In January, Cineworld, the parent company of Regal Cinemas, the second-largest chain of movie theaters in the United States, announced that it was closing 39 locations, including the Regal Union Square Stadium 17, as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
From the news release: "In cooperation with our partners at Related, we are excited to enter into a long-term lease agreement for this premiere entertainment destination providing moviegoers from the area the best place to watch a movie for many years to come," said Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger.
The theater underwent a multi-million-dollar refurbishment in early 2020.
Those pre-pandemic enhancements included the arrival of a bar... and the Pepsi 4DX auditorium, "where the on-screen visuals of action-packed blockbusters are enhanced through special effects including motion-synchronized seats, wind, fog, rain, lightning, snow, bubbles, vibration and scents." (The way "Cocaine Bear" was meant to be experienced!) Not to mention the ScreenX auditorium, "where movie fans go beyond the frame of the movie screen by expanding feature films to the left and right walls of the theater." (It takes some getting used to, IMO.)
The theater debuted in November 1998 as part of the United Artists family.
Photo from January in case you were wondering why "Plane" is showing... and H/T Simon.
4 comments:
I was very excited to let you know. It’s one of the better cinemas in which to see first run films, in the dark, with others, as they are designed for.
The last film I viewed in this cinema was, She Said, during late autumn. It is the kind of movie that is best enjoyed on the big screen for its dramatic effect. They also offer relaxing lounge chairs and have more dining options. A staple in our neighborhood. This is good news!
Seems like I said this was a likely (though not guaranteed) outcome back when the lease rejection was first announced and was scoffed at by some. Lavish apologies accepted anytime.
I still don't understand why they didn't put in recliners when they did the reno, though. I'll go to Essex Crossing over Union Square any day for the additional comfort. If you don't care about 4DX or ScreenX (both pretty silly), it's no contest.
Sarah has it right. While it's good news about Union Square vs. Essex Crossing, it isn't even a contest. Essex's seating is better, its bathrooms are closer, there's a cafe style seating area with a great nighttime view. Meant to be a multi-plex theater from scratch, it has a perfectly thought out design. It couldn't be better.
Paul W
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