That is so awesome! Thanks for sharing that amazing memory. Unfortunately I was too young to see Star Wars when it was first released, I was three going on four, but I have fond memories of seeing Return of the Jedi during its initial release. (I also missed The Empire Strikes Back when it first came out.)
I wish I’d had the chance to see a movie at this theater when it was open. If time travel is ever invented, LOL, this will be on my short list of Manhattan theaters to attend in the 80s, along with the Loews State 1&2, Loews Orpheum 1&2, Rivoli later the UA Twin, and the old Cinema I & II theaters before they were torn down and turned into the current Cinema 1,2,and 3. Sadly, I never had the opportunity to see anything at these places.
I saw Mary Poppins Returns in the Dolby Cinema yesterday. The reclining seats are comfortable and like other AMC cinemas with a Dolby auditorium the screen size is more than generous. The images and sound are nearly flawless. Visiting this theater is always a treat, just to admire the lavish decor given to each cinema entrance on the second floor. I wish more theaters paid tribute to the great cinemas of the past long gone but not forgotten.
Though I’d only visited this amazing theater three times in the past two decades before it closed I still miss it terribly. It’s a shame the owners couldn’t find a way to keep it going. If it had gone the route of, say, the Egyptian in Los Angeles and focused strictly on revivals maybe it would have survived.
Amen to that Howard. I don’t mind digital projection. I won’t say it’s better than 35 or 70MM but think it looks significantly better in 2D than 3D. But I don’t think proper masking is asking for much, especially what we’re paying for ticket prices today.
I too have noticed a lack of masking for the some of the movies I’ve seen recently at AMC and Regal cinemas. I have to agree it is lazy and kind of annoying. I can tolerate it to a certain extent but what puzzles me is these same theaters used to adjust the screen prior to the show starting so it would be masked properly. It doesn’t look that difficult but I could be wrong.
I saw Hotel Transylvania 2 in 4DX at a different theater in the Boston area but my reaction was pretty much the same as yours xbs2034. It’s enjoyable in small doses but I feel it is better suited to a theme park ride than a feature film. I didn’t mind being sprayed with water but did not like the simulated smells, which were a major turnoff for me.
Thank you rivest266 for posting this. It definitely brings back memories. Three Amigos was the first of many movies I saw at this theater over the years. I think the last may have been Monster’s Ball.
“Tootsie” was the sole movie I saw here when it was The Art. After it was converted into the Movieland 8th Street Triplex, I saw many more, including “Wall Street,” “Joe Versus the Volcano,” “Glory,” “Revenge of the Nerds II,” just to name a few. I agree with randytheicon the upstairs theater was decent but the downstairs ones were narrow with somewhat small screens. Seeing a summer blockbuster like “Batman” for the first time in one of them wasn’t ideal but it was the most convenient Manhattan location for my dad and I at the time.
Mike (saps) You’re probably right about the Loews 34th Street Showplace. For me, it would be fun to see the bookings since I went there more times than the Ziegfeld and Astor Plaza combined. If I can figure out how to do it myself I will.
Great job compiling this list too Michael Coate. Just a thought but would you be interested in doing one for the Loews 34th Street Showplace theater in Manhattan from 1987 to 1999 when it closed? If not, that’s okay, but thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I’d do one myself but have no idea where to start. Another user named King Biscuit posted the bookings from the first five years, 1981-1986.
I recently renewed my membership. Seeing The Hateful Eight in its brief Ultra Panavision 70MM RSE New Year’s Day was a wonderfully old fashioned, I mean that as a compliment, experience, especially with a packed house. At the risk of sounding corny, it felt special. From what I heard, the “experiment” wasn’t a success so it’s unlikely we’ll be seeing more of them in the future. Joyously telling the audience what to expect prior to show time with infectious enthusiasm, the projectionist did a fantastic job framing and masking the picture on the screen. He also stated we were in for a treat and I don’t think anyone was disappointed.
I saw The Big Short here two days ago and can’t say enough about the brand new black leather luxury recliners. It’s an understatement to say they are comfortable. The auditoriums seem to have had some nice, albeit probably minor, renovations. Until recently I came here infrequently, even though it’s literally less than a mile from my house, but I think that will change.
I didn’t know this theater had closed recently. Another one from my childhood bites the dust. I saw a lot of movies here with friends, most throughout high school and college.
If I hadn’t been pressed for time on Wednesday, I would have stayed through the end credits for the 12:45 show and taken pictures inside the theater. I agree with movieguy that we do need more theaters like this one. It’s hard to believe only yesterday the status was Open and now it’s changed to Closed. RIP Ziegfeld.
I enjoyed my final visit here yesterday afternoon to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens tremendously. This great theater will be missed but I’m grateful for the photos and memories and for this site, where at least a record of its existence will continue to serve as a loving tribute. Also thanks to users Mike(saps) and Al Alvarez for posting the bookings from its 1969 to now. Great job.
I’ll be going to see Star Wars on Wednesday to visit this magnificent movie palace one last time. I have to agree with Bill H. about it failing to close with a bang. A film festival or special screening of some sort would have been great. And I agree with cityscope user. Al Alvarez if you’re reading and wouldn’t mind please post every booking from when it opened in 1969 until now. It would be so sweet.
Seeing Lawrence of Arabia in all of its restored 70MM glory in 1989 was the most enjoyable movie going experience I had at this theater. I was only fifteen at the time and my taste in movies hadn’t fully evolved but it was mesmerizing.
I’m really sorry to hear this magnificent movie palace is closed but I can’t say I’m surprised. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to visit one last time before it closes its doors for good.
That is so awesome! Thanks for sharing that amazing memory. Unfortunately I was too young to see Star Wars when it was first released, I was three going on four, but I have fond memories of seeing Return of the Jedi during its initial release. (I also missed The Empire Strikes Back when it first came out.)
I wish I’d had the chance to see a movie at this theater when it was open. If time travel is ever invented, LOL, this will be on my short list of Manhattan theaters to attend in the 80s, along with the Loews State 1&2, Loews Orpheum 1&2, Rivoli later the UA Twin, and the old Cinema I & II theaters before they were torn down and turned into the current Cinema 1,2,and 3. Sadly, I never had the opportunity to see anything at these places.
I saw Mary Poppins Returns in the Dolby Cinema yesterday. The reclining seats are comfortable and like other AMC cinemas with a Dolby auditorium the screen size is more than generous. The images and sound are nearly flawless. Visiting this theater is always a treat, just to admire the lavish decor given to each cinema entrance on the second floor. I wish more theaters paid tribute to the great cinemas of the past long gone but not forgotten.
Though I’d only visited this amazing theater three times in the past two decades before it closed I still miss it terribly. It’s a shame the owners couldn’t find a way to keep it going. If it had gone the route of, say, the Egyptian in Los Angeles and focused strictly on revivals maybe it would have survived.
Amen to that Howard. I don’t mind digital projection. I won’t say it’s better than 35 or 70MM but think it looks significantly better in 2D than 3D. But I don’t think proper masking is asking for much, especially what we’re paying for ticket prices today.
I too have noticed a lack of masking for the some of the movies I’ve seen recently at AMC and Regal cinemas. I have to agree it is lazy and kind of annoying. I can tolerate it to a certain extent but what puzzles me is these same theaters used to adjust the screen prior to the show starting so it would be masked properly. It doesn’t look that difficult but I could be wrong.
I saw The Girl on the Train here back in October. This renovations are a major improvement.
I saw Hotel Transylvania 2 in 4DX at a different theater in the Boston area but my reaction was pretty much the same as yours xbs2034. It’s enjoyable in small doses but I feel it is better suited to a theme park ride than a feature film. I didn’t mind being sprayed with water but did not like the simulated smells, which were a major turnoff for me.
Thank you rivest266 for posting this. It definitely brings back memories. Three Amigos was the first of many movies I saw at this theater over the years. I think the last may have been Monster’s Ball.
“Tootsie” was the sole movie I saw here when it was The Art. After it was converted into the Movieland 8th Street Triplex, I saw many more, including “Wall Street,” “Joe Versus the Volcano,” “Glory,” “Revenge of the Nerds II,” just to name a few. I agree with randytheicon the upstairs theater was decent but the downstairs ones were narrow with somewhat small screens. Seeing a summer blockbuster like “Batman” for the first time in one of them wasn’t ideal but it was the most convenient Manhattan location for my dad and I at the time.
No problem. I may try to do it myself but thanks for posting the 70mm engagements.
Thanks Coate for posting this. The Hunt for Red October was the last movie I saw here.
Mike (saps) You’re probably right about the Loews 34th Street Showplace. For me, it would be fun to see the bookings since I went there more times than the Ziegfeld and Astor Plaza combined. If I can figure out how to do it myself I will.
Great job compiling this list too Michael Coate. Just a thought but would you be interested in doing one for the Loews 34th Street Showplace theater in Manhattan from 1987 to 1999 when it closed? If not, that’s okay, but thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I’d do one myself but have no idea where to start. Another user named King Biscuit posted the bookings from the first five years, 1981-1986.
Great job with the list Coate!
I recently renewed my membership. Seeing The Hateful Eight in its brief Ultra Panavision 70MM RSE New Year’s Day was a wonderfully old fashioned, I mean that as a compliment, experience, especially with a packed house. At the risk of sounding corny, it felt special. From what I heard, the “experiment” wasn’t a success so it’s unlikely we’ll be seeing more of them in the future. Joyously telling the audience what to expect prior to show time with infectious enthusiasm, the projectionist did a fantastic job framing and masking the picture on the screen. He also stated we were in for a treat and I don’t think anyone was disappointed.
I saw The Big Short here two days ago and can’t say enough about the brand new black leather luxury recliners. It’s an understatement to say they are comfortable. The auditoriums seem to have had some nice, albeit probably minor, renovations. Until recently I came here infrequently, even though it’s literally less than a mile from my house, but I think that will change.
I didn’t know this theater had closed recently. Another one from my childhood bites the dust. I saw a lot of movies here with friends, most throughout high school and college.
Ugh. What a sad, sorry sight.
If I hadn’t been pressed for time on Wednesday, I would have stayed through the end credits for the 12:45 show and taken pictures inside the theater. I agree with movieguy that we do need more theaters like this one. It’s hard to believe only yesterday the status was Open and now it’s changed to Closed. RIP Ziegfeld.
I enjoyed my final visit here yesterday afternoon to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens tremendously. This great theater will be missed but I’m grateful for the photos and memories and for this site, where at least a record of its existence will continue to serve as a loving tribute. Also thanks to users Mike(saps) and Al Alvarez for posting the bookings from its 1969 to now. Great job.
Thanks Bill for digging them up and to Al for compiling them previously.
I’ll be going to see Star Wars on Wednesday to visit this magnificent movie palace one last time. I have to agree with Bill H. about it failing to close with a bang. A film festival or special screening of some sort would have been great. And I agree with cityscope user. Al Alvarez if you’re reading and wouldn’t mind please post every booking from when it opened in 1969 until now. It would be so sweet.
Seeing Lawrence of Arabia in all of its restored 70MM glory in 1989 was the most enjoyable movie going experience I had at this theater. I was only fifteen at the time and my taste in movies hadn’t fully evolved but it was mesmerizing.
I’m really sorry to hear this magnificent movie palace is closed but I can’t say I’m surprised. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to visit one last time before it closes its doors for good.