(212) 591-0434
155 E 3rd St
New York,
NY
10009
40.7236
-73.9849
Neighborhoods: Alphabet City, Downtown, East Village
What People Are Saying About Pioneer Theater
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene – Housed in the same sprawling complex as Two Boots pizza, the Den of Cin lounge and Two Boots Video, this 100-seat theater screens independent premieres and cult classics as well as hosting festivals, retrospectives and many ongoing special-interest series. – – The Draw – The theater's greatest strength is the balance it strikes between unique and universal appeal. At any given film, black-clad hipsters or earnest film students might be sandwiched between a neighborhood grandma or a Wall Street denizen who has yet to loosen his tie.
Return of the Art House (Thank God)
by Vivinsextupede
I'm rather spartan in my requirements of a cheap theater: 1. I demand that it have a minumum of idiotic previews and bitter popcorn hucksters. 2. I demand that it be intimate and cater to a smaller audience. Unfortunately, that kind of theater is all but extinct. I vote to support Two Boots for as ong as it lasts -- the only New York theater to book a run of Lars Von Trier's _The Idiots_. Seeing it there was a far better experience than waiting in a round-the-block post-office-tax-return line. And I happen to prefer the Walter Reade to faceless Cineplex purgatory.
Bottom line: If there were more theaters like this one, Abel Ferrara wouldn't have to worry about his films being denied a run in New York City. Roberta Hanley, take note: show your next independent here.
- Pros: Intimate, Quirky runs, Neighborhood feel
- Cons: Some mediocre films
The Details on Pioneer Theater
When to Go:
The weekly series "Tuesdays @ 7" features appearances by filmmakers and other industry folks. Ticket holders get to nosh on free pizza and beer at the "Schmoozer's Lounge" after the screening.
The Extras:
As the credits roll, stop by Two Boots Video to create your own double feature. Its vast for-rent collection of independent and art films gives you no shortage of choices.
Save Money:
Membership gives you one year of benefits that include discounted admission, two-for-one Mondays and invitations to members-only events.






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