Niantic Cinemas in Niantic, Connecticut: Review

While many escape to the large cinemas to see their favorite movie, some in southeastern Connecticut visit their independently-owned small cinema in downtown Niantic on Main Street. The Niantic Cinema opened in 1951 in Niantic at 279 Main Street. According to Cinema Treasures, like many older cinemas, this one originally opened as a single screen theater and during its life, the auditorium was divided to create an additional theater and additions were added.

Currently, it features five theaters and was known for part of its life as a theater showing foreign and independent films as well as films that had left the major cinemas but had not yet made it to video.

Cinema Treasures reports that in 2000, the cinema switched to first run movies and 2003 was the last year an addition was made to the theater adding a fifth auditorium aimed to compete with larger nearby cinemas.

A large mural of Charlie Chaplin with an ocean blue background and movie posters showing the movies that are playing are in front of the building.

Unlike some cinemas that have electronic signing, here movies and their times are listed on a traditional letter board outside the theater.

At night, there are white flashing lights that dance around the "Niantic Cinemas" marquee with red letters over a purple background.

Many enjoy going to this cinema because it is within walking distance to many independently-owned shops and restaurants as well as a small beach and the Niantic Bay Boardwalk.

I have been to this theater several times and was amazed by the size of the two lobbies the cinema has.

The first lobby area is where the ticket booth is located while the second lobby area leads customers to the concession stand.

I remember going on Celebrate East Lyme day a few years ago and the long line of customers at the concession stand.

The theater tends to be busiest in the summer especially on days that are rainy or so hot and humid that people want to escape from the heat.

Prices for sodas, popcorn, and candy were less than what you see at the large cinemas and the popcorn was really fresh.