As someone with a passion for storytelling, it should come as no surprise that I’m a fan of movies. And a lot of my blogs this summer reveal that I’m also fond of things, places, and activities with a vintage feel. So, I decided to share with you all the simple joy that is the Sayville Cinemas.
There are a lot of factors that led me to believe that this was a perfect place to write about, aside from my spontaneous trip there this weekend to see “D.C. League of Super-Pets” when my previous plans fell through.
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Streaming services have made trips to the movie theatre somewhat of a rare experience these days, as opposed to a common pastime.
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Movie theatres, particularly the big-name companies, can run up an expensive tab. With a ticket and snacks, it isn’t uncommon for one person’s experience to cost roughly $30!
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The global pandemic saw the closing of many theatres, so once again streaming services grew in popularity. When theatres reopened, the first two factors I mentioned worked to keep people away from the movies.
With all these factors in mind, Sayville Cinemas seemed like the answer. It’s sad to me that with the pandemic and online services, I know kids who don’t really have any memories of trips to the movie theatre. And with the busy lives that adults and parents lead, streaming services have kept many of them out of the theatre in favor for the couch for the past few years.
That just doesn’t sit right with me. Seeing a movie on the big screen offers a more immersive experience. At home it’s easier to pause or get distracted by the everyday stressors or tasks. But a movie is supposed to be an escape from those things, if only for a couple of hours. So, go to the theatre!
Many locals were nervous that the little theatre known for $5 tickets and cheap, classic snacks wouldn’t survive having to close during the pandemic. But after being closed for nearly two years, the announcement was made, and Sayville Cinemas reopened on Nov. 19, 2021.
Located right on Railroad Avenue, Sayville Cinemas shouldn’t require too much of a trip for most south shore residents. The outside still wows me every time. I feel transported to Hollywood Studios in Disney World when I see the metal lettering lit up by neon light bulbs. Then there’s the marquee, one of the only movie theatres near here that I feel still uses physical lettering, rather than digital. When you walk into the theatre, it’s like a step back in time. The $5 tickets are bought from the worker behind a window, and if you are going to a new movie at a popular time, you’ll likely be sitting in the big theatre. To get there you walk up this elegant, red-carpeted staircase. The whole experience is just different than the more modern cinemas.
The concession stand is simple too, with never more than two workers behind the counter. The menu hanging on the wall is made from the same kind of lettering as the marquee, contrary to the digital, sliding screens of snack choices at other places. The snacks at Sayville are also affordable. A jumbo popcorn and large soda, one of the most expensive snacks combos you can get, is $11.50.
Overall, for a simple date night, a family trip to the movies or a group of teenagers going out with friends, Sayville Cinemas is my recommendation for an affordable, authentic movie experience!
A couple other fun things to note:
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The movie posters outside are unique and artistic. They are paintings done by a recent Sayville High School graduate, Matt. These give the theatre a unique, boutique feel. You are reminded that this is a small business, rather than a big corporation.
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Like many other theatres, there are some arcade games inside to add an extra layer of entertainment for kids (or kids at heart!)
I hope the next time you’re craving a cinematic break from everyday life, or that a movie you’ve been dying to see comes out, you’ll take a trip to Sayville Cinemas—I seriously doubt you’ll regret it!
