although it was always a popular place to see a film, few people seemed to know of the theater’s unique design and technological amenities, and thus it was gutted to make way for a health club without a peep.
Contributed by
Marty Nartinez
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Recent comments (view all 176 comments)
I can’t seem to find the Encore site.
Rivoli, the theater opened with Hello, Dolly in 1969.
POMOVIE2, the Encore’s page may be found here.
Rivoli157/POMOVIE2: “Hello, Dolly!” opened at the UA Cinema 150 on March 26, 1970.
http://www.fromscripttodvd.com/70mm_in_new_york_1969.htm
Last movie to play here was Miss Congeniality. The poster remained in the display box many months after the theatre closed.
I saw ‘True Lies’ there and it was magnificent!! Sitting in the first row of the second level, and watching the literal curtains open, was a great experience. People need to be wooed back into movie theaters and a price cut should be the way. We’re not refining oil here people…
I have nothing new to add, no insights and I thought I might have posted something on this theater years ago but all I can say is that I’m appalled that this theater was demolished the way it was. Protests likely would have led to nothing but what a loss!
I worked at the 150 for a few years. We took pride in our job and it was a fun atmosphere we were all friends and being a single theatre once the movie started we had little to do. so of course being 18-19 years old we had a blast and enjoyed our job. I agree with bobt that the seating was 98x seats. I worked the ticket booth for the entire time I was there and we would often have to stop selling tickets when we hit 920 or so because the remainder of the seats would be first few rows and people would often come back when the movie started to get their money back. I would remember all the patrons by face, some by name because they would come for each new movie. For me personally Terminator 2 stands out, the opening future wars scene would literally take people’s breath away. The theatre spoiled you, to this day i cant stand to step foot in these cookie cutter multiplexes.
Of all of the movie theaters on Long Island, this is the one I miss the most. In 1999, my senior year of high school, I was a part of a large group of die-hard “Wars-ies” who camped out for “The Phantom Menace” tickets. I waited in line for 17 hours. The experience was MUCH better than the movie.
The balcony was an added bonus. I saw a bunch of movies here through the years – “Back to the Future Part III,” “Batman Returns,” “Batman Forever,” the Star Wars Special Editions, “Air Force One,” “Contact” —– many others. The last movie I was able to see before this place closed for good was “Mission Impossible 2.”
One of my all time favorite theatres , with the York theatre in Huntington … The best of the best movies played here lots in 70 mm!