Memories

  • November 3, 2008
    Memories

    Non-Digital marquees in NYC

    I write the blog “vanishing new york” and have posted a couple of stories with photos and information about old cinemas in New York City. Here are two on St. Marks Cinema:

    Vanishing NY #1
    Vanishing NY #2

    I’m hoping readers can help me with a question. Do you know how many non-digital marquees are left in NYC? And where are they located? I’m trying to track them all down. Thanks!

    11 comments
  • October 31, 2008
    Memories

    Remembering Cinerama (Part IX)

    REMEMBERING CINERAMA
    Part IX: Dallas

    The following is Part Nine in a series of retrospectives on Cinerama, the legendary motion picture process that kicked off the widescreen revolution. The series focuses on providing a market-by-market, film-by-film breakdown of when and where Cinerama and its multi-panel clones were exhibited. The easy-to-reference articles also serve to provide nostalgia to those who experienced the Cinerama presentations when they were new and to highlight the movie palaces in which the memorable events took place. (The series will not describe the particulars of what Cinerama was or how it worked, as extensive coverage of such is accessible in numerous books and websites.)

    Part I: New York
    Part II: Chicago
    Part III: San Francisco
    Part IV: Houston
    Part V: Washington, D.C.
    Part VI: Los Angeles
    Part VII: Atlanta
    Part VIII: San Diego

    And now…Part IX: Cinerama Presentations in Dallas!

    0 comments
  • October 29, 2008
    Memories

    Cinemascope message print found

    While at work today at the multiplex in which I am employed, I was breaking down film from the platter. When I opened one of the film cans, there was a label glued to the lid. I could not believe it has survived over 50 years. I copied it down, and now I will share it with you. I wonder if anyone out there even remembers this.

    Important Message TO THE PROJECTIONIST who will run this valuable CINEMASCOPE print. This print can only be run on machines that have been specially equipped for Cinemascope film. This applies not only to your projection machines, but also rewinds, splicers, film measuring machines, and any other through which the film will pass. The sproket holes are narrower than ordinary film and can, therefore, be used only on equipment with specially designed Cinemascope sprokets.

    PLEASE protect this film by using it only on the right equipment, and also by seeing that the edges are not damaged. Since the soundtrack is so close to the edge, it is important to rewind carefully and keep the edges even. Thank you very much.
    Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp.

    Truly something from a bygone era.

    13 comments
  • October 24, 2008
    Memories

    Remembering Cinerama (Part VIII)

    REMEMBERING CINERAMA
    Part VIII: San Diego

    The following is Part Eight in a series of retrospectives on Cinerama, the legendary motion picture process that kicked off the widescreen revolution. The series will not describe in detail the particulars of what the system was or how it worked, as extensive coverage of such is accessible in numerous books and websites. Instead, the series focuses on providing an historical overview of a less-accessible aspect of the Cinerama story: a film-by-film breakdown of how, when and where Cinerama (and its multi-panel clones) were exhibited in selected markets since every region was treated differently. As well, the easy-to-reference articles serve to provide nostalgia to those who experienced Cinerama when it was new and to highlight the movie palaces in which these memorable events took place.

    Part I: New York
    Part II: Chicago
    Part III: San Francisco
    Part IV: Houston
    Part V: Washington, D.C.
    Part VI: Los Angeles
    Part VII: Atlanta

    And now Part VIII: Cinerama Presentations in San Diego!

    8 comments
  • Memories

    Capitol Theatre a mainstay of downtown

    CHAMBERSBURG, PA — Locals take a look back at the Capitol Theatre.

    A community hub since its opening on Feb. 3, 1927, at 159 S. Main St. in downtown Chambersburg, the Capitol Theatre was established by Pottstown Theatre Co., of Pottstown following nine months of construction.

    Local citizens recall its elegance and the variety of entertainment it has offered throughout its history.

    Read the full story in Public Opinion.

    0 comments
  • October 22, 2008
    Memories

    Tribute group formed for Central Jersey’s Menlo Park and Blue Star Cinemas!

    A tribute group has been formed to remember the Central New Jersey Movie Theaters that brought happiness to thousands of people but have sadly been demolished. The theaters may be gone but the memory lives on and here is a place were we can discuss, reminisce, and remember.

    This group can also be open to other theaters from the surrounding areas such as Somerville, Plainfield, Westfield and other areas of Somerset County. Please feel free to post your stories and in particular any ads, photos or memorabilia you may have. Many Thanks and…enjoy the show!

    Yahoo Group Link

    5 comments
  • October 17, 2008
    Memories

    Remembering Cinerama (Part VII)

    REMEMBERING CINERAMA
    Part VII: Atlanta

    The following is Part Seven in a series of retrospectives on Cinerama, the legendary motion picture process that kicked off the widescreen revolution. The series will not describe in detail the particulars of what the system was or how it worked, as extensive coverage of such is accessible in numerous books and websites. Instead, the series focuses on providing an historical overview of a less-accessible aspect of the Cinerama story: a film-by-film breakdown of how, when and where Cinerama and its clones were exhibited in selected markets since every region was treated differently. As well, the articles serve to provide nostalgia to those who experienced Cinerama when it was new and to highlight the movie palaces in which these memorable events took place.

    Part I: New York
    Part II: Chicago
    Part III: San Francisco
    Part IV: Houston
    Part V: Washington, D.C.
    Part VI: Los Angeles

    And now…Part VII: Cinerama Presentations in Atlanta!

    6 comments
  • October 16, 2008
    Memories

    “West Side Story” roadshow memories

    Cinema Sightlines is continuing its roadshow series with a look into the run of “West Side Story”. Check out the historic info as well as the details on its showings at the American Cinematheque.

    5 comments
  • October 10, 2008
    Memories

    Remembering Cinerama (Part VI)

    REMEMBERING CINERAMA
    Part VI: Los Angeles

    The following is Part Six in a series of retrospectives on Cinerama, the legendary motion picture process that kicked off the widescreen revolution. The series will not describe in detail the particulars of what the system was or how it worked, as extensive coverage of such is accessible in numerous books and websites. Instead, the series focuses on providing an historical overview of a less-accessible aspect of the Cinerama story: how, when and where Cinerama and its clones were exhibited in selected markets since every region was treated differently. As well, the articles serve to provide nostalgia to those who experienced Cinerama when it was new and to highlight the movie palaces in which these memorable events took place.

    Part I: New York City
    Part II: Chicago
    Part III: San Francisco
    Part IV: Houston
    Part V: Washington, D.C.

    And now, Part VI: Cinerama Presentations in Los Angeles!

    10 comments
  • October 8, 2008
    Memories

    Grangetown Lyric remembered

    The Lyric Theatre, Grangetown was destroyed in a spectacular fire in May 1995. There were no injuries and the site is now a playground. The old cinema is recalled in this recent article in the local press, with some amazing pictures of the intense blaze, which have just surfaced as well as earlier shots.

    Remember When

    1 comment