Translation from English

Thursday, August 29, 2013

BIG cinema-- unsual and also Asian films on East 59th Street

This theater has long been showing Asian, particularly Indian, movies, I know that.

It seems to be shuttered at the moment and I do not the cause of that. It is still listed on the website of the BIG cinemas chain. Reviews -It's fantastic-- it's awful-- it's "all right"...etc.

BIG Cinemas Manhattan

4.0 star rating
15 reviews Rating Details
239 E 59th St
(between 3rd Ave & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10022
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 371-6683
Nearest Transit Station:
Lexington Ave./59 St. (N, Q, R)
59 St. (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Lexington Ave./63 St. (F)
Good for Kids:
Yes
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15 reviews in English

  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews
    Lowell, MA
    8/18/2013
    Last night, I traveled down to here just to see the showing of Blue Exorcist: The Movie and this place surprised me. From the outside of the theater to the oddly high prices for drinks and food made me second guess coming, but I was totally wrong.

    The guy at the desk was really helpful and kept us busy while we waited. Also, I really like the ability to refill drinks/popcorns when you order a large! Though, I can barely the first large. I hope one day a theater like this opens nearby.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review
    Manhattan, NY
    7/20/2013
    Best theatre around, clean huge seats and well managed.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    8/5/2013
    This theater recently started showing big Hollywood first run movies in addition to its usual Asian movies.  I recently saw a movie here and it was a great experience from start to finish!  Clean theater with comfortable, leather seats, lots of leg room, friendly staff.  It is such a step up from City Cinemas on 3rd Avenue and 60th Street, it is not even a fair comparison.  It was not that crowded so I want to let people know how nice it is so they will get more business and keep showing new movies.  Check this place out, you will not be disappointed!
  • Review from

    • 12 friends
    • 63 reviews
    Yonkers, NY
    4/30/2013 1 check-in here
    It is a nice place to go for Asian movies. Civilized and clean ;)
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    3/18/2013
    My experience here was FANTASTIC.

    Amazing seats, very comfortable and spacious.  Great decor - not cheesy but authentic and tasteful.

    The woman working there was pleasant and helpful.  We were the only ones in the theater, it was a Sunday evening at 9PM, and the experience is one I'll never forget.

    The food was also moderately priced and not the cheap kind you'd find elsewhere.  Great quality everything.

    Definitely would go back, we saw Life of Pi.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    2/20/2013
    Worst experience ever, very badly managed theater. We showed up for a 9pm show this evening and were asked to leave because of a "special event" - why would you list a show time on fandango and other online portals if your not going to be showing the movie ? Worst experience I will never return to this theater.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    12/24/2011
    Cool place to watch Bollywood movies and certain arts program films like the ballet and opera.  Never crowded, close to the subways, and suuuper comfy giant leathery chairs with no bad views.  Also, can't beat $7 Bollywood Wed.  All subtitled for those of us who don't speak Hindi.  Did I mention chai in the lobby?

    Go to there and enjoy a fun movie experience.
  • Review from

    • 28 friends
    • 86 reviews
    Astoria, NY
    5/27/2010
    So I saw my first Bollywood movie yesterday, Kites with Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori.  Pretty entertaining to say the least.  I saw it at the Big Cinemas theater, and this place was maybe the best movie theater I've ever gone to.

    First, we got our tickets very easily and got into the movie theater quickly.  Maybe it was because it was a Wednesday, but very few people were there.  We got seats in the middle of the theater and I was immediately impressed with the seats, which were very comfortable and had lots of leg room.

    Second, the sound was very good in the theater.  The screen wasn't incredible large, but large enough.  Also, all of the people there were very friendly.  There was only one screen and it only shows one Bollywood movie, but the movies change pretty regularly.

    Lastly, and maybe the best part, only $5 a ticket!  Whaaattt???!!!  I can't remember the last time I went to the movies for that cheap.  So, if you're looking for a good place to see a Bollywood movie, this is the place to go in New York.
  • Review from

    • 3 friends
    • 5 reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    9/9/2008 First to Review
    This is New York's premier Asian American theater! The only other time you get to see such a consistent range of great Asian cinema is when the  New York Asian Film Festival comes around once a year.

    "The ImaginAsian is New York City's premier Asian American theater. Conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, this film and entertainment center is dedicated to showcasing the exciting world of Asian and Asian American cinema and culture. From international box-office hits to critically acclaimed independent films, the ImaginAsian hosts the most diverse and highest-quality titles from the United States and all over Asia.

    The foreign-language films at the ImaginAsian Theater feature English subtitles, so all audiences can enjoy diverse offerings from India, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, China, and dozens of other countries. In addition, the ImaginAsian is home to an exciting series of film festivals, and live performances that audiences of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy.

    The ImaginAsian Theater is operated by ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc., a multimedia entertainment company that provides and promotes quality Asian-inspired media content. In addition to the ImaginAsian Theater, ImaginAsian Entertainment owns and operates iaTV, iaRadio, iaLink, iaPictures, and the ImaginAsian Center. Through these dynamic mediums, ImaginAsian makes Asian-inspired programming accessible to all people who appreciate the diversity of American culture."
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    7/21/2011
    Long-legged moviegoers, this is the theatre for you.

    The well-maintained screening room features new comfy seats and plenty of space between the rows to stretch out.

    The limited concession options and far east location are the only dampers. But if you're in the neighborhood, grab a snack beforehand and let you long limbs hang out.
  • Review from

    • 45 friends
    • 19 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    6/9/2012 1 check-in here
    Love this theater. I refuse to watch desi movies at any other theater. Remodeled the entire place in the last two years. Love it so much I wanted to invest in it !!! If you own this and want some investors please reach out!!!
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    6/22/2010
    I do wish the sound was better.  I'm not sure what Kevin is talking about because the surround sound wasn't good at all.  However, this place has gotten renovated and looks better-  more leg room and the seats are leather, though the sides don't go up - sort of annoying and you have to sit up if you're under 5'5 in order to see through the seats.   $12.50 a ticket now too.... they raised the prices, no more student discount :(
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    2/21/2012
    It's alright. I went there last night to watch, the film where two guys are in love with one girl... This Means War was the title. Fun movie, should definitely see it! But anyway, the theater is great, i can sit comfy with 6.5 height :D Thats all that matters to me

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