Cines Plaza 1, 2, 3, 4
Plaza Las Americas,
San Juan
00936
Plaza Las Americas,
San Juan
00936
6 people
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These were the first shopping mall movie theaters in Puerto Rico. They opened on September 12, 1968 with Jack Lemmon in “The Odd Couple” in Plaza 1 and Steve McQueen in “The Thomas Crown Affair” in Plaza 2. They were located at Plaza Las Americas, the island’s biggest mall. Both theaters were huge, but Plaza 1 had the bigger auditorium. In spite of being mall theaters, they were built in the style of huge Cinerama-type theaters. These theaters were very successful and instrumental in drawing people away from the Santurce movie houses. Most of the movies that played here also played in the Santurce area, but moviegoers were becoming attracted by the idea of shopping and going to the movies in one place. On November 15, 1979 two more theatre were opened on the 3rd floor beside the food court and they were named Plaza 3 & 4
In the 1990’s Cinevista, the theater’s owners, built other more conventional theaters in Plaza Las Americas and the Plaza 1 & 2 & Plaza 3 & 4 were becoming white elephants. They were closed on December 25, 1997, with “Titanic” being one of the closing films. They were later torn down to create the island’s first Macy’s store.
Contributed by
Jose Mendez
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Recent comments (view all 21 comments)
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There is nothing SADDER to the movie loving community than having to accept the fact that Plaza 1 & Plaza 2 are gone the way of the Dodo. The same thing happened to the Laguna Gardens theaters. I cannot begin to try to explain to this generation of movie going people the difference between what they think is good enough and the majestic movie theaters of yesterday. Where are those great minds from the 1970’s that made real those awesome movie theaters? We need you now in 2010!! We need them to show this generation how majestic was the mind of men in the 1970’s and how serious was the business of offering the movie going crowds the best in entertainment.
I agree Manuel; Plaza I y II and Laguna Gardens were something special.
Thank you for agreeing with me Kishka. Did you live in San Juan ? You have no idea how I miss the old days of cinema ! :)
I was able to enjoy on of the last movie shown on Plaza 1 & 2, Titanic on December 25, 1997 and before that big blockbusters like Superman the Movie, Grease, Back to Future among others. Like it was mentioned before, is a shame that there are no more great theaters like those left to enjoy that kind of blockbusters like we used to.
When exactly did these theaters opened?
The theaters opened in 1968. Plaza 1 showed The Odd Couple and Plaza 2 The Thomas Crown Affair as the opening attractions.
To Cineast, who posted the picture of Plaza Theaters — Muchas Gracias! It’s interesting to note — the corner closest to the camera has “Restaurant Cervantes.” By the cars I date this very early 70’s. By the time I was a movie goer there, in the late 70s, that restaurant was “Restaurant Sancho Panza.” And in the 1979-1980 expansion, that restaurant gave way to a Burger King and other fast-food joints.
But for all those years, the marquee and facade never changed, and I still remember the glow of that signage.
Thank you for the memories… seeing this picture stopped my heart cold, it was almost like seeing a picture of a love long lost..
On November 15, 1979. Two new movie theaters were added to these two. The Plaza 3 and 4 on the third floor of Plaza Las Américas at the food court Terraza.
Actual opening date is September 12, 1968.