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Movie theaters on Long Island

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> > More movie reviews

"You can't handle the truth."

Hollywood makes movies. We watch them. Then we quote them. Over and over again, for years.

"Hello, Clarice."

At some point, usually after that 20th viewing, we search for new lines to quote, ones we never thought of or really noticed before.

"Third prize is you're fired."

The same holds true for movie theaters on Long Island. You've got your convenient theaters near you or near where you'll be. Those big national theaters are solid, no doubt, with their full slate of new releases and buy-it-by-the-pound candy bins. You can buy tickets online or via touch-screen kiosks at the theater.

But sometimes you want something different. Maybe an artsy flick. Or some seat-side service. Or some individuality. Or a huge screen. Well, that's what's showing at these five theaters.

"I charged it all to the Underhills. Want the number?"

Director's Hall

With enough time having passed since the price of movie tickets hit double digits to the left of the decimal point, it's time to accept it and move on. But Island 16 in Holtsville (631-758-4300) makes spending even more worth the price of admission. For an extra three bucks per ticket, you can sit in a Director's Hall theater, reserve your exact seat and have food and drinks delivered right to your seat up to 10 minutes before the first preview. If purchasing online or over the phone, you automatically get best available seating.

Mom & Pop Shop

It's big-city entertainment with a small-town feel at PJ Cinemas in Port Jefferson Station. You get all the typical accoutrements of a major movie theater, but there's a bit of an old-time personal touch involved. On its Web site, pjcinemas.com, you'll find the owner's opinions and thoughts on each movie playing at the theater. Here's the best part: If you call for times (631-928-3456), you don't have to push any buttons. Just sit there and listen to the owner tell you all the times and even some thoughts on certain films. Pretty neat stuff you won't find at the chain theaters.

Cinema Arts Centre

Movies become films at Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington. Besides the actual showing of motion pictures - artsy, both new and old - the Centre features discussions and receptions with actors, directors and other industry people. Try the Sky Cafe for food you won't find in other theaters. Membership plans allow for ticket discounts, free movies on your birthday, discounts at certain restaurants and retailers, and - this is the best! - no waiting in line, even on premiere night. Now playing: "Atonement," "The Kite Runner" and "The Diving Bell & the Butterfly."

IMAX Theater

An added attraction of The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, the IMAX Theater is definitely an entertainment experience anyone will enjoy. Take in a major studio movie or one of the "institutional" IMAX films on the dome theater screen with a 76-foot diameter. With extreme stadium seating for 300 and a screen that is roughly 10 times the size of a typical movie theater's, IMAX pretty much puts you in the movie. No SAG credit, though. Sorry.

Bollywood on LI

Bollywood is big in Queens, but that doesn't really help you here on the Island. But as the Indian population on Long Island grows, at least two movie theaters are taking notice. So, hooray for National Amusements, which shows Bollywood movies on the Island. Broadway Multiplex Cinemas in Hicksville (516-935-5599) and the Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas (631-777-8080) will schedule a full run for the India-based films.