I have wonderful childhood memories of the Kon-Tiki cinema before it became USA cinemas. As a child I remember seeing “Friday the 13th Part 3 in 3-D.” Not only was the theater unique, but the film programming was unique during the early to mid-80’s as well. Often the cinema would screen double features such as Brian De Palma’s “Body Double” along with Ken Russell’s “Crimes of Passion.” Also, during the initial theatrical release of George A. Romero’s “Day of the Dead”, the Kon-Tiki billed a triple feature of “Night of the Livjng Dead”, “Dawn of the Dead”, and “Day of the Dead.“ During this time period the cinema had a very classic grindhouse vibe, arguably the closest thing that Dayton had to offer, similar to the NYC and LA grindhouse circuit. The amazing film programming included many films within the exploitation film genre that are regarded as genre classics today, which helped add to the appeal of the Kon-Tiki. Also, the owners did not shy away from screening controversial, unrated sexploitation films such as "Caligula” and “Bolero.” (All of which I was too young to see at the time!) LOL. It is disappointing to find that the city of Dayton did nothing to preserve such a unique landmark cinema
I have wonderful childhood memories of the Kon-Tiki cinema before it became USA cinemas. As a child I remember seeing “Friday the 13th Part 3 in 3-D.” Not only was the theater unique, but the film programming was unique during the early to mid-80’s as well. Often the cinema would screen double features such as Brian De Palma’s “Body Double” along with Ken Russell’s “Crimes of Passion.” Also, during the initial theatrical release of George A. Romero’s “Day of the Dead”, the Kon-Tiki billed a triple feature of “Night of the Livjng Dead”, “Dawn of the Dead”, and “Day of the Dead.“ During this time period the cinema had a very classic grindhouse vibe, arguably the closest thing that Dayton had to offer, similar to the NYC and LA grindhouse circuit. The amazing film programming included many films within the exploitation film genre that are regarded as genre classics today, which helped add to the appeal of the Kon-Tiki. Also, the owners did not shy away from screening controversial, unrated sexploitation films such as "Caligula” and “Bolero.” (All of which I was too young to see at the time!) LOL. It is disappointing to find that the city of Dayton did nothing to preserve such a unique landmark cinema