I was hoping to check out the theatre due to it’s history but was not interested in the films they showed. I would put it’s chances of finding new owners as slim to none. It is just not financially viable to operate a single screen movie house with no stadium seating on the UES or anywhere. In the old days it would have become a revival house, a showcase for foreign films or a discount second run location.
I was here today for “Oldboy” at the discount morning matinee and there were no problems at all with the theatre. The problem I did have was the location. Coming from lower Manhattan the only mass transit to and from there is the M15 “Select Service” bus which is a nightmare. Much as I liked the theatre I shall not return for this reason.
I saw “All is Lost” here today but arrived late and didn’t have time to look around. There were curtains on the screen, something I haven’t seen in 35 years. I shall return to inspect the historic theatre and try the popcorn.
Even if the incoming DiBlasio administration is more friendly to small businesses, It would be very difficult to get a thriving operation off the ground in that neighborhood. The loss of the parking lot across the street and the still stagnant economy would be 2 more hurdles.
Google NY Times Archive and you get a selection screen.I have only looked up movie reviews, not sure if the old ads are there. Check it out, there is a wealth of info.
I know I saw “Zardoz” here in 1974, because according to the NY Times it was the only Manhattan theatre showing the film upon its premiere. I also saw “Caligula” on its debut in 1980, when it was called The Penthouse.
I saw “Valentino” here on its premiere in 1977. Can’t say I recall any details about the theatre . But I do know I’ve never met another person who saw the movie.
Thanks to Astyanax for mentioning “The Duellists”. I saw the film when it first premiered in 1977, and since according to the Ny Times archive it only played here, I now know I visited the Fine Arts at least once. The description says it closed in ‘78, if true, it’s a shame.
Looking for some help. Does anyone know if the Get Smart movie “The Nude Bomb” premiered here in 1979? I’m pretty sure I was at the Sutton once , and this is one of the few films where I don’t recall which Manhattan theatre I saw it in. I tried the NY Times review archive but couldn’t come up with anything.
I recalled seeing the movie version of “1776” 40 years ago on an 8th grade class trip, in a huge Manhattan theatre. Thinking it might be The Ziegfeld I checked the NY Times archive, and it actually played here. The movie was a bore but at least I can say I once saw a film in Radio City Music Hall.
I recalled seeing the movie “Montenegro” in a Manhattan theatre when it first opened in 1981. I checked the NY Times movie review archive to see what theatre it was,thinking it was The Sutton. It turned out to be The Plaza, but I recall nothing at all about the place.The film was not all that memorable either.
I also saw the Woody Allen film here at a screening today. It was my first time here in 39 years. I had seen “The Parallax View” in ‘74 and “The Exorcist” in '73 , both in Cinema 1. Today was a positive experience. The staff was friendly and courteous and the popcorn was very good. They have “wake up” matinees with showings before 12pm being $7.50.My screening was in Cinema 2 and I admit if you prefer the back row as I do the screen is a bit small , but I can live with that. The seat was old school but comfortable.Before leaving I checked out the rest of the theatre. Cinema 1 has a very good size screen and a balcony, and Cinema 3 is much smaller. Surprisingly for the newest of the 3 it seemed the most shopworn, with flat seats and an entrance door that creaked loudly every time it was opened.
Saw the remake of “Maniac” here yesterday.Not a bad theatre, and one of very few that would show this film,even in Manhattan. The film is unrated but it would certainly be NC-17 for extreme violence.The patrons and staff don’t have that uppity attitude like some other downtown art houses.Once at Film Forum a patron in front of me turned and stared daggers every time my seat squeaked. Tickets here are $13.50.
I was here yesterday to see “Iron Man 3”.All 5 theatres have brand new seats and the sight line is much better. A matinee was $6. Still, there were only 2 other patrons in my theatre, and 2 of the others were empty.
The NY post reports that under a revised schedule, construction will begin this month and “Broadway 4D” will open in June 2014. I have posted an artist’s rendering of the completed theatre in the photos section.
Thanks to milanp for confirming “The Conversation” played the Coronet, wasn’t sure which theatre I saw it in. I recall seeing “The Parallax View” in either Cinema 1 or 2. When did Cinema 3 come along? Was it an addition to the existing theatres or were renovations made?
Robert, sadly nothing good to report. I see no activity going on when I pass by. I also read on a Stapleton website that there may have been water damage from Sandy. Many businesses on that stretch of Bay Street are only recently reopening after suffering damage. If I hear any news I will post.
Wikipedia reports Broadway 4D will now open in Spring 2015. Another delay.
I was hoping to check out the theatre due to it’s history but was not interested in the films they showed. I would put it’s chances of finding new owners as slim to none. It is just not financially viable to operate a single screen movie house with no stadium seating on the UES or anywhere. In the old days it would have become a revival house, a showcase for foreign films or a discount second run location.
I was here today for “Oldboy” at the discount morning matinee and there were no problems at all with the theatre. The problem I did have was the location. Coming from lower Manhattan the only mass transit to and from there is the M15 “Select Service” bus which is a nightmare. Much as I liked the theatre I shall not return for this reason.
I saw “All is Lost” here today but arrived late and didn’t have time to look around. There were curtains on the screen, something I haven’t seen in 35 years. I shall return to inspect the historic theatre and try the popcorn.
Even if the incoming DiBlasio administration is more friendly to small businesses, It would be very difficult to get a thriving operation off the ground in that neighborhood. The loss of the parking lot across the street and the still stagnant economy would be 2 more hurdles.
I saw Herzog’s “Nosferatu” here in 1979, but I can’t recall any details about the theatre.
Saw the Get Smart movie “The Nude Bomb” when it opened here in 1980.
Saw “The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With the Sea” at the Coronet in ‘76, and “A Different Story” at Baronet in '78.
Google NY Times Archive and you get a selection screen.I have only looked up movie reviews, not sure if the old ads are there. Check it out, there is a wealth of info.
Al you are the Guru of Manhattan theatres, thank you.
Saw “Close Encounters” here on its opening exclusive engagement. I intend to return this month to check out the theatre.
I know I saw “Zardoz” here in 1974, because according to the NY Times it was the only Manhattan theatre showing the film upon its premiere. I also saw “Caligula” on its debut in 1980, when it was called The Penthouse.
I saw “Valentino” here on its premiere in 1977. Can’t say I recall any details about the theatre . But I do know I’ve never met another person who saw the movie.
Thanks to Astyanax for mentioning “The Duellists”. I saw the film when it first premiered in 1977, and since according to the Ny Times archive it only played here, I now know I visited the Fine Arts at least once. The description says it closed in ‘78, if true, it’s a shame.
Looking for some help. Does anyone know if the Get Smart movie “The Nude Bomb” premiered here in 1979? I’m pretty sure I was at the Sutton once , and this is one of the few films where I don’t recall which Manhattan theatre I saw it in. I tried the NY Times review archive but couldn’t come up with anything.
I recalled seeing the movie version of “1776” 40 years ago on an 8th grade class trip, in a huge Manhattan theatre. Thinking it might be The Ziegfeld I checked the NY Times archive, and it actually played here. The movie was a bore but at least I can say I once saw a film in Radio City Music Hall.
I recalled seeing the movie “Montenegro” in a Manhattan theatre when it first opened in 1981. I checked the NY Times movie review archive to see what theatre it was,thinking it was The Sutton. It turned out to be The Plaza, but I recall nothing at all about the place.The film was not all that memorable either.
I also saw the Woody Allen film here at a screening today. It was my first time here in 39 years. I had seen “The Parallax View” in ‘74 and “The Exorcist” in '73 , both in Cinema 1. Today was a positive experience. The staff was friendly and courteous and the popcorn was very good. They have “wake up” matinees with showings before 12pm being $7.50.My screening was in Cinema 2 and I admit if you prefer the back row as I do the screen is a bit small , but I can live with that. The seat was old school but comfortable.Before leaving I checked out the rest of the theatre. Cinema 1 has a very good size screen and a balcony, and Cinema 3 is much smaller. Surprisingly for the newest of the 3 it seemed the most shopworn, with flat seats and an entrance door that creaked loudly every time it was opened.
Saw the remake of “Maniac” here yesterday.Not a bad theatre, and one of very few that would show this film,even in Manhattan. The film is unrated but it would certainly be NC-17 for extreme violence.The patrons and staff don’t have that uppity attitude like some other downtown art houses.Once at Film Forum a patron in front of me turned and stared daggers every time my seat squeaked. Tickets here are $13.50.
I was here yesterday to see “Iron Man 3”.All 5 theatres have brand new seats and the sight line is much better. A matinee was $6. Still, there were only 2 other patrons in my theatre, and 2 of the others were empty.
The NY post reports that under a revised schedule, construction will begin this month and “Broadway 4D” will open in June 2014. I have posted an artist’s rendering of the completed theatre in the photos section.
Thanks to milanp for confirming “The Conversation” played the Coronet, wasn’t sure which theatre I saw it in. I recall seeing “The Parallax View” in either Cinema 1 or 2. When did Cinema 3 come along? Was it an addition to the existing theatres or were renovations made?
I was here for the second time last month, and all was fine . Yes, tickets are $14- but it’s midtown Manhatten.
Robert, sadly nothing good to report. I see no activity going on when I pass by. I also read on a Stapleton website that there may have been water damage from Sandy. Many businesses on that stretch of Bay Street are only recently reopening after suffering damage. If I hear any news I will post.
http://gothamist.com/2013/03/06/the_best_movie_theaters_in_nyc.php