You’ve probably seen the glowing neon sign while trekking through the wind tunnel of 14th Street. Honestly, for a minute there in 2023, everyone thought it was over. The rumors were flying. Bankruptcy papers were signed. People were ready to mourn the massive multiplex at 850 Broadway. But then? A plot twist worthy of a summer blockbuster. A last-minute lease deal kept the doors open, and honestly, Regal Union Square Broadway New York NY is somehow busier now than it was before the scare.
It’s a weirdly iconic spot. It isn't the cozy, indie vibe of the Angelika, and it doesn't have the historic "film temple" feel of the Paris Theater. It’s a 17-screen beast. It’s where you go when you want the floor to shake and the air to smell like artificial butter and 4DX "rain" effects.
The Reality of the 4DX Experience
If you haven’t done 4DX here, you’re basically signing up to be bullied by a chair for two hours. It’s intense. The seats don't just vibrate; they pitch, heave, and occasionally poke you in the kidneys during fight scenes.
Is it for everyone? No way. If you have a sensitive stomach or just want to relax, stay far away. But for a movie like Avatar or whatever the latest Marvel flick is, it’s a trip. They’ve got water jets that spray you (you can turn them off, thank god), leg ticklers, and scent machines that try—and usually fail—to mimic forest smells or gunpowder.
Most people don't realize that the Regal Union Square Broadway New York NY location was one of the first in the city to really lean into this tech. While the Times Square location just unveiled a massive 296-seat 4DX room, the Union Square vibe feels slightly more manageable. Kinda. It's still a chaotic sensory overload.
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ScreenX: The 270-Degree View
Then there's ScreenX. This is the one where the movie literally bleeds onto the side walls of the theater. It’s not a constant thing—it only kicks in during "scenic" moments or big action beats.
- Pro Tip: Don't sit too close.
- If you're in the front three rows, you'll leave with a neck cramp and zero idea of what happened on the side screens.
- Aim for the middle-back. That’s the "sweet spot" where the peripheral vision actually works.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Seating
Here is the thing that confuses everyone: not every theater in this building is the same. People walk in expecting those plush, motorized recliners in every room because, well, it’s 2026.
But Regal Union Square Broadway New York NY is a mix. Some of the smaller auditoriums still have the "rocker" style seats. They’re fine, but they aren't the lay-flat beds you find at the Regal Battery Park or the AMC in Kips Bay. If you’re a stickler for comfort, check the seating map on the app before you buy. If it doesn't say "Recliner," you’re rocking. Literally.
The renovation back in 2020 did wonders for the lobby and the tech, but the sheer size of the 2,000-seat multiplex means maintenance is a constant battle. Some days it’s pristine. Other days, usually after a Saturday night rush, it feels a bit "lived in."
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The Food Situation (Beyond Just Popcorn)
Look, movie theater food is expensive. We all know it. But they’ve started doing this Indian-inspired menu that’s actually surprisingly good. We're talking vegetable samosas and "Tandoori popcorn."
If you aren't feeling the $15 nachos, the location is the real winner here. You’re seconds away from:
- Max Brenner for a chocolate coma.
- The Grey Dog for a decent burger.
- Joe’s Pizza on 14th if you just want a slice after a late show.
The theater also has a bar. It’s called the Regal Lounge, and honestly, grabbing a beer before a three-hour epic makes the "no recliner" situation much easier to handle.
Why This Specific Theater Matters to NYC
When Cineworld (Regal’s parent company) announced they were closing 39 theaters, Union Square was on the chopping block. The neighborhood panicked. Why? Because this place is a weird hybrid.
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It plays the massive $200 million sequels, sure. But it also gets the weird, small-batch indie films that usually only play at the IFC Center. It’s one of the few places in Manhattan where you can see a niche documentary in one room and a guy in a spandex suit punching a robot in the room next door.
A Few Insider Secrets for Your Visit
- The Tuesday Deal: It’s still a thing. If you’re a Regal Crown Club member (which is free), tickets are significantly cheaper on Tuesdays.
- Mystery Movie Monday: They do these $5 screenings where you don't know the movie until it starts. It’s usually an unreleased film. Sometimes it’s a hit; sometimes you walk out after 20 minutes.
- The Elevator Trap: There are multiple levels. The elevators are slow. If you’re running late, just take the escalators. Trust me.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
If you're planning to head to Regal Union Square Broadway New York NY, do yourself a favor and download the app first. Not just for the tickets, but for the "Regal Unlimited" pass if you see more than two movies a month. It pays for itself instantly in a city where a single ticket can push $20.
Check the specific format before you book. If the showtime says RPX, you’re getting the "Regal Premium Experience"—better sound, bigger screen, and "ButtKicker" seats that vibrate with the bass. If it says 4DX, prepare for a workout.
Lastly, arrive 15 minutes early if you're hitting the concession stand. The lines here can get legendary, especially on Friday nights when the Union Square crowds migrate from the park to the screens. If the main stand is packed, sometimes the smaller stands on the upper floors are open and much faster.
Book your tickets for a mid-row seat in Auditorium 1 if you can—it’s one of the best views in the house.