Honestly, going to the movies has become a bit of a chore lately. You have to deal with overpriced popcorn, people on their phones, and screens that sometimes look dimmer than your laptop. But if you’re hanging around the East Bay, specifically near the Union Landing Shopping Center, there is one spot that still feels like a "big event" cinema. I’m talking about Century 25 Union City and XD. It’s a massive Cinemark property that has managed to survive the streaming era by doubling down on scale.
Big screens. Loud speakers.
It’s not just about seeing a film; it’s about that specific feeling of being overwhelmed by a wall of light. Most people just call it the Union City theater, but the "XD" part is actually the reason people drive from Fremont or Hayward just to sit in these specific seats.
What is Century 25 Union City and XD anyway?
The theater is located right off I-880. It’s hard to miss. The complex is huge, boasting 25 screens, which is almost unheard of these days when most developers are downsizing to boutique "luxury" spots with six screens and a bar. This place is a relic of the megaplex era, but it’s been kept up remarkably well.
The crown jewel here is the XD, or "Extreme Digital" auditorium.
Think of XD as Cinemark’s version of IMAX. Is it exactly the same? No. But for most of us, the difference is negligible. The screen at Century 25 Union City and XD is massive—literally wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor. It’s paired with a custom JBL sound system that hits you in the chest. If you’re watching a Marvel flick or the latest Dune installment, this is where you go. You want that bass to rattle your teeth.
The theater uses Barco laser projectors. This matters because traditional bulb projectors lose brightness over time. If you’ve ever sat in a theater and thought, "Man, this movie looks muddy," you were likely watching an old bulb die. The laser tech at Union City keeps the colors popping and the blacks actually looking black.
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The Reality of the "Luxury" Seating
Let's talk about the chairs. Everyone cares about the chairs.
Century 25 has transitioned most of its houses to the "Luxury Loungers." These are electric recliners. They are plush, they have heat settings in some auditoriums, and they let you kick your feet up. It’s great, mostly. The downside? Because the chairs are so big, the actual capacity of the theaters has dropped.
You’ve got to book ahead. Seriously.
If you show up on a Friday night for a 7:00 PM showing of a blockbuster without a reservation, you are going to be sitting in the very front row, straining your neck at a 45-degree angle. Don't do that to yourself. Use the app.
One thing people get wrong about Century 25 Union City and XD is the pricing. People think XD is a massive surcharge. It’s usually only a few bucks more than a standard ticket. If you’re already paying $15 or $18, another $3 for the better screen is a no-brainer.
Navigating Union Landing
The theater is the anchor of the Union Landing Shopping Center. This is a blessing and a curse.
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Parking is a nightmare. There, I said it.
On a Saturday night, the lot in front of the theater turns into a chaotic mess of teenagers, families, and people trying to find the In-N-Out drive-thru line. If you’re heading to the Century 25 Union City and XD, give yourself an extra 20 minutes just for the parking lot. Or park further back near the Lowe's and just walk. It’ll save your sanity.
The food options nearby are actually top-tier for a movie night. You have:
- In-N-Out: Always packed, but iconic.
- Texas Roadhouse: For when you want a full steak before a three-hour epic.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Right there for the post-movie debrief.
- The Habit: A slightly faster, easier burger than In-N-Out.
Inside the theater, the concessions are standard Cinemark fare. They have the "Senior Supplements" and "Early Bird" specials, which are worth looking into if you’re trying to save a buck. Also, their popcorn is consistently better than the Regal down the road. It’s saltier. It feels more "movie-like."
Technical Specs: XD vs. The Rest
If you're a tech nerd, you probably want to know if the Century 25 Union City and XD is actually better than just watching at home on your 4K OLED.
It is.
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The XD format uses a silver screen. This isn't just a fancy name; the screen surface is actually coated to be more reflective, which helps with 3D brightness and overall contrast. The sound system is an 11.1 setup. Standard theaters usually run 5.1 or 7.1. In the XD room at Union City, you have height channels. When a plane flies over the camera, you hear it "above" you. It’s immersive in a way your soundbar at home just can’t replicate.
I’ve noticed that the maintenance at this specific location is higher than at the Century theaters in San Jose or even the ones further north. The screens are clean. No weird smudges or dead pixels in the projection.
Is it worth the drive?
If you live in San Leandro or Hayward, you have other options. There’s the Southland Mall theater. It’s fine. It’s okay. But it doesn't have the scale of Century 25 Union City and XD.
The Union City location feels like a hub. It’s one of the few places left where you get that communal "big crowd" energy. When a movie has a big twist and 300 people gasp at the same time, it’s a vibe. You don’t get that at the smaller boutique spots.
However, be warned: this is a loud theater. Not just the movies—the people. It attracts a younger crowd from all over the East Bay. If you want a silent, library-like experience, go to a Tuesday morning matinee. If you go on a Friday night, expect energy. Expect kids. Expect a bit of noise in the lobby.
How to Win at Century 25 Union City and XD
To get the most out of this place, you need a strategy. Don't just wing it.
- Join Cinemark Movie Rewards. Even the free tier. It makes the app experience smoother, and you can scan your phone for points. If you see more than one movie a month, the Movie Club tier pays for itself because it waives the online booking fees.
- The "Golden Row" in XD. In the main XD auditorium, you want to sit about two-thirds of the way back. Usually, that’s row G or H. This puts your eyes perfectly level with the center of the screen so you aren't looking up or down.
- Tuesday is the Secret. Like most Cinemarks, they do "Discount Tuesdays." You can get into an XD showing for a fraction of the weekend price. It’s the best deal in the East Bay.
- Avoid the first weekend of horror movies. Unless you love hearing teenagers scream at the screen. Horror movies at Union City are an "event," and they can get pretty rowdy.
The XD experience at Century 25 Union City remains one of the best technical presentations of film in Northern California. While IMAX might have the brand recognition, the comfort of the Luxury Loungers combined with the brightness of the XD laser projection makes this my go-to. It’s a bit of a trek through a crowded parking lot, but once the lights dim and that XD intro starts—the one with the deep bass that makes the floor vibrate—you’ll remember why you didn't just stay home on the couch.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Cinemark app for XD showtimes at Union City specifically, as they rotate the featured film weekly.
- Book seats in the middle-center rows (G-H) at least 24 hours in advance for weekend blockbusters.
- Plan to arrive at the Union Landing lot 20 minutes early to navigate the heavy traffic near the In-N-Out entrance.
- Sign up for Movie Club if you plan to see more than one film, as it covers the cost of an XD upgrade once a month.