I was in there way back in Dec 2006 to remove a screen and sound system for another theatre. The fill under the lobby eroded, possibly due to a leaking sewer line and the floor collapsed. Until the Hazlet Cinemas was taken over by Cinemark, the managers there had the keys and access to the theatre. But for many years now no one has access, and no one has a clue what it looks like. If you drive by you can see the a/c units have been stripped for the copper so I’m sure water is getting in. And the tidal surge from Sandy did reach the rear exit doors for Cinemas 1 & 2. The only thing good for this building is for it to be demolished. And it hurts me to say this as I worked there for over 20 years.
Looking at the films, I can tell you that 3 years ago I ran “Adventures of Robin Hood” on 35mm in New Jersey. I also ran “Wizard of Oz” as both film and DCP. When I ran “North By Northwest” it was a Blu-ray.
I am so happy that I got to see the last 70MM film projected there “Interstellar”. The picture and sound was amazing. It is a shame this place couldn’t hang on.
All the 70MM equipment put in the theatres after Hateful8 was removed and put back in storage. The quick disconnect wiring was left in place. I was smart enough while at the Regal E-Walk to make a notation of the package number I ran, so if I’m lucky enough to get called again next summer, I know what to ask for. Was problem free the entire 2 weeks.
digital3d, Thank You. I come from a family of union projectionists. My father was one for 55 years, my uncle for 54. I’m in my 40th this year. I only do the occasional movie now that everything is digital. It was a great run though.
xbs2034, perhaps you should have seen Hateful 8 at the Regal E-Walk where I ran it. Properly framed every time, no sound issues, and I was the only theatre out of the 4 in NYC that ran it that NEVER once used the digital back up. That’s what 40 years as a projectionist gets you. Just sayin.
Tonight on cable channel Viceland, they were inside the abandoned mall, and showed pictures of the inside of the theatre. It showed the old GCC white backed Griggs chairs, the old white formica vending machine wall and candy stand.
rcdt55b, that was a complaint of mine when the movie started. The image wasn’t touching the bottom masking and from my seat on the stage left side there was a motor chain bag hanging in the image upper right. The movie looked fantastic. I was under the balcony. I was gonna ask if they shot it to the screen from the booth or in the seating area. You answered my question. Also I was curious, and you certainly do not have to answer, but was it a digital ingest, or……
I will be attending this Thursdays screening of “Blazing Saddles.” It will be a bit somber after todays news of Gene Wilders passing. It will probably be my only time at the hall this year, as my wife will not be working the Christmas Spectacular this year, her first time not doing it in 9 years. She is working on Cirque Paramour. Gonna miss seeing the Christmas show this year.
And now you know why RHETT52, long time projectionists like myself who cared and gave 110% are no longer employed and why theres no more film. I see these digital downloads at the theatre I do projection once in a while. These kids don’t understand 2:35 or 1:85. If they would print flat or scope you might have a chance. And I love that excuse, that’s the way they sent it. Might have worked in the old days when a print was scratched but no more. The business has really gone down hill the past 10 to 15 years.
I loved the sound of the old film projectors. And in my 37 full time years as a projectionist, I never scratched film, even my 12 years in the adult theatres. I cared for the film and kept my projectors spotless.
I agree with you on all points hdtv267. I might add that as a 40 year veteran projectionist, I personally am not a fan of digital, since it put me out of work 3 years ago, and I could care less about digital imax or laser or anything else. To me its getting all out of control, and going to the movies just isn’t what it use to be. Yes I’m an old fuddy duddy. You can say it.
When Clearview use to operate this theatre, I was the screen cleaner for them. I hated going to this theatre as parking was a disaster, especially when I had to haul up cleaning supplies and such. And yes the theatres are on 2 levels, and you cannot get from one to the other. Since I use to go in after the theatre closed, it was sometimes a 2 day trip because if I got onto one level, I couldn’t get to the other one. Was never a fan of this place.
Admittingly, I completely forgot about this until a friend of mine posted on facebook that he was there. By then it was too late for me to start driving to get there. I would have loved to be there. This was the event I wanted to go to so I could see the renovated theatre.
I was in there way back in Dec 2006 to remove a screen and sound system for another theatre. The fill under the lobby eroded, possibly due to a leaking sewer line and the floor collapsed. Until the Hazlet Cinemas was taken over by Cinemark, the managers there had the keys and access to the theatre. But for many years now no one has access, and no one has a clue what it looks like. If you drive by you can see the a/c units have been stripped for the copper so I’m sure water is getting in. And the tidal surge from Sandy did reach the rear exit doors for Cinemas 1 & 2. The only thing good for this building is for it to be demolished. And it hurts me to say this as I worked there for over 20 years.
Looking at the films, I can tell you that 3 years ago I ran “Adventures of Robin Hood” on 35mm in New Jersey. I also ran “Wizard of Oz” as both film and DCP. When I ran “North By Northwest” it was a Blu-ray.
I am so happy that I got to see the last 70MM film projected there “Interstellar”. The picture and sound was amazing. It is a shame this place couldn’t hang on.
All the 70MM equipment put in the theatres after Hateful8 was removed and put back in storage. The quick disconnect wiring was left in place. I was smart enough while at the Regal E-Walk to make a notation of the package number I ran, so if I’m lucky enough to get called again next summer, I know what to ask for. Was problem free the entire 2 weeks.
digital3d, Thank You. I come from a family of union projectionists. My father was one for 55 years, my uncle for 54. I’m in my 40th this year. I only do the occasional movie now that everything is digital. It was a great run though.
I’m sure if you go to the wildwood town hall of records they should have info on who owns it. I would love to see this place back up and running.
xbs2034, perhaps you should have seen Hateful 8 at the Regal E-Walk where I ran it. Properly framed every time, no sound issues, and I was the only theatre out of the 4 in NYC that ran it that NEVER once used the digital back up. That’s what 40 years as a projectionist gets you. Just sayin.
Tonight on cable channel Viceland, they were inside the abandoned mall, and showed pictures of the inside of the theatre. It showed the old GCC white backed Griggs chairs, the old white formica vending machine wall and candy stand.
Too bad they don’t do this more often.
rcdt55b, that was a complaint of mine when the movie started. The image wasn’t touching the bottom masking and from my seat on the stage left side there was a motor chain bag hanging in the image upper right. The movie looked fantastic. I was under the balcony. I was gonna ask if they shot it to the screen from the booth or in the seating area. You answered my question. Also I was curious, and you certainly do not have to answer, but was it a digital ingest, or……
I thought his funniest story was the one about him and the late Bill Cullen.
I will be attending this Thursdays screening of “Blazing Saddles.” It will be a bit somber after todays news of Gene Wilders passing. It will probably be my only time at the hall this year, as my wife will not be working the Christmas Spectacular this year, her first time not doing it in 9 years. She is working on Cirque Paramour. Gonna miss seeing the Christmas show this year.
And now you know why RHETT52, long time projectionists like myself who cared and gave 110% are no longer employed and why theres no more film. I see these digital downloads at the theatre I do projection once in a while. These kids don’t understand 2:35 or 1:85. If they would print flat or scope you might have a chance. And I love that excuse, that’s the way they sent it. Might have worked in the old days when a print was scratched but no more. The business has really gone down hill the past 10 to 15 years.
I loved the sound of the old film projectors. And in my 37 full time years as a projectionist, I never scratched film, even my 12 years in the adult theatres. I cared for the film and kept my projectors spotless.
I agree with you on all points hdtv267. I might add that as a 40 year veteran projectionist, I personally am not a fan of digital, since it put me out of work 3 years ago, and I could care less about digital imax or laser or anything else. To me its getting all out of control, and going to the movies just isn’t what it use to be. Yes I’m an old fuddy duddy. You can say it.
According to the website, still no showtimes listed. Is it possible this place has been closed for renovations since the early spring??
Wow. A 10 screen theatre lasting only 8 years.
When Clearview use to operate this theatre, I was the screen cleaner for them. I hated going to this theatre as parking was a disaster, especially when I had to haul up cleaning supplies and such. And yes the theatres are on 2 levels, and you cannot get from one to the other. Since I use to go in after the theatre closed, it was sometimes a 2 day trip because if I got onto one level, I couldn’t get to the other one. Was never a fan of this place.
Another one into the dumpster. Really really sad
Always loved your intro up top. A true theatre guy just like myself.
3 years is nothing. The old Amboys Multiplex in Sayreville NJ has been sitting empty for 11 years.
Thanks for posting my uncles photo walterk
walterk, I am trying to co-ordinate with my wife to take one of these tours in the coming months. We shall see.
Admittingly, I completely forgot about this until a friend of mine posted on facebook that he was there. By then it was too late for me to start driving to get there. I would have loved to be there. This was the event I wanted to go to so I could see the renovated theatre.
Anything going on with this place?? Shows, movies etc?