Showcase Cinemas, a global chain that manages movie theaters across the country, has told the Chronicle via email that Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas will cease operations on Tuesday, April 30, about two months earlier than what has been reported over the past few weeks.
“Members of our Starpass loyalty program will receive a special offer as a way to thank them for their many years of movie-going at Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas,” said a marketing and partnerships representative of the chain. “Showcase Cinemas remains deeply committed to our theatrical exhibition business and we look forward to continuing to provide a superior movie-going experience at our U.S. cinema locations.”
When asked why the multiplex, located at 159-02 Jamaica Ave., is closing, the representative said the move follows a failure to come to terms with the landlord on a new lease agreement.
Michael Mattone, CEO of Mattone Investors, LLC, the owner of the building that houses the movie theater, told the Chronicle there was no dispute with Showcase Cinemas.
“Their lease terms came to an end,” Mattone said. “They were there for 20 years and then we gave them an extension. That extension basically expired and they decided not to seek an additional term.”
When asked about the April 30 end date, Mattone said he had been told it was June.
“That’s news to me,” said Mattone, who opened up a JD Sports next door to the multiplex two weeks ago.
As for whether he will work with a different movie chain or replace the business with a retailer, the CEO said he has a couple of things in the works.
“I am not at liberty to get into the details on those just yet,” Mattone said. “Those range from maintaining it as a theater to change of use ... [Details] coming soon to a theater near you.”
Several people were shocked and dismayed on Monday to learn that Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas will be closing.
The move comes on the heels of Brooklyn’s Linden Boulevard Multiplex Cinemas’ closure on Jan. 2 and the announcement that College Point Multiplex Cinemas will close May 7 and eventually be replaced by a logistics center.
According to multiple reports, Showcase Cinemas, owned by National Amusements, which owns all three theaters, has been shuttering movie houses across the country due to the rise of streaming, low foot traffic since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and expiring lease agreements.
“I think another theater would be good,” passerby Javonte Wooten said when asked by the Chronicle if there should be a new business or another moviehouse. “I actually live near where the Linden Boulevard theater just closed. Those are staples in our community.”
5 comments:
Movies are for communists.
Prove me wrong ...
Almost all the movies and their writers suck, they are also overpriced.
In the age of 1080P HDTV and criminals flooding the streets Who the hell wants to drive to some theater, leave your car on the street, pay a munimeter, pay $15-$30 for a movie only to sit in a lousy seat around a bunch of brats taking on cellphones, acting like hooligans, end up in a fight.
You also dont know if you are going home with lice or scabies.
Its no longer like the good old days.
These theaters now use digital HDTV projectors, they download the movies and codecs over the internet. No more shipping reels, changing reels, syncing projectors, anybody can run the system, no need to carry a $160hr union projectionist to tap "start" on a touch screen then sit in a chair doing nothing for the next 3 or so hours.
The cost should be going down not up over $20!
Also certain movies are also locked out, a theater can not show them, its a monopolized territory and conglomerate thing to put any competition out of business.
Example: If you are not a united artists theater you cant a movie under the United Artist umbrella. Same with Sony, Paramount, Universal etc.
Its all mobbed up!!!
-Joe
Welcome back troll !
Isn't this the Multiplex that installed metal detectors awhile ago?
@"Welcome back troll !"
Krazy Joe ain't a troll.
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