Honestly, if you’re driving down Gurnet Road in Brunswick and looking for those glowing red letters, you’re probably going to be disappointed. It’s kinda a bummer. For a long time, Regal Brunswick 10 Brunswick ME was the heartbeat of Friday night plans for people in the Midcoast. You’d grab a slice nearby, maybe hit up the shops, and then settle into a dark room with a massive tub of popcorn.
But things changed. If you haven't been in a while, you might have missed the news that the theater actually closed its doors back in early 2023. It wasn't just a random local decision; it was part of a massive wave of closures by Cineworld, the parent company of Regal, which was navigating some pretty heavy bankruptcy proceedings at the time.
Why Regal Brunswick 10 Brunswick ME Closed Down
The movie business is tough. Like, really tough. When the news broke that the Brunswick location was on the chopping block—along with 38 other theaters across the country—it felt like a gut punch to the local community. People like Jean Calderwood, a local regular, shared stories with news outlets about bringing her kids there for years. It was more than just a screen; it was a tradition.
Basically, the pandemic did a number on the industry. Streaming took over, and overhead costs for a ten-screen complex are astronomical. Cineworld reportedly aimed to save about $22 million a year by cutting these underperforming leases. Unfortunately, our local spot made the list.
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What the Theater Was Like in its Prime
Before it went dark, the Regal Brunswick 10 was the place to be. It wasn't the fanciest theater in the world—you weren't getting the high-tech 4DX vibrating seats you might find in a massive city—but it had that classic, reliable movie-going vibe.
- Standard Stadium Seating: It offered those high-backed seats that made sure you weren't staring at the back of a tall person's head for two hours.
- The Concessions: They had the standard Regal lineup. Overpriced but delicious popcorn, those giant ICEEs that turn your tongue blue, and every candy under the sun.
- Community Hub: It was a rare spot in Brunswick where teenagers could hang out safely and seniors could catch a matinee.
Where Do We Go Now for Movies?
Since the lights went out on Gurnet Road, you’ve basically got two choices if you’re living in the Brunswick area and craving the big screen experience.
You could head over to the Eveningstar Cinema. It’s right in downtown Brunswick on Maine Street. It’s a totally different vibe—much smaller, independent, and honestly, really cozy. They show a lot of indie films and documentaries that the big chains usually skip.
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If you’re dead set on that big multiplex feel with the recliner seats and the latest blockbusters, you're going to have to drive a bit. The Regal Augusta is still kicking. It's about a 30-to-40-minute haul up I-295, but they actually have the upgraded "King Size" recliners that the Brunswick location never got around to installing.
The Future of the Gurnet Road Site
Empty buildings in prime locations don't usually stay empty forever. There’s always talk in town about what might move into that space. Could it be another gym? A massive retail outlet? Some people keep hoping another smaller theater chain like Apple Cinemas might take a look at it, but for now, it's just a quiet reminder of where we all used to watch Avengers premieres.
Making the Most of Maine Movie Nights
Even without the Regal Brunswick 10, you can still find ways to enjoy film in the area. If you're planning a night out, here is how you should play it:
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- Check the Eveningstar schedule first. Supporting local indie theaters is basically a Maine personality trait at this point, and their "couch seating" is genuinely more comfortable than any old theater chair.
- Join the Regal Crown Club if you decide to make the trek to Augusta. It’s free, and you get half-off popcorn on Tuesdays. If you're spending 40 minutes in the car, you might as well get a discount.
- Watch for pop-up screenings. During the summer, Brunswick often does "Movies in the Park," which sort of fills that void left by the Regal.
The loss of Regal Brunswick 10 Brunswick ME definitely left a hole in the local entertainment scene. It's one of those things you don't realize you'll miss until you're sitting on your own couch on a Friday night wondering why the living room feels so small. For now, the best move is to support the screens that are still lit up.
Check the local listings at the Eveningstar Cinema or plan a Tuesday trip to Augusta to take advantage of the Regal Value Days if you're missing that big-screen magic.