AMC Lincoln Square 13

Planning on visiting this theatre when I go to NYC for the first time later this month. Hopefully that “Loews” auditorium is as good as folks have told me it its.

When this place opened, it became my favorite theatre. Then, about two years into it’s run, someone decided to turn the volume down. Tried to see AFTER THE SUNSET there a couple months ago – it was literally inaudible. They were happier to give me a refund than to turn the volume up. I won’t be back.

When this theatre opened, Loews/Sony was overwhelmed by its success. For the first several weeks of operation, staff personnel from Loews' theatres throughout the tri-state area were being utilized to help operate the theatre. Due to the peak-business time of year during which the location opened (Thanksgiving season), many of these ushers, cashiers, and concession attendants were working 30-40 hour weeks at their ‘home’ theatres and an additional 30-40 hours at Lincoln Square (receiving the corresponding overtime pay of course, as well as reimbursement for travel expenses). The company’s internal auditors were even drafted to perform all cash handling tasks (cash pulls, bank deposits, etc.)!
Due in part to this bad experience, Loews created a “Corporate Trainer” program, in which the cream-of-the-crop employees from throughout the circuit were trained to assist with theatre openings. In later years, Corporate Trainer teams of 20 or more people were dispatched throughout the nation (and, in fact, internationally) to take part in theatre openings.
In retrospect, the 33,000 attendance of the Lincoln Square’s opening weekend does not, to my mind, seem quite as overwhelming as it appeared to be at the time. However, in the era of modern multiplexes, it must be noted that Lincoln Square opened in uncharted territory. Manhattan’s more unique multiplexes that have opened since, such as the AMC Empire and the Loews E-Walk, probably owe their existence in large part to Lincoln Square’s success.

Thank you for that comprehensive posting, Damien. The Lincoln Square is, IMHO, the best multiplex within the five boroughs and, I’d have to think, perhaps in the country, as well. The one element I appreciate the most – and the one element that always brings me a bit of sorrow as well – are the nine auditoriums named after Loews movie palaces of the past. It’s a nice tribute, but one that tugs at my heartstrings as well when I think of what’s happened to or what’s become of some of the less fortunate grand film venues of yore (i.e., the old Loew’s State, the Capital, the glorious ruins of the Kings, etc.). Still, it’s a great way to harken back to a time when going to the movies was an experience to remember and that’s truly what an afternoon or evening spent at the Loews Lincoln Square is… an experience to remember and an absolute treat.