Comments from JRC15213

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JRC15213
JRC15213 commented about Cinema 4 on May 27, 2009 at 1:07 am

Even though I lived in Oakland, I often drove out to the South Hills Theater to see movies since it had a large auditorium and the presentation was perfect. Bob Stone and Jim Baker owned the theater as well as Mode Art Films which was also located in the building. Mode Art produced industrial films and documentaries. During the day when the theater was closed, the Mode Art crew would do post-production on their films from positions in the balcony. Hidden in the ceiling above the balcony were film screens and loud speakers which could be lowered during those projects. I applied for a job with Mode Art and spoke to Mr. Stone. There were no positions open at that time, but he gave me a pass to the theater.

The projectionists always gave a good show. I remember on time when the music that was played before the movie began blended in with the opening music of the film. Classy.

In later years, a group of film buffs would gather in the lobby to buy, sell and swap movie memorabilia.

As the movie business changed, as well as people’s viewing habits, large theaters were no longer necessary. DVDs, home theaters and downloaded movies will continue to shape the movie industry. I doubt that it will never return to the way it was. That’s why we have memories.

JRC15213
JRC15213 commented about Hollywood Theater on May 27, 2009 at 1:04 am

Even though I lived in Oakland, I often drove out to the South Hills Theater to see movies since it had a large auditorium and the presentation was perfect. Bob Stone and Jim Baker owned the theater as well as Mode Art Films which was also located in the building. Mode Art produced industrial films and documentaries. During the day when the theater was closed, the Mode Art crew would do post-production on their films from positions in the balcony. Hidden in the ceiling above the balcony were film screens and loud speakers which could be lowered during those projects. I applied for a job with Mode Art and spoke to Mr. Stone. There were no positions open at that time, but he gave me a pass to the theater.

The projectionists always gave a good show. I remember on time when the music that was played before the movie began blended in with the opening music of the film. Classy.

In later years, a group of film buffs would gather in the lobby to buy, sell and swap movie memorabilia.

As the movie business changed, as well as people’s viewing habits, large theaters were no longer necessary. DVDs, home theaters and downloaded movies will continue to shape the movie industry. I doubt that it will never return to the way it was. That’s why we have memories.