Judging from the Google satellite view, it appears that there was a 6-screen addition at some point. Its relation to the rest of the shopping center would lend itself to being turned into retail so it’s not surprising that only 12-screens are being used in the new project.
Did anybody read the article though? He supports tearing down a theatre built in the 50’s because it’s “no grand movie palace” and replacing it with a modern theatre. I’m sure that theatre was grand and palatial to those who grew up going there and just because it’s not gilded in decoration doesn’t mean there isn’t some sort of significance to the building.
70mm at a NEW multiplex is unlikely but if it’s their flagship they may have installed some used 70mm projectors that were sitting around in case the home office brass feels like doing something unique.
As far as multiplexes not having 70mm screens don’t be so quick to judge. Many of the Century Theatres around here in Northern California are still equipped to play 70mm, not that they’ll ever have the chance to do so again.
I’ve found that some of the Cinema de Lux theatres weren’t all that deluxe, especially when they were originally just regular Showcase Cinemas. It seems National added the food court and turned a few auditoriums into “Directors Halls” and poof — de lux! If Fallen Timbers was new built as de Lux it’s probably in overall better shape with newer more refined fixtures that fit better into the upscale theatre concept.
As for Rave closing some of the bars, I’d bet there were a number of locations that had them added because National was way into the concept but were likely losing money because National forced the concept on the location. Also I’m sure National retains the rights to “Chatters” and Rave just hasn’t come up with a suitable replacement name/menu yet.
This link is to the October 4, 1952 issue of Boxoffice where the construction and acoustic panels of the Cinema Shoppers World is discussed. There are some photos.
I would be interested in finding a modern chain complex that has subdivided a theatre for more screens. It seems unless space is an issue that most chains nowadays will choose to add on instead of divide.
And thus begins another year of corrections stating another chain owns it. To me, the theatre is still just the Plaza 5… whomever owns it should be represented in the chain listing and not the name of the theatre… but that’s just me.
It’s not alawys up to the theatre operator as to whether or not another theatre is built. I’m sure nobody wants to make one of their own theatres obsolete but when a retail developer announces they’re putting a theatre in, they’re going to do it with or without you. So even though opening a new 20-plex may have hurt Century’s own Berryessa, it was likely Century do it (and get the money) or let another chain come in and get the money. Either way you’re screwed as a theatre operator and in the process, yes… we waste a building.
Why did Maya gut the theatre? It already had stadium seating, just need new seats and a thorough cleaning. Unless all those rumors I heard about structural instablity were true…?
It is in fact reopening on FRI May 7, 2010. Iron Man 2 will show at 8:00pm and 10:25pm on FRI, SAT & SUN and starting Monday it will become a double feature with How to Train Your Dragon.
General Admission is $6.75 – Children 3-11 are $1.00. On Tuesdays General Admission is $4.75.
While the parking area could use a fresh paving I’m sure that’s something that will come in time should the drive-in be a success. As for the rest of the property it has been spruced up leaps and bounds since West Wind took it over, take a look at Cinematour.
I think the area may have just become overscreened. If I recall my Cinematouring around that area there were a bunch of other theatres within a couple of miles.
If somebody out there still has pictures of this place, I’d love to see them.
Judging from the Google satellite view, it appears that there was a 6-screen addition at some point. Its relation to the rest of the shopping center would lend itself to being turned into retail so it’s not surprising that only 12-screens are being used in the new project.
The theatre he’s talking about is in Morgan Hill.
Did anybody read the article though? He supports tearing down a theatre built in the 50’s because it’s “no grand movie palace” and replacing it with a modern theatre. I’m sure that theatre was grand and palatial to those who grew up going there and just because it’s not gilded in decoration doesn’t mean there isn’t some sort of significance to the building.
70mm at a NEW multiplex is unlikely but if it’s their flagship they may have installed some used 70mm projectors that were sitting around in case the home office brass feels like doing something unique.
As far as multiplexes not having 70mm screens don’t be so quick to judge. Many of the Century Theatres around here in Northern California are still equipped to play 70mm, not that they’ll ever have the chance to do so again.
It’s a Tinseltown, I’m sure it looks quite similar to every other Tinseltown built.
Cinematour has these photos.
http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/31822.html
I thought this was an old Wometco… interesting, didn’t know it was GCC.
I’ve found that some of the Cinema de Lux theatres weren’t all that deluxe, especially when they were originally just regular Showcase Cinemas. It seems National added the food court and turned a few auditoriums into “Directors Halls” and poof — de lux! If Fallen Timbers was new built as de Lux it’s probably in overall better shape with newer more refined fixtures that fit better into the upscale theatre concept.
As for Rave closing some of the bars, I’d bet there were a number of locations that had them added because National was way into the concept but were likely losing money because National forced the concept on the location. Also I’m sure National retains the rights to “Chatters” and Rave just hasn’t come up with a suitable replacement name/menu yet.
Regal shows that the 7-13 is their theatre now but doesn’t mention the 1-6. Did they just up and close that?
View link
This link is to the October 4, 1952 issue of Boxoffice where the construction and acoustic panels of the Cinema Shoppers World is discussed. There are some photos.
This theatre was recently demolished.
I would be interested in finding a modern chain complex that has subdivided a theatre for more screens. It seems unless space is an issue that most chains nowadays will choose to add on instead of divide.
The Chinese in Aurora isn’t really that unique of a design.
And thus begins another year of corrections stating another chain owns it. To me, the theatre is still just the Plaza 5… whomever owns it should be represented in the chain listing and not the name of the theatre… but that’s just me.
It’s not alawys up to the theatre operator as to whether or not another theatre is built. I’m sure nobody wants to make one of their own theatres obsolete but when a retail developer announces they’re putting a theatre in, they’re going to do it with or without you. So even though opening a new 20-plex may have hurt Century’s own Berryessa, it was likely Century do it (and get the money) or let another chain come in and get the money. Either way you’re screwed as a theatre operator and in the process, yes… we waste a building.
News coverage with the Santa Barbara News Press.
www.newspress.tv
That’s the one.
Is the address listed above correct? I thought this theatre was downtown, not on El Camino.
Colony Square was actually originally operated by Mann Theatres until they sold all their Colorado theatres to Colorado Cinemas LLC.
Why did Maya gut the theatre? It already had stadium seating, just need new seats and a thorough cleaning. Unless all those rumors I heard about structural instablity were true…?
I should also note that the screen as been repainted just for the Drive-In, it is no longer dirty as is shown in the 2008 photo.
It is in fact reopening on FRI May 7, 2010. Iron Man 2 will show at 8:00pm and 10:25pm on FRI, SAT & SUN and starting Monday it will become a double feature with How to Train Your Dragon.
General Admission is $6.75 – Children 3-11 are $1.00. On Tuesdays General Admission is $4.75.
More info at www.westwinddi.com
While the parking area could use a fresh paving I’m sure that’s something that will come in time should the drive-in be a success. As for the rest of the property it has been spruced up leaps and bounds since West Wind took it over, take a look at Cinematour.
http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/10876.html
There are plenty of photos at http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/1933.html
I think the area may have just become overscreened. If I recall my Cinematouring around that area there were a bunch of other theatres within a couple of miles.