Grand Readership,
I'm somehow still trying to wrap my head around TARANTINO'S INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS. I'm not quite ready to review the picture, having only seen it once, but I at least know it was outstanding. I was making plans to see BASTERDS when I though it'd be a good idea to have a quick rundown of the movie houses in New York City. This post will be a two parter:
PART I: THE MAJOR RELEASE HOUSES
CLEARVIEW ZIEGFELD
Unquestionably, the Clearview Zeigfeld houses the city’s most robust cinematic environment, with a screen that dwarfs some IMAX venues and a capacity that rivals Radio City Music Hall. Whether its INDIANA JONES, the latest from DISNEY/PIXAR, or another timeless addition to the American film canon, the ZIEGFELD runs them all. Be sure to catch a film opening weekend, as you'll find the man who rips your ticket is a show unto himself. For the purists out there, I’ll mention they do not serve COCA COLA products, but as all good venues should, they permit you to bring whatever food/drink you wish.
AMC LOEWS KIPS BAY 15
Right at 2nd avenue and 32nd street, Kips Bay promises a verbal crowd, big screens and packed theaters. There's a nice variety to their listings, allowing you to catch either a guilty pleasure or a limited release picture. Additionally, the theater is tucked on the edges of several nice neighborhoods; where grabbing a drink before or after is a rewarding sojourn. Guiness? Paddy Reilly's. BBQ? Brother Jimmy's. A solid choice.
REGAL UNION SQUARE STADIUM 14
Nestled beneath Union Square, expect throngs of NYU students among an already crowded residential area. Purchasing tickets in advance and getting to the theater early are usually requisites for this venue. Still, one cannot deny the excitement of the neighborhood, or complain about the plethora of show times. Frankly though, the best part about this theater is it's accessibility, on top of two major subway arteries (N,R,Q,W & 4,5,6) and along a line (L) that hits every other one.
REGAL BATTERY PARK STADIUM 11
Not a thoughtless theater, but usually an empty one. Battery Park Stadium 11 is clean, bright and steep, but you can't help feeling as though you're in an empty planetarium instead of a picture house. However, it's right near the lower Manhattan promenade - a park running against the Hudson river and stretching from the tip of the island to the George Washington bridge. Consider only if it makes sense.
AMC LOEWS LINCOLN SQUARE 13
Opening in 1994, the LINCOLN SQUARE 13 is not only a behemoth of a theater, but represents the gold standard for how every subsequent urban multiplex would be designed and constructed. The theater's list of highlights (the most powerful IMAX screen in the region, among others) is surpassed only by it's meticulous attention to detail (most notably in the ornate elephant molding found in the presentation auditorium). And if I had to recommend one theater in all the city, it may be this one.
AMC LOEWS 34TH STREET 14
For one reason or another, I feel as though my affection for the 34th Street 14 is in truth, topical. Sure, the seating, sound and projection are on par - and there's clearly been some thought to developing a tone for the theater. But the popcorn is never great. The neighborhood can be overpriced. And it's an extra flight up for the bathroom. That isn't exactly sweetening the deal. Despite these shortcomings, I've enjoyed several pictures here, including the second coming of the blockbuster, THE DARK KNIGHT.
Thanks for having a read. Tune in next post as I tackle the independent theater circuit.
