Cinematour may have pictures but the way they lay them out just plain sucks. I prefer the clean look of Cinema Treasures with the comments centered and if there is a picture, keep it at the top. But if the upgrade will allow for pictures, please maintain the current layout but have the pictures on either side to maintain the site’s current look. If a viewer wants to enlarge the picture on the side, he just has to click on it. Or maybe have a beta/preview of the new enhanced site with pictures and video to allow for comments and feedback before the whole site is overhauled.
Drove by what was the theater and it’s totally vacant with a “for lease” sign. Its hard to visualize what was the theater but the adjacent 2 or 3 store, to the right, would be where the seats and screens were. How time has passed.
I saw “Death at a Funeral” here to a large and very enthusiastic crowd of mostly seniors. The film was great but was rather subdued in presentation by an annoying clatter from the back. Since I sat in the back, I couldn’t make it out but its either the projector, which is doubtful, or a very loud water heater or other building appliance. Its great to visit this place and look at the large photographs of local movie theater gems either close or demolished.
Simon, you must be joking when you state they have tours during movie shows. That’s so inconsiderate and annoying. I know in some theaters even the popcorn machine popping can be annoying to those places that still pop their own corn.
I haven’t been to LA since ‘01 and am sure the place is a lot different now because they were still building the surrounding shopping center and six new theaters.
I did happen to watch a forgettable Angelina Jolie movie that I put me to sleep ;) They had closed the upper part of the theater for remodeling at the time.
Interesting, Roadshow. So what did “legit theaters” sell for refreshment if anything? Candy would be a mess with wrappers on the floor or partially eaten pieces attached under a seat. Any drink could be spilled and you know how sodas love to stick to floors.
Kirk, I’m curious to know why it was Cinerama theaters did not sell popcorn. Enlighten us, please.
Once in awhile, I’ll have popcorn at the theater but after a few bites, I get thirsty and need a drink, so there’s another $10 spent at the theater, unless I plan ahead and sneak either a snack or drink in. :)
A fascinating article, Howard. Thanks for finding it and sharing it with us. Its too bad DC never got a 70mm engagement for this film at any time since its release in ‘82. I’ve been a fan of Ridley Scott’s work since Alien and also the Visual Effects Director, Douglas Trumbull since Close Encounters. Let’s say the combination of Ridley Scott’s attention to detail and Doug Trumbull’s flair for technical detail and brilliance with his choice of 65mm film for visual fx make Blade Runner a unique theatrical experience.
As I posted on the Ziegfeld Theater site, I believe the special engagement print refers to film and not a digital presentation. As I write this, I’m virtually drooling at the thought that they did 8K scans of the visual effects and high scans of the film from the original 65mm negatives. If the master remains at such a high level and gets transferred to film, it should play very well, better than anything done natively on 35mm film stock for sure, even if you’re dealing with reduced elements.
I forget the website but there was a comparison of true 70mm to 20K or 21K digital based on some mathematical formulation of digital projection and film. The only true 70mm film I can recall seeing is 2001 and probably the remastered and reissued Vertigo several years ago. Those presentations, as you know, were spectacular and probably something we will never see again except for those periodic limited-run special re-releases.
Whatever ends up at the Ziegfeld, let’s hope we can get it over here to DC. If its film, the Uptown would be good to have it as long as its properly run. Or heck, send it to AFI. At least it will be in one of their THX certified theaters.
65mm scanned at 8K? I’m drooling. Too bad there aren’t 8K Digital projectors, heck 4K seems like a dream. If they went to all that trouble and had the original 65mm visual effect negatives, why not strike a 65mm master and make a few good prints and let it be re-released for a limited special road show-type engagement? LA, NY, DC/Baltimore, Seattle and Houston.
I’ve followed and read about Doug Trumbull’s preference for working with 65mm given its greater visual/color clarity and it does make a difference..just look at his body of visual fx work, to me, it stands superior to anything ILM has done pre-CGI, heck probably post-CGI, too.
As for the Clearview ad, it just states “special print” and I take print to mean film and not digital. Even if it turns out to be 35mm film, it will have those high value elements (65mm this, 8K scanned that, digital 5.1 track made from the original 6-track mag masters, etc) that will most likely exceed anything we have seen before, in a new cut never experienced before. Sounds like its worth the trip to NYC for me. :)
This is great news. I thought the front was just a facade leftover from what was the theater and that if you were to go past the doors, you’d be in the apartment complex! I guess I was wrong! I’m looking foward to checking out this place when it does open.
Tonight, I had the privilege of attending a sneak peak of a new indie film called “I Do & I Don’t” which is basically a romantic comedy about a couple who seek mandatory ‘counselling’ from a married couple while all kinds of strange events unfold. The film was okay, not a roll-in-the-aisle mainstream kind of comedy, that will probably have a very short theatrical run, if anyone is interested in it.
Theater 1 has a nice pre-show bit probably done in PowerPoint about current and future bookings, that was probably cheaply made but very effective and well done and informative as to the programming diversity at this wonderful independent theater. There’s something for the kids, families and adult moviegoers here.
The theater seems to have gone through more refurbishing as the lobby has reportedly been restored to its “original” appearance, which is a luxurious, deep reddish in paint carpet and reinstated mouldings…a far cry from the purple and gray colors of my memories of the old Cineplex Odeon, KB days. And lastly, the mens room has been fixed with the sink pipe having been installed! Hooray!
I believe the first movie to come out around 9/11 was that glorious movie called “Glitter.” It was to do for its star, Mariah Carey, what 1992’s “The Bodyguard” did for Whitney Houston. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on if you’re a Mariah fan, it didn’t. For me and millions of others, we were glued to the tv that day and most of the night watching the broadcast and cable news people as the events after 9/11 unfolded.
Love movies, to say that movies “are meant to serve a higher purpose than to…entertain…and..give meaning to our lives” asks too much from the film community. If one looks to life’s higher meaning, I suggest a search for spiritual enlightenment is in order from a source that transcends human frailty and self interest. If that hint wasn’t clear enough, then I’ll just say it plainly, go to church. :)
The RIAA lists the Bodyguard with 17Million and SNF with 15 Million, respectively. These are figures through 3/8/06.
I’m sure Billboard will probably concur but its not worth $10 to be sure. :) I’m just saying that there have been many motion picture soundtracks that were best sellers way before Fever came out.
Justin, where on earth did you get the idea or notion that SNF was the first movie to have a best selling soundtrack? You need to project many years before you and I were born to know that your assertion is false. Haven’t you ever heard of such films/soundtracks such as West Side Story, Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, heck even the original Star Wars soundtrack was a best seller cracking the Billboard top charts, too…all predating Fever. I bet the Wizard of Oz had a best selling soundtrack album as well way back in ‘39.
Star Wars is finished until Lucas bring them back in 3D Digital, with probably more tweaks and extras :)
Judging by the pictures on the website, their (presumably) largest auditorium doesn’t look all that much different from the Landmark’s we have here in DC. The auditorium with the couches looks interesting and probably comfortable for those films they might show that are over 2 ½ hours.
If the early comments on the quality of projection and sound are any indication, I guess its fair to say that the local Arclight is in no danger of being eclipsed by this venue.
I’ve been to several IMAX presentations here since ‘05 or so. Polar Express in 3D IMAX was my first experience here and boy, was that something. The film broke down during the show 3x and then we were told we would be given passes for another showing. The next day, the same thing happened. I think it was the later show that things began to come together and my friend and I watched the movie. The presentation, again, had one slip up, the house lights came up and one of the ushers was trying to entertain us by talkiing about the holidays. Overall, the film was a bore and it was wasn’t worth the 135mi drive from DC. My only memory of being really engaged with the movie was the train ride through the mountains and when it skids on the iced lake.
Other films I’ve seen here was the IMAX 3D version of Superman Returns (2006). Again, that was a disapointment because the movie, itself, tried to emulate Richard Donner’s presentation and failed mostly. Brandon Routh is no Chris Reeve. What was annoying was having to be clued to put on the 3D glasses to watch the 3D parts. Robots (2005) was also in IMAX 3D and I don’t recall it having the same breakdown issues as Polar Express did before.
I’m looking forward to James Cameron’s Avatar, which reportedly will be in Digital 3D. If there is a IMAX Digital 3D venue, I suspect this place will be the one to have this format and movie.
Baltimore’s Senator had the privilege of getting special EK prints for the Fantastic Four sequel and Die Hard sequel. They also had the select vision prints for the last two Star Wars prequels, too.
I remember this because the owner went out of his way to tout the fact during those films introductions…“we would like to thank our friends, at 20th Century Fox for providing us with these exclusive select vision EK prints of…”
To be perfectly honest though, I thought the Die Hard sequel was noticably ‘darker’ at the Senator than at the Consolidated Theater multiplex at the newly opened Hyattsville MD location, which I’m reasonbly sure ran it on platter.
Longisland, the Senator has sold out their entire 900 seats for several shows that I know of this summer, primarily the opening midnight shows of such fare as the recent Spiderman 3 and Harry Potter.
A DCinema installation would make this gem even better, but with the recent financial woes, the expenses would be hard to come by and the owner has said in forums that with today’s 2K technical standards, they don’t hold up well to regular film. The digital vs. film forums have been quite vocal especially during the last two Star Wars' prequel releases.
The nice thing about the Senator is that this summer’s Fantastic Four sequel and Die Hard, they were able to get a special EK print for their respective engagements. If memory serves me correctly, they also had select vision EK prints for the Star Wars' prequels, too. I suspect they have good relations with the 20th Century Fox folks.
The Senator has been fortunate to book the summer 07 event films, which I’ve seen here. I hope they did well and believe they did. Now, if only they would invest some money into replacing those awful seats….
Love movies, I’m almost as old as you are but as this topic has been discussed over and over again, as long as these remakes, or re-imagined movies make money, we’re going to see them again.
Can you believe they are remaking Footloose with Zac Effron? I saw that when I was still in school. Makes you feel old doesn’t it? I hope they don’t update the music by using rap. Kenny Loggins' was da bomb during the 80s with his string of soundtrack single hits.
What a ridiculous story. I can’t believe that even there wouldn’t be ONE nickel at all anywhere, in any register at the theater. Maybe someone paid their concession purchase partly using nickels. Or, the Manager could have easily given him 5c out of his pocket, or heck, even a quarter back and a voucher for a free soda and popcorn, just for the sake of apologizing and providing good customer service. It should have never escalated to the point where Anthony had to take names to report it to the next level.
My brother took my parents and I, to see a martial arts double or triple feature at the now closed National Theater (or something..the exact name escapes me) back in the late 70s or early 80s. And like in the article, after the film, a fight broke out between some of the neighborhood guys and this poor Indian patron in the aisles. The offending guys pretended like they knew the martial arts as they went after the Indian patron complete with their own sound effects.
And, yes, I am sure moviegoers, like myself, appreciate a good projectionist when you’re at our favorite venues in town. :)
1 and 9 are my favorites and of course, #10 and #11 for their digital projection. At one time, they stopped showing DP in #11 and a Customer Service response was that the system there was outdated and no longer supported. Yet, several months later, they were showing DP again in #11. I believe Shaggy Dog and RV were both showing digitally in #10 and #11, respectively.
I’m wondering why they didn’t put DP in either #2 or #9, since they are THX certified already. To a non-techie, how difficult is it to show DP in any of the auditoriums for that matter. I gather the projection booth is the upper floor that spans the entire length of the place joining each auditorium. Isn’t it just a matter of moving the digital projector to where the film projector is, connect the sound cables and flip a switch? :)
If the little theaters are close to certification, they should do it and make the most of it by advertising it so in the papers and marquee. They’d educate the moviegoing public to know and expect what good film presentation should be and perhaps increase attendance.
Since they opened, I cannot recall a bad presentation here at all, at anytime, with the exception of no air conditioning on a hot summer night back in ‘04. The crowds are decent, many being the more disciplined Naval Academy students, their friends and/or family.
Recently saw Transformers here on opening weekend in #1. Presentation was excellent along with the sound, which truly showcased what THX certification can do and how all movies should be heard. The final battle between the bots was mind boggling, very loud, very intense with hardly time to catch one’s breath. I found myself ‘dodging’ flung fighters and slightly jumping during the scorpion bot scene. Excellent and fun time at the movies, if a bit mindless.
I forgot to mention that #10 is outfitted with a Dolby Digital Cinema 3D system. I’ve seen and enjoyed every presentation, from a technical standpoint. The movies, themselves, are another matter.
They need to go back to having real people introduce the movies and add a bit of trivia to the intros like they used to right before Crown sold the place to Bow Tie. If Bow Tie’s sense of improvement is permanently removing the personal touch to their presentations, then they are just as bad as the rest of the corporations that run the rest of the crappy venues in town.
According to THX website, the only local VA certified theater is one auditorium at the AMC Courthouse 8.
I’ve seen Brokeback Mountain and slept through Pride and Prejudice here in their largest auditoriums sand, yes, they are huuuge. Seats are comfortable and sightlines great. I haven’t frequented the place enough to say about the rest of the auditoriums. While the sound was great with decent separation, the picture in both films didn’t seem as bright as they could or should be.
Cinematour may have pictures but the way they lay them out just plain sucks. I prefer the clean look of Cinema Treasures with the comments centered and if there is a picture, keep it at the top. But if the upgrade will allow for pictures, please maintain the current layout but have the pictures on either side to maintain the site’s current look. If a viewer wants to enlarge the picture on the side, he just has to click on it. Or maybe have a beta/preview of the new enhanced site with pictures and video to allow for comments and feedback before the whole site is overhauled.
Drove by what was the theater and it’s totally vacant with a “for lease” sign. Its hard to visualize what was the theater but the adjacent 2 or 3 store, to the right, would be where the seats and screens were. How time has passed.
I saw “Death at a Funeral” here to a large and very enthusiastic crowd of mostly seniors. The film was great but was rather subdued in presentation by an annoying clatter from the back. Since I sat in the back, I couldn’t make it out but its either the projector, which is doubtful, or a very loud water heater or other building appliance. Its great to visit this place and look at the large photographs of local movie theater gems either close or demolished.
Simon, you must be joking when you state they have tours during movie shows. That’s so inconsiderate and annoying. I know in some theaters even the popcorn machine popping can be annoying to those places that still pop their own corn.
I haven’t been to LA since ‘01 and am sure the place is a lot different now because they were still building the surrounding shopping center and six new theaters.
I did happen to watch a forgettable Angelina Jolie movie that I put me to sleep ;) They had closed the upper part of the theater for remodeling at the time.
Interesting, Roadshow. So what did “legit theaters” sell for refreshment if anything? Candy would be a mess with wrappers on the floor or partially eaten pieces attached under a seat. Any drink could be spilled and you know how sodas love to stick to floors.
Kirk, I’m curious to know why it was Cinerama theaters did not sell popcorn. Enlighten us, please.
Once in awhile, I’ll have popcorn at the theater but after a few bites, I get thirsty and need a drink, so there’s another $10 spent at the theater, unless I plan ahead and sneak either a snack or drink in. :)
A fascinating article, Howard. Thanks for finding it and sharing it with us. Its too bad DC never got a 70mm engagement for this film at any time since its release in ‘82. I’ve been a fan of Ridley Scott’s work since Alien and also the Visual Effects Director, Douglas Trumbull since Close Encounters. Let’s say the combination of Ridley Scott’s attention to detail and Doug Trumbull’s flair for technical detail and brilliance with his choice of 65mm film for visual fx make Blade Runner a unique theatrical experience.
As I posted on the Ziegfeld Theater site, I believe the special engagement print refers to film and not a digital presentation. As I write this, I’m virtually drooling at the thought that they did 8K scans of the visual effects and high scans of the film from the original 65mm negatives. If the master remains at such a high level and gets transferred to film, it should play very well, better than anything done natively on 35mm film stock for sure, even if you’re dealing with reduced elements.
I forget the website but there was a comparison of true 70mm to 20K or 21K digital based on some mathematical formulation of digital projection and film. The only true 70mm film I can recall seeing is 2001 and probably the remastered and reissued Vertigo several years ago. Those presentations, as you know, were spectacular and probably something we will never see again except for those periodic limited-run special re-releases.
Whatever ends up at the Ziegfeld, let’s hope we can get it over here to DC. If its film, the Uptown would be good to have it as long as its properly run. Or heck, send it to AFI. At least it will be in one of their THX certified theaters.
65mm scanned at 8K? I’m drooling. Too bad there aren’t 8K Digital projectors, heck 4K seems like a dream. If they went to all that trouble and had the original 65mm visual effect negatives, why not strike a 65mm master and make a few good prints and let it be re-released for a limited special road show-type engagement? LA, NY, DC/Baltimore, Seattle and Houston.
I’ve followed and read about Doug Trumbull’s preference for working with 65mm given its greater visual/color clarity and it does make a difference..just look at his body of visual fx work, to me, it stands superior to anything ILM has done pre-CGI, heck probably post-CGI, too.
As for the Clearview ad, it just states “special print” and I take print to mean film and not digital. Even if it turns out to be 35mm film, it will have those high value elements (65mm this, 8K scanned that, digital 5.1 track made from the original 6-track mag masters, etc) that will most likely exceed anything we have seen before, in a new cut never experienced before. Sounds like its worth the trip to NYC for me. :)
This is great news. I thought the front was just a facade leftover from what was the theater and that if you were to go past the doors, you’d be in the apartment complex! I guess I was wrong! I’m looking foward to checking out this place when it does open.
Tonight, I had the privilege of attending a sneak peak of a new indie film called “I Do & I Don’t” which is basically a romantic comedy about a couple who seek mandatory ‘counselling’ from a married couple while all kinds of strange events unfold. The film was okay, not a roll-in-the-aisle mainstream kind of comedy, that will probably have a very short theatrical run, if anyone is interested in it.
Theater 1 has a nice pre-show bit probably done in PowerPoint about current and future bookings, that was probably cheaply made but very effective and well done and informative as to the programming diversity at this wonderful independent theater. There’s something for the kids, families and adult moviegoers here.
The theater seems to have gone through more refurbishing as the lobby has reportedly been restored to its “original” appearance, which is a luxurious, deep reddish in paint carpet and reinstated mouldings…a far cry from the purple and gray colors of my memories of the old Cineplex Odeon, KB days. And lastly, the mens room has been fixed with the sink pipe having been installed! Hooray!
I believe the first movie to come out around 9/11 was that glorious movie called “Glitter.” It was to do for its star, Mariah Carey, what 1992’s “The Bodyguard” did for Whitney Houston. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on if you’re a Mariah fan, it didn’t. For me and millions of others, we were glued to the tv that day and most of the night watching the broadcast and cable news people as the events after 9/11 unfolded.
Love movies, to say that movies “are meant to serve a higher purpose than to…entertain…and..give meaning to our lives” asks too much from the film community. If one looks to life’s higher meaning, I suggest a search for spiritual enlightenment is in order from a source that transcends human frailty and self interest. If that hint wasn’t clear enough, then I’ll just say it plainly, go to church. :)
The RIAA lists the Bodyguard with 17Million and SNF with 15 Million, respectively. These are figures through 3/8/06.
I’m sure Billboard will probably concur but its not worth $10 to be sure. :) I’m just saying that there have been many motion picture soundtracks that were best sellers way before Fever came out.
Justin, where on earth did you get the idea or notion that SNF was the first movie to have a best selling soundtrack? You need to project many years before you and I were born to know that your assertion is false. Haven’t you ever heard of such films/soundtracks such as West Side Story, Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, heck even the original Star Wars soundtrack was a best seller cracking the Billboard top charts, too…all predating Fever. I bet the Wizard of Oz had a best selling soundtrack album as well way back in ‘39.
Star Wars is finished until Lucas bring them back in 3D Digital, with probably more tweaks and extras :)
Judging by the pictures on the website, their (presumably) largest auditorium doesn’t look all that much different from the Landmark’s we have here in DC. The auditorium with the couches looks interesting and probably comfortable for those films they might show that are over 2 ½ hours.
If the early comments on the quality of projection and sound are any indication, I guess its fair to say that the local Arclight is in no danger of being eclipsed by this venue.
If this is Landmark’s flagship theater, I imagine they have the much talked about 4K Digital projectors installed?
I’ve been to several IMAX presentations here since ‘05 or so. Polar Express in 3D IMAX was my first experience here and boy, was that something. The film broke down during the show 3x and then we were told we would be given passes for another showing. The next day, the same thing happened. I think it was the later show that things began to come together and my friend and I watched the movie. The presentation, again, had one slip up, the house lights came up and one of the ushers was trying to entertain us by talkiing about the holidays. Overall, the film was a bore and it was wasn’t worth the 135mi drive from DC. My only memory of being really engaged with the movie was the train ride through the mountains and when it skids on the iced lake.
Other films I’ve seen here was the IMAX 3D version of Superman Returns (2006). Again, that was a disapointment because the movie, itself, tried to emulate Richard Donner’s presentation and failed mostly. Brandon Routh is no Chris Reeve. What was annoying was having to be clued to put on the 3D glasses to watch the 3D parts. Robots (2005) was also in IMAX 3D and I don’t recall it having the same breakdown issues as Polar Express did before.
I’m looking forward to James Cameron’s Avatar, which reportedly will be in Digital 3D. If there is a IMAX Digital 3D venue, I suspect this place will be the one to have this format and movie.
Baltimore’s Senator had the privilege of getting special EK prints for the Fantastic Four sequel and Die Hard sequel. They also had the select vision prints for the last two Star Wars prequels, too.
I remember this because the owner went out of his way to tout the fact during those films introductions…“we would like to thank our friends, at 20th Century Fox for providing us with these exclusive select vision EK prints of…”
To be perfectly honest though, I thought the Die Hard sequel was noticably ‘darker’ at the Senator than at the Consolidated Theater multiplex at the newly opened Hyattsville MD location, which I’m reasonbly sure ran it on platter.
Longisland, the Senator has sold out their entire 900 seats for several shows that I know of this summer, primarily the opening midnight shows of such fare as the recent Spiderman 3 and Harry Potter.
A DCinema installation would make this gem even better, but with the recent financial woes, the expenses would be hard to come by and the owner has said in forums that with today’s 2K technical standards, they don’t hold up well to regular film. The digital vs. film forums have been quite vocal especially during the last two Star Wars' prequel releases.
The nice thing about the Senator is that this summer’s Fantastic Four sequel and Die Hard, they were able to get a special EK print for their respective engagements. If memory serves me correctly, they also had select vision EK prints for the Star Wars' prequels, too. I suspect they have good relations with the 20th Century Fox folks.
The Senator has been fortunate to book the summer 07 event films, which I’ve seen here. I hope they did well and believe they did. Now, if only they would invest some money into replacing those awful seats….
Love movies, I’m almost as old as you are but as this topic has been discussed over and over again, as long as these remakes, or re-imagined movies make money, we’re going to see them again.
Can you believe they are remaking Footloose with Zac Effron? I saw that when I was still in school. Makes you feel old doesn’t it? I hope they don’t update the music by using rap. Kenny Loggins' was da bomb during the 80s with his string of soundtrack single hits.
What a ridiculous story. I can’t believe that even there wouldn’t be ONE nickel at all anywhere, in any register at the theater. Maybe someone paid their concession purchase partly using nickels. Or, the Manager could have easily given him 5c out of his pocket, or heck, even a quarter back and a voucher for a free soda and popcorn, just for the sake of apologizing and providing good customer service. It should have never escalated to the point where Anthony had to take names to report it to the next level.
Vic, was that you featured in the article?
My brother took my parents and I, to see a martial arts double or triple feature at the now closed National Theater (or something..the exact name escapes me) back in the late 70s or early 80s. And like in the article, after the film, a fight broke out between some of the neighborhood guys and this poor Indian patron in the aisles. The offending guys pretended like they knew the martial arts as they went after the Indian patron complete with their own sound effects.
And, yes, I am sure moviegoers, like myself, appreciate a good projectionist when you’re at our favorite venues in town. :)
Congratulations! I like the $7.50 admission fee. If you were in the DC area, I’d be a regular.
1 and 9 are my favorites and of course, #10 and #11 for their digital projection. At one time, they stopped showing DP in #11 and a Customer Service response was that the system there was outdated and no longer supported. Yet, several months later, they were showing DP again in #11. I believe Shaggy Dog and RV were both showing digitally in #10 and #11, respectively.
I’m wondering why they didn’t put DP in either #2 or #9, since they are THX certified already. To a non-techie, how difficult is it to show DP in any of the auditoriums for that matter. I gather the projection booth is the upper floor that spans the entire length of the place joining each auditorium. Isn’t it just a matter of moving the digital projector to where the film projector is, connect the sound cables and flip a switch? :)
If the little theaters are close to certification, they should do it and make the most of it by advertising it so in the papers and marquee. They’d educate the moviegoing public to know and expect what good film presentation should be and perhaps increase attendance.
Since they opened, I cannot recall a bad presentation here at all, at anytime, with the exception of no air conditioning on a hot summer night back in ‘04. The crowds are decent, many being the more disciplined Naval Academy students, their friends and/or family.
Recently saw Transformers here on opening weekend in #1. Presentation was excellent along with the sound, which truly showcased what THX certification can do and how all movies should be heard. The final battle between the bots was mind boggling, very loud, very intense with hardly time to catch one’s breath. I found myself ‘dodging’ flung fighters and slightly jumping during the scorpion bot scene. Excellent and fun time at the movies, if a bit mindless.
I forgot to mention that #10 is outfitted with a Dolby Digital Cinema 3D system. I’ve seen and enjoyed every presentation, from a technical standpoint. The movies, themselves, are another matter.
They need to go back to having real people introduce the movies and add a bit of trivia to the intros like they used to right before Crown sold the place to Bow Tie. If Bow Tie’s sense of improvement is permanently removing the personal touch to their presentations, then they are just as bad as the rest of the corporations that run the rest of the crappy venues in town.
According to THX website, the only local VA certified theater is one auditorium at the AMC Courthouse 8.
I’ve seen Brokeback Mountain and slept through Pride and Prejudice here in their largest auditoriums sand, yes, they are huuuge. Seats are comfortable and sightlines great. I haven’t frequented the place enough to say about the rest of the auditoriums. While the sound was great with decent separation, the picture in both films didn’t seem as bright as they could or should be.