Movie Reels to Roll Again at Long Beach Cinema

Story by Jeff Lipton

After waiting eight months to renovate the Long Beach Cinema 4, which was hammered by superstorm Sandy, some progress is finally being made.

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The movie theater’s contractor is scheduled to meet with Buildings Department Commissioner Scott Kemins next week to review plans for a renovated cinema.

Holding up the plans was a delay in issuing insurance money to cover the significant damage caused by the storm.

“We’re insured and we have every intention of rebuilding,” said Seth Pilevsky, co-president of Philips International Realty, which has owned the theater for about 15 years.

He said he will meet with insurance adjustors next week to finalize the numbers. He added that he could not believe how long it is taking for the insurance money to come through.

“We’re constantly on top of them,” Pilevsky said. “The whole thing has been very frustrating. It’s been very difficult.”

When Hurricane Sandy struck in October, the theater had been recently updated, with 3-D capable screens and other high-tech equipment.

“Everything was digital and the whole experience was upgraded,” Pilevsky said. “It was completely modernized. It cost a pretty penny.

“Everybody loved it,” he added. “We got really positive feedback.”

The screens were damaged during the storm, as were the theater’s chairs, he said. The cleanup began immediately after the storm as sheetrock, equipment and furniture were removed to prevent the onset of mold.

Pilevsky promised the theater, which is located at the corner of East Park Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard, will not be rebuilt “on the cheap.”

“We love Long Beach and for us it’s a chance to give back to the community,” he said.

He said he could not say at this point when the cinema will reopen, but would hope to do it as soon as possible, probably not before summer’s end.

People ask him all the time about when the theater will reopen. “I get that mostly from my friends and neighbors,” he said. “I also get complaints from my kids.”

Pilevsky said the city of Long Beach has been extremely helpful and supportive during the process. Kemins said he sees no stumbling blocks in approving the necessary permits to rebuild the theater.

“It’s important to everyone that it comes back,” said Kemins, whose 4-year-old daughter made him promise that he would take her there once it reopened.

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