I’m so disgusted by the closing of the Dupont 5, that I agree Jodar, I am so close to switching professions here and reopen this theatre myself. Similiar programming to San Francisco’s Castro and Chicago’s Facets theatre would be ideal, if you ask me.
and as of January 13 2008 – after the closing of Loews Dupont, there will be no more cinemas in the Dupont Circle part of town – utterly sad. If there was an ideal time for this theatre to be resurrected it would be then.
I’ve only heard from one person who saw the 4K presentation of ‘Dr. Strangelove’ at the new Landmark theatre in LA and he said it was very impressive. As for the overall generalization that 2K isn’t up to par with 35mm – I don’t agree, I just saw the new ‘3:10 to Yuma’ in DLP and was exceedingly impressed with what I saw. I would hope that with the Rosemont Muvico theatre opening people will post their thoughts on 4K digital projection
so… getting back to the original topic on hand since it’s diverged to Blade Runner – which is only getting theatrical exclusive run in NYC and LA only (boo, hiss, Warners come on), and digital projection (which the Uptown sadly doesn’t have). What’s the story about the future of the theatre – is AMC still toying with the idea of not renewing it’s lease come next Spring? Or has the commitment to satellite feed the McLean Bible Church secured the Uptown for being open longer? I don’t believe anyone did answer this question directly, if this is digitally fed through a yet to be determined server – is in fact AMC upgrading to a digital projection system – the Kinoton projector that Steve mentioned sounds great, or even NEC’s system that was specifically built for very large theatres (the Arclight, Ziegfeld, Seattle’s Cinerama all feature NEC’s DLP system).
The only beef I have with the AFI when it was over at the Kennedy Center was when they promised a screening of the 111 minute UK cut of Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ – they weren’t able to get the print at the last minute, BUT they did screen the rarely seen original X-rated American theatrical cut (not complete, but still had scenes that were not present in the more censored R-rated cut). Have yet to check out Harry Potter (which I have already seen at Tysons – screen 3 – which was amazing, because it’s one of the larger screens and has a stellar soundsystem. saw it in IMAX at Udvar Hazy – visually great , albeit in standard 2D, but suffered in the audio department cause of a left speaker was clipping).
I read that Sony will be installing 4K units at the Muvico Rosemont theatres in Illinois this August. After debuting there, Muvico and Sony will begin it’s rollout/installation of 4k units at other Muvico theatres nationwide.
I’m really confused – so what you’re saying tricky5500 is that there are no 4K units on the market? LA Weekly’s Paul Malcolm states the the 4k restoration of ‘Dr Strangelove’ is also being presented as such (4k projection) at Landmark’s new West LA theatre. I agree it doesn’t make a whole bunch of sense for the mass installation of 2K systems when 4K units are slowly being made available. Depending on what the fate of DC’s Uptown theatre come next Spring (when their lease is up and if another theatre chain steps up to the plate) a 4K DLP system should be paramount and essential to it’s commercial viability – it’s the only theatre of its size on the East Coast that doesn’t have a DLP system.
Next year should also be interesting when IMAX debuts its digital system (wonder if that can rival or exceed IMAX 65mm resolution??)
I agree with you Roadshow – the 70mm presentations I’ve recently seen, ‘Playtime’ ‘Hello Dolly!’ were jawdropping in it’s clarity and psuedo 3D look – at it’s best the image looked like you looking out through a window.
Actually I disagree with you JodarMovieFan. Just looking at their website, there are quite a few titles that DC hasn’t or will like not get with so few screens at the current two Landmark theatres. Movies at the ever popular Bethesda location don’t change for months. A Landmark theatre at that location is perfect for the American University students and those who don’t like to fight parking in Georgetown or downtown. Landmark could also easily add DLP units in the two former larger auditoriums (6 and 7) as well as book more mainstream popular films. Just perusing the current list of films from their website, this could include: 28 Weeks Later, Evan Almighty, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Mr. Brooks, Ocean’s Thirteen, et al (all of which will be released in the DLP format) Add a DLP-3D screen and the masses will flock (I’d go).
I find it very unfortunate that Visions Cinema Bistro Lounge couldn’t keep afloat.. granted that the person running it didn’t know one thing about operating a theatre. The staff was also quite unpleasent and incompetent. Visions was definately a much needed independent theatre booking and showing very ecletic movies (think Chicago’s Facet’s theatre) – with dozens of indie films/foreign completely bypassing the DC film scene altogether now, and with both of Landmark’s theatres, AFI Silver and the Avalon picking and choosing more discriminantly, I now miss what was Visions had shown, and “could be” shown if Visions were still around.
I saw this over at both Regal Rockville (MD) and AMC Tyson’s Corner (VA) theaters – between the two I had different reactions to the systems. For some reason, I thought the 3D effects were better implemented at the Regal, however the auditorium at the Regal they chose to upgrade is on the small size – which I thought was a big negative. Tyson’s Corner on the other hand had the larger screen and more immersive surround sound.
off comment:
I was bit peeved Regal didn’t convert one of the downtown Gallery Place auditoriums to feature ‘Meet the Robinsons’ in Digital 3D. I’m hoping the 3D-animated film ‘Beowulf’ can be seen downtown as such. Since it’s far easier to trek downtown on the subway than go into Georgetown where currently is DC’s only 3D system.
I agree once DLP systems began sprouting up at more newer theatres like AMC’s Tyson’s Corner and three systems over at National Amusement’s Cinema De Lux theatre (with stadium seating) I haven’t been back since. The Merrifield theatre chairs are hideous – loud and uncomfortable. Even their one DLP equipped auditorium was a total letdown, the surround sound always seemed set way too low, and a rather average size screen didn’t help immerse yourself into the film. I’m really kind of surprised that this theatre is still standing.
Landmark’s E Street has a DLP system, but I’m not sure if it’s 4K. There is a Sony 4K system over at the National Geographic Society auditorium.
I thought the Arclight system was a Sony 4K system. But according to a trade advertisement I saw the Arclight, Ziegfeld, the Fox theatre in Atlanta systems (as well as a few others) are NEC systems – are they 4k or 2K? What system is at Seattle’s Cinerama theatre, is that 4K?
what’s up with this theatre? I thought there was mention/rumour that it would reopen after the adjacent new apartments were completed as a complex for ‘live theatre’/touring productions like ‘Blue Man Group’.
a read a news story from last year that the theatre was running into some risk that they might be able to remain open. I guess that was solved – it’s too bad that the only time I go to this theatre, it’s for the annual Reel Affirmations Film Festival in the Fall. Whoever the booker is, needs to find a way to get more diverse live acts/bands to perform there.
a Landmark Theatre would be perfect for this location since DC is rather sparse on the foreign/indie film. I know the owner expressed interest that another chain reopen this theatre although I think Fannie Mae has dibs on the space.
I’m so disgusted by the closing of the Dupont 5, that I agree Jodar, I am so close to switching professions here and reopen this theatre myself. Similiar programming to San Francisco’s Castro and Chicago’s Facets theatre would be ideal, if you ask me.
maybe if AMC doesn’t renew it’s lease Landmark might come to the rescue. (fingers crossed)
sad just sad…. the future of indie/foreign films exhibition in DC suffers another major blow.
and as of January 13 2008 – after the closing of Loews Dupont, there will be no more cinemas in the Dupont Circle part of town – utterly sad. If there was an ideal time for this theatre to be resurrected it would be then.
so has this opened??
how is the digial projection??
I’ve only heard from one person who saw the 4K presentation of ‘Dr. Strangelove’ at the new Landmark theatre in LA and he said it was very impressive. As for the overall generalization that 2K isn’t up to par with 35mm – I don’t agree, I just saw the new ‘3:10 to Yuma’ in DLP and was exceedingly impressed with what I saw. I would hope that with the Rosemont Muvico theatre opening people will post their thoughts on 4K digital projection
Didn’t the Rosemont Muvico theatre open already? If it’s 4K playback – then it’s an actual 4K source, right?
so all the features there now are DLP digial projection – right?
so… getting back to the original topic on hand since it’s diverged to Blade Runner – which is only getting theatrical exclusive run in NYC and LA only (boo, hiss, Warners come on), and digital projection (which the Uptown sadly doesn’t have). What’s the story about the future of the theatre – is AMC still toying with the idea of not renewing it’s lease come next Spring? Or has the commitment to satellite feed the McLean Bible Church secured the Uptown for being open longer? I don’t believe anyone did answer this question directly, if this is digitally fed through a yet to be determined server – is in fact AMC upgrading to a digital projection system – the Kinoton projector that Steve mentioned sounds great, or even NEC’s system that was specifically built for very large theatres (the Arclight, Ziegfeld, Seattle’s Cinerama all feature NEC’s DLP system).
The theatre is reopening October 8, with the ‘live’ production of the longest running off-broadway musical “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”
The only beef I have with the AFI when it was over at the Kennedy Center was when they promised a screening of the 111 minute UK cut of Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ – they weren’t able to get the print at the last minute, BUT they did screen the rarely seen original X-rated American theatrical cut (not complete, but still had scenes that were not present in the more censored R-rated cut). Have yet to check out Harry Potter (which I have already seen at Tysons – screen 3 – which was amazing, because it’s one of the larger screens and has a stellar soundsystem. saw it in IMAX at Udvar Hazy – visually great , albeit in standard 2D, but suffered in the audio department cause of a left speaker was clipping).
I read that Sony will be installing 4K units at the Muvico Rosemont theatres in Illinois this August. After debuting there, Muvico and Sony will begin it’s rollout/installation of 4k units at other Muvico theatres nationwide.
I’m really confused – so what you’re saying tricky5500 is that there are no 4K units on the market? LA Weekly’s Paul Malcolm states the the 4k restoration of ‘Dr Strangelove’ is also being presented as such (4k projection) at Landmark’s new West LA theatre. I agree it doesn’t make a whole bunch of sense for the mass installation of 2K systems when 4K units are slowly being made available. Depending on what the fate of DC’s Uptown theatre come next Spring (when their lease is up and if another theatre chain steps up to the plate) a 4K DLP system should be paramount and essential to it’s commercial viability – it’s the only theatre of its size on the East Coast that doesn’t have a DLP system.
Next year should also be interesting when IMAX debuts its digital system (wonder if that can rival or exceed IMAX 65mm resolution??)
I agree with you Roadshow – the 70mm presentations I’ve recently seen, ‘Playtime’ ‘Hello Dolly!’ were jawdropping in it’s clarity and psuedo 3D look – at it’s best the image looked like you looking out through a window.
question: the Senator can playbak 35mm and 70mm but does not have a DLP system, correct?
Actually I disagree with you JodarMovieFan. Just looking at their website, there are quite a few titles that DC hasn’t or will like not get with so few screens at the current two Landmark theatres. Movies at the ever popular Bethesda location don’t change for months. A Landmark theatre at that location is perfect for the American University students and those who don’t like to fight parking in Georgetown or downtown. Landmark could also easily add DLP units in the two former larger auditoriums (6 and 7) as well as book more mainstream popular films. Just perusing the current list of films from their website, this could include: 28 Weeks Later, Evan Almighty, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Mr. Brooks, Ocean’s Thirteen, et al (all of which will be released in the DLP format) Add a DLP-3D screen and the masses will flock (I’d go).
I find it very unfortunate that Visions Cinema Bistro Lounge couldn’t keep afloat.. granted that the person running it didn’t know one thing about operating a theatre. The staff was also quite unpleasent and incompetent. Visions was definately a much needed independent theatre booking and showing very ecletic movies (think Chicago’s Facet’s theatre) – with dozens of indie films/foreign completely bypassing the DC film scene altogether now, and with both of Landmark’s theatres, AFI Silver and the Avalon picking and choosing more discriminantly, I now miss what was Visions had shown, and “could be” shown if Visions were still around.
I saw this over at both Regal Rockville (MD) and AMC Tyson’s Corner (VA) theaters – between the two I had different reactions to the systems. For some reason, I thought the 3D effects were better implemented at the Regal, however the auditorium at the Regal they chose to upgrade is on the small size – which I thought was a big negative. Tyson’s Corner on the other hand had the larger screen and more immersive surround sound.
off comment:
I was bit peeved Regal didn’t convert one of the downtown Gallery Place auditoriums to feature ‘Meet the Robinsons’ in Digital 3D. I’m hoping the 3D-animated film ‘Beowulf’ can be seen downtown as such. Since it’s far easier to trek downtown on the subway than go into Georgetown where currently is DC’s only 3D system.
I agree once DLP systems began sprouting up at more newer theatres like AMC’s Tyson’s Corner and three systems over at National Amusement’s Cinema De Lux theatre (with stadium seating) I haven’t been back since. The Merrifield theatre chairs are hideous – loud and uncomfortable. Even their one DLP equipped auditorium was a total letdown, the surround sound always seemed set way too low, and a rather average size screen didn’t help immerse yourself into the film. I’m really kind of surprised that this theatre is still standing.
I thought I had read that Sony demo'ed it’s new 4K system for ‘The DaVinci Code’s run at the Dome.
wish the Uptown theatre had a DLP system… (sigh) guess I’ll catch it in digital over in Georgetown.
Landmark’s E Street has a DLP system, but I’m not sure if it’s 4K. There is a Sony 4K system over at the National Geographic Society auditorium.
I thought the Arclight system was a Sony 4K system. But according to a trade advertisement I saw the Arclight, Ziegfeld, the Fox theatre in Atlanta systems (as well as a few others) are NEC systems – are they 4k or 2K? What system is at Seattle’s Cinerama theatre, is that 4K?
what’s up with this theatre? I thought there was mention/rumour that it would reopen after the adjacent new apartments were completed as a complex for ‘live theatre’/touring productions like ‘Blue Man Group’.
a read a news story from last year that the theatre was running into some risk that they might be able to remain open. I guess that was solved – it’s too bad that the only time I go to this theatre, it’s for the annual Reel Affirmations Film Festival in the Fall. Whoever the booker is, needs to find a way to get more diverse live acts/bands to perform there.
a Landmark Theatre would be perfect for this location since DC is rather sparse on the foreign/indie film. I know the owner expressed interest that another chain reopen this theatre although I think Fannie Mae has dibs on the space.
as other members have noted, yes the Atlas Theatre has reopened but not as a film venue.