I’m sorry vito, and I apologize. But it really gets me when someone says I’m hiding. I have nothing to hide. You personally know me from the old Amboys days with Ted, Jimmy, and the boys, and from White Plains. We may had our disagrements, but I respected you and valued what you said, and I always felt the same from you. I was only making the point that others on this site have the same opinions of the presentation, so what does that say. By the way how are you doing? Good health I hope, and have a safe holiday season.
I also agree with Bill Huelbig, in that sitting in the front row of a palace is unlike anything else you can expeirience. Thats why i’m glad to see places like Jersey City and Elizabeth and Red Bank among others get saved from the wrecking ball. The ONLY thing I can agree with Mitchell the projectionist on is that going to a shoebox to see a movie is like seeing a picture on a cell phone.
So Mitchell, you are the big wig top notch projectionist since 2001. WOW!! I have been an IA UNION projectionist (something you wouldn’t even know about I guess) since 1976, I’m guessing before you were even born. As far as hiding behind an id, I’m not hiding, the person I know who worked that booth years ago was Bernie, thats all I’m putting up on a public site. And as far as anything else goes, so you are going to be the big man to run 70MM? Well lets see I was doing that as far back as 1984. Oh, but thats right I dont know anything. And if you think I dont appreciate old movies and theatres, I just hope the Ritz in Elizabeth N.J. gets sold to a private group soon, so I can get my screen, dolby CP-55 sound and carbon arc projection up and running. Oh and did you ever run IMAX? Ever see an IMAX system?? So before you say I’m hiding, know who you’re talking to. I may not know what some people on Cinema Treasures do, but I’ve FORGOTTEN things you’ll never even learn. And good luck with your Norelco projectors, they are a hell of a machine. I ran them too!!!
You know I have to agree with you on most points Cinemark. (Digital aside, you know my feelings on that one) You say the same things my father would say before passing on 15 years ago. Nothing GOOD management and upkeep cant cure. Unfortunately, in todays world, we have nothing but pencil pushers running the industry, and we also have the “out with the old, in with the new” attitude. I would sooner go the the theatre showing 70MM, 2nd run and lower prices, than I would a place with top-down masking, (god do I hate that. I call it shrink-scope), and 95 seats. But what do I know, I’ve only been an IA projectionist now for almost 34 years, come June 2009.
Yes Joseph, I too know someone who once was a projectionist there, and he says basically the same things you do. Most of the focus problems are because the gates in the projectors are plastic, as opposed to metal that 99% of projectors use. You couple that with the intense heat comming off the carbon arc, and as my friend said, the gates could melt away.
Having worked for this company for many years, its sad to read this. I always thought they, along with General Cinema, were 2 of the best run companies in the industry. With that said, looks like the mighty empire is crumbling. Note to Sumner: Let Shari have it, maybe she can save it.
I agree with Rory, this place should have NEVER been split. My greatest memory of this place was just before it was twinned. I was on a school trip to see “Doctor Doolittle” with Rex Harrison, and our school was seated in the balcony. What a grand place that was. And to dave-bronx, I think they may refer to it as a ‘cross-section’, but I’m not sure.
You could be right Scott, but in these trying times, I know I am always late with my electric bill, they threaten after maybe 45 to 60 days to turn me off, but never after 10.
Blue, red, whatever. I always find both Warren G’s and Lost Memories posts fascinating. The point here is, and always will be, that it was a SIN that this place was ever demolished in the first place. And that goes double for the Capitol.
Yes outafocus, those old GCC days were good. My twin had a Century JJ2 in Cinema 1 , and a Century “H” in Cinema 2. Did not have the Ashcrafts by them, we were Xenon. And I actually remember those Christmas ads that larry goldsmith mentions above. One more thing, do you remember when we cross-plugged the movie on the other screen? “Also Showing at this Theatre.” The 2 old union guys I worked with hated it when they had to change those trailers on the platters.
Man did Peter ever hit the nail on the head. Clearviews platter jockeys, dont I know them. The same bunch of little popcorn poppers that put me out of work 4 years ago. And I thought that if youre running classics, you cant platter them. At least thats what Ive been told by some very reliable people. And as far as Justin with his Blue-ray, he likes anything digital or high tech. If you read his posts from various North Jersey venues, you always see he cant wait for digital, and “oh theyre only showing it in 35mm” Give me 35mm and reel-to-reel anyday, anytime, anywhere.
I agree with Ken. I would NEVER go to a rep house using digital. And as longisland said, most prints are not available in digital. And finally, companies like Warner Brothers, and the above mentioned Universal have said NO to striking anymore 35MM prints. When they’re gone, thats it. Which means in all likelyhood that given a few more years, retro cinemas will probably just fade away, just like all these big companies want 35MM to just fade away.
I’m right behind you outafocus. As I stated above, 33 years and counting. I remember my first few years, when I was an apprentice in the IATSE union, and an usher. I worked usher for GCC and we had blue blazers, bowtie, just as you said. I have seen a lot of changes these past 33 years, and all I can say is the pencil pushers in these big chains ruined everything. As for me, I have my hopes pinned on an old palace that one day may do stage shows and concerts, and the occasional film festival, and thats where I plan to spend my remaining years. The multiplex is NO fun at all.
Also, how about the projectionists. When I would go with my father on a saturday afternoon to see a movie, I still remember when we went to the front of the line to get in the front doors, people would look, and my father would say “I’m the projectionist,” you would here the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahhhs’. Back in the day, everyone thought that was a cool job, which is one reason I followed in his footsteps 33 years ago. And the best part was, you got a cartoon, one trailer for an upcoming movie, and the movie. Not the 25 mins of trash you get today.
I agree with you CTCrouch, but also in todays world, with rising energy costs, etc, something they could also do is the opposite of what happened in the 70’s and 80’s. Instead of “adding” on, they could “subtract”. Simply demolish a wing of the building and eliminate theatres. If they are in a situation where theatres are on multiple floors, convert one floor to office space, rent it out, and get some guarenteed income. Sometimes they have to think outside the box.
First, what a waste, I mean I worked in a porn theatre for 11 years. I have some old stuff in my possesion. As was stated, some of that stuff you probably cant find. Second, all that stuff was on safety film. They must have had some real good excellerent to get it to burn. All it probably did was molt into a big curled up blob.
Couldn’t agree more newt.
I’m sorry vito, and I apologize. But it really gets me when someone says I’m hiding. I have nothing to hide. You personally know me from the old Amboys days with Ted, Jimmy, and the boys, and from White Plains. We may had our disagrements, but I respected you and valued what you said, and I always felt the same from you. I was only making the point that others on this site have the same opinions of the presentation, so what does that say. By the way how are you doing? Good health I hope, and have a safe holiday season.
I also agree with Bill Huelbig, in that sitting in the front row of a palace is unlike anything else you can expeirience. Thats why i’m glad to see places like Jersey City and Elizabeth and Red Bank among others get saved from the wrecking ball. The ONLY thing I can agree with Mitchell the projectionist on is that going to a shoebox to see a movie is like seeing a picture on a cell phone.
So Mitchell, you are the big wig top notch projectionist since 2001. WOW!! I have been an IA UNION projectionist (something you wouldn’t even know about I guess) since 1976, I’m guessing before you were even born. As far as hiding behind an id, I’m not hiding, the person I know who worked that booth years ago was Bernie, thats all I’m putting up on a public site. And as far as anything else goes, so you are going to be the big man to run 70MM? Well lets see I was doing that as far back as 1984. Oh, but thats right I dont know anything. And if you think I dont appreciate old movies and theatres, I just hope the Ritz in Elizabeth N.J. gets sold to a private group soon, so I can get my screen, dolby CP-55 sound and carbon arc projection up and running. Oh and did you ever run IMAX? Ever see an IMAX system?? So before you say I’m hiding, know who you’re talking to. I may not know what some people on Cinema Treasures do, but I’ve FORGOTTEN things you’ll never even learn. And good luck with your Norelco projectors, they are a hell of a machine. I ran them too!!!
You know I have to agree with you on most points Cinemark. (Digital aside, you know my feelings on that one) You say the same things my father would say before passing on 15 years ago. Nothing GOOD management and upkeep cant cure. Unfortunately, in todays world, we have nothing but pencil pushers running the industry, and we also have the “out with the old, in with the new” attitude. I would sooner go the the theatre showing 70MM, 2nd run and lower prices, than I would a place with top-down masking, (god do I hate that. I call it shrink-scope), and 95 seats. But what do I know, I’ve only been an IA projectionist now for almost 34 years, come June 2009.
Yes Joseph, I too know someone who once was a projectionist there, and he says basically the same things you do. Most of the focus problems are because the gates in the projectors are plastic, as opposed to metal that 99% of projectors use. You couple that with the intense heat comming off the carbon arc, and as my friend said, the gates could melt away.
Yes MPol, I agree.
Having worked for this company for many years, its sad to read this. I always thought they, along with General Cinema, were 2 of the best run companies in the industry. With that said, looks like the mighty empire is crumbling. Note to Sumner: Let Shari have it, maybe she can save it.
I agree with Rory, this place should have NEVER been split. My greatest memory of this place was just before it was twinned. I was on a school trip to see “Doctor Doolittle” with Rex Harrison, and our school was seated in the balcony. What a grand place that was. And to dave-bronx, I think they may refer to it as a ‘cross-section’, but I’m not sure.
You could be right Scott, but in these trying times, I know I am always late with my electric bill, they threaten after maybe 45 to 60 days to turn me off, but never after 10.
Blue, red, whatever. I always find both Warren G’s and Lost Memories posts fascinating. The point here is, and always will be, that it was a SIN that this place was ever demolished in the first place. And that goes double for the Capitol.
Big business at its best. Always bullying the little guy.
Yes outafocus, those old GCC days were good. My twin had a Century JJ2 in Cinema 1 , and a Century “H” in Cinema 2. Did not have the Ashcrafts by them, we were Xenon. And I actually remember those Christmas ads that larry goldsmith mentions above. One more thing, do you remember when we cross-plugged the movie on the other screen? “Also Showing at this Theatre.” The 2 old union guys I worked with hated it when they had to change those trailers on the platters.
Man did Peter ever hit the nail on the head. Clearviews platter jockeys, dont I know them. The same bunch of little popcorn poppers that put me out of work 4 years ago. And I thought that if youre running classics, you cant platter them. At least thats what Ive been told by some very reliable people. And as far as Justin with his Blue-ray, he likes anything digital or high tech. If you read his posts from various North Jersey venues, you always see he cant wait for digital, and “oh theyre only showing it in 35mm” Give me 35mm and reel-to-reel anyday, anytime, anywhere.
Opps, my bad, I just noticed it was answered 2 posts above. You have to forgive me, I just got off work from the multiplex in which I am employed.
Yes Peter, I too was curious where longisland will be showing “Lawrence of Arabia”
I agree with Ken. I would NEVER go to a rep house using digital. And as longisland said, most prints are not available in digital. And finally, companies like Warner Brothers, and the above mentioned Universal have said NO to striking anymore 35MM prints. When they’re gone, thats it. Which means in all likelyhood that given a few more years, retro cinemas will probably just fade away, just like all these big companies want 35MM to just fade away.
I’m right behind you outafocus. As I stated above, 33 years and counting. I remember my first few years, when I was an apprentice in the IATSE union, and an usher. I worked usher for GCC and we had blue blazers, bowtie, just as you said. I have seen a lot of changes these past 33 years, and all I can say is the pencil pushers in these big chains ruined everything. As for me, I have my hopes pinned on an old palace that one day may do stage shows and concerts, and the occasional film festival, and thats where I plan to spend my remaining years. The multiplex is NO fun at all.
I hope they make it. We need more people like them in the business.
Also, how about the projectionists. When I would go with my father on a saturday afternoon to see a movie, I still remember when we went to the front of the line to get in the front doors, people would look, and my father would say “I’m the projectionist,” you would here the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahhhs’. Back in the day, everyone thought that was a cool job, which is one reason I followed in his footsteps 33 years ago. And the best part was, you got a cartoon, one trailer for an upcoming movie, and the movie. Not the 25 mins of trash you get today.
I agree with you CTCrouch, but also in todays world, with rising energy costs, etc, something they could also do is the opposite of what happened in the 70’s and 80’s. Instead of “adding” on, they could “subtract”. Simply demolish a wing of the building and eliminate theatres. If they are in a situation where theatres are on multiple floors, convert one floor to office space, rent it out, and get some guarenteed income. Sometimes they have to think outside the box.
Typical of todays world. Costs to much to advertize, so they dont, then they fail.
First, what a waste, I mean I worked in a porn theatre for 11 years. I have some old stuff in my possesion. As was stated, some of that stuff you probably cant find. Second, all that stuff was on safety film. They must have had some real good excellerent to get it to burn. All it probably did was molt into a big curled up blob.
Thank You, it would definitly be refreshing to have a downtown movie complex again.
You got that right MPol.