Blah, blah, blah, what the heck did you expect when every freakin multiplex had the darn thing playing on 7 or 8 screens. This is exactly what I have been saying is wrong with the industry. And in 2 weeks, it will dead.
I don’t know Peter, you think with 10000 prints it will last 3 weeks?? Just kidding, but I think you’re right. By the middle of August, Dark Knight will probably be on 1 screen in every multiplex, and in a 95 seat theatre at that.
And in regards to William, I remember my days as a GCC projectionist, and you’re right. We had Batman the whole summer into the fall. It did a nice steady business the entire time, which is something you don’t see anymore.
I have been saying for years now, that’s the whole problem with the industry today. When a movie comes out and its on 7 screens at the local 14-plex, what do you expect? Everyone can see it the first week, because your local 14-plex has 25 shows a day. Back when I got into the business, we would have 1, maybe 2 prints of a movie and it lasted for 3 to 4 months. And, on top of that, it would maybe be re-released a few months later, or you could always cath it at the local $2.00 house WITH a co-feature. (anyone remember them???) How I long for those days, but, this is what they call progress.
WOW!!! I actually remember when we had these here in New Jersey. I was actually a projectionist at quite a few of them. Wish they would come back, but alas, its just a pipe dream.
In regards to JeffS, from July 13, it doesn’t surprise me that there were problems with the 70MM in 2006. Clearview and all their wonderful pencil pushers got rid of the union projectionists, and with them anyone who knew 70MM. I know, because I was one of them here in New Jersey. And I also know 70MM from my days of running it in the mid to late 80’s. I guess it was a lucky thing someone in the audience did know how to fix it. But wow, that sure doesn’t say much for the operation of this wonderful theatre. I run reportory in some theatres here in NJ, and I would die just to be able to run 70MM again. In all my years, I never had the kinds of problems I read about here. But again, that’s what clearview wants, and that’s what they get.
I am an IATSE member now for almost 30 years. (33 if you count my apprenticeship). I remember when all we had in my local was projectionists. Now, I am the only one left who relies on it for income. And even with that, I share the booth with management. It is a 10 screen theatre I work in, and I must be honest, even though I give them 150%, they really don’t need me. And it pains me to say this, because my father was a projectionist for 55 years before passing on 15 years ago. He made a nice life for all of us, nice house, nice cars, etc. It is a sin the way we IATSE projectionists have been treated the last 15 to 20 years. But that’s what corporate america has done to every industry anyway, so why would it be different for us? Good luck in CA. I hope you are successful.
It WAS beautiful, and its a sin that it was destroyed. This building, along with many other old palaces, were built of brick, mortar and plaster, not like these sheetrock screening rooms they build today.
Hello Justin. I’m curious of your age, only because its funny when you speak of movies having a long run, you think 2 months is long. When I first got into the business 30 some years ago, 6 to 8 months was a long time, and when my father, God rest his soul started in the late 30’s, movies would run for over a year sometimes. Its funny how each generation has its particulars. I’m not crazy about the whole batman thing, but you enjoy. For me, its more Wall*E and things of that nature.
What will happen after the one year lease is up? Will the foundation get more time to try and save this theare? As a non-profit, they should be allowed ample time to try and secure the funding neede to purchase and save this theatre.
I remember running Grease that entire summer. We did not change a movie on that screen until the beginning of Nov. We were still selling out an 800 seat theatre up till Halloween that year. What a summer, what a movie.
I remember 2 things about Jurassic Park that summer. 1) I was running it at a 14 screen theatre, and we had it on 2 screens, and we kept both prints until Thanksgiving, when we let go of one, and kept the other print until the following February. And 2) I was in Shamokin PA. that summer for a friends wedding, and I remember him taking me to now demolished Victoria theatre, and there were about 1400 people in this theatre that night. ( and this was 5 weeks after it opened)
Amazing to see a huge auditorium like that still intact in 2008. Everywhere I’ve worked, that would have been carved up into 4 or 6 screens by now. Truly a gem.
Hi Ziegfeld Man, Movie534 here, as far as your above post, well you know where I stand on that. After 33 years in the booth, film is it for me. However, I am glad to here that you enjoyed the new Indy movie. I am getting ready for work now. I will be running 4 prints of it in the place I work at today. I may even be able to watch the last show, as it is the last one to start for the day. I wont be getting home till after 2 a.m., but if I see it, I’ll leave a post on how I liked it. Have a nice holiday weekend.
Sorry to hear of your lousy expeirience Love Movies. But I can say I’m not surprised. I mean I worked for Clearview for almost 8 years before they canned the union, and you must remember, this chain is run by Jimmy Dolan and his band of pencil pushers. They only worry about making things look good for the stockholders. I remember all the rules and procedures they had back in the day, and not a one was followed. Plus, the guy who is now the district manager for your area is the biggest fool of all. He’s only there to help get rid of the union projectionists and make sure the concession prices keep going up to make the profit margins, and himself, look good.
Boy that list brings back memories. As an apprentice projectionist that year, I remember running film numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 16 and 17. And most of them played for what seems forever, not just weeks, but months. Give me those days anytime.
You got that right Love Movies. I remember as a 13 year old my dad running “Frogs” and “Blacula” as a double feature. They were part of those old AIP low budget flicks made by Samual Z. Arkoff. They were cheaply made but boy were they fun to watch.
I just viewed some of the photos posted on Cinematour and that huge auditorium sure brings back memories of some of the huge theatres we once had here in New Jersey. Nice wide room, with acres of seats, and how about all that carpeting in front of the screen before the first row of seats. Nowadays all we get are shoeboxes and tile floor (if we’re lucky).
Do any of you remember what years did Disney do the “Summer Festivals” where each week they did a new double feature, one live action, and one animated. My memory seems to suggest it was 1976, 1977 and 1978, but I’m not sure. I do remember that it was when I was taking interest in following in my fathers footsteps and become a projectionist, so it had to be somewhere in this timeframe. Too bad disney does not do this anymore, but I guess with everyone owning the movies on DVD, no one would come.
Blah, blah, blah, what the heck did you expect when every freakin multiplex had the darn thing playing on 7 or 8 screens. This is exactly what I have been saying is wrong with the industry. And in 2 weeks, it will dead.
I don’t know Peter, you think with 10000 prints it will last 3 weeks?? Just kidding, but I think you’re right. By the middle of August, Dark Knight will probably be on 1 screen in every multiplex, and in a 95 seat theatre at that.
And in regards to William, I remember my days as a GCC projectionist, and you’re right. We had Batman the whole summer into the fall. It did a nice steady business the entire time, which is something you don’t see anymore.
I have been saying for years now, that’s the whole problem with the industry today. When a movie comes out and its on 7 screens at the local 14-plex, what do you expect? Everyone can see it the first week, because your local 14-plex has 25 shows a day. Back when I got into the business, we would have 1, maybe 2 prints of a movie and it lasted for 3 to 4 months. And, on top of that, it would maybe be re-released a few months later, or you could always cath it at the local $2.00 house WITH a co-feature. (anyone remember them???) How I long for those days, but, this is what they call progress.
WOW!!! I actually remember when we had these here in New Jersey. I was actually a projectionist at quite a few of them. Wish they would come back, but alas, its just a pipe dream.
In regards to JeffS, from July 13, it doesn’t surprise me that there were problems with the 70MM in 2006. Clearview and all their wonderful pencil pushers got rid of the union projectionists, and with them anyone who knew 70MM. I know, because I was one of them here in New Jersey. And I also know 70MM from my days of running it in the mid to late 80’s. I guess it was a lucky thing someone in the audience did know how to fix it. But wow, that sure doesn’t say much for the operation of this wonderful theatre. I run reportory in some theatres here in NJ, and I would die just to be able to run 70MM again. In all my years, I never had the kinds of problems I read about here. But again, that’s what clearview wants, and that’s what they get.
I am an IATSE member now for almost 30 years. (33 if you count my apprenticeship). I remember when all we had in my local was projectionists. Now, I am the only one left who relies on it for income. And even with that, I share the booth with management. It is a 10 screen theatre I work in, and I must be honest, even though I give them 150%, they really don’t need me. And it pains me to say this, because my father was a projectionist for 55 years before passing on 15 years ago. He made a nice life for all of us, nice house, nice cars, etc. It is a sin the way we IATSE projectionists have been treated the last 15 to 20 years. But that’s what corporate america has done to every industry anyway, so why would it be different for us? Good luck in CA. I hope you are successful.
It WAS beautiful, and its a sin that it was destroyed. This building, along with many other old palaces, were built of brick, mortar and plaster, not like these sheetrock screening rooms they build today.
Hello Justin. I’m curious of your age, only because its funny when you speak of movies having a long run, you think 2 months is long. When I first got into the business 30 some years ago, 6 to 8 months was a long time, and when my father, God rest his soul started in the late 30’s, movies would run for over a year sometimes. Its funny how each generation has its particulars. I’m not crazy about the whole batman thing, but you enjoy. For me, its more Wall*E and things of that nature.
Good to know some people like Nolan and Spielberg still respect film, like I do. Like I’ve always said, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Does anyone know what will become of the Rialto, and why has it closed?
No listings in the Star Ledger. Is it open? And if it is how is business been so far?
What will happen after the one year lease is up? Will the foundation get more time to try and save this theare? As a non-profit, they should be allowed ample time to try and secure the funding neede to purchase and save this theatre.
I remember running Grease that entire summer. We did not change a movie on that screen until the beginning of Nov. We were still selling out an 800 seat theatre up till Halloween that year. What a summer, what a movie.
I remember 2 things about Jurassic Park that summer. 1) I was running it at a 14 screen theatre, and we had it on 2 screens, and we kept both prints until Thanksgiving, when we let go of one, and kept the other print until the following February. And 2) I was in Shamokin PA. that summer for a friends wedding, and I remember him taking me to now demolished Victoria theatre, and there were about 1400 people in this theatre that night. ( and this was 5 weeks after it opened)
Wouldn’t we all like to know. I’m sure it will be another excuse to jack em up, you know, new technology and all that stuff.
I got so excited, I meant to say SAYING, sorry.
Someone give Boczki a cigar!!! FINALLY someone who agrees with what I’ve been sating.
Yes Ed, ALL multiplexes are cold and soulless. Maybe THAT’S why we like our old treasures so much.
Amazing to see a huge auditorium like that still intact in 2008. Everywhere I’ve worked, that would have been carved up into 4 or 6 screens by now. Truly a gem.
Hi Ziegfeld Man, Movie534 here, as far as your above post, well you know where I stand on that. After 33 years in the booth, film is it for me. However, I am glad to here that you enjoyed the new Indy movie. I am getting ready for work now. I will be running 4 prints of it in the place I work at today. I may even be able to watch the last show, as it is the last one to start for the day. I wont be getting home till after 2 a.m., but if I see it, I’ll leave a post on how I liked it. Have a nice holiday weekend.
Sorry to hear of your lousy expeirience Love Movies. But I can say I’m not surprised. I mean I worked for Clearview for almost 8 years before they canned the union, and you must remember, this chain is run by Jimmy Dolan and his band of pencil pushers. They only worry about making things look good for the stockholders. I remember all the rules and procedures they had back in the day, and not a one was followed. Plus, the guy who is now the district manager for your area is the biggest fool of all. He’s only there to help get rid of the union projectionists and make sure the concession prices keep going up to make the profit margins, and himself, look good.
Boy that list brings back memories. As an apprentice projectionist that year, I remember running film numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 16 and 17. And most of them played for what seems forever, not just weeks, but months. Give me those days anytime.
You got that right Love Movies. I remember as a 13 year old my dad running “Frogs” and “Blacula” as a double feature. They were part of those old AIP low budget flicks made by Samual Z. Arkoff. They were cheaply made but boy were they fun to watch.
I just viewed some of the photos posted on Cinematour and that huge auditorium sure brings back memories of some of the huge theatres we once had here in New Jersey. Nice wide room, with acres of seats, and how about all that carpeting in front of the screen before the first row of seats. Nowadays all we get are shoeboxes and tile floor (if we’re lucky).
Do any of you remember what years did Disney do the “Summer Festivals” where each week they did a new double feature, one live action, and one animated. My memory seems to suggest it was 1976, 1977 and 1978, but I’m not sure. I do remember that it was when I was taking interest in following in my fathers footsteps and become a projectionist, so it had to be somewhere in this timeframe. Too bad disney does not do this anymore, but I guess with everyone owning the movies on DVD, no one would come.