Today workers were pouring cement from a truck down a ramp thru one of the side doors (a new floor?). The area that was visible from outside had all fixtures removed and was totally vacant. I figured what the hell, I might as well ask to have a look around and got the usual response.
That’s a great photo Lost. Any idea what kind of movies they were showing? I notice the marquee says open evenings only , but I don’t think they started showing porn until the early ‘70s…
I think the ship has sailed on that. “Grandpa” Al Lewis had one once on nearby New Dorp Plaza . It folded fairly quickly – and that was in a good economy. Now everyone is strapped except maybe teens – and it was a youthful clientele that helped bring down Club Element , the Lanes former night spot. Also the parking issue. Finally , the area’s not doing so great -there’s a lot of vacant storefronts in Kmart Plaza…..
Oh and one other thing. The screen in Quad #2 has a “quarter moon” slit near the center that is visible whenever there is a bright image on the screen. It’s somewhat distracting and the screen should be repaired or replaced.
I was there today after 3 years. The seat was less confining (I lost 10 pounds). The popcorn was good but paled in comparison to the Angelika. The picture image was too wide for the screen , or wasn’t centered. That said , $11 for a ticket and $6 for a large popcorn was very reasonable….
Dangel- I would'nt get my hopes up too high. It appears they are only renovating the lobby. Vito has stated in many posts that the interior is in terrible shape , and I was told by a knowledgable source that there is much water damage…..
Was there today to see the Woody Allen film ,rode up 3 flights on escalator to find it was 85 degrees and very humid in that particular theatre. Was informed A/C wasn’t working. Got a refund and will not be returning anytime soon. I have already called Regal and await a response.
Guess he couldn’t. Anyhoo , a high rise apartment building with retail stores is going up across the street , on the site of the former municipal parking lot. Don’t think it has anything to do with the theatre building.
I have not been out there in some time , but the former theatre is a seperate building. 985 may for some reason be a shared address. I don’t know what the theatre building is currently used for.
jim , I would have to think that prior to closing down , the owners considered renovating and upgrading the theatre with stadium seating , sound systems and what not . Evidently it was not considered economically feasible. Also I get the impression from reading the comments on this page that the surrounding area has been going downhill for some time…..
To follow up my previous post , I have to say the response from Regal was very good. I was contacted by a Regal rep and also later by the theatre’s GM. I also received a few passes – trust me , that was not my objective. I’m 48 and still a regular moviegoer , it was the first time I ever made an official complaint.
Adam , after going to the Hylan Plaza last weekend I predict that one will be the next to close , there was only a handful of people in any of the 5 theatres…
Adam , it never did become an adult theatre. As I posted many moons ago , the owners were going ahead with that plan , but when it was reported in the Advance, community opposition stopped it. The theatre closed shortly after. Some folks at the St. George told me that theatre closed in 1977 , I think it was around that time. I’m still wondering why they installed those glass doors in front….
I went there yesterday afternoon and will never go back. It was 43 degrees out and there was no heat on in the entire building. I am not someone who is always cold, in fact I prefer it cooler rather than too warm . However it was actually uncomfortably chilly and I could not enjoy my movie. I twice informed the manager who said she would handle it but nothing was done. There wasn’t even hot water in the bathroom sinks. I have left my info with Regal thru phone and their website and await a response. By that time I suspect it will shut down – it was a saturday afternoon and there was practically no one there , not even in the kids movies.
Today workers were pouring cement from a truck down a ramp thru one of the side doors (a new floor?). The area that was visible from outside had all fixtures removed and was totally vacant. I figured what the hell, I might as well ask to have a look around and got the usual response.
Dangel do you have any updates on the theatre?
That’s a great photo Lost. Any idea what kind of movies they were showing? I notice the marquee says open evenings only , but I don’t think they started showing porn until the early ‘70s…
Maybe someone will resurrect it as a “dirty movie” theatre…..
I think the ship has sailed on that. “Grandpa” Al Lewis had one once on nearby New Dorp Plaza . It folded fairly quickly – and that was in a good economy. Now everyone is strapped except maybe teens – and it was a youthful clientele that helped bring down Club Element , the Lanes former night spot. Also the parking issue. Finally , the area’s not doing so great -there’s a lot of vacant storefronts in Kmart Plaza…..
Interesting , thanks for the info.
Oh and one other thing. The screen in Quad #2 has a “quarter moon” slit near the center that is visible whenever there is a bright image on the screen. It’s somewhat distracting and the screen should be repaired or replaced.
I was there today after 3 years. The seat was less confining (I lost 10 pounds). The popcorn was good but paled in comparison to the Angelika. The picture image was too wide for the screen , or wasn’t centered. That said , $11 for a ticket and $6 for a large popcorn was very reasonable….
Yesterday. Down escalator still out of service. Armrest in back row of Auditorium 6 broken. Popcorn : fantastic.
Dangel we appreciate your inside info! Any chance of getting a look in there?….
Dangel- I would'nt get my hopes up too high. It appears they are only renovating the lobby. Vito has stated in many posts that the interior is in terrible shape , and I was told by a knowledgable source that there is much water damage…..
Still waiting for a movie night…….
Was there today to see the Woody Allen film ,rode up 3 flights on escalator to find it was 85 degrees and very humid in that particular theatre. Was informed A/C wasn’t working. Got a refund and will not be returning anytime soon. I have already called Regal and await a response.
Guess he couldn’t. Anyhoo , a high rise apartment building with retail stores is going up across the street , on the site of the former municipal parking lot. Don’t think it has anything to do with the theatre building.
Acer , can you post your photos?
I have not been out there in some time , but the former theatre is a seperate building. 985 may for some reason be a shared address. I don’t know what the theatre building is currently used for.
Shop-Rite is not the theatre.
I was there yesterday for the first time , I have no complaints about the theatre.
jim , I would have to think that prior to closing down , the owners considered renovating and upgrading the theatre with stadium seating , sound systems and what not . Evidently it was not considered economically feasible. Also I get the impression from reading the comments on this page that the surrounding area has been going downhill for some time…..
I just put it on my calendar. I will go just to see what they’ve done with the foyer, last time I got in there it was filled with junk….
To follow up my previous post , I have to say the response from Regal was very good. I was contacted by a Regal rep and also later by the theatre’s GM. I also received a few passes – trust me , that was not my objective. I’m 48 and still a regular moviegoer , it was the first time I ever made an official complaint.
Adam , not to dispute your comments , but I followed these theatres closely back then and I don’t recall this policy. Are you sure it was the Empire?
Adam , after going to the Hylan Plaza last weekend I predict that one will be the next to close , there was only a handful of people in any of the 5 theatres…
Adam , it never did become an adult theatre. As I posted many moons ago , the owners were going ahead with that plan , but when it was reported in the Advance, community opposition stopped it. The theatre closed shortly after. Some folks at the St. George told me that theatre closed in 1977 , I think it was around that time. I’m still wondering why they installed those glass doors in front….
I went there yesterday afternoon and will never go back. It was 43 degrees out and there was no heat on in the entire building. I am not someone who is always cold, in fact I prefer it cooler rather than too warm . However it was actually uncomfortably chilly and I could not enjoy my movie. I twice informed the manager who said she would handle it but nothing was done. There wasn’t even hot water in the bathroom sinks. I have left my info with Regal thru phone and their website and await a response. By that time I suspect it will shut down – it was a saturday afternoon and there was practically no one there , not even in the kids movies.