Even though it’s not actually in Paramus, this was the last of the classic style theaters in the area. First the Paramus Picture Show went, then the little theater in front of Garden State Plaza, and lastly the Tenplex on rt. 4. It’s sad that, other than that generic, cold, factory style AMC theater at the mall, there won’t be any other movie theaters in the area. AMC, with their Walmart style of operations, has really found a way to eliminate the competition. I remember the days, not too long ago, when each movie theater in North Jersey was special in its own way, not cookie cutter copies of each other. It’s a shame that the younger generation doesn’t have the respect for the classics that us “old folks” do, and just accept whatever piece of “new” crud is put in front of them. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the Hyway was a cinematic gem, like the Tenplex was in its heyday, but I’d still take it over any AMC googleplex in a heartbeat. :(
I know the manager told the answer to that question when I was there on the day they closed, but for some reason, I just can’t seem to remember right now. I’m pretty sure she said it was somewhere between 1980-1983. If it comes to me, I’ll definitely let you know.
I just realized, I’m pretty sure I’ve also been to the theater at Menlo Park, though not in quite a few years. I, like movie534, also liked its style and format quite a lot. Of course I understand that it could have taken a turn for the worst since then, but if it is the theater I’m thinking of, the “traditional” lay-out it offered was something I wish more theaters would follow. Sadly, as AMC has no interest in classical styling, I just don’t see that happening any time soon. Too bad they don’t use the Ziegfeld in NYC as an example when they build new theaters, instead of whatever kind of “factory” composite they currently use. If I wanted to see movies in a warehouse, I’d bring a projector to Home Depot.lol Heck, forget about the Ziegfeld, copy the Tenplex’s design from it’s heyday. Then again, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the set-up of the 8, as the seats were comfortable, the screens were nice and wide, and there was easy access to any seat in the house for anyone with a disability or who’s elderly.
Movie534, if only that was reality and not a dream, I would be one happy camper. According to most of the articles I’ve read in the local press lately, the movie theater that was supposed to be part of Xanadu might not be opening at all, due to the company having serious financial trouble. As most of us already know, Xanadu as a whole is facing MAJOR financial trouble. Corzine and Codey are really the only two people who seemed to want it in the first place, as the sheer majority of local residents were against it, according to all of the studies/polls that were done by the local press and I know I definitely didn’t want it in my “backyard”. Sorry to get off topic. My original point was that, if the theater at Xanadu doesn’t open will AMC look even more stupid for closing these two theaters and letting the new chain opening up in their place take all their business? In other words, wasn’t the whole reason they were closing the 6 and the 8 because they were going to have a “major rival” at Xanadu, which now might not be the case. Xanadu, the Prudential Center, and the “new” Giants Stadium represent everything WRONG with our state, as all three were given HUGE tax breaks and also state and local funding, while the state budget is a disaster. It doesn’t help matters that all three were TOTALLY unnecessary endeavors. If the new Giants Stadium had a dome, allowing it to host the Super Bowl, then I could possibly understand the expense, but it’s going to be a carbon copy of the old one just with more luxury boxes and ridiculously expensive seat licensing fees. In other words, like the newer movie theaters we’ve all spoken about, the new stadium really won’t be a “benefit” to the fans, just newer. Close to 400 million dollars of tax debt was forgiven by the state to the build the stadium, while the governor talks of raising the property taxes of us “little people”. :(
Bill, I don’t think it’s JUST the large Indian clientele, though I’m sure that has something to do with it. Slumdog was just a really fantastic film and will probably get the Oscar. I still think Gran Torino was the best film of the year, but the Academy decided to snub it, along with The Wrestler and Revolutionary Road for best picture.
Movie534, AMC’s greed is why they want those 15 to 20 screens, though they try to say it’s for the good of their customers. You and I both know that’s just BS. I agree with your boss, in that, AMC has truly destroyed the movie theater business. Up until a decade or so ago, when Clifton Commons arrived in North Jersey, AMC had no presence here. Back then, it was all either Loews, Sony-Loews, Cineplex Odeon, RKO, or just plain old independent theaters around here. Back then, it didn’t matter which one you went to, as you were going to get a wonderful cinematic experience at whichever one you chose. All of a sudden, AMC arrived and started spreading like a virus. I still don’t know why Loews merged with them, or allowed themselves to be acquired, as their business seemed to be at its peak when it happened. I wonder if their execs knew what the negative results were going to be down the road for the movie going public. Then again, as long as these idiot kids keep filling AMC’s horrible theaters, blissfully ignorant to what they’re missing out on, AMC will never see a dip in their bottom line. As I said earlier, the digital projection reminds me of watching a movie on my home television. To me, it’s not really cinema. I like a few flaws and scratches here and there to remind me I’m watching a film, along with sound that sounds normal and natural, not overly amplified and alien. I know that’s probably just me. As you said, “movies the way they were meant to be”. Sadly, AMC doesn’t even list a customer service email address on their site or a phone number to call. There are lots of links and sections on there, but it’s like going through a maze to find an actual person to contact about something non-business related. Due to that fact, I haven’t been even able to express my opinion to them regarding these theater closings, along with asking them why they have no interest in making their newer theaters comfortable and accessible to the elderly and disabled. Not everyone in that situation is in a wheelchair, and many of them just want the be able to sit further back or closer to the screen, which is prevented by the endless stairs in their auditoriums. I just wish there were a lot more people like us who were “vocal” in their distaste of the current state of the theater business. There probably are a lot of people who agree with us, but they’re not really willing to speak their mind about it. I keep hoping I’ll wake up one morning and find everything has gone back to the way it once was. Sadly, I know the odds of that happening are incredibly slim.
Dave-bronx, I think you nailed it with the Walmart reference.lol
movie534, it’s nice to know that I’m not the only person who thinks all of this new “technology” is crap. :) “Change” is rarely a good thing, as it’s so often for the worse, not the better. I agree, the extra money involved with buying a 3-D ticket is rarely worth the expense, especially in this economy. I would definitely take 35 or 70mm over any of the new technologies that they’re trying to convince us are an improvement. Back in the 1940’s, 50’s, 60’s, etc…., when they would come out with some new way of showing films, it was usually in the best interests of the audience, with much wider, sometimes curving screens, better color, and improved sound. These day, the only reason for “changes”, such as stadium seating and “digital” projection, are because it’s better for their bottom line, since they can built a “bigger” theater on a smaller footprint, and explain away the smaller screens by touting them as being “digital”, which to the kids means “super duper”.lol They want more auditoriums per theater, which means “smaller” auditoriums and smaller screens, which is of no benefit to the consumer. It’s not like AMC is known for showing hard to find indies or foreign films in it’s 16-plex theaters, to go along with most of the big budget tripe. If that was the case, it would be a little easier to stomach. Mostly, it all comes down to the audience. If the company is only worried about the younger audience, who has absolutely NO taste whatsoever, they will continue to get away with closing all of the beloved theaters and replacing them with garbage. Since the elderly pay a reduced rate, AMC is probably happy that the newer theaters don’t truly accomodate their needs. It’s a foolish move, as that’s the reason most of the matinees in their newer theaters are EMPTY. For those of us who are middle-aged, they just don’t hear a loud enough outcry from us to stop their current course of action. As you can see, there are only a small number of us really dedicated to a true cinematic experience. Possibly there are more, who just aren’t up on networking about it.
I don’t think the theater in North Bergen is the cause of the two Secaucus closings, as the manager at the Plaza 8 said they were still profitable. Based on my own experience there on the weekends, I believe she was telling the truth. I’m not saying it was selling out its Friday and Saturday night showings like the Tenplex was doing right up until its closing, but it seemed to be filling up quite nicely. I always wonder the same thing about the Columbia Park 12 as I pass by on the highway, which is basically, how the heck do you get in there.lol Luckily, it never attracted me in the first place, as it has stadium seating. I liked the fact that the Plaza 8 would occasional show some Indian/Bollywood films, as it made their film selections much more diverse than the typical AMC. I think AMC just wants to close ALL of the original Loews theaters, so they can advertise everything they own as being “New and Improved”, even though that’s far from the case. With both Secaucus theaters closing, and the Tenplex gone almost two years ago now, I wonder if the Willowbrook AMC in Wayne will be on the chopping block too. The only thing that might keep it afloat is the fact that it has 14 theaters, which is closer to AMC’s typical 16-plexes. Why they’d want to close it or change it to stadium seating, when it still makes a bundle, is beyond me, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they do just that. Sadly, it has been renovated quite a few times in recent years, but then again, the Plaza 8 truly looked brand new inside when I was there on Monday and that didn’t stop them. I swear, the beautiful blue carpet they had throughout the theater looked like they had just laid it down recently. I think one of the biggest casualties of AMC’s policy is that they’ve taken away the feeling of “home” that most of us had at the old fashioned theaters. That is DEFINITELY not a feeling anyone is ever going to get at theaters like Clifton Commons or Garden State Plaza, which feel more like going to a factory or a college lecture hall.
Sadly, that is true. I went there yesterday to reminisce and enjoy a good movie. As I walked around the theater, I realized how truly ridiculous it is that it is closing. Honestly, the entire theater is in great shape, much better than the Meadow Six. The seats reclined and were very comfortable and the screen was nice and wide. On top of that, the sound was realistic, not tv-like, which is so typical of the digital theaters these days. As much as I love the Tenplex, I will freely admit it had gotten run down looking in recent years. That was definitely not the case with the Plaza 8. The rugs throughout the lobby still looked brand new, as did the sparkling chandelier over the concessions stand. I spoke with the manager for quite a while and she told me that the theater was still profitable, so she also couldn’t understand why they would close and let the new theater chain open a theater in the parking lot. As with the Tenplex, AMC kept the employees in the dark until recently and they still don’t know their fate with the company. The main thing I took note of in the auditorium I was watching the movie in was how accessible it was for the elderly and disabled, as there was only a slight incline and one door to go through. AMC’s stadium style theaters, like the one at GSP and Clifton Commons, usually have a hallway to walk down and around, after going through the door to each individual theater, and then steep steps to climb, if you don’t want to be stuck in that little area with the 6 seats and the clearing for wheelchairs. Even the lower area closer to the screen has steps to walk down. As you can imagine, those types of theaters are very unfriendly to the elderly who have trouble walking or the disabled in the same situation. The one area they have for wheelchair bound theater goers at the bottom is small, and eliminates the right of someone to choose where they want to sit. A lot of the elderly usually sit further back in a traditional theater, which they can’t do in a stadium seating one, due to the steps. I guess AMC really doesn’t care about the elderly or disabled, as they continue to get rid of all of their traditional theaters and built more and more of their new style, which never seem to include even one or two auditoriums that have traditional seating, to accomodate those who like it better or need it due to their physical limitations. I just wish Clearview had more theaters around this area, as they seem to stay true to the old Loews model. All I can say is that I’m extremely saddened to see the Plaza 8 close, as I’m only left with the Meadow 6, which will be gone in June, and the AMC at Willowbrook to see movies at in this area these days, along with NYC. It still blows my mind to think that between 10-15 movie theaters I grew up with, within about 15 minutes of my house, have closed in recent years. Sadly, many of those 2-3 auditorium theaters had 70mm, which seems to be going the way of the dodo bird. Unfortunately, as the youth of today seems to be content with the cookie cutter factory style theaters that AMC is known for, I just don’t see a positive outlook for the traditional theaters left in this area. I’d still love to know the real reason AMC is dumping both theaters in Secaucus now, as they are still profitable. If they were losing money, then I could understand it, but to do it now just makes no sense.
I agree with you CinemarkFan, although I don’t think it needs a full remodel, just a fix up. I think it would hold its own against the Kerasotes 14. A lot of the older crowd who go to the movies don’t like stadium style seating, due to having to walk up stairs, which is difficult at their age. Those people will still flock to the weekend matinees of any of the older style theaters. I swear, I never see anyone over the age of 25 when I’m at Garden State Plaza mall, in the area where the AMC theater is located there. In comparison, the Tenplex used to get droves of older theater goers on the weekends, and I still know a lot of my parents' friends frequent both the 6 and 8 in Secaucus as well, mostly due to the traditional style seating arrangement. I’m only in my thirties, but I still hate the stadium arrangement, as it’s just not a true theatrical experience to me. I like looking up at the screen, not down.lol On top of that, soon there won’t be any theaters around North Jersey that still have wide 70mm screens. As always, it shouldn’t be about the quantity of theaters/auditoriums, but the quality.
I don’t get it though. As long as the theater was still profitable, which the manager said it still was, why close it now. Then again, the same thing was true with the Tenplex, as it was still selling out most of its Friday and Saturday night shows when it was closed, in favor of the newer theater at the mall. You couldn’t pay me enough to go to Clifton Commons. Small screens, horrible parking situation, and stadium seating are not my favorite things.lol AMC wants every single one of their theaters to look the same, similar to the new corporate look TGI Fridays, so they’re getting rid of all the old Loews style theaters. I’ll be amazed if Xanadu opens at all. With the state of most retail companies in the garbage these days, who would ever want to open NEW stores. Heck, if you keep up with the business news on CNBC or Bloomberg, you’ll hear about more and more store closings every day. On top of that, I don’t know many people around hear who are looking forward to Xanadu’s opening, or are going to rush out to visit it. As I said, if both the 6 and the 8 were still doing good business, why close one early? Then again, why let a completely unrelated theater chain come in and open a new one in your backyard, causing you to close your own in the first place?lol As I said, I think AMC just wants to get rid of every Loews property they aquired in the merger/take-over. I really wonder how many days the Willowbrook AMC has left. :(
With the economy in the state that it is, I was hoping they would have abandoned plans for the new theater, but it seems that’s not the case. I just checked on Yahoo and Monday is the last day that movie times are listed for the 8. As this is the only site I where I heard about this definite closing date, it seems like AMC is again trying to keep the closing hush hush, just like they did with the Tenplex in Paramus. There was a constant line of cars in and out of the Tenplex parking lot the weekend after it closed as most of its usual theater goers had no idea about the closing. I wonder if that will be the case with the 8, although I know its popularity isn’t what it once was. I have to make sure to get there before the closing. Thanks for the info SlimShady. I just wonder why they’re closing now, when the new theater isn’t supposed to open for some time.
Well, I just talked to Vornado. The good news is the property is available for lease. The BAD news is they have something in their contract with the actual property owner that will not allow any type of movie theater to be located on that property. :( I still don’t understand why that would be the case, as AMC never owned the property and would be the only one who wouldn’t want another theater located at that location, since they have the “factory” one at the mall, but that’s just the way it is. The person I spoke to said there was no chance that policy would be changed. She also told me that the entire interior of the theater had been completely cleaned out, not just the projecters and chairs, but EVERYTHING, leaving only the exterior shell and the facade behind. Just thinking about that makes me want to start balling, but I know everyone doesn’t have emotional connections to that theater like I do. She actually mentioned that she thought the theater looked horrible and couldn’t understand why anyone would want to save it in the first place. I guess she never saw it in its glory days or understood that a lifespan of almost 50 years showing movies has an effect on a lot of people who frequented it during that time. It IS available for lease though and it could be used as a theatrical theater, like Bergen PAC or NJPAC, just not anything movie related, so if you know anyone who wants to open a community theater that would stage musicals, plays, etc…. give Vornado a call. The leasing rate she mentioned is pretty huge, so I honestly don’t know who could afford it. She did mention that the health club idea is still a possibility. Oh well, my hopes have been dashed again. :(
If they’re actually putting it available for lease now, then I’m at a loss for words. I had two different independent theater owners interested in leasing the property to show either second run or independent/foreign films right after the theater shut it’s doors for good. When they contacted the property owner, who supposedly also owns the property that the Bergen Mall is/was located on, they were told that the Tenplex property was already spoken for and that it was going to be demolished to make way for additions to the new mall. I wonder if that all fell through now that the economy has gone downhill. Before I try to track down where I put the phone numbers for those two gentleman almost two years ago, does anyone know for a fact that the property is available for lease? My guess is that so much time has passed since I originally spoke to them that they already have their hands/money into other things, but you never know. Just the faint hope that someone could take over the Tenplex and re-open it as a theater, in whatever form that would be, makes me happy. I will try to give Vornado a call as soon as I get some free time and see what the real story is. If anyone finds out any info before then, be sure to post it. I hope you’re right Sebastian, and I think there’s a good chance you are, since I found it quite odd that the theater itself has been sitting there untouched for so long. It’s very possible the funding fell through for whatever was going to replace it. Let’s all cross our fingers that someone is able to save this former movie palace from the wrecking ball. : )
Every time I look at those photographs I get very sad, as I remember what a true cinematic experience used to be like. On top of that, they also bring back memories of friends and family now long gone, who I had shared special times with there. I still find it hard to accept the fact that it’s gone, well, not gone yet, but closed. :(
I’ll have to check out the Menlo Park 12 one too. There’s just nothing around here that has the same feel of the Tenplex, or the screen size of theater 1 there. I find myself going into NYC much more often these days to see movies, due to there still being a few classic theaters left there. I completely agree with Justin’s comment above that the Tenplex will be remembered long after it’s gone. It breaks my heart every time I pass by and see it all shuttered up with wood where the doors and front windows used to be. If only the town of Paramus would have stepped in to prevent it from becoming more retail space, or another gym as many have said it will become. I’m still furious that it was a done deal before anyone even knew it was officially closing. I had two separate independent theater owners who wanted to lease the property, but unfortunately, the same people who own the property the Tenplex resides on also own the former Bergen Mall site. They had already made their decision about what was going to replace the Tenplex and they didn’t have any interest in keeping it a movie theater. If it was a little older, I could have gotten it designated as a historical location, but it just misses the 50 year old cut-off. Why they couldn’t at least turn it into a local theater for plays and musicals, I don’t know. There are so many better uses for the property than a gym or another retail store. Well, I guess it’s just typical of the modern day NJ, where everything is replaceable, as long as it gets some local politician a kickback from a developer. Remember, the mayor of Paramus was dead set against a new theater at the mall, and the closing of the Tenplex. All of a sudden he flipflopped on the whole issue. I wonder what could have caused that?lol
I know the seats may be more comfortable at the Garden State 16, but I still liked the wider screens better and the “classic” nonstadium seating arrangement. I know it was only theater 1, and perhaps theaters 7 and 8 at the Tenplex that were wide, but I just seemed to appreciate that experience more. It seems so long since I’ve been at the Tenplex, that I might be remembering things bigger and better than they actually were. There is something I like about having a slightly scratchy screen, sticky floors, and not the greatest sound that reminds me I’m at a movie theater, not at home watching a movie on my dvd player on a comfy couch. That’s one of the main things I don’t like about the Garden State 16 or Clifton Commons. I know I’m probably alone in that feeling though. I’ve always thought that might be why so many more people talk through the movies these days, as they almost forget that they’re in a theater instead of at home with their friends. I look at the newer AMC theaters in the same way I look at owning a new Honda Accord. Yes, it might not have any problems and they might be put together with the latest technology, but there are tons of them on the roads so they are in no way unique or a classic. I look at theaters like the Plaza 8, Meadows 6, and the Tenplex like owning an old Mustang convertible from the 70s. Yes it might leak a little when it rains, have some mechanical problems from time to time, and be out of date, but it’s completely unique and reminds you of good times long gone, as well as being a true classic. Again, I know everyone might not share my feelings on the subject. Living in Bergen County, it just seems like lately so many of the haunts of my youth are being torn down every time I read the paper. I wish at least they would find a way to keep these classics open, or at least renovate them. I wouldn’t have had a problem if they just modernized the 6 and the 8, as long as they didn’t put in the stadium seating. I guess that’s the main problem these days. No one wants to fix anything up anymore instead of demolishing and building a completely new structure. I guess fixing a building up doesn’t put money in the pockets of local officials who have to approve all the contracts and zoning issues. Maybe I’m just being cynical though.
In relation to Forrest 136, there are quite a few “classic” style theaters left in NYC, especially in the village and Chelsea, though not the true movie palaces of old like the Ziegfeld. I was referring more to the seating arrangement and age, as compared to the AMC theaters of today. In fact, other than the Regal and AMC on 42nd St., and a few of the theaters near Lincoln Center, most of the theaters in NYC are similar in style to the Loews 6 and 8. I don’t have any problem with the seats at the Ziegfeld, but as compared to the newer seats you find in theaters, I can relate to what you’re saying.
John, I agree with you that theater chains have totally forgotten about the 1000+ seat theater experience that used to be so typical in the old days. I still think they could make a profit by having 4 to 6-plexs with that style of arrangement and wider screens, than the 14-20plexs of today with their narrower auditoriums, etc… I never really found the Loews theaters to be in that poor a state of repair, but maybe I was just oblivious to their flaws as I tend to just see things I’ve loved over the years with rose-colored glasses. I’m sure you must have truly appreciated the Ziegfeld and its style at that premiere you were lucky enough to attend. Can you even imagine attending a premiere at the Garden State 16 or the Clifton Commons? It just wouldn’t be anywhere near as special. Now the Tenplex in its heyday, or even the Plaza 8 might be a different story. Oh well, I just hope the AMC by Willowbrook in Wayne doesn’t disappear anytime soon, as I really won’t have any theaters to go to around here anymore. I really though Xanadu was the only threat to the Plaza 8 and Meadows 6, and when that got put on the backburner due to the bankruptcy issue I thought they had a chance, unfortunately, I was wrong.
It looks like another one of the last “classic style” theaters is on its way out, along with its sister theater, the 6-plex. Let me just say that I despise AMC for what they’ve done with the classic theaters they aquired under the merger with Loews. Instead of keeping money makers, like the 10plex in Paramus which was still going strong, they decided to close that and open a new factory style theater at Garden State Plaza. Now it looks like these two gems will be closed as well to make way for another factory style theater with narrow screens and stadium seating. I know I’m not alone in preferring the style of these older theaters, with their wide screens and normal seating arrangement, but the younger crowd seem to be all the theater chains are going for these days and they love anything “new”. I’ve never heard one of them complain that they’re watching movies like “The Dark Knight” on the narrow screens at the AMC at Garden State Plaza, when they could have been watching them on a true wide screen at the Tenplex, or the 6-plex/8-plex for that matter. I’ll never understand why the crowds migrated from these theaters in Secaucus to that horrorible factory style theater in Clifton. Maybe I’m just getting too old because I still appreciate the classics, even with their flaws, over the newest fad. Thank God the Ziegfeld in NYC isn’t going anywhere, because after these theaters go, and I still hope that doesn’t happen, that’s going to be one of the last “classic style” theaters in the whole area. I only say that because I’m guessing the former Loews in Wayne will eventually be converted into a factory style theater in the near future as well. :(
I don’t know why people keep saying that the theaters at Xanadu, which are in doubt now due to the bankruptcy issue of the developer, would steal theater goers from this and the 6-plex. If anything, another gigantic factory style theater with lots of small screens will just drive more of us into NYC, where you can still find some classic movie houses. I think the loss of the Devils to Newark, another hit to us Bergen County residents, was a huge reason why these theaters lost a lot of their business. I know a lot of people who would catch a late show after a game. The same can be said of Houlihans in Secaucus which doesn’t get the crowds it used to. It’s a shame that New Jersey has become such a “newer is better” state with the new Giants Stadium, which will offer no real improvements over the old one, being the worst example of this. I’m so happy the state forgave the Jets/Giants close to 400 million dollars in taxes owed to get them to agree to built the stadium, while us working stiffs get screwed in our property taxes. :(
My family and I are just going to have to enjoy this and its sister theater until it’s no more. I can’t believe only a year or so after the Tenplex closed I already have to say goodbye to another cherished theater. At this rate, I might as well just watch movies on DVD, instead of wasting my money at some megaplex with screens narrower than my television at home.lol
It looks like another one of the last “classic style” theaters is on its way out, along with its sister theater, the 8-plex. Let me just say that I despise AMC for what they’ve done with the classic theaters they aquired under the merger with Loews. Instead of keeping money makers, like the 10plex in Paramus which was still going strong, they decided to close that and open a new factory style theater at Garden State Plaza. Now it looks like these two gems will be closed as well to make way for another factory style theater with narrow screens and stadium seating. I know I’m not alone in preferring the style of these older theaters, with their wide screens and normal seating arrangement, but the younger crowd seem to be all the theater chains are going for these days and they love anything “new”. I’ve never heard one of them complain that they’re watching movies like “The Dark Knight” on the narrow screens at the AMC at Garden State Plaza, when they could have been watching them on a true wide screen at the Tenplex, or the 6-plex/8-plex for that matter. I’ll never understand why the crowds migrated from these theaters in Secaucus to that horrorible factory style theater in Clifton. Maybe I’m just getting too old because I still appreciate the classics, even with their flaws, over the newest fad. Thank God the Ziegfeld in NYC isn’t going anywhere, because after these theaters go, and I still hope that doesn’t happen, that’s going to be one of the last “classic style” theaters in the whole area. I only say that because I’m guessing the former Loews in Wayne will eventually be converted into a factory style theater in the near future as well. :(
Rhett39, was the small bulldozer doing any work on the actual building or just the surrounding property? Every time I see the Tenplex I feel it could still be brought back to its former glory in a short period of time, though I’m sure it would cost a pretty penny. I’m sure it’s not that bad inside right now, as it’s been sealed off from the elements since it closed. I still find it hard to believe it’s been closed that long. I saw all the original Star Wars films there. Watching blockbusters in the newer factory style theaters is just not the same, exspecially since their screens are all so narrow compared to the wide ones at the Tenplex, and the stadium seating doesn’t help. People start feeling like they’re at home in that seating arrangement and talk, talk, talk. The old style makes you feel more like you’re actually out at a real theater, similar to a Broadway theater.
Amen to that. I tried really hard last year to save this historic theater. I actually had two separate independent theater owners interested in leasing the property, which was never actually owned by Loews, AMC, etc… It’s owned by the same company that’s working on redoing the Bergen Mall. Supposedly, when the people I was working with called the company to express interest in keeping it a movie theater, they were told there were already plans in place to use the property for an extension of the new mall. The petition I had, actually still have online, along with the article in the paper, didn’t seem to have enough of an effect on the local citizens to get them to do something about it. You rarely see anyone over 18 going into the new theater at the mall, so I’m guessing most of the older Tenplex crowd is going elsewhere or watching cable. I called every local city, county, and state politician, and although they didn’t brush me off, they really didn’t do a damn thing about it, because there were no kickbacks to be had. It still breaks my heart to think that this great theater will someday be gone. NJ has a major issue with not giving a sh*t about historical buildings and it’s sad. Most other states I’ve visited pride themselves on keeping historical sites viable. Giants Stadium, the Meadowlands Arena, and the Bergen Mall are so easily thrown under the bus in the name of so-called progress. If the new theater at the mall is progress, than I’ll be happy to go back to the past. No matter how many politicians want to use the message of change, most change is usually for the worse, not the better. Rhett39, if you can think of anything I didn’t do to save the Tenplex, please let me know. I’d still do almost anything to save it.
I may be wrong, but I would think people would be on here to talk about their great memories of this theater, not to constantly harp on its closing. What’s the point of complaining about this site’s listing of its status? I keep getting emails from this site telling me there are new posts regarding the tenplex. Every time I follow the link here, all I find are people moaning that the site hasn’t listed it as closed or discussing what new retail monstrosity should replace it. A lot of us still wish it remained open or that the land owners would change their minds about using it to put more unneeded retail space on. The new theater at the mall is horrible compared to the tenplex. Every theater there is exactly the same, no wide screens, no special feeling of being at a true theater, instead of a factory. It’s like watching a movie on a large television screen, instead of in a classic, formal theater. It’s amazing what people are content with these days. Yes, he tenplex had it’s flaws, but its positives far outweighed the negatives, even in its latter years. I spent close to thirty years enjoying the tenplex with my family and friends, it’s too bad people here just care about its closing status and dancing on its' grave. I’d love to log in here and actually read some stories about peoples' experiences at the theater over the years. In other words, let’s see some positives for once, please.
95Crash, I still have an old Crash line t-shirt someone in the house. Those were the days.lol The sad thing is, for many of us, due to the much higher cost of tickets at the new arena and more importantly the location, Newark is almost as bad as if they left the state. It’s not like the $150 dollar ticket price, addition of more luxury boxes and less actual regular seats shows the team is looking out for us fans. I still can believe the state went along with the new Giants/Jets Stadium deal involving some state money and loads of tax incentives that could have helped the typical NJ property owner when the teams still won’t rename as NJ versus NY. I don’t know why everyone just caves when teams threaten to leave. For those of you who have such strong feeling about the Tenplex, I can totally relate. It’s a shame how things that mean so much to our childhood can be ripped asunder due to corporate greed. CGI has been ruining Sci-Fi/Horror ever since it was created as this so-called “fantastic development” similar to the way that digital projection was rolled out. I’d take the old-fashioned, but more expensive and time consuming, models, puppets, and make-up of the old days. Just compare the realistic looking ships of the original Star Wars trilogy with the cartoon looking ones of the newer films. As many above have said, cost and profit dictate changes in the industry, not what’s best. The problem is most consumers just accept it and keep paying for junk.
I’ve always been a die hard Devils fan, and have the stacks of used tickets to prove it,lol, along with being a huge movie fan, so I would like to see the team and the Tenplex do well. The Tenplex was always profitable, but AMC thought the mall theater would do even better. If the Tenplex was failing financially, it wouldn’t bother me as much. I don’t like stadium seating, so the mall theater would never do it for me, even with comfy seats.lol I’ll stick with the Willowbrook theater or Secaucus, if I’m forced to go to an AMC. The Devils could have found a nicer area to put the new arena, maybe more centralized and suburban, where the socioeconomic level of the populace fit the typical hockey fan and lowered ticket prices which would have helped attendance most. NJPAC is nice, but has never been profitable, that’s why they’re always asking for donations. It’s easier for me to catch a bus/train to see a show in NYC, than it is to take public transportation to Newark. The Devils problem has always been fan base age, which is much younger, on average, than Rangers fans, which is why as the tickets prices rose much too high, attendance went down. In the old days, when the team didn’t do as well, but tickets prices were dirt cheap, the arena was always close to full, now, Dev/Ranger games don’t even sell out anymore. Newark will not solve their problems, just cost the city tax dollars.
The correlation between Continental and the Tenplex, is they are both being replaced by so-called new and improved versions of themselves in worse (parking, traffic, crime) areas. I’ve never understood the argument about it being hard to get to Continental with so many highways being in the area: rt. 3, rt. 120, rt. 17, the Turnpike, etc… The Newark Arena would only make sense if NJ was NY and we had rail/subway stations everywhere or at least complete bus service. There will be no way to get to the new arena from most of Bergen or Passiac County, without driving, and unlike E. Rutherford, that’s driving to a bad area at night. All week they’ve had reports on News 12 about the high rate of crime and murder in Newark, not something you hear about in E. Rutherford.
You’re right Jeff, good point. I didn’t think of that. I know the residents of East Rutherford would have rather had a renovated Continental than the traffic nightmare which will be Xanadu, but when do residents ever have a say in these kind of things.lol In relation to the Tenplex. It just hit me again when I was in Paramus this week how three theaters have all disappeared this year. The Paramus Picture Show, famous for Rocky Horror showings, the little theater outside the mall whose name I can never remember, and of course The Tenplex. Has anyone gone by the Tenplex lately? I didn’t get a chance to. I was wondering if they’ve done anything other than the boarding up someone else mentioned. Who knows, maybe it will be deserted for a while like Alexanders was and get haunted.lol
Even though it’s not actually in Paramus, this was the last of the classic style theaters in the area. First the Paramus Picture Show went, then the little theater in front of Garden State Plaza, and lastly the Tenplex on rt. 4. It’s sad that, other than that generic, cold, factory style AMC theater at the mall, there won’t be any other movie theaters in the area. AMC, with their Walmart style of operations, has really found a way to eliminate the competition. I remember the days, not too long ago, when each movie theater in North Jersey was special in its own way, not cookie cutter copies of each other. It’s a shame that the younger generation doesn’t have the respect for the classics that us “old folks” do, and just accept whatever piece of “new” crud is put in front of them. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the Hyway was a cinematic gem, like the Tenplex was in its heyday, but I’d still take it over any AMC googleplex in a heartbeat. :(
I know the manager told the answer to that question when I was there on the day they closed, but for some reason, I just can’t seem to remember right now. I’m pretty sure she said it was somewhere between 1980-1983. If it comes to me, I’ll definitely let you know.
I just realized, I’m pretty sure I’ve also been to the theater at Menlo Park, though not in quite a few years. I, like movie534, also liked its style and format quite a lot. Of course I understand that it could have taken a turn for the worst since then, but if it is the theater I’m thinking of, the “traditional” lay-out it offered was something I wish more theaters would follow. Sadly, as AMC has no interest in classical styling, I just don’t see that happening any time soon. Too bad they don’t use the Ziegfeld in NYC as an example when they build new theaters, instead of whatever kind of “factory” composite they currently use. If I wanted to see movies in a warehouse, I’d bring a projector to Home Depot.lol Heck, forget about the Ziegfeld, copy the Tenplex’s design from it’s heyday. Then again, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the set-up of the 8, as the seats were comfortable, the screens were nice and wide, and there was easy access to any seat in the house for anyone with a disability or who’s elderly.
Movie534, if only that was reality and not a dream, I would be one happy camper. According to most of the articles I’ve read in the local press lately, the movie theater that was supposed to be part of Xanadu might not be opening at all, due to the company having serious financial trouble. As most of us already know, Xanadu as a whole is facing MAJOR financial trouble. Corzine and Codey are really the only two people who seemed to want it in the first place, as the sheer majority of local residents were against it, according to all of the studies/polls that were done by the local press and I know I definitely didn’t want it in my “backyard”. Sorry to get off topic. My original point was that, if the theater at Xanadu doesn’t open will AMC look even more stupid for closing these two theaters and letting the new chain opening up in their place take all their business? In other words, wasn’t the whole reason they were closing the 6 and the 8 because they were going to have a “major rival” at Xanadu, which now might not be the case. Xanadu, the Prudential Center, and the “new” Giants Stadium represent everything WRONG with our state, as all three were given HUGE tax breaks and also state and local funding, while the state budget is a disaster. It doesn’t help matters that all three were TOTALLY unnecessary endeavors. If the new Giants Stadium had a dome, allowing it to host the Super Bowl, then I could possibly understand the expense, but it’s going to be a carbon copy of the old one just with more luxury boxes and ridiculously expensive seat licensing fees. In other words, like the newer movie theaters we’ve all spoken about, the new stadium really won’t be a “benefit” to the fans, just newer. Close to 400 million dollars of tax debt was forgiven by the state to the build the stadium, while the governor talks of raising the property taxes of us “little people”. :(
Bill, I don’t think it’s JUST the large Indian clientele, though I’m sure that has something to do with it. Slumdog was just a really fantastic film and will probably get the Oscar. I still think Gran Torino was the best film of the year, but the Academy decided to snub it, along with The Wrestler and Revolutionary Road for best picture.
Movie534, AMC’s greed is why they want those 15 to 20 screens, though they try to say it’s for the good of their customers. You and I both know that’s just BS. I agree with your boss, in that, AMC has truly destroyed the movie theater business. Up until a decade or so ago, when Clifton Commons arrived in North Jersey, AMC had no presence here. Back then, it was all either Loews, Sony-Loews, Cineplex Odeon, RKO, or just plain old independent theaters around here. Back then, it didn’t matter which one you went to, as you were going to get a wonderful cinematic experience at whichever one you chose. All of a sudden, AMC arrived and started spreading like a virus. I still don’t know why Loews merged with them, or allowed themselves to be acquired, as their business seemed to be at its peak when it happened. I wonder if their execs knew what the negative results were going to be down the road for the movie going public. Then again, as long as these idiot kids keep filling AMC’s horrible theaters, blissfully ignorant to what they’re missing out on, AMC will never see a dip in their bottom line. As I said earlier, the digital projection reminds me of watching a movie on my home television. To me, it’s not really cinema. I like a few flaws and scratches here and there to remind me I’m watching a film, along with sound that sounds normal and natural, not overly amplified and alien. I know that’s probably just me. As you said, “movies the way they were meant to be”. Sadly, AMC doesn’t even list a customer service email address on their site or a phone number to call. There are lots of links and sections on there, but it’s like going through a maze to find an actual person to contact about something non-business related. Due to that fact, I haven’t been even able to express my opinion to them regarding these theater closings, along with asking them why they have no interest in making their newer theaters comfortable and accessible to the elderly and disabled. Not everyone in that situation is in a wheelchair, and many of them just want the be able to sit further back or closer to the screen, which is prevented by the endless stairs in their auditoriums. I just wish there were a lot more people like us who were “vocal” in their distaste of the current state of the theater business. There probably are a lot of people who agree with us, but they’re not really willing to speak their mind about it. I keep hoping I’ll wake up one morning and find everything has gone back to the way it once was. Sadly, I know the odds of that happening are incredibly slim.
Dave-bronx, I think you nailed it with the Walmart reference.lol
movie534, it’s nice to know that I’m not the only person who thinks all of this new “technology” is crap. :) “Change” is rarely a good thing, as it’s so often for the worse, not the better. I agree, the extra money involved with buying a 3-D ticket is rarely worth the expense, especially in this economy. I would definitely take 35 or 70mm over any of the new technologies that they’re trying to convince us are an improvement. Back in the 1940’s, 50’s, 60’s, etc…., when they would come out with some new way of showing films, it was usually in the best interests of the audience, with much wider, sometimes curving screens, better color, and improved sound. These day, the only reason for “changes”, such as stadium seating and “digital” projection, are because it’s better for their bottom line, since they can built a “bigger” theater on a smaller footprint, and explain away the smaller screens by touting them as being “digital”, which to the kids means “super duper”.lol They want more auditoriums per theater, which means “smaller” auditoriums and smaller screens, which is of no benefit to the consumer. It’s not like AMC is known for showing hard to find indies or foreign films in it’s 16-plex theaters, to go along with most of the big budget tripe. If that was the case, it would be a little easier to stomach. Mostly, it all comes down to the audience. If the company is only worried about the younger audience, who has absolutely NO taste whatsoever, they will continue to get away with closing all of the beloved theaters and replacing them with garbage. Since the elderly pay a reduced rate, AMC is probably happy that the newer theaters don’t truly accomodate their needs. It’s a foolish move, as that’s the reason most of the matinees in their newer theaters are EMPTY. For those of us who are middle-aged, they just don’t hear a loud enough outcry from us to stop their current course of action. As you can see, there are only a small number of us really dedicated to a true cinematic experience. Possibly there are more, who just aren’t up on networking about it.
I don’t think the theater in North Bergen is the cause of the two Secaucus closings, as the manager at the Plaza 8 said they were still profitable. Based on my own experience there on the weekends, I believe she was telling the truth. I’m not saying it was selling out its Friday and Saturday night showings like the Tenplex was doing right up until its closing, but it seemed to be filling up quite nicely. I always wonder the same thing about the Columbia Park 12 as I pass by on the highway, which is basically, how the heck do you get in there.lol Luckily, it never attracted me in the first place, as it has stadium seating. I liked the fact that the Plaza 8 would occasional show some Indian/Bollywood films, as it made their film selections much more diverse than the typical AMC. I think AMC just wants to close ALL of the original Loews theaters, so they can advertise everything they own as being “New and Improved”, even though that’s far from the case. With both Secaucus theaters closing, and the Tenplex gone almost two years ago now, I wonder if the Willowbrook AMC in Wayne will be on the chopping block too. The only thing that might keep it afloat is the fact that it has 14 theaters, which is closer to AMC’s typical 16-plexes. Why they’d want to close it or change it to stadium seating, when it still makes a bundle, is beyond me, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they do just that. Sadly, it has been renovated quite a few times in recent years, but then again, the Plaza 8 truly looked brand new inside when I was there on Monday and that didn’t stop them. I swear, the beautiful blue carpet they had throughout the theater looked like they had just laid it down recently. I think one of the biggest casualties of AMC’s policy is that they’ve taken away the feeling of “home” that most of us had at the old fashioned theaters. That is DEFINITELY not a feeling anyone is ever going to get at theaters like Clifton Commons or Garden State Plaza, which feel more like going to a factory or a college lecture hall.
Sadly, that is true. I went there yesterday to reminisce and enjoy a good movie. As I walked around the theater, I realized how truly ridiculous it is that it is closing. Honestly, the entire theater is in great shape, much better than the Meadow Six. The seats reclined and were very comfortable and the screen was nice and wide. On top of that, the sound was realistic, not tv-like, which is so typical of the digital theaters these days. As much as I love the Tenplex, I will freely admit it had gotten run down looking in recent years. That was definitely not the case with the Plaza 8. The rugs throughout the lobby still looked brand new, as did the sparkling chandelier over the concessions stand. I spoke with the manager for quite a while and she told me that the theater was still profitable, so she also couldn’t understand why they would close and let the new theater chain open a theater in the parking lot. As with the Tenplex, AMC kept the employees in the dark until recently and they still don’t know their fate with the company. The main thing I took note of in the auditorium I was watching the movie in was how accessible it was for the elderly and disabled, as there was only a slight incline and one door to go through. AMC’s stadium style theaters, like the one at GSP and Clifton Commons, usually have a hallway to walk down and around, after going through the door to each individual theater, and then steep steps to climb, if you don’t want to be stuck in that little area with the 6 seats and the clearing for wheelchairs. Even the lower area closer to the screen has steps to walk down. As you can imagine, those types of theaters are very unfriendly to the elderly who have trouble walking or the disabled in the same situation. The one area they have for wheelchair bound theater goers at the bottom is small, and eliminates the right of someone to choose where they want to sit. A lot of the elderly usually sit further back in a traditional theater, which they can’t do in a stadium seating one, due to the steps. I guess AMC really doesn’t care about the elderly or disabled, as they continue to get rid of all of their traditional theaters and built more and more of their new style, which never seem to include even one or two auditoriums that have traditional seating, to accomodate those who like it better or need it due to their physical limitations. I just wish Clearview had more theaters around this area, as they seem to stay true to the old Loews model. All I can say is that I’m extremely saddened to see the Plaza 8 close, as I’m only left with the Meadow 6, which will be gone in June, and the AMC at Willowbrook to see movies at in this area these days, along with NYC. It still blows my mind to think that between 10-15 movie theaters I grew up with, within about 15 minutes of my house, have closed in recent years. Sadly, many of those 2-3 auditorium theaters had 70mm, which seems to be going the way of the dodo bird. Unfortunately, as the youth of today seems to be content with the cookie cutter factory style theaters that AMC is known for, I just don’t see a positive outlook for the traditional theaters left in this area. I’d still love to know the real reason AMC is dumping both theaters in Secaucus now, as they are still profitable. If they were losing money, then I could understand it, but to do it now just makes no sense.
I agree with you CinemarkFan, although I don’t think it needs a full remodel, just a fix up. I think it would hold its own against the Kerasotes 14. A lot of the older crowd who go to the movies don’t like stadium style seating, due to having to walk up stairs, which is difficult at their age. Those people will still flock to the weekend matinees of any of the older style theaters. I swear, I never see anyone over the age of 25 when I’m at Garden State Plaza mall, in the area where the AMC theater is located there. In comparison, the Tenplex used to get droves of older theater goers on the weekends, and I still know a lot of my parents' friends frequent both the 6 and 8 in Secaucus as well, mostly due to the traditional style seating arrangement. I’m only in my thirties, but I still hate the stadium arrangement, as it’s just not a true theatrical experience to me. I like looking up at the screen, not down.lol On top of that, soon there won’t be any theaters around North Jersey that still have wide 70mm screens. As always, it shouldn’t be about the quantity of theaters/auditoriums, but the quality.
I don’t get it though. As long as the theater was still profitable, which the manager said it still was, why close it now. Then again, the same thing was true with the Tenplex, as it was still selling out most of its Friday and Saturday night shows when it was closed, in favor of the newer theater at the mall. You couldn’t pay me enough to go to Clifton Commons. Small screens, horrible parking situation, and stadium seating are not my favorite things.lol AMC wants every single one of their theaters to look the same, similar to the new corporate look TGI Fridays, so they’re getting rid of all the old Loews style theaters. I’ll be amazed if Xanadu opens at all. With the state of most retail companies in the garbage these days, who would ever want to open NEW stores. Heck, if you keep up with the business news on CNBC or Bloomberg, you’ll hear about more and more store closings every day. On top of that, I don’t know many people around hear who are looking forward to Xanadu’s opening, or are going to rush out to visit it. As I said, if both the 6 and the 8 were still doing good business, why close one early? Then again, why let a completely unrelated theater chain come in and open a new one in your backyard, causing you to close your own in the first place?lol As I said, I think AMC just wants to get rid of every Loews property they aquired in the merger/take-over. I really wonder how many days the Willowbrook AMC has left. :(
With the economy in the state that it is, I was hoping they would have abandoned plans for the new theater, but it seems that’s not the case. I just checked on Yahoo and Monday is the last day that movie times are listed for the 8. As this is the only site I where I heard about this definite closing date, it seems like AMC is again trying to keep the closing hush hush, just like they did with the Tenplex in Paramus. There was a constant line of cars in and out of the Tenplex parking lot the weekend after it closed as most of its usual theater goers had no idea about the closing. I wonder if that will be the case with the 8, although I know its popularity isn’t what it once was. I have to make sure to get there before the closing. Thanks for the info SlimShady. I just wonder why they’re closing now, when the new theater isn’t supposed to open for some time.
Well, I just talked to Vornado. The good news is the property is available for lease. The BAD news is they have something in their contract with the actual property owner that will not allow any type of movie theater to be located on that property. :( I still don’t understand why that would be the case, as AMC never owned the property and would be the only one who wouldn’t want another theater located at that location, since they have the “factory” one at the mall, but that’s just the way it is. The person I spoke to said there was no chance that policy would be changed. She also told me that the entire interior of the theater had been completely cleaned out, not just the projecters and chairs, but EVERYTHING, leaving only the exterior shell and the facade behind. Just thinking about that makes me want to start balling, but I know everyone doesn’t have emotional connections to that theater like I do. She actually mentioned that she thought the theater looked horrible and couldn’t understand why anyone would want to save it in the first place. I guess she never saw it in its glory days or understood that a lifespan of almost 50 years showing movies has an effect on a lot of people who frequented it during that time. It IS available for lease though and it could be used as a theatrical theater, like Bergen PAC or NJPAC, just not anything movie related, so if you know anyone who wants to open a community theater that would stage musicals, plays, etc…. give Vornado a call. The leasing rate she mentioned is pretty huge, so I honestly don’t know who could afford it. She did mention that the health club idea is still a possibility. Oh well, my hopes have been dashed again. :(
If they’re actually putting it available for lease now, then I’m at a loss for words. I had two different independent theater owners interested in leasing the property to show either second run or independent/foreign films right after the theater shut it’s doors for good. When they contacted the property owner, who supposedly also owns the property that the Bergen Mall is/was located on, they were told that the Tenplex property was already spoken for and that it was going to be demolished to make way for additions to the new mall. I wonder if that all fell through now that the economy has gone downhill. Before I try to track down where I put the phone numbers for those two gentleman almost two years ago, does anyone know for a fact that the property is available for lease? My guess is that so much time has passed since I originally spoke to them that they already have their hands/money into other things, but you never know. Just the faint hope that someone could take over the Tenplex and re-open it as a theater, in whatever form that would be, makes me happy. I will try to give Vornado a call as soon as I get some free time and see what the real story is. If anyone finds out any info before then, be sure to post it. I hope you’re right Sebastian, and I think there’s a good chance you are, since I found it quite odd that the theater itself has been sitting there untouched for so long. It’s very possible the funding fell through for whatever was going to replace it. Let’s all cross our fingers that someone is able to save this former movie palace from the wrecking ball. : )
Every time I look at those photographs I get very sad, as I remember what a true cinematic experience used to be like. On top of that, they also bring back memories of friends and family now long gone, who I had shared special times with there. I still find it hard to accept the fact that it’s gone, well, not gone yet, but closed. :(
I’ll have to check out the Menlo Park 12 one too. There’s just nothing around here that has the same feel of the Tenplex, or the screen size of theater 1 there. I find myself going into NYC much more often these days to see movies, due to there still being a few classic theaters left there. I completely agree with Justin’s comment above that the Tenplex will be remembered long after it’s gone. It breaks my heart every time I pass by and see it all shuttered up with wood where the doors and front windows used to be. If only the town of Paramus would have stepped in to prevent it from becoming more retail space, or another gym as many have said it will become. I’m still furious that it was a done deal before anyone even knew it was officially closing. I had two separate independent theater owners who wanted to lease the property, but unfortunately, the same people who own the property the Tenplex resides on also own the former Bergen Mall site. They had already made their decision about what was going to replace the Tenplex and they didn’t have any interest in keeping it a movie theater. If it was a little older, I could have gotten it designated as a historical location, but it just misses the 50 year old cut-off. Why they couldn’t at least turn it into a local theater for plays and musicals, I don’t know. There are so many better uses for the property than a gym or another retail store. Well, I guess it’s just typical of the modern day NJ, where everything is replaceable, as long as it gets some local politician a kickback from a developer. Remember, the mayor of Paramus was dead set against a new theater at the mall, and the closing of the Tenplex. All of a sudden he flipflopped on the whole issue. I wonder what could have caused that?lol
I know the seats may be more comfortable at the Garden State 16, but I still liked the wider screens better and the “classic” nonstadium seating arrangement. I know it was only theater 1, and perhaps theaters 7 and 8 at the Tenplex that were wide, but I just seemed to appreciate that experience more. It seems so long since I’ve been at the Tenplex, that I might be remembering things bigger and better than they actually were. There is something I like about having a slightly scratchy screen, sticky floors, and not the greatest sound that reminds me I’m at a movie theater, not at home watching a movie on my dvd player on a comfy couch. That’s one of the main things I don’t like about the Garden State 16 or Clifton Commons. I know I’m probably alone in that feeling though. I’ve always thought that might be why so many more people talk through the movies these days, as they almost forget that they’re in a theater instead of at home with their friends. I look at the newer AMC theaters in the same way I look at owning a new Honda Accord. Yes, it might not have any problems and they might be put together with the latest technology, but there are tons of them on the roads so they are in no way unique or a classic. I look at theaters like the Plaza 8, Meadows 6, and the Tenplex like owning an old Mustang convertible from the 70s. Yes it might leak a little when it rains, have some mechanical problems from time to time, and be out of date, but it’s completely unique and reminds you of good times long gone, as well as being a true classic. Again, I know everyone might not share my feelings on the subject. Living in Bergen County, it just seems like lately so many of the haunts of my youth are being torn down every time I read the paper. I wish at least they would find a way to keep these classics open, or at least renovate them. I wouldn’t have had a problem if they just modernized the 6 and the 8, as long as they didn’t put in the stadium seating. I guess that’s the main problem these days. No one wants to fix anything up anymore instead of demolishing and building a completely new structure. I guess fixing a building up doesn’t put money in the pockets of local officials who have to approve all the contracts and zoning issues. Maybe I’m just being cynical though.
In relation to Forrest 136, there are quite a few “classic” style theaters left in NYC, especially in the village and Chelsea, though not the true movie palaces of old like the Ziegfeld. I was referring more to the seating arrangement and age, as compared to the AMC theaters of today. In fact, other than the Regal and AMC on 42nd St., and a few of the theaters near Lincoln Center, most of the theaters in NYC are similar in style to the Loews 6 and 8. I don’t have any problem with the seats at the Ziegfeld, but as compared to the newer seats you find in theaters, I can relate to what you’re saying.
John, I agree with you that theater chains have totally forgotten about the 1000+ seat theater experience that used to be so typical in the old days. I still think they could make a profit by having 4 to 6-plexs with that style of arrangement and wider screens, than the 14-20plexs of today with their narrower auditoriums, etc… I never really found the Loews theaters to be in that poor a state of repair, but maybe I was just oblivious to their flaws as I tend to just see things I’ve loved over the years with rose-colored glasses. I’m sure you must have truly appreciated the Ziegfeld and its style at that premiere you were lucky enough to attend. Can you even imagine attending a premiere at the Garden State 16 or the Clifton Commons? It just wouldn’t be anywhere near as special. Now the Tenplex in its heyday, or even the Plaza 8 might be a different story. Oh well, I just hope the AMC by Willowbrook in Wayne doesn’t disappear anytime soon, as I really won’t have any theaters to go to around here anymore. I really though Xanadu was the only threat to the Plaza 8 and Meadows 6, and when that got put on the backburner due to the bankruptcy issue I thought they had a chance, unfortunately, I was wrong.
It looks like another one of the last “classic style” theaters is on its way out, along with its sister theater, the 6-plex. Let me just say that I despise AMC for what they’ve done with the classic theaters they aquired under the merger with Loews. Instead of keeping money makers, like the 10plex in Paramus which was still going strong, they decided to close that and open a new factory style theater at Garden State Plaza. Now it looks like these two gems will be closed as well to make way for another factory style theater with narrow screens and stadium seating. I know I’m not alone in preferring the style of these older theaters, with their wide screens and normal seating arrangement, but the younger crowd seem to be all the theater chains are going for these days and they love anything “new”. I’ve never heard one of them complain that they’re watching movies like “The Dark Knight” on the narrow screens at the AMC at Garden State Plaza, when they could have been watching them on a true wide screen at the Tenplex, or the 6-plex/8-plex for that matter. I’ll never understand why the crowds migrated from these theaters in Secaucus to that horrorible factory style theater in Clifton. Maybe I’m just getting too old because I still appreciate the classics, even with their flaws, over the newest fad. Thank God the Ziegfeld in NYC isn’t going anywhere, because after these theaters go, and I still hope that doesn’t happen, that’s going to be one of the last “classic style” theaters in the whole area. I only say that because I’m guessing the former Loews in Wayne will eventually be converted into a factory style theater in the near future as well. :(
I don’t know why people keep saying that the theaters at Xanadu, which are in doubt now due to the bankruptcy issue of the developer, would steal theater goers from this and the 6-plex. If anything, another gigantic factory style theater with lots of small screens will just drive more of us into NYC, where you can still find some classic movie houses. I think the loss of the Devils to Newark, another hit to us Bergen County residents, was a huge reason why these theaters lost a lot of their business. I know a lot of people who would catch a late show after a game. The same can be said of Houlihans in Secaucus which doesn’t get the crowds it used to. It’s a shame that New Jersey has become such a “newer is better” state with the new Giants Stadium, which will offer no real improvements over the old one, being the worst example of this. I’m so happy the state forgave the Jets/Giants close to 400 million dollars in taxes owed to get them to agree to built the stadium, while us working stiffs get screwed in our property taxes. :(
My family and I are just going to have to enjoy this and its sister theater until it’s no more. I can’t believe only a year or so after the Tenplex closed I already have to say goodbye to another cherished theater. At this rate, I might as well just watch movies on DVD, instead of wasting my money at some megaplex with screens narrower than my television at home.lol
It looks like another one of the last “classic style” theaters is on its way out, along with its sister theater, the 8-plex. Let me just say that I despise AMC for what they’ve done with the classic theaters they aquired under the merger with Loews. Instead of keeping money makers, like the 10plex in Paramus which was still going strong, they decided to close that and open a new factory style theater at Garden State Plaza. Now it looks like these two gems will be closed as well to make way for another factory style theater with narrow screens and stadium seating. I know I’m not alone in preferring the style of these older theaters, with their wide screens and normal seating arrangement, but the younger crowd seem to be all the theater chains are going for these days and they love anything “new”. I’ve never heard one of them complain that they’re watching movies like “The Dark Knight” on the narrow screens at the AMC at Garden State Plaza, when they could have been watching them on a true wide screen at the Tenplex, or the 6-plex/8-plex for that matter. I’ll never understand why the crowds migrated from these theaters in Secaucus to that horrorible factory style theater in Clifton. Maybe I’m just getting too old because I still appreciate the classics, even with their flaws, over the newest fad. Thank God the Ziegfeld in NYC isn’t going anywhere, because after these theaters go, and I still hope that doesn’t happen, that’s going to be one of the last “classic style” theaters in the whole area. I only say that because I’m guessing the former Loews in Wayne will eventually be converted into a factory style theater in the near future as well. :(
Rhett39, was the small bulldozer doing any work on the actual building or just the surrounding property? Every time I see the Tenplex I feel it could still be brought back to its former glory in a short period of time, though I’m sure it would cost a pretty penny. I’m sure it’s not that bad inside right now, as it’s been sealed off from the elements since it closed. I still find it hard to believe it’s been closed that long. I saw all the original Star Wars films there. Watching blockbusters in the newer factory style theaters is just not the same, exspecially since their screens are all so narrow compared to the wide ones at the Tenplex, and the stadium seating doesn’t help. People start feeling like they’re at home in that seating arrangement and talk, talk, talk. The old style makes you feel more like you’re actually out at a real theater, similar to a Broadway theater.
Amen to that. I tried really hard last year to save this historic theater. I actually had two separate independent theater owners interested in leasing the property, which was never actually owned by Loews, AMC, etc… It’s owned by the same company that’s working on redoing the Bergen Mall. Supposedly, when the people I was working with called the company to express interest in keeping it a movie theater, they were told there were already plans in place to use the property for an extension of the new mall. The petition I had, actually still have online, along with the article in the paper, didn’t seem to have enough of an effect on the local citizens to get them to do something about it. You rarely see anyone over 18 going into the new theater at the mall, so I’m guessing most of the older Tenplex crowd is going elsewhere or watching cable. I called every local city, county, and state politician, and although they didn’t brush me off, they really didn’t do a damn thing about it, because there were no kickbacks to be had. It still breaks my heart to think that this great theater will someday be gone. NJ has a major issue with not giving a sh*t about historical buildings and it’s sad. Most other states I’ve visited pride themselves on keeping historical sites viable. Giants Stadium, the Meadowlands Arena, and the Bergen Mall are so easily thrown under the bus in the name of so-called progress. If the new theater at the mall is progress, than I’ll be happy to go back to the past. No matter how many politicians want to use the message of change, most change is usually for the worse, not the better. Rhett39, if you can think of anything I didn’t do to save the Tenplex, please let me know. I’d still do almost anything to save it.
I may be wrong, but I would think people would be on here to talk about their great memories of this theater, not to constantly harp on its closing. What’s the point of complaining about this site’s listing of its status? I keep getting emails from this site telling me there are new posts regarding the tenplex. Every time I follow the link here, all I find are people moaning that the site hasn’t listed it as closed or discussing what new retail monstrosity should replace it. A lot of us still wish it remained open or that the land owners would change their minds about using it to put more unneeded retail space on. The new theater at the mall is horrible compared to the tenplex. Every theater there is exactly the same, no wide screens, no special feeling of being at a true theater, instead of a factory. It’s like watching a movie on a large television screen, instead of in a classic, formal theater. It’s amazing what people are content with these days. Yes, he tenplex had it’s flaws, but its positives far outweighed the negatives, even in its latter years. I spent close to thirty years enjoying the tenplex with my family and friends, it’s too bad people here just care about its closing status and dancing on its' grave. I’d love to log in here and actually read some stories about peoples' experiences at the theater over the years. In other words, let’s see some positives for once, please.
95Crash, I still have an old Crash line t-shirt someone in the house. Those were the days.lol The sad thing is, for many of us, due to the much higher cost of tickets at the new arena and more importantly the location, Newark is almost as bad as if they left the state. It’s not like the $150 dollar ticket price, addition of more luxury boxes and less actual regular seats shows the team is looking out for us fans. I still can believe the state went along with the new Giants/Jets Stadium deal involving some state money and loads of tax incentives that could have helped the typical NJ property owner when the teams still won’t rename as NJ versus NY. I don’t know why everyone just caves when teams threaten to leave. For those of you who have such strong feeling about the Tenplex, I can totally relate. It’s a shame how things that mean so much to our childhood can be ripped asunder due to corporate greed. CGI has been ruining Sci-Fi/Horror ever since it was created as this so-called “fantastic development” similar to the way that digital projection was rolled out. I’d take the old-fashioned, but more expensive and time consuming, models, puppets, and make-up of the old days. Just compare the realistic looking ships of the original Star Wars trilogy with the cartoon looking ones of the newer films. As many above have said, cost and profit dictate changes in the industry, not what’s best. The problem is most consumers just accept it and keep paying for junk.
By cost tax dollars, I meant due to all the huge tax incentives they got for building in Newark, similar to the new Giants Stadium deal.
I’ve always been a die hard Devils fan, and have the stacks of used tickets to prove it,lol, along with being a huge movie fan, so I would like to see the team and the Tenplex do well. The Tenplex was always profitable, but AMC thought the mall theater would do even better. If the Tenplex was failing financially, it wouldn’t bother me as much. I don’t like stadium seating, so the mall theater would never do it for me, even with comfy seats.lol I’ll stick with the Willowbrook theater or Secaucus, if I’m forced to go to an AMC. The Devils could have found a nicer area to put the new arena, maybe more centralized and suburban, where the socioeconomic level of the populace fit the typical hockey fan and lowered ticket prices which would have helped attendance most. NJPAC is nice, but has never been profitable, that’s why they’re always asking for donations. It’s easier for me to catch a bus/train to see a show in NYC, than it is to take public transportation to Newark. The Devils problem has always been fan base age, which is much younger, on average, than Rangers fans, which is why as the tickets prices rose much too high, attendance went down. In the old days, when the team didn’t do as well, but tickets prices were dirt cheap, the arena was always close to full, now, Dev/Ranger games don’t even sell out anymore. Newark will not solve their problems, just cost the city tax dollars.
The correlation between Continental and the Tenplex, is they are both being replaced by so-called new and improved versions of themselves in worse (parking, traffic, crime) areas. I’ve never understood the argument about it being hard to get to Continental with so many highways being in the area: rt. 3, rt. 120, rt. 17, the Turnpike, etc… The Newark Arena would only make sense if NJ was NY and we had rail/subway stations everywhere or at least complete bus service. There will be no way to get to the new arena from most of Bergen or Passiac County, without driving, and unlike E. Rutherford, that’s driving to a bad area at night. All week they’ve had reports on News 12 about the high rate of crime and murder in Newark, not something you hear about in E. Rutherford.
You’re right Jeff, good point. I didn’t think of that. I know the residents of East Rutherford would have rather had a renovated Continental than the traffic nightmare which will be Xanadu, but when do residents ever have a say in these kind of things.lol In relation to the Tenplex. It just hit me again when I was in Paramus this week how three theaters have all disappeared this year. The Paramus Picture Show, famous for Rocky Horror showings, the little theater outside the mall whose name I can never remember, and of course The Tenplex. Has anyone gone by the Tenplex lately? I didn’t get a chance to. I was wondering if they’ve done anything other than the boarding up someone else mentioned. Who knows, maybe it will be deserted for a while like Alexanders was and get haunted.lol