A few corrections to what was recently posted. As a projectionist here from 3/84 to 5/2005, The expansion dates after 1982 are wrong. They added 2 screens to the building and split 2 original theaters in late 1984 to go from 10 to 14. From 1985 on it was 14 screens.
As far as the collapse that closed it, it was never a sinking ceiling, but a sinking floor in the lobby around the concession stand that closed the building. There were many theories over the years but the most likely cause was a break in the sewer main from the restroom that eroded the fill under the lobby and caused the concrete floor to give way.
At the end Amboys was bleeding money.
Theatres like New Brunswick and Menlo Park, as well as the complexes in Staten Island killed the theatre. I know in its final years, I cant recall seeing a sell out. Its time had come. The floor collapse just caused the inevitable.
Even after all these years I still remember the seat counts:
162
212
350
350
520
520
528
512
234
10 246
11 246
12 234
13 528
14 528
Theatres 7 thru 14 were the original 1 thru 6. 9 and 10 and 11 and 12 were splits of the original 3 and 4. 5 and 6 were the first addition. 3 and 4 were the second addition and 1 and 2 were the last addition at the same time they did the splits.
Well on April 24, the new shiny replacement, now called the Carteret Performing Arts Center had a soft opening. I have not been in it, nor have I been asked to work there by the union. Im glad I was able to have the chance to be in the old Ritz before it was demolished a few years ago.
EsseXploreR, I knew that was coming. When I worked at the Arena on the next block, I could see the sag in the roof the past few years. I knew it was just a matter of time that this would happen. So sad.
nycman, I was a projectionist at 2 porn theatres from 1978 till 1990. The Sayrewoods in Old Bridge and Cinema 9 in Sayreville. Those were interesting times, Ill give you that.
Upcoming 35MM events: March 19, Caddyshack. April 3rd, old school Kung Fu double feature, (theatre rental, not part of the monthly classic series), and April 30, Wizard of Oz.
I will agree with you on one thing Teddybear35, I wouldnt live in Newark either. I wasnt crazy working there before the virus hit. You are right though. A lot of new buildings and old ones being renovated.
Was in the area yesterday and drove by. A large sign on the front of the building says 30,000 square feet available. Mixed use. I guess its days as a movie theatre are done.
Yes the Spaceballs print, considering the age is in mint condition. Barely any wear. Im not sure on how many people will be allowed to attend given the ongoing restrictions. If im correct I think 150 is the max. Best to check with the theatre before heading out.
I was in East Brunswick for the first time in years the other day. I did not even recognize the area. The entire shopping plaza that housed the theatre, as well as the theatre appears to be gone. All new builds. I did not see any remnants of the old theatre building.
Well now they can move everything to Arizona and they can enjoy it. This theatre was also one of the 70MM installs for H8, Dunkirk etc. I wonder where that will end up.
A few corrections to what was recently posted. As a projectionist here from 3/84 to 5/2005, The expansion dates after 1982 are wrong. They added 2 screens to the building and split 2 original theaters in late 1984 to go from 10 to 14. From 1985 on it was 14 screens.
As far as the collapse that closed it, it was never a sinking ceiling, but a sinking floor in the lobby around the concession stand that closed the building. There were many theories over the years but the most likely cause was a break in the sewer main from the restroom that eroded the fill under the lobby and caused the concrete floor to give way.
At the end Amboys was bleeding money.
Theatres like New Brunswick and Menlo Park, as well as the complexes in Staten Island killed the theatre. I know in its final years, I cant recall seeing a sell out. Its time had come. The floor collapse just caused the inevitable.
Even after all these years I still remember the seat counts:
Theatres 7 thru 14 were the original 1 thru 6. 9 and 10 and 11 and 12 were splits of the original 3 and 4. 5 and 6 were the first addition. 3 and 4 were the second addition and 1 and 2 were the last addition at the same time they did the splits.
bigjoe59, it does not have loading dock access on 43rd st. A city ordanance prevents loading and unloading on 42nd st.
49 year anniversary of its grand opening on this date.
42 years ago today The Empire Strikes Back opened in 70mm in Cinema 1.
Well on April 24, the new shiny replacement, now called the Carteret Performing Arts Center had a soft opening. I have not been in it, nor have I been asked to work there by the union. Im glad I was able to have the chance to be in the old Ritz before it was demolished a few years ago.
EsseXploreR, I knew that was coming. When I worked at the Arena on the next block, I could see the sag in the roof the past few years. I knew it was just a matter of time that this would happen. So sad.
Caddyshack print is inspected and is in very good condition. Oh and a side note, the kung fu double feature is cancelled.
nycman, I was a projectionist at 2 porn theatres from 1978 till 1990. The Sayrewoods in Old Bridge and Cinema 9 in Sayreville. Those were interesting times, Ill give you that.
Upcoming 35MM events: March 19, Caddyshack. April 3rd, old school Kung Fu double feature, (theatre rental, not part of the monthly classic series), and April 30, Wizard of Oz.
Nice crowd last night. Picture was blazing off the screen. Sound kicked butt. A very enjoyable night was had by all.
They are already making progress on the stagehouse. Once it gets to the auditorium forget it.
I will agree with you on one thing Teddybear35, I wouldnt live in Newark either. I wasnt crazy working there before the virus hit. You are right though. A lot of new buildings and old ones being renovated.
Seats were being sanitized as I left today to get ready for tomw show.
Was in the area yesterday and drove by. A large sign on the front of the building says 30,000 square feet available. Mixed use. I guess its days as a movie theatre are done.
My father was a projectionist in New Jersey. I remember the theatre he worked at running that same double feature thats on the New Amsterdam marquee.
Yes the Spaceballs print, considering the age is in mint condition. Barely any wear. Im not sure on how many people will be allowed to attend given the ongoing restrictions. If im correct I think 150 is the max. Best to check with the theatre before heading out.
I was in East Brunswick for the first time in years the other day. I did not even recognize the area. The entire shopping plaza that housed the theatre, as well as the theatre appears to be gone. All new builds. I did not see any remnants of the old theatre building.
I would rather see the property converted to a 3 screen drive in. It would be a real money maker from say April till the end of October.
I guess not everything my father stored in the attic made it out. Thats an old goldberg shipping reel.
Yup. Thats me with the orange shirt and blue jeans. Hands in pocket. First time I projected a movie by myself.
Upon reading an article about the AMC Hamilton 24 in New Jersey closing, it was mentioned that this theatre also permanently closed. Is this true?
Well now they can move everything to Arizona and they can enjoy it. This theatre was also one of the 70MM installs for H8, Dunkirk etc. I wonder where that will end up.
bigjoe59 AIW was a soft core X.
Status should be closed. Possible renovations in the near future.
The town of Metuchen has reportedly purchased the building and is hoping to bring live shows and movies back to this theatre after doing renovations.