In case you missed the weekend social media buzz, the Lower East Side’s new 14-screen multiplex is now open for business.
The Regal Essex Crossing made its debut on Saturday at 129 Delancey St. We checked it out on Saturday evening, and were not alone. In the theater showing “Us,” the new Jordan Peele film, the cinema was about one-quarter full. Tickets here will set you back $17.50. Current showings include big Hollywood releases like Captain Marvel, Pet Sematary, Shazam! and Avengers.
The theater is part of a 26-story rental tower on the southeast corner of Delancey and Essex streets. It’s one of nine buildings being developed as part of the Essex Crossing project. A new Essex Street Market will be opening in this same building very soon.
In a press release, Regal notes that the theater includes luxury recliners, reserved seating and “an expanded concessions menu.” The Essex Crossing cinemas include about 1200 seats all together.
The neighborhood now has a big mainstream movie theater, something it’s been missing for decades. Landmark Theaters closed the Sunshine Cinemas on East Houston Street in January of last year (it was focused on indie films). That historic building is about to be demolished for a big office and retail complex. In addition to the Regal, the Lower East Side, fortunately, has the Metrograph, the art house cinema on Ludlow Street that just celebrated its third birthday.