Forest Theatre
2 Forest Road,
West Haven,
CT
06516
2 Forest Road,
West Haven,
CT
06516
5 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
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News About This Theater
- Nov 16, 2009 — Memories of the Forest Theater
- Feb 23, 2004 — Forest Theatre to Close on Thursday
The 600-seat single screen Forest Theatre opened in 1939. It was remodeled after a fire in 1965.
The theater last showed second run films, but was struggling to stay in business as are most sub run theatres nowadays.
“The Forest is the only theater I have seen where the concession stand and the video games are actually in the auditorium rather than in the lobby.”
The owner was hoping to twin the theater in the future and move the concession stand to what is now an ice cream parlor next door.
The Forrest Theatre was closed in February 2004, and after standing unused for several years, was demolished in January 2011.
Contributed by
Roger Katz
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Recent comments (view all 39 comments)
I went by it last week. It does NOT look like the facade on this page. There’s a single chain link stretching to the right, but you can step over it. The front is boarded up, but you can see the movie poster holders, still. It almost looks like some sort of factory. Around the right and down 15 feet is small cinder block shed with brick on top and there’s a small hole in the wall that’s almost enough to slide in. There’s pipes inside and a door to the left, hopefully still open. There are metal rails on the windows in front, and I believe they are the originals.
What is everyones take on possibly purchasing the theater and tailoring it more to the college crowd from the university right next door. You could add ameneties that college students would appreciate alot more. Also, would adding events such as plays or concerts along with the movies be a feasible idea. I am a student at the university and there is nothing within walking distance of the school to do. Does anyone think this idea will work? Also Would getting investors or donations to contribute to the upkeep and purchase of the theater a good idea? Please get back to me on comments, i am very interested in bringing this ytheater back to a working form and am an eagle scout. I look forward to everyones opinion. Curretnyl im working on a survery to send to my fellow students to gauge what their interest would be in attending the theater again and if it is worth it. Thank you
I used to live nearby. When I was in High School (late 80s) I would always see what was playing at the Forest. They would show films that were already out in video. But we went because the atmosphere of the cinema was great. I think the cost was around $3.00. A little old lady sat in the front booth and sold the tickets, we’d walk in the doors and an old man would take the ticket back. He didn’t give you a stub or stamp your hand. First thing you’d see was the consession stand within the theater. You’d never miss a moment of the film if you wanted refreshments during the film. They didn’t show previews or advertisements. They just started the film. The chairs were all on a level floor. They had 4 or 6 ceiling fans (which look to be gone by the time the photos in cinematour.com were taken). There was only one shop on the left of the entrance doors. The grounds around the building were paved with no landscaping. Two films that I remember seeing there were National Lampoon’s European Vacation and Field of Dreams. The theater is not in a great location within the town, but it is near the University of New Haven. I haven’t been back to West Haven in years, so I don’t know what the status of the theater is now. Maybe you don’t care about my reminiscences, but isn’t it the nostalgia in all of us that makes us care about these old wonderful theaters?
What a shame that it sits there abandoned and derelict five years after closing. I know people who wanted to lease and reopen it after it closed, but the owners said no. Now its probably too late to do so without major renovation work.
The theater has been sold to a developer and will probably be demoished. Article here: View link
Thanx for beating me to it!
ANY BODY BEEN BY THIS PLACE LATELY IS IT STILL STANDING?
As of Jan. 15, 2011 the Forest Theater is no more. Sad to report it was demolished. :(
Does anyone know anything on the Park Theatre that sat across from the Forest in Allingtown? I’m searching for info and pictures on it.
I’m sorry to say I’d been through there several times and noticed it, but never stopped to take a picture.
As of today, if you go to Bing Maps and choose Bird’s Eye view (it’s no longer on Aerial View which has been updated), you can see it clearly at the intersection of Forest Rd. and Boston Post Rd./Orange Avenue — especially in the image facing west.