Crown City Cinemas — Attraction in Town of Cortlandville

The Plaza 6 is an independently owned movie theater, and the only remaining cinema in Cortland, NY. It is named for the 6 screens it has to show films on. There are 4 in the main lobby area, and 2 larger ones that were added to the far end of the building in the late 90's. This place used to be quite something in it's day. It is a shadow of its former self now. Unfortunately, like most people, places, and things in Cortland who have seen better days, this theater is no exception.

As a kid, I used to love coming here. It was more well cared for back then, and the lobby boasted one of the coolest arcades around. While the Plaza was not the first theater I ever saw a movie in, it certainly defined what a theater was during my formative years. I can fondly recall having several major movie-going experiences here. Perhaps most notable among them is the time that my brother, and I wore red, and orange masks to see the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie back in April of 1990. The Plaza is located behind a Pizza Hut, and for years the 2 businesses had a symbiotic relationship that allowed customers to save money at either business if they showed a receipt from one when visiting the other. This was a fun incentive for families to make a night of pizza and movies. That was, of course, back in an era when Cortland had 2 theaters, and there was some competition to inspire better upkeep, and create a need for the owners to do more to draw audiences inside. In the years since, the ownership has changed hands, and the competition closed down taking with it any need for the Plaza to work as hard.

These days, things are quite different at the Plaza theater. The marquee is often missing letters, and dimly lit, if it's lit at all. At some point in the early 90's, the arcade was removed, and turned into an expanded office. The seats are worn, & ripped, and the floors are cracked, and permanently sticky. The seats and carpets are still the same ones from their 80's heyday. Normally that's cool...when they're maintained. The carpets are so dirty, you can smell the mold and mildew as you breathe in any given auditoruim. The walls inside the theaters are covered in some kind of white residue, like dried saltwater. Probably from the tears of all the disappointed customers. The bathroom here is generally dated, and unkempt as well. Another element that remains un-updated is their bizarrely stubborn refusal to accept credit cards in the year 2018. Instead, they favor an ATM next to the ticket counter. Not only are all cash businesses inconvenient for customers, they also raise eyebrows about their practices. Perhaps the budget for repairs could be taken from all those ATM fees?

The website proudly states that they're "making it better" because all movies they show are now 100% digital, and have 5.1 surround sound. Meanwhile, the chain theaters that are only 20-30 minutes away have been showing their films in 4K with 7.1 surround sound for 5 years already. (FYI: it's tough to have any surround sound with broken speakers)

While it may initially seem like a good deal to see a film here, it's ultimately tough to reconcile the Plaza's $9.50 standard ticket price with what I used to get here in the past, compared to what I get here now, and what I can get just a short drive elsewhere. I'd love to see that change someday. Maybe someone with a real passion for the movies, and the theater experience will...

Since the last time I came here, which been years, it has downgraded a bit. But I'll get to the main reason of why I lowered it to 2 stars from 5 stars. First off, it was dead when I got there which didn't bother me but looks like this movie theater may not stay open. When I went into the first lobby it looked like a homeless shelter, it looked dirty and disgusting including the floors had streaks of what looked like poo. As I got to the main lobby it looked clean, an employee came right out and was nice, prices for tickets, foods, and drinks aren't bad priced also you can get free large popcorn refills. Popcorn tasted great, was freshly popped right in front of me since I was one the first people, and the nachos also were great. Now there is one major difference from last time I saw a movie, the volume for it was bad and uneven, had a little static which hurt my ears but this time it was perfectly clear and loud. Even though during the movie there was some wall lights still turned on the left side so that was annoying since I couldn't watch the movie properly. And where it comes down to the worst, and why I had to change my rating, is because in the middle of the movie some kids come in, mind you this is a rated r movie, right in the middle of the movie who were constantly talking loud, screaming, and yelling swear words like the n word throughout the whole movie. Also they were confused and clearly did not know what they were watching! But seriously, why were these people allowed to come in the middle of a movie especially when they were disrespectful and disruptive the whole time!? This is for sure the last time I'll ever come here again. Also the seats are very awful, there was one heavier guy who was very uncomfortable and said he thought he'd get stuck, the seats are just so small and packed together, hard to walk through and there's only one way to go to get in and out of seats. Some of the seats were also loosing cushioning, not enough leg room either, just not a good movie...

We love this place. The parking lot is easy to get to/from the building and the vehicles. It's spacious and generally clean. The building still has a bit of retro nostalgia while still having the types of updates that make viewing with modern technology. Someone enjoys doing artwork! Which is an added touch these days. Talented chalkboard art, IMO. The variety of snacks and finger foods are pretty decent. The seats are comfortable, but not those super crazy ones you get sucked into. IYKYK. The bathrooms are clean, and there are plenty of stalls. The place is set up relatively kid friendly, too. From lobby to opposite exit, you can see all the way down. (Sus it out as needed, to each their own). There are accessible areas and seating, if applicable. Though admittedly, I have not been inside each theater. Take that as you will, and please call for specifics if you need accessible areas. Last but not least, the staff. Omigoodness! They are always super cute, helpful, and engaging. They like what they're doing. Ya know? Every time we visit here, they're genuinely smiling at everyone. They make jokes and connect with their guests. It's great place to unwind and break up the routines. I highly recommend. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you might catch a slow night, and it'll feel like a private showing. *A guilty little pleasure,...