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The latest movie theater news and updates
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June 9, 2006
Cineplex fires a great salvo; finally some innovation
This is exactly the kind of shift in mindset the theatrical distribution industry needs to adopt. It’s not the final answer, but at least someone is making an effort to stem the tide, independent of the studios… who I really don’t think care how they get their money, as long as it keeps rolling in.
Cineplex Entertainment Goes Big
TORONTO, ONTARIO — (MARKET WIRE) — 05/29/2006 — See movies the way they are meant to be seen
Cineplex Entertainment (TSX: CGX.UN), Canada’s leading motion picture exhibition company, today launched an innovative advertising campaign. This is the first ad campaign of its kind to be launched by a major motion picture exhibitor in North America. The ad campaign’s tagline, “Go Big” provides a point of comparison for seeing movies on the big screen versus other substantially smaller home entertainment options. By focusing the message on the cinema experience, Cineplex intends to make movie-going Canadian’s first choice for out-of-home entertainment.
“This is an exciting first for our company and the North American exhibition industry overall; we are delighted to take a leading role in raising awareness for the exceptional movie experience possible only by experiencing movies on the big screen,” said Ellis Jacob, President and CEO, Cineplex Entertainment. “Cineplex prides itself on being a leader in the North American exhibition industry and the entertainment industry as a whole.”
The theme of the campaign, which was created in partnership with advertising agency Endeavor, takes a humourous and informative approach at comparing the in-theatre movie experience with at-home television viewing. The average movie screen is 50 feet wide and by contrast the average television is 50 inches wide. When the two are directly compared, there simply is no comparison for watching a movie on a small screen.
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June 8, 2006
Franklin Cinema to close?
According to today’s issue of the Tennesean, the historic Franklin Cinema may close by end of the year.
Franklin Cinema building owner Mark Bloom says rising building values and increased property taxes could keep theater owners Joe Bankemper and David Temple from renegotiating their contract on the Main Street movie house when it expires in December.
“As of December, Franklin Cinema will probably be no more,” Bloom said. “I have talked to the cinema operators, and they do not feel it’s economically feasible to move forward in operating based on escalating rents.”
Bankemper and Temple say they’d like to continue operating the 70-year-old, two-screen theater, but can’t pay any more in rent.
Also, Cinema Treasures was contacted for this story… and Ross has a nice quote at the end, reminding people why it’s important to save theaters like the Franklin.
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June 7, 2006
Info on Casino Theatre in Los Angeles?
I am looking for any information on the Casino Theatre in Los Angeles (not San Diego, not the Avalon).
I own the Robert-Morton theatre pipe organ that was originally installed there in 1924. I have located only one picture from the Los Angeles Public Library on-line photo collection (stage view of the audience, not dated).
Any information would be appreciated.
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June 6, 2006
Kendig Square Movies 6 Reopens
WILLOW STREET, PA — Having been taken over by a group of investors from Baltimore, MD and calling their investment Diamond Theatres, the Kendig Square 6 outside of Lancaster, PA reopened on May 26th.
The investors spent $250,000.00 upgrading the complex. According to their opening ads. they installed new “tiered” seating and added stereo sound. This complex has gone through many operators since it was first opened.
This is the groups first investment in a movie theatre. According to local newspaper articles, they are looking for theatres in smaller markets to take over.
The theatre has opened with first run attractions with a lower admission than the major national chain operating in the area has. Maybe now with more amenities such as stereo sound and new seating, it will draw bigger crowds.
Prior to this the floors in the theatres were not even sloped. Fortunately, the screens were placed higher on the wall so the sight line was good.
It would be nice to have another complex besides the Regal multiplex in the Lancaster area to choose from!
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Fulfill your theater dreams
Has your theater been begging for new curtains? How about new light bars or lighting?
Look no further — make your theater the envy in town! We’ve got theater curtains of varoius sizes, 12 can lights, and light bars with sections of alminum 10' long!
Does this sound like what your theater has been waiting for? Then call today to fulfill the dreams of your legendary theater!
Call Mike at 608-637-3291
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June 5, 2006
Texas Theatre sold to Cinema Treasures user
SAN ANGELO, TX — The Texas theatre has been sold to a Cinema Treasures member for renovation.
The 1200+ theatre has been in mothballs for the last 10 years waiting for a qualified buyer. I just purchased it Friday and plan on starting the renovation process ASAP. The project should take about 2 years to complete.
I’m the only owner and plan on opening it back up for movies and live theatre. I’m going to stay away from grants and non-profit status to keep control over the theatre. I would love to hear any stories you may have about this theatre. Also, any advice you may want to give for this renovation is welcome.
Like most everyone on this site. I dreamed of owning my own theatre. I discovered this theatre on Cinema Treasures adout 6 months ago and after taking a tour I fell in love with it. The ceiling with the twinkling stars is in fantastic shape and the spanish theatre design is in excellent shape. However, the lobby had been updated in 1959 by United Artists and is full of ugly blue paneling.
I would love to see any old pics of this theatre, if you have any.
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Theaters Wanted
We are Chalet Theaters LLC and operate eight theaters including two drive-ins. We are looking to rent three more theaters with an option for a lease purchase.
If you have a theater (closed or open), contact us via email or write here, we can renovate if need be.
Thank you!
Chalet Theaters LLC -
Submit your poll ideas!
Hey, everybody!
We’ve run out of ideas for the Cinema Treasures poll, so the poll is on hiatus until we can think of more questions.
If you have any fresh ideas, please submit them here. Just to save time, we don’t need any more polls that ask…
• What is your favorite star/film of all-time?
• How many movies have you seen this month/summer/year?
• About anything to do with Star WarsThanks for your help!
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June 2, 2006
Theaters and fans embrace big screen concerts
Thanks to newer technology, theaters have been experimenting with non-movie content for a while… concerts, sports games, and lectures. In a new report, the Associated Press looks into the rising interest in digital concerts.
Combining rock shows and movie theaters is an idea at least as old as 1970’s “Woodstock,” the movie version of the previous year’s legendary three-day festival. But advances in technology are making it easier to pull off events like the May 9 Widespread Panic show — when the concert was beamed live to 114 theaters around the country, from California to Florida.
And an increasingly competitive marketplace is making the special events attractive for bands looking to reach new audiences and offer something special for their existing fans.
“The artists, the managers, the promoters … have all come to see there is a terrific value in bringing their music to movie-theater screens so fans can gather together to see them nationally — but in a very local and personal way,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of digital programming for Big Screen Concerts.
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June 1, 2006
MovieBinge takes on the summer box office!
I ran across MovieBinge over the weekend:
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Movie Binge team will watch every major movie released. Are we crazy? Stupid? Attractive? The answer is always yes. Follow along as we try to watch all 85 films.
So, what do you think? Are they crazy or geniuses?!?