The latest movie theater news and updates

  • December 5, 2003

    Information Sought by Paper on Iroquois Fire for Disaster’s Centennial

    CHICAGO, IL — To mark the 100th anniversary of one of Chicago’s worst tragedies, the December 30, 1903 blaze at Iroquois Theatre in the Loop, which claimed more than 600 lives, the Pioneer Press Online is seeking information from anyone who might have had stories of the fire handed down to them by relatives who survived or were at the scene in some capacity.

  • New Mission Theatre to be Destroyed?

    There should be news anytime now about the new owner of the New Mission Theatre. Reportedly the highest bidder wants to destroy it. I’ll be in touch.

  • Enean Theatre For Sale

    Located at 325 East 10th street in Pittsburg, California. In its present condition, the theater stands solid. It’s been gutted and floors have been leveled, a couple of windows have been opened, a big roll up door was added to one of the theater’s exterior walls, and a new roof was installed about 4 years ago. The balcony and other features are still intact.

    The property sits in 3 downtown lots, about 12500 square feet in total. The building’s commercial zoning allows for many different uses; including movie theater, play house, etc. Storefronts have been converted into offices and living quarters. The asking price is $875,000. If interested contact, please contact Jaime F. Penuela at .

  • Manager/Projectionist Needed

    I have the opportunity to rent a small movie theatre in Ohio, but I don’t have the necessary experience to run this business. I’m looking for a manager/projectionist who has business management experience and is fully qualified to operate most types of projectors. Please contact me at for more information.

    -Heather

  • December 4, 2003

    Coming to a Browser Near You.. DLP Ads!

    Just noticed that DLP Cinema is promoting its digital project system on several popular movie news websites (like Dark Horizons and Ain’t It Cool News).

    The Flash-based banners (pictured above) include a link to a search tool for finding DLP-enabled theaters.

  • Friends of the Boyd (Sameric) Holiday Film Screening

    PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Friends of the Boyd (Sameric) Holiday Film Screening is “The Philadelphia Story” at International House, 3701 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia on December 5th. The film starts at 8 PM with a 6:30 PM VIP reception with Edmund Bacon.

    Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart in his Academy Award winning performance star in “The Philadelphia Story,” the 1940 sparkling romantic comedy from MGM nominated for 6 Oscars. All tickets include a party after the movie with food, drink and 1940’s music by DJ Jay Schwartz, better known as Secret Cinema.

  • December 3, 2003

    Castle Theater Builds on its Success

    Since the long-shuttered Castle Theater reopened half a year ago, it had proved to be a resounding success, according a report from the Pantagraph.

    According to it’s owner, Ben Slotky, “It’s bigger than anyone thought it would be. It took off so quickly.” The brew and view-style movie house was restored over the past couple years and was opened in May of this year after being closed since 1988.

    Now, Slotky is expanding his vision of what he wants the Castle to become, an entertainment complex filling each of the 86 year-old building’s five floors, beginning with the second story, which he plans on turning into a pool hall. “After or before the movies,” Slotky says, “people are going other places. I want them to stay here.”

  • December 2, 2003

    Grand Theatre Demolition Begins

    BALTIMORE, MD — The original plans for Baltimore’s Regional Library were to include the structure & facade of the Grand Theatre.

    However two years ago, the architects & engineers inspected the theater and found that, due to extensive water damage, the supporting structure is too far gone (and costly) to be saved. I recently heard from the local merchants association that the marquee, box office, and some internal fixtures are going to be saved for some future use.

    The fence around the block went up last week and the demolition is scheduled to start Dec 01 2003 :–(

  • December 1, 2003

    IMAX Debuts New MPX Screen

    LANSING, MI — Celebration! Cinema has installed the very first IMAX MPX screen, according to a report in the State News. MPX is a new, low-cost version of IMAX that’s designed specifically for use in traditional multiplex and megaplex theaters.

    Here’s how IMAX’s press release described the new system:

  • Von Lee Cinema to Reopen as a Restaurant/Bar?

    BLOOMINGTON, IN — According to a report in the Indiana Daily Student, a hearing will be held this coming Wednesday to determine the fate of the Von Lee Cinema. At question is whether or not the theater’s current owner should be granted a liquor license, which is required for the theater to become a restaurant and bar. Opponents of the plan — namely, the “Save The Von Lee” organization — argue that the Von Lee should remain a cinema.