I know the CT webpage for this obscure little theater in downtown Scranton is an odd place for my rant; I should probably copy and paste it on every theater that I go to. I know I should probably speak to the staff while I’m at the theater, but speaking to anyone less than that top guy is useless and even if you can find him or her they just shrug their shoulders. They change the bulbs when the projector tells them to. End of story.
Funny coincidence, I just went to this place on their discount Tuesday, and while everything is lovely and sophisticated, it suffers from the same problem that almost every other theater has, both independent and chain theaters, which is that the projection is too dim. Nothing seems to be projected at 100%. I was in screen seven for The Fall Guy and it was decent projection but not perfect; many outdoor scenes were hazy. I took a look at screen six where Challengers was playing, which I have seen twice now in other theaters, and it was much, much darker than it should have been. I don’t care how luxe the theater is, or how shabby, but if the image on the screen is not as bright and clear as the TV at home in my bedroom, then what is the point of going to the movies? At least for the first 80 years of cinema projection, the carbon arcs kept the image bright; now Management tries to get as much life out of these bulbs as possible to the detriment of the movie goer. I don’t think the filmmakers realize how carelessly their pictures are being presented, they see the rushes and work prints and final product in their screening rooms, which no doubt operate at peak efficiency. They should get out to the neighborhoods and see what kind of presentation is actually on offer.
I’ve probably said this before, but those five basement theaters were the most dreadful houses in all of New York, much worse than the faded beauties and utilitarian newcomers on 42nd Street. Water leaks, puddles, mold and mildew, rats, uncomfortable seats and small screens. Egads!
Question: Did Ann-Margret ever appear on stage in a car during the run of Bye Bye Birdie? A friend says he distinctly remembers her live appearance, maybe it was at the premiere? Anyone know?
I know the CT webpage for this obscure little theater in downtown Scranton is an odd place for my rant; I should probably copy and paste it on every theater that I go to. I know I should probably speak to the staff while I’m at the theater, but speaking to anyone less than that top guy is useless and even if you can find him or her they just shrug their shoulders. They change the bulbs when the projector tells them to. End of story.
Funny coincidence, I just went to this place on their discount Tuesday, and while everything is lovely and sophisticated, it suffers from the same problem that almost every other theater has, both independent and chain theaters, which is that the projection is too dim. Nothing seems to be projected at 100%. I was in screen seven for The Fall Guy and it was decent projection but not perfect; many outdoor scenes were hazy. I took a look at screen six where Challengers was playing, which I have seen twice now in other theaters, and it was much, much darker than it should have been. I don’t care how luxe the theater is, or how shabby, but if the image on the screen is not as bright and clear as the TV at home in my bedroom, then what is the point of going to the movies? At least for the first 80 years of cinema projection, the carbon arcs kept the image bright; now Management tries to get as much life out of these bulbs as possible to the detriment of the movie goer. I don’t think the filmmakers realize how carelessly their pictures are being presented, they see the rushes and work prints and final product in their screening rooms, which no doubt operate at peak efficiency. They should get out to the neighborhoods and see what kind of presentation is actually on offer.
Is it still partially a children’s science museum?
I’ve probably said this before, but those five basement theaters were the most dreadful houses in all of New York, much worse than the faded beauties and utilitarian newcomers on 42nd Street. Water leaks, puddles, mold and mildew, rats, uncomfortable seats and small screens. Egads!
Saw this story on NBC News tonight
Re: article posted ¼/24: The last sentence recommends alternative independent cinemas, including the Fair in East Elmhurst.
Yes, I highly recommend the Fair for an “alternative” moviegoing experience.
There are more pictures on their website, but you have to dig to find them.
You are correct, sir.
That was an amazing set a photographs.
The PBS show Treasures of New York about this theater is being re-run on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 5 PM, channel 21 in the NY area.
571 seats does not a palace make.
That being said, it is for sure a cinema treasure.
(I was pleased to see a half page ad for this theater in last Friday’s New York Times. Maybe somebody can post that ad here…?)
Question: Did Ann-Margret ever appear on stage in a car during the run of Bye Bye Birdie? A friend says he distinctly remembers her live appearance, maybe it was at the premiere? Anyone know?
New article about this theater in the LA Times 12/5/23. Link is via MSN:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/inside-the-last-porn-theater-in-los-angeles/ar-AA1l1Dby
Does anyone know what year this theater was renovated with recliners?
This theater’s exterior is featured in a new TV commercial for the deodorant Secret.
Have I stayed too long at the Fair…?
Al to the rescue, as usual…!
Here the buildup really begins…
It seems as though this theaters name has been changed to Cinemark Montage Mountain 20 and XD
Today it’s partially submerged.
Sadly fitting, since most people watch movies sitting or lying in their beds nowadays.
Since modells is closed, what is in the space now?
Bill, since you’ve seen it 105 times, do you think you’re qualified to explain it to the rest of us?
The opening number especially really showed off the lobby, staircases, etc.
How about they call it the Edgar and Archibald Selwyn theater…