It’s strange that in the borough where hip-hop was born—a place with a rich history of theaters and cultural and artistic communities—there was only one movie theater until recently. But that changed when a new Regal Cinemas location opened in the Bronx in March 2025. This article on bronx-trend.com will tell you about the history and development of this cinema industry giant and its arrival in the Bronx.
An Empire’s Creation and Early 20th-Century Decline
The history of the world-famous Regal Cinemas chain, which had 5,720 screens in 420 theaters as of early 2025, began in 1989. The first CEO was Mike Campbell, and the network’s first theater was Searstown in Titusville, Florida. The Regal chain grew quickly, opening large, modern cinemas in the suburbs. The theaters were distinguished by their premium cafes (later known as Cafe Del Moro) and a higher level of comfort compared to traditional cinemas of the time.
Throughout the 1990s, Regal expanded aggressively, buying smaller chains and building new multiplexes. The biggest deal was the merger with Act III Theatres in 1998. Other chains, like Cobb Theatres, RC Theatres, and National Theatre Corp., were also acquired.
However, the owners got too caught up in the business of expansion and missed the moment when they should have focused on internal problems instead of chasing a monopoly. By 2001, the company had overextended itself and filed for bankruptcy.
A Second Chance
In the early 2000s, three major companies declared bankruptcy. One of them was Regal. The other two were:
- United Artists Theatres (UA).
This organization was founded in 1924 and began building its own chain of cinemas. In the second half of the 1940s, the chain was bought by the Naify brothers, who already owned cinemas in the San Francisco area. They also acquired several iconic theaters in the city, including the Balboa, Alexandria, Coliseum, Vogue, and Metro. In 1988, UA acquired the Sameric chain with about 30 theaters. That same year, the headquarters were moved from San Francisco to Englewood, Colorado, after the company was sold to the telecommunications giant TCI. UA also invested in cable television and came under the full control of John Malone’s company in 1991. In the early 2000s, United Artists went bankrupt.
- Edwards Theatres.
This family-owned movie chain from California was founded in 1930 by William James Edwards Jr. It gained popularity and became one of the most prominent players in the state. After the founder’s death in 1997, the chain was managed by his son, who began a massive expansion. By then, the company already had about 90 theaters with 560 screens. However, the expansion caused financial difficulties, and in 2000, Edwards Theatres declared bankruptcy.
After Regal, United Artists, and Edwards went bankrupt, Philip Anschutz stepped in. As an investor with a keen eye for opportunity, he decided to acquire controlling stakes in each of the bankrupt companies, becoming the main shareholder. In 2002, Anschutz merged all three companies under a single parent structure—**Regal Entertainment Group (REG)**.
Thanks to the timely intervention of a major investor, it was possible not only to revive powerful national film companies but also to create a new, influential collaboration that earned a respected place on the world stage.
A Difficult, Thorny Path
But it’s not fair to say that life was “sweet” from the moment of the merger. Regal Cinemas has had its share of ups and downs.
- 2002–2006: Global Expansion.
After the founding of Regal Entertainment Group in 2002, the company began to expand rapidly. In 2003, it acquired the American assets of Hoyts Cinemas, and in 2004, the Signature Theaters chain in California. In 2005, Regal CineMedia merged with National Cinema Network, which was owned by AMC Theatres, to form National CineMedia. In essence, it was a takeover of NCN by Regal CineMedia, as Kurt Hall remained the CEO and AMC adopted Regal’s format for showing trailers.
- 2007–2010: Digitalization, Government Attention, and New Formats.
In 2007, REG opened its first all-digital cinema in Henderson, Nevada. In May 2008, the company completed its acquisition of Consolidated Theaters. In total, Regal purchased 28 Consolidated cinemas and 400 screens for $210 million. To curb REG’s growing “appetites,” the Department of Justice ordered the sale of several cinemas due to antitrust concerns. In 2009, the company signed a contract with Sony to install 4K digital projectors in all of its theaters. In 2010, Regal introduced a new premium format, RPX, with expanded screens and a modern sound system.
- 2011–2015: Process Optimization and New Technologies.
In 2011, the company cut costs by laying off some employees and simplifying the management structure in its cinemas. This helped improve financial performance. In 2014, Regal and AEG agreed to install 4DX technology at L.A. Live. By 2018, there were already 6 4DX screens across the country. In 2015, Regal took over full management of Cinebarre, a hybrid of a cinema and a restaurant (as of August 2024, four Cinebarre locations are operating in the U.S. with a large bar and a full menu).
- 2016–2017: Lawsuits and Another Expansion.
In 2016, a Texas court issued a temporary injunction against Regal over accusations of conspiring with major studios to boycott smaller chains. In 2017, the company acquired the Warren Theatres chain in Kansas for $200 million.
- 2018–2019: Cineworld Acquisition and Service Innovations.
In 2018, REG was acquired by the British company Cineworld for $3.6 billion. Regal updated its logo and adopted a corporate color—orange. In 2019, it launched Regal Unlimited, a subscription service for unlimited movie viewing.
- 2020–2021: The COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis.
In March 2020, all 543 Regal theaters were closed due to the pandemic. This was a real blow to the corporation. Despite a partial reopening in August, most locations were closed again in October. The reopening began in April 2021 after agreements were reached with Disney, Warner Bros, and Universal.
- 2022–2023: Cineworld Bankruptcy and Restructuring.
There was no miracle. In September 2022, Cineworld filed for bankruptcy due to debt and the effects of the pandemic. But in May 2023, the company was able to emerge from bankruptcy.
REG continues to recover after the difficult pandemic that derailed them. New technologies are introduced, theaters are opened, and new collaborations are formed almost every year. Among REG’s premium formats are:
- RealD 3D—a partner 3D technology;
- RPX (Regal Premium Experience)—a large screen, 4K, Dolby Atmos, and comfortable seating;
- IMAX—at least 94 auditoriums in the U.S.;
- 4DX—special effects (water, wind, moving seats);
- ScreenX—a 270-degree view thanks to three screens.
The New Regal Cinemas in the Bronx
In 2025, Regal opened a new cinema in the Bronx’s Concourse Village. It occupies the space on 161st Street in Concourse Plaza, where Multiplex Cinemas operated for 30 years. That cinema ceased operations in early 2024 for commercial reasons.
The space’s landlord, the Feil Organization, stated: “After the previous movie theater operator at Concourse Plaza left last year, we worked tirelessly to ensure that the Bronx community would continue to have access to a quality movie theater, which is an important community amenity. We are confident that Regal will provide the Bronx with the exceptional cinema experience its residents deserve.”
The cinema space was equipped with new laser projectors, improved sound systems, and comfortable seating.
Over the past few decades, commercial cinemas in the Bronx have been closing en masse, and until recently, the only one remaining was the AMC Bay Plaza Theatre 13 in Baychester. Many residents had to travel to Harlem to see a new movie.
But the situation has changed. The new Regal cinema, located a few blocks from Yankee Stadium, officially opened on March 21, 2025. On March 19 and 20, there were charity screenings—tickets, popcorn, and drinks cost only $3, and the proceeds went to support local nonprofit organizations.
The opening featured a screening of Disney’s “Snow White” remake and the drama “Alto Nights” with Robert De Niro, a movie about New York gangsters. The opening of the new multiplex became a symbol of the revival of cultural life in the area. Audiences who attended the opening were thrilled with the atmosphere, cleanliness, and high-quality sound.
Many recalled going to the movies as children and were happy to have the opportunity to pass on this tradition to the next generation.
