Long Island doesn't lack for places to see a movie, but there's something specific about the Westbury United Artist movie theater—formally known to most locals as the Regal UA Westbury Stadium 12—that keeps it in the rotation. It isn't the fanciest spot on the island. It doesn't have the IMAX behemoth of the AMC in Garden City, and it isn't a boutique arthouse.
It’s just a reliable, classic multiplex.
Walking into the lobby on Brush Hollow Road, you get that distinct smell. It’s a mix of floor wax, heavily buttered popcorn, and maybe a hint of nostalgia from the late 90s. This theater opened during the peak of the stadium-seating revolution. Before that, you were basically staring at the back of a tall stranger's head. Westbury changed the game for the local neighborhood by offering those steep tiers that guaranteed a clear view of the screen. Honestly, if you grew up in Nassau County, you probably had a first date here or spent a rainy Saturday hiding out in theater seven.
The Regal UA Westbury Experience: Beyond the Screen
The "UA" in the name stands for United Artists, a brand that carries a massive amount of Hollywood history, even if most of it has been swallowed up by the Regal Cinemas corporate umbrella. Today, the Westbury location operates under the Regal banner. It’s located in a weirdly convenient spot right off the Northern State Parkway and the LIE.
Traffic can be a nightmare. Brush Hollow Road is notorious for it.
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The theater itself has kept pace with the times, mostly. You've got the Regal King Size Recliners in several of the auditoriums now. These aren't just those slightly tilted chairs; they are the full-on electric recliners where you can basically nap through a bad sequel. It’s a double-edged sword, though. Because the seats are so big, the actual capacity of the rooms has dropped significantly. You used to be able to walk in five minutes before a blockbuster started and find a seat. Now? You better use the app to reserve your spot, or you’re going to be sitting in the very front row, straining your neck to see a giant close-up of an actor’s nose.
What the Locals Know About the Logistics
The parking lot is huge, but it's shared with other businesses. If you’re going on a Friday night, it’s a bit of a jungle. People tend to forget that there is additional parking toward the back, and everyone fights for the spots right in front of the glass doors.
- Ticketing: They have the kiosks, but the Regal mobile app is the way to go to avoid the lines.
- Concessions: Expect standard prices. A large popcorn and a soda will likely cost more than your actual ticket. That’s just the industry now.
- The Crowd: It’s a suburban hub. You’ll see teenagers from Carle Place, families from Jericho, and seniors looking for the early matinee.
Why This Specific Theater Matters for Westbury
Business-wise, the UA Westbury Stadium 12 is a massive anchor for the local economy. When people go to the movies, they eat nearby. You have the Cheesecake Factory just down the road at the Mall at the Source (or what’s left of it) and plenty of diners. It’s part of a dying breed of "entertainment hubs" that aren't inside a traditional shopping mall.
There was a lot of talk a few years ago about the future of the theater during the Cineworld (Regal’s parent company) bankruptcy filings. A lot of theaters across the country shuttered. People were worried Westbury would be on the chopping block. Thankfully, it survived. It turns out that people in this part of Long Island still value the communal experience of sitting in the dark with strangers.
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The screen quality is solid. It’s 4K digital projection across the board. While it lacks the "ScreenX" or "4DX" gimmickry of some of the newer builds in the city, the sound systems in the larger houses—specifically the ones at the end of the long hallways—still kick. If you’re seeing an action flick, the bass is going to rattle your bones.
Common Misconceptions About Westbury United Artists
One thing people get wrong is the "United Artists" branding. Many think it’s a separate entity from Regal. It isn't. Regal bought UA years ago. The name stays on the building mostly for branding and legacy purposes.
Another misconception? That it’s always packed. If you go on a Tuesday night or a Wednesday afternoon, you can basically have a whole auditorium to yourself. It’s eerie but kind of great. The "Value Days" (usually Tuesdays for Regal Crown Club members) are the best-kept secret for anyone who wants to see a flick for roughly half the price of a weekend ticket.
Technical Specs and Comfort
Let’s talk about the screens. The UA Westbury doesn't have the massive 80-foot screens you’ll find in specialized venues, but their "standard" screens are larger than your average suburban multiplex.
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- Audio: Dolby 7.1 surround is standard here.
- Seating: A mix of old-school stadium rockers and the new luxury recliners.
- Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant with specialized devices for the hearing and visually impaired.
The staff is generally comprised of local students. It’s their first job. They’re doing their best, so be patient when the popcorn machine is backed up.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you’re heading to the Westbury United Artist movie theater, don't just show up.
First, check which auditoriums have the recliners. Not all 12 screens are equipped with them yet. If you’re a stickler for comfort, verify the "Recliner" tag on the Regal website before you buy. Second, join the rewards program. It’s free, and the points actually add up to free popcorn pretty quickly. Third, arrive early. The "Noize" pre-show and the endless trailers take up about 20 to 25 minutes. If the movie says it starts at 7:00 PM, the actual film isn't hitting the screen until 7:22 PM.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip:
- Check the Seating Chart: Use the Regal app to see if you’re getting a recliner or a standard stadium seat.
- Avoid the Brush Hollow Bottleneck: If you’re coming from the south, try taking the back roads through Salisbury to avoid the main intersection traffic.
- Validate Your Expectations: This is a classic multiplex experience. It’s clean, it’s loud, and it’s exactly what a suburban movie night should be.
- Join the Crown Club: Even if you only go twice a year, the discount on "Regal Tuesdays" makes it worth the 30 seconds it takes to sign up.
The theater landscape is changing. Streaming is huge. But as long as places like the UA Westbury keep the projectors running and the butter warm, there’s a reason to leave the house. It's about the scale. It's about seeing something bigger than yourself.