You know that feeling when you just want a movie night that doesn't feel like a chore? Finding a theater that actually balances comfort, tech, and a decent snack bar is harder than it should be. For folks living around Nassau County, the United Artist Westbury 12—or Regal UA Westbury as it’s officially branded now—has been the go-to anchor for years. It’s located right in the heart of that chaotic but convenient shopping hub on Brush Hollow Road. Honestly, if you grew up in the area, you’ve probably spent at least one Friday night circling that parking lot looking for a spot near the entrance.
It's not just another multiplex. It’s a survivor of the "cinema wars" of the early 2000s. While other theaters in the surrounding towns have shuttered or turned into discount houses, the Westbury 12 stayed relevant. Why? It basically comes down to the mix of high-end tech and a location that makes "dinner and a movie" actually possible without driving ten miles.
The Evolution of the United Artist Westbury 12 Experience
When Regal Cinemas took over United Artists, things changed. Big time. If you haven't been in a while, the first thing you’ll notice is the seats. We aren't talking about those squeaky, cramped folding chairs from the nineties. Most of the auditoriums here have transitioned to the luxury recliner model. These are those oversized, motorized leather thrones that let you kick your feet up until you’re practically horizontal.
It’s great. It’s also a trap. Lean back too far during a slow-paced indie flick and you’re asleep.
The screen tech at United Artist Westbury 12 is where they really try to flex. They’ve got the standard digital projection, sure, but they also host some of the bigger formats like ScreenX. If you haven't seen a movie in ScreenX, it’s… intense. The movie literally wraps around the side walls of the theater, giving you a 270-degree panoramic view. It’s not for every movie—don’t go seeing a romantic comedy like that—but for something like Top Gun or the latest Marvel epic? It’s pretty wild.
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What the Reviews Usually Miss About the Logistics
Everyone talks about the popcorn. We'll get to that. But the real "pro tip" for Westbury 12 is the timing. Because it’s right next to the BJ’s Wholesale Club and a bunch of major retailers, the traffic on Brush Hollow Road can be a nightmare. On a Saturday at 7:00 PM, you’re fighting shoppers, diners, and other moviegoers.
Give yourself twenty minutes just for the parking lot. Seriously.
Inside, the lobby is massive. It has that classic, high-ceiling United Artists vibe. One thing that’s actually kind of cool—and sort of rare now—is that they still maintain a decent arcade area. It’s not a Dave & Busters, obviously, but it’s enough to keep kids (or bored adults) occupied if the trailers haven't started yet.
The Concession Stand Reality
Let’s be real: movie snacks are expensive. At Westbury 12, the prices are standard for a Regal-owned property. You’re going to pay a premium. However, they’ve leaned into the "expanded menu" trend. It’s not just popcorn and Raisinets anymore. You can get actual food—mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, burgers.
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- The Popcorn: It’s consistent. Regal’s coconut oil blend is distinct.
- The Drinks: They use the Pepsi Spire machines, which are basically the Pepsi version of Coke Freestyle. You can mix a thousand flavors.
- The Alcohol: Yes, they have a bar. It’s called the RPX Bar or something similar depending on the current branding, but basically, you can take a beer or a glass of wine into the theater.
Is the food gourmet? No. It’s theater food. But having a hot pretzel while watching a three-hour blockbuster makes the experience feel a bit more like an event.
Why Location Is Everything for Westbury
The United Artist Westbury 12 sits in a very specific niche. You have the AMC Roosevelt Field nearby, which is the "fancy" competition. Then you have the smaller, older theaters in places like Hicksville. Westbury stays in the middle. It’s nicer than the budget spots but often less crowded and stressful than the mall theaters.
Being near the Westbury NYCB Theatre (the old Westbury Music Fair) means this whole pocket of Long Island is an entertainment magnet. You can grab dinner at any of the dozen restaurants within a two-mile radius—The Cheesecake Factory is right there, or you can go more "local" with some of the spots in the Carle Place area—and then hit the 12 for a late-night showing.
Dealing With the "New" Cinema Culture
One thing to keep in mind about United Artist Westbury 12 is the reserved seating. This is standard now, but some people still struggle with it. You have to book your exact seat in advance. If you show up and sit in "your" spot but someone else is there, check your app. Usually, someone just misread the row letter.
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The staff here is generally pretty good at handling the weekend rushes. It’s a high-volume theater, so the floors might get a little sticky by the 10:00 PM showing, but that’s just the nature of the beast. If you want a pristine experience, hit the first matinee on a Tuesday. It’s cheaper, empty, and the theater is at its cleanest.
A Quick Word on IMAX vs. ScreenX at this Location
A lot of people ask if the Westbury 12 has a "real" IMAX. To be precise, it’s often what enthusiasts call "LieMAX"—it’s a very large screen with incredible sound, but it isn’t the massive 70mm film height you’d find at the Lincoln Square theater in the city. That said, for 99% of people, the difference is negligible. The sound system in their premium large format rooms is loud enough to rattle your ribcage.
How to Save Money at United Artist Westbury 12
Don’t just walk up to the kiosk and pay full price. That’s a rookie move.
- Regal Crown Club: It’s free. You get points for every dollar spent. Eventually, you get free popcorn or a movie ticket. Just do it.
- Regal Unlimited: If you see more than two movies a month, this is a no-brainer. It’s a monthly subscription that lets you see as many movies as you want.
- Discount Tuesdays: Most weeks, tickets are significantly cheaper on Tuesdays for club members.
- The App: Buy your tickets on the app before you leave the house. There’s a small convenience fee, but it beats driving all the way there only to find out the 8:00 PM showing of a blockbuster is sold out of "good" seats.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the United Artist Westbury 12, follow this checklist to make sure it doesn't turn into a headache.
- Check the Format: Before booking, look at whether the showtime is RPX, ScreenX, or Standard. RPX has better sound and a bigger screen. ScreenX is the 270-degree wrap-around. Standard is... well, standard.
- Arrive 25 Minutes Early: This isn't for the parking; it's for the "Regal First Look" and trailers. Regal plays a lot of ads. If you hate ads, show up exactly at the showtime. If you want snacks and a bathroom break without missing the opening scene, give yourself that 25-minute buffer.
- Navigate the Parking Lot: Avoid the spots directly in front of the theater. They are always taken and people drive like maniacs there. Park further back toward the BJ’s side and just walk the extra 100 feet. It’ll save you ten minutes of frustration.
- Join the Rewards Program: Seriously, even if you only go twice a year, those points add up, and the Tuesday discounts alone are worth the 30 seconds it takes to sign up on your phone.
The United Artist Westbury 12 isn't trying to be an art-house cinema or a five-star dining experience. It’s a loud, big, comfortable American multiplex that does exactly what it's supposed to do: let you escape into a story for a couple of hours while you eat way too much buttered popcorn. It remains a staple of the Long Island landscape because it’s consistent, and in an era of streaming everything from your couch, that big-screen experience still offers something a 65-inch TV just can't replicate.