Willimantic Movieplex

1 Jillson Square,
Willimantic, CT 06226

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Cinema North Corporation, Hoyts Cinemas

Previous Names: Jillson Square Cinemas, Willimantic Digital Cinemas, Hoyts Jillson Square 6

Nearby Theaters

September 2017

The 4-screen Jillson Square Cinemas opened February 6, 1981. I have seen this theatre go through many changes over the past few years. Hoyts closed the theatre in 2001, then Welch reopened it in 2002. They attempted to renovate the theatre and give it a facelift. Unfortunately Welch went bankrupt doing so. It closed once again in January 2004 and then reopened again under the new ownership of Cinema North Corporation in the spring of 2004. They put new seats in four of the auditoriums, but other then that it’s pretty much the same. It was closed again in January 2006. It was demolished in November 2017.

Contributed by Jessica

Recent comments (view all 10 comments)

moviectbuff81
moviectbuff81 on December 21, 2005 at 9:26 pm

This is no longer a first-run theatre. Cinema North owns the Mansfield Movieplex 2 miles away. After movies are done there, they go here. Why? Here the prices are cheaper because there is no stadium seating, cupholder armrests, or reclining seats. Matinees are only on the weekends but I have never seen a lot of cars at this theatre. Plus the theatre’s heating system doesn’t work right, be sure to have a coat on in the winter!

moviectbuff81
moviectbuff81 on December 22, 2005 at 8:35 pm

Forgot to add the fact that they have few previews before the movie begins and sometimes start the movie early. In fact, sometimes movies are shown in auditoriums that are empty! Must be a contractual thing with the movie company. Ray Welch had a Horror Thon here when he owned it with four movies back to back. About 30 students showed up. They should have student discounts like Welch had and have more things to encourage college students to come out like Rocky Horror Picture Shows, independent and foreign films, art movies, and double features.

moviectbuff81
moviectbuff81 on January 28, 2006 at 5:43 pm

Theater is now closed as of Friday, Jan 27, 2006 according to Yahoo Movie website and the letterboard in front of the theater. Will someone else buy this theater and try to open it up again? A recommendation to all future owners: Install stadium seating, redo the overall feel of the theatre, and bring some color to the outside of the theatre.

moviectbuff81
moviectbuff81 on January 28, 2006 at 5:44 pm

ATTN: CHANGE STATUS TO CLOSED

larryb7313
larryb7313 on February 11, 2006 at 11:11 am

Is this theatre for lease or sale?

moviectbuff81
moviectbuff81 on July 15, 2006 at 5:27 am

I heard there is talk that an arts theatre would open up here hopefully drawing more to Main St. Note: This theatre is in an excellent location. It is next to the Jillson Square Green, visible from the Frog bridge, on Route 66, plenty of parking, and entrance from Main Street and a one way street.

Roger Katz
Roger Katz on February 3, 2011 at 8:31 am

5 years ago now and still closed.

rivest266
rivest266 on February 25, 2017 at 12:27 pm

This opened on February 6th, 1981 with for screens. Grand opening ad in the photo section.

jjbers
jjbers on March 21, 2018 at 6:15 pm

12 year update: Fully demolished in November 2017. It’s being replaced by a senior center as of March 2018. https://thechronicle.com/stories/20171117Demo.php

Gerald A. DeLuca
Gerald A. DeLuca on September 8, 2021 at 4:21 am

I saw “E.T. the Extra-terrestrial” here on June 27, 1982.

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