You can learn anything on the internet these days. But if you were like me, then you actually worked with the different formats. During my 39 years as a projectionist, I worked with 16, 35, and 70MM film, 15/70 IMAX, Digital. Aspect ratios of 1.37, 1.66, 1.75, 1.85, 2.25, 2.35, 2.55. Thats about all you need to know back then to put on a good show.
I dont have any photos hdtv267, but I know for a fact its been done cause the Mountainside 10 theatre was done at the same time (one year ago) along with the Monmouth Mall 15. Us union stagehands did 90% of the work.
THeres got to be someone, anyone who has a love of cinema or a ton of money who could take this place over and keep it going like has happened in many other cities around the country. Christ, at this point I wish Tarantino would take it over. At least we know film would always be there.
Those lines for “Jaws” were quite common. At a drive-in here in New Jersey, police were called to help with the traffic from cars lined up over 1 mile on the side of a two way street.
Having worked in nearby Hillsborough for about 10 years, and following the many floods in Manville from the 2 rivers, this place has always been referred to as 180 in any articles. Perhaps 140 is another store within the retail center.
Was sitting around yesterday while I was at work, and it had hit me that it was 43 years ago that this place had just opened. I remember my dad was the opening day projectionist. I still remember the “New” smell the building had. A great little cinema it was.
We did the same thing last summer at the AMC Mountainside 10 in New Jersey. I thought it was weird that they would cklose half the complex during the summer.
The Amboys Multiplex, also own ed by National Amusements and on the site of the former Amboys Drive in is also for sale. Our building has yet to be demolished, having closed on May 25, 2005. Also on 39.5 acres.
Yes, mostly concerts. I wont know till a few days before if its 35 or DCP. I ran it there 3 years ago and it was 35mm. Now, not sure. Will keep you posted.
I passed it about 2 weeks ago on my way to NYC on the bus. Gonna seem strange to see an empty lot. Looks like nothing much going on at the Ritz these days.
Drove by this place today for the first time in a long time. The marquee by the highway still bears clearview cinemas on it. So Bow tie never bothered to change it, and now this cine grand outfit hasnt done anything either. I hate to see what the inside of the theatres look like, or what the presentation looks like.
met Irv not long ago and gave him some insight as to how the 2nd floor was laid out. He, like you, is a very nice gentleman. I just ordered my copy yesterday. Btw, nothing much going on at the Ritz lately. Just passed by it on Tuesday.
Their so-called flagship theatre, ( you must remember we are talking about the 60’s and 70’s) was the Menlo Park Cinema in Edison NJ (one screen ‘60 –'76, two screens '76 –'91)
As someone who works here on occasion to load in/out shows, I can tell you this place does huge business. But oh what a pain in the a** to load gear in.
THis theatre, and its sister twin the Amboys Multiplex in Sayreville NJ, both opened on Dec 7, 1979. But this one lasted 10 years longer. The Amboys closed in late May 2005 after the floor in the lobby collapsed. As mentioned above, its a shame as these were some of the last non-stadium theatres left. Im not really a fan of stadium or digital, but its an evil thats here to stay.
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. In 1995, I became the full time projectionist at the Middlebrook Galleria, a few miles down the road. These days I an a stagehand, having just celebrated 35 years in the IATSE local. And I am the house projectionist at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank since 2005. I always wanted to run my own theatre. Even had blueprints drawn up for a twin, but it never happened.
With all the damage you see in different photos, Im sorry to say it will just be way too much to restore this place. And a question, how did RKO triple this place? Under the balconies?
You can learn anything on the internet these days. But if you were like me, then you actually worked with the different formats. During my 39 years as a projectionist, I worked with 16, 35, and 70MM film, 15/70 IMAX, Digital. Aspect ratios of 1.37, 1.66, 1.75, 1.85, 2.25, 2.35, 2.55. Thats about all you need to know back then to put on a good show.
I dont have any photos hdtv267, but I know for a fact its been done cause the Mountainside 10 theatre was done at the same time (one year ago) along with the Monmouth Mall 15. Us union stagehands did 90% of the work.
THeres got to be someone, anyone who has a love of cinema or a ton of money who could take this place over and keep it going like has happened in many other cities around the country. Christ, at this point I wish Tarantino would take it over. At least we know film would always be there.
Those lines for “Jaws” were quite common. At a drive-in here in New Jersey, police were called to help with the traffic from cars lined up over 1 mile on the side of a two way street.
Having worked in nearby Hillsborough for about 10 years, and following the many floods in Manville from the 2 rivers, this place has always been referred to as 180 in any articles. Perhaps 140 is another store within the retail center.
Was sitting around yesterday while I was at work, and it had hit me that it was 43 years ago that this place had just opened. I remember my dad was the opening day projectionist. I still remember the “New” smell the building had. A great little cinema it was.
We did the same thing last summer at the AMC Mountainside 10 in New Jersey. I thought it was weird that they would cklose half the complex during the summer.
I drove by it Saturday night on my way home from an arena gig. Nothing left.
The Amboys Multiplex, also own ed by National Amusements and on the site of the former Amboys Drive in is also for sale. Our building has yet to be demolished, having closed on May 25, 2005. Also on 39.5 acres.
The Basie still has its 35MM connected, (last used 1/13/2015), but we do mostly DCP or Blu-ray as well.
Yes, mostly concerts. I wont know till a few days before if its 35 or DCP. I ran it there 3 years ago and it was 35mm. Now, not sure. Will keep you posted.
Just curious, are you getting a print or DCP ? Im running it on June 24 at the Count Basie Theatre and trying to figure out what I mighy expect
I passed it about 2 weeks ago on my way to NYC on the bus. Gonna seem strange to see an empty lot. Looks like nothing much going on at the Ritz these days.
Was there as the projectionist last night to run 1927’s Wings on the updated projection equipment. Nice to be back there after 15 years.
I think LuisV has a great idea. Now if only the right people would see it.
Drove by this place today for the first time in a long time. The marquee by the highway still bears clearview cinemas on it. So Bow tie never bothered to change it, and now this cine grand outfit hasnt done anything either. I hate to see what the inside of the theatres look like, or what the presentation looks like.
met Irv not long ago and gave him some insight as to how the 2nd floor was laid out. He, like you, is a very nice gentleman. I just ordered my copy yesterday. Btw, nothing much going on at the Ritz lately. Just passed by it on Tuesday.
Their so-called flagship theatre, ( you must remember we are talking about the 60’s and 70’s) was the Menlo Park Cinema in Edison NJ (one screen ‘60 –'76, two screens '76 –'91)
As someone who works here on occasion to load in/out shows, I can tell you this place does huge business. But oh what a pain in the a** to load gear in.
THis theatre, and its sister twin the Amboys Multiplex in Sayreville NJ, both opened on Dec 7, 1979. But this one lasted 10 years longer. The Amboys closed in late May 2005 after the floor in the lobby collapsed. As mentioned above, its a shame as these were some of the last non-stadium theatres left. Im not really a fan of stadium or digital, but its an evil thats here to stay.
I wish them well, from a projectionist with over 39 years expierience.
Might you be the same BruceCopio who worked for General Cinema years ago??
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. In 1995, I became the full time projectionist at the Middlebrook Galleria, a few miles down the road. These days I an a stagehand, having just celebrated 35 years in the IATSE local. And I am the house projectionist at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank since 2005. I always wanted to run my own theatre. Even had blueprints drawn up for a twin, but it never happened.
Thanks Ed Solero. It sounds similar to what Loews did to the Jersey in Jersey City N.J.
With all the damage you see in different photos, Im sorry to say it will just be way too much to restore this place. And a question, how did RKO triple this place? Under the balconies?