Sunrise Multiplex Cinemas
750 W. Sunrise Highway,
Valley Stream,
NY
11581
750 W. Sunrise Highway,
Valley Stream,
NY
11581
9 people
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Became 9 screens on April 2, 1982,11 screen on June 18, 1982, 12 screens on December 21, 1984 and 14 to the most screens at the complex on October 16, 1987
Please update, theatre became 8 screens June 12, 1981. That was two 550 seats screens built to the right of the original six. Better quality grand opening ad uploaded.
Opened(on 4 screens) with “Star Trek the motion picture”.
The history of the Sunrise Cinemas expansion from 6 to 14, over construction was performed by the only owners Redstone Cinemas (National Amusements). When the theatre open in 1979, all 6 screens had 700 seats. In 1981, they open Cinemas 7 and 8 with 583 seats. In early 1982, cinema 3 was the first to be split in half (337 and 283 seats). In 1983, they last 2 theatres built to the far right, theatres 10 and 11 (13 and 14 by 1987) had 359 seats. In 1986, they split 5 in half (6 and 7 by 1987) with 283 and 337 seats. In 1987 when 12 wasn’t enough, they split original theatre 2 and theatre 8 which was a add on in 1982 in half to make 14 screens.
Redstone originally intended to split the two center screens at some point, the had entrances to both sides in the back already in place. The other two they split later on, they had to create a small hallway behind the back of the auditorium.
When the theatre was at 14 screens. The seat count was
1. 682 70MM
2. 342
3. 306
4. 337
5. 283
6. 283
7. 337
8. 682
9. 682 70MM
10. 583
11. 241
12. 282
13. 359
14. 359
IDolby Stereo was first installed in theatres 1, 8, 9 and 10. The rest got them in the new millenium.
During the early 80, ushers were station in 3 locations to rip tickets, 1 for the left, 1 for the two center screens and 1 on the right. Sometimes, they were station in front of all the screens. Later on, only one in the center.
Prior to 1985, they had four different ticket stations to buy tickets, you had to look to see where your film was to buy a ticket. After the fall of 1985, they installed computerized ticketing which they were to downsize the boxoffice staff.
The theatre had one main refreshment stand, which in the late 1980s on busy days, it was at least a 10 minute wait to buy refreshments. They never had enough workers. They very rarely open the auxiliary stand on the right hallway.
Metal detectors installed in 1991.
From 1980 to 1986 went to this location a lot, then after that started to cut down going there because of the crowds and short staff.
Saw The Last Emperor in theatre 11, it was sold out and the screen was like watching a big screen television. The sound was MONO. This was a film that should of been shown in 70MM or at least in one of the large auditoriums.
Yes, those theaters are all gone, but Regal last year tore down their old Lynbrook theater and built a new 13 screen multiplex at the same location. The five-screen Fantasy in Rockville Centre is an AMC house and is still up and running but is a little worn around the edges… The Malverne theater is five screen operation and shows a mix of mainstream and independent features.
Growing up in Malverne, we saw so many flicks there. Raiders, Romancing the Stone, War Games, Karate Kid….endless. Totally remember the riot there. Been a long time since Iv'e been back. I take it they have been building some for modern theaters in the general area as the old ones – this, RKO Rockville Center, GA Twin have all closed?
Well, since this theater has been closed over three years, and was torn down, I don’t think that it is still one of the most dangerous theaters to go to.
I don’t think there were several shootings in the 1990s, just one highly publicized fracas during Godfather III.
And this was one of my local theaters, and I never felt in any particular danger or undue concern.
This has to be one of the most dangerous theaters to go to…up there with clifton commons.
On my first visit soon after it opened my friend’s car battery was stolen.
In the 1980’s the parking lot was the local police precinct’s hot spot for auto theft.
In the 1990’s there were several shootings inside the theaters.
paktype, was it in 70mm dolby stereo?
I saw Return of the Jedi here with my brother in 1983.
I’m surprised they did not try to buy space in the new mall going up here.
Its sister twin, the Amboys Multiplex in Sayreville NJ is still standing 10 years after closing, slowly rotting away.
Looks like they are they are tearing this place apart, so far the façade is down; will make some really interesting photos… (hint, hint)
THis theatre, and its sister twin the Amboys Multiplex in Sayreville NJ, both opened on Dec 7, 1979. But this one lasted 10 years longer. The Amboys closed in late May 2005 after the floor in the lobby collapsed. As mentioned above, its a shame as these were some of the last non-stadium theatres left. Im not really a fan of stadium or digital, but its an evil thats here to stay.
Pity. It was one of the last non-stadium style theaters. The metal detector at the door was a first-class nuisance but I’ve spent many a happy afternoon in this theater.
Too bad, it was a nice flea market, there aren’t too many like that one left anymore. National Amusements also seems to be really getting rid of a lot of their older multiplex & showcase cinema locations.
The flea market has been closed for months, per the sign that was on the marquee while the theater was still open…
What will happen to the Flea Market that used the parking lot of this theatre on the weekends?
Orlando, thank you for the info, was very curious if they were leasing or owned this property. And since they owned it and sold it for $ 22.5 million,imagine what they paid for it in the 1950’s!!! Same with their Bronx, Whitestone property that was sold last year.
Redstone took control of Viacom in the mid 1980s while keeping the company public. Viacom would take over Paramount in the early 90s, then Blockbuster Video later on, and merged it with its former parent CBS in 1999 before breaking it up in two yet Redstone’s National Amusements still controls voting shares of both CBS and Viacom much like Dolan oversees Cablevision, AMC Networks, and MSG (soon to be split into Entertainment and Sports) and Murdoch with 21st Century Fox and News Corp. It was 25 years ago this Christmas that the infamous violence occured during the release of the third godfather movie.
The words are off the marquee now, but it is still lit up…
Redstone always owned this property and it was NOT leased.
70mm print of great movies got first-run billing at this theatre making it the most popular multiplex in all New York.
Per my comment above. Since a large part of the clientele must have come in from Queens the opening of the Linden Blvd. and Jamaica venues must have cut into their business. Always happens. New theater in, old theater closes.