Ziegfeld Theatre

Ed Solero on February 8, 2012 at 12:58 pm

Interesting, Al. I imagine there might have been a potential distraction issue for patrons seated in the raised loge at the back of the auditorium. I could also imagine the operator having his hands full making sure no one reached over and toyed with the console while walking by. But then, perhaps more was expected of general audiences back in 1969. I’m viewing the situation through the dark prism of contemporary behavior among moviegoers.

Bill Huelbig on February 8, 2012 at 12:55 pm

Several years ago, Vito posted what he thought of the console on this page. At the same time, I related an incident where the console seemed to go out of control during a 1970 screening of “West Side Story”. The soundtrack was filled with ear-splitting popping noises, which only went away when the operator turned the console off and walked away from it. The audience then applauded.

Ed Solero on February 8, 2012 at 12:18 pm

I didn’t get an email either, moviebuff82. Sometimes, there is a lag in notification, however.

Ed Solero on February 8, 2012 at 12:11 pm

Hey Vito… Click here to see Bill’s photo. This image is actually uploaded in the photo tab above, so you’d be able to find it by browsing there as well.

Vito on February 8, 2012 at 12:08 pm

Bill I am a bit confussed what did you mean “Here is the console” The link took me to movie ads. Ole age perhaps but I can not recall why you sent me that :)

HowardBHaas on December 25, 2011 at 5:25 am

Is Ziegfeld projection still 2k or upgraded yet to 4k?

ZiegfeldMan on November 23, 2011 at 4:40 pm

I did not get into the projection booth today, but I would guess that the standard projectors are still there (gathering cobwebs) with every presentation now digital. I don’t consider that a bad thing for two reasons relative to classics like “Apocalypse Now.”

The Museum of the Moving Image in Queens has just started a “See it Big” program with classics including 70mm-recently “Lawrence” and “Playtime.” Check it out at Movingimage.US You want to catch “Apocalypse Now” 70mm there? Send them an e-mail and let them know. They have a magnificent new theatre that can show anything and will. If you live in the NYC area, you have one of the best opportunities for catching classic films….TimeOut NY has pages of them every single week.

The other reason is the growing movement to make digital prints of classic films. The first one I saw was “Goldfinger” at the Ziegfeld a few seasons back, which I introduced. For the first time I could crisply see the inscription on the gold bar that Bond and Goldfinger play for at the golf match. How’s that for “better than new”—add to this, all of which i’ve seen, the digital “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “West Side Story,” and an absolutely astonishing “Ben Hur” showcased at the NY Film Festival. My jaw dropped.

By the way, I am someone who would rather see ANY film in a theatre than on the best home video system imaginable. To me, the Ziegfeld is the place to have a great experience.

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan on November 23, 2011 at 3:48 pm

A Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving to all. The Holiday Movie Season begins today….and there’s plenty to begin cheering about. I was at the Ziegfeld today for the first screening of “Hugo” and what an enchantment. This is definitely one of those films that I wanted to see immediately again after the credits rolled, and of course, I wanted to see it at the Ziegfeld.

I haven’t been there in a while, but the special feelingis still there, and for an added touch, the manager, took a microphone and warmly welcomed everyone to the theatre and wished us a good time. A special touch that you don’t get at your local plex, and perfectly suited to the Ziegfeld. Kudos to all for that.

Gorgeous presentation( yes the 3-D is great ), fabulous sound—hey, it’s the Ziegfeld where the best seat in the house is the one you are sitting in!!

Best,

Gary

rivoli157 on November 18, 2011 at 6:58 am

In 2001 the Ziegfeld had a festival of sorts-old movie musicals. I was planning on going to see “Funny Girl” on the big screen again but I did not have the chance to get to the theatre that day, September 11.

ZiegfeldMan on October 19, 2011 at 1:50 pm

Hi:

I think that there’s a point that you’re trying to make here, but I’m having some trouble figuring it out.

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan on October 15, 2011 at 8:39 am

Ed, it is amazing, and totally original. Some have compared it to “A Star is Born” and “Singin' in The Rain.” Yes, it does have homages to both, but is TOTALLY unique, with an ending that you would not expect. The audience was on its feet in applause, including me. It opens in December (along with TWO Spielberg films). I always try to get to the Ziegfeld on Christmas day. There are plenty of great films opening.

Also, I want to add this—The Ziegfeld is a great place to see the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD. The place is absolutely packed, on a Saturday afternoon…including today, which is the first of eleven offerings. Check Metopera.org for the schedule.

Even if you despise opera, this is a very different experience. The HD is done cinematically with, I believe, nine cameras, so that you get a better view than if you were front row at the Met. You can really see the faces and expressions. Subtitles are there..it’s an exhilarating experience, especially with about 1000 other people at the Ziegfeld. Just getting over bronchitis, otherwise, I would be there today.

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan on October 14, 2011 at 7:29 pm

Luis—Thanks for the compliment, but although I like to be Ziegfeldman, I have never worked there; I visit and support it when I can, and, with Clearview’s blessings, I have enjoyed introducing many classics. Actually, should LeRoy retire, I would love to have his job,“Welcome to the Ziegfeld, where the best seat in the house is the one you are sitting in.”

Bill-I don’t know a thing about “Brothers Grimm,” but http://www.cineramaadventure.com/ is probably a good place to ask.

Giles, the “Ben-Hur” at Alice Tully Hall was not 35mm and not even 70 mm, it was on the widest screen I have ever seen and pure digital. I never saw it in its initial 1959 road show at Loew’s State, but the word is that this was even better, the 6 track stereo was there also…the experience, priceless. The Blu-Ray has gotten rave reviews.

You should all petition Craig to get this at the Ziegfeld.

By the way, I just returned from NYFF to see “The Artist,” a NEW silent black and white, 1.33:1, film that is MAGNIFICENT. Watch for it when it opens after the festival.

Best,

Gary

Best,

Gary