Comments from ZiegfeldMan

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ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Jul 9, 2012 at 11:11 am

Or put another way:

Charles Foster Kane: You’re right, I did lose a million dollars last year. I expect to lose a million dollars this year. I expect to lose a million dollars next year. You know, Mr. Thatcher, at the rate of a million dollars a year, I’ll have to close this place in… 60 years.

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Jul 8, 2012 at 7:04 am

As the Ziegfeldman, I must comment that this entire NY Post article is totally based on conjecture.

“In addition to showing the latest blockbuster films, Clearview’s Ziegfeld Theatre is a landmark location for movie premieres and events,’’ Clearview said in a brief e-mail statement that didn’t address financial issues. “It is normal course of business for the theatre to be closed at certain times.”

We already know this. We’ve known it for years.

So, what does it take to keep a 1000 seat venue viable? Not enough movie premieres and not enough exclusive films (see above). But events, yes!!

I have been to the Ziegfeld for several Metropolitan Opera HD broadcasts, one of the most creative money-making things the Met ever came up with. And the Ziegfeld, to my ecstasy, was packed. At $25, a bargain.

We are in the era of Fathom events…and the Ziegfeld is a perfect venue. The Rolling Stones will tour in 2013. For my money, I would get a better view at the Ziegfeld, than at a stadium seat for much more money. Now, multiple that by all the EXCLUSIVE events that people would come to see. The market is there.

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Jun 29, 2012 at 11:10 am

Yes, if “The Amazing Spiderman” was a Ziegfeld exclusive and maybe one other theater (The Baronet?) like the old days, this conversation wouldn’t be happening. So it goes. With no disrespect to the Ziegfeld, which I love, I encourage you classics lovers (seen as the way “they were meant to be seen”) to trot over to Queens and see the glorious Museum of the Moving Image. They’re ongoing “See It Big” series is worth it in a fabulous state of the art setting. Here’s a link to the Summer series, it’s incredible. Many DCP-The “Ben-Hur” alone is astonishing. I saw it last September at NYFF.

http://www.movingimage.us/films/2012/07/06/detail/see-it-big-julyseptember-2012/

Also, FYI-The Loew’s Kings project is alive and well. Construction begins the end of this year.

Best to all,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Kings Theatre on Jun 28, 2012 at 2:55 pm

I just received word from the Brooklyn Borough President’s office that the Loew’s Kings project is definitely a GO!! The funding is in place and construction commencement is destined for the end of this year. This is good news.

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Kings Theatre on Jun 17, 2012 at 11:10 am

I’m also working on several leads to truly ascertain progress. Will keep everyone posted. Happy Fathers Day!! As you can guess, the restoration of the Kings is VERY important to me (as is the continued maintenance of NYC’s last “movie Palace,” the all-important, Ziegfeld).

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Kings Theatre on Jun 17, 2012 at 9:29 am

You’re quite welcome. In fact as someone looking forward to the renovation of the Kings since I toured the place in the early 1980’s, I would actually like to meet your aunt, she must be filled with wonderful memories and I would love to see her memorabilia. In fact, I would like to meet you!!

Besides being Ziegfeldman, I am also known as the “Wolf,” after the Harvey Keitel character in “Pulp Fiction.” That is, I get things done.

Here’s what I’ve done relative to the Kings.

(1) I visited the Kings in the summer of 2010 just to see it again. As I stood outside, I imagined the rise like the Phoenix.

(2) I’ve followed on the net and saw that the first thing ACE had to do was file an environmental impact statement with the city. This is SOP, as ACE plans on not only renovation but adding to the stage area. There are also traffic implications.

(3)Here is the latest info from the NYCEDC dated 2012:

http://www.nycedc.com/project/loews-kings-theatre

(4) This is from the website of ACE Theatrical Group, all about the restoration, in progress, now scheduled for completion in 2015—this is going to give your aunt a goal.

http://acetheatricalgroup.com/projects.php

It is clear to me from the other work of ACE, that an extensive amount of “pre-production” is necessary to get this right. This is probably where we are at now in 2012.

(5) To give you hope, which, if you remember “Shawshank Redemption” is a good thing, I closely followed the restoration of the New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street. That was a much more difficult project, but worth waiting for. It is the most beautiful theatre I have ever seen, anywhere.

Please e-mail me at

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Kings Theatre on Jun 16, 2012 at 11:38 am

Dear SGreenberg:

Make sure you look at this, and if possible that she does also:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixZJB3feVy4

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Kings Theatre on Jun 5, 2012 at 8:51 pm

Tinseltoes et.al.

This is directly from ACE Theatrical Group’s Website:

About the Kings Theatre (In Redevelopment)

One of five “Wonder Theatres” opened by the Loew’s Corporation between 1929 and 1930, the Loew’s Kings Theatre was built as one of the most beautiful theatres in the nation, and was originally designed by architectural masters Rapp & Rapp. The Kings Theatre is located in the once thriving, yet still active shopping district along Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The Kings is currently in redevelopment, and is set to regain its status as Brooklyn’s largest indoor theatre more than three decades after shuttering and being seized by the City of New York. The Kings is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation designed to convert the spectacular, gilded movie palace into a state-of-the-art performing arts facility. The Kings will add vibrancy, quality of life, and an economic shot in the arm to New York’s largest borough.

Once completed, the Kings Theatre will operate as a self-sustaining performing arts facility, hosting a wide variety of cultural arts attractions including music, comedy, dance, theatrically staged extravaganzas, as well as a variety of community and private uses including banquets, seminars, product launches and weddings. The Kings will be added to the National Register of Historic Places and the $73 million renovation is expected to be completed in spring of 2015.

Now, let’s hope the Ziegfeld hangs in there!!

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on May 2, 2012 at 9:09 am

Will be there Sunday night for “The Beatles-Lost Concert.” Looks Great!!!

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Kings Theatre on Feb 27, 2012 at 11:17 am

Have to agree—in the nineties, when the New Amsterdam was being renovated, I had the same desire and tried,but was denied by construction workers. Totally understandable. This is a “hardhat” area with serious safety concerns and risks.

I finally got my reward, three days after the place opened in 1997 for “King David,” later the “Lion King” and “Mary Poppins.”

So, you have something to look forward to!!!!!

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Kings Theatre on Jan 7, 2012 at 10:23 am

I was down there Summer before last just to reacquaint myself. Nothing was going on, but I walked around and used my imagination. it is a vibrant, historic multi-ethnic neighborhood. The Kings will be the centerpiece, and by the way, I grew up in Howard beach and used to go shopping for"back to school" clothes in Jamaica. I was a frequent visitor to the Valencia and the Alden across the street.

I made the trek to the Paradise in the Bronx in October, the day of that freak snow storm and loved it. Now a performing arts center with a 70’s ‘Soul" concert that the crowd, including me, really, got into, dancing in the aisles. The place, especially the lobby and murals are gorgeous.

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Kings Theatre on Jan 7, 2012 at 5:00 am

Hi Bobby:

I can hardly wait either. I thoroughly agree with DJM78 (Hello to you to sir, and thank you for your service as one of NY’s Finest.) In (about) 1986, I toured the Kings with a local Flatbush Historical Society and was in awe. What this was and what is could be again. That’s 25 years ago.

I aways had the same feeling about the “infamous” 42nd Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. Through the stops and starts, look what it and Times Square have become. I always tell younger peop[e (I’m 61) , if you want to know what it was, sit and watch a double feature of “Midnight Cowboy” and “Taxi Driver.” To me the New Amsterdam is the most beautiful theatre I have ever seen, and I know what that was—there is a marvelous “coffee table” book about that theatre that shows all the “before and after” pictures.

The Kings will be wonderful. Somewhere above, somebody mentioned that the original Morton organ is being returned from private hands.

Bobby, you and I will probably not be invited for opening night, that’s for the VIP’s. But I guarantee you that we will be there for opening week. We’ll have a celebratory drink together.

Happy New Year to all,

The Ziegfeldman (Gary)

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Nov 23, 2011 at 4:59 pm

By the way, speaking of 70mm, here’s a link to a fest in LA coming up in December just for 70mm.

http://www.americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/bigger-than-life-70mm

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Nov 23, 2011 at 4:40 pm

I did not get into the projection booth today, but I would guess that the standard projectors are still there (gathering cobwebs) with every presentation now digital. I don’t consider that a bad thing for two reasons relative to classics like “Apocalypse Now.”

The Museum of the Moving Image in Queens has just started a “See it Big” program with classics including 70mm-recently “Lawrence” and “Playtime.” Check it out at Movingimage.US You want to catch “Apocalypse Now” 70mm there? Send them an e-mail and let them know. They have a magnificent new theatre that can show anything and will. If you live in the NYC area, you have one of the best opportunities for catching classic films….TimeOut NY has pages of them every single week.

The other reason is the growing movement to make digital prints of classic films. The first one I saw was “Goldfinger” at the Ziegfeld a few seasons back, which I introduced. For the first time I could crisply see the inscription on the gold bar that Bond and Goldfinger play for at the golf match. How’s that for “better than new”—add to this, all of which i’ve seen, the digital “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “West Side Story,” and an absolutely astonishing “Ben Hur” showcased at the NY Film Festival. My jaw dropped.

By the way, I am someone who would rather see ANY film in a theatre than on the best home video system imaginable. To me, the Ziegfeld is the place to have a great experience.

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Nov 23, 2011 at 3:48 pm

A Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving to all. The Holiday Movie Season begins today….and there’s plenty to begin cheering about. I was at the Ziegfeld today for the first screening of “Hugo” and what an enchantment. This is definitely one of those films that I wanted to see immediately again after the credits rolled, and of course, I wanted to see it at the Ziegfeld.

I haven’t been there in a while, but the special feelingis still there, and for an added touch, the manager, took a microphone and warmly welcomed everyone to the theatre and wished us a good time. A special touch that you don’t get at your local plex, and perfectly suited to the Ziegfeld. Kudos to all for that.

Gorgeous presentation( yes the 3-D is great ), fabulous sound—hey, it’s the Ziegfeld where the best seat in the house is the one you are sitting in!!

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Oct 19, 2011 at 1:50 pm

Hi:

I think that there’s a point that you’re trying to make here, but I’m having some trouble figuring it out.

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Oct 15, 2011 at 8:39 am

Ed, it is amazing, and totally original. Some have compared it to “A Star is Born” and “Singin' in The Rain.” Yes, it does have homages to both, but is TOTALLY unique, with an ending that you would not expect. The audience was on its feet in applause, including me. It opens in December (along with TWO Spielberg films). I always try to get to the Ziegfeld on Christmas day. There are plenty of great films opening.

Also, I want to add this—The Ziegfeld is a great place to see the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD. The place is absolutely packed, on a Saturday afternoon…including today, which is the first of eleven offerings. Check Metopera.org for the schedule.

Even if you despise opera, this is a very different experience. The HD is done cinematically with, I believe, nine cameras, so that you get a better view than if you were front row at the Met. You can really see the faces and expressions. Subtitles are there..it’s an exhilarating experience, especially with about 1000 other people at the Ziegfeld. Just getting over bronchitis, otherwise, I would be there today.

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Oct 14, 2011 at 7:29 pm

Luis—Thanks for the compliment, but although I like to be Ziegfeldman, I have never worked there; I visit and support it when I can, and, with Clearview’s blessings, I have enjoyed introducing many classics. Actually, should LeRoy retire, I would love to have his job,“Welcome to the Ziegfeld, where the best seat in the house is the one you are sitting in.”

Bill-I don’t know a thing about “Brothers Grimm,” but http://www.cineramaadventure.com/ is probably a good place to ask.

Giles, the “Ben-Hur” at Alice Tully Hall was not 35mm and not even 70 mm, it was on the widest screen I have ever seen and pure digital. I never saw it in its initial 1959 road show at Loew’s State, but the word is that this was even better, the 6 track stereo was there also…the experience, priceless. The Blu-Ray has gotten rave reviews.

You should all petition Craig to get this at the Ziegfeld.

By the way, I just returned from NYFF to see “The Artist,” a NEW silent black and white, 1.33:1, film that is MAGNIFICENT. Watch for it when it opens after the festival.

Best,

Gary

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Oct 14, 2011 at 9:15 am

Interesting about Cinerama—-The 3 projector Cineramas are currently being revamped into a “SmileBox” format digitally to be shown on a big screen and reproduce the Cinerama widescreen wraparound effect. If you’ve seen the Blu-Ray “How The West Was Won,” the result is astonishing. Seen on a big screen, would be even better. Read the following.

http://www.in70mm.com/news/2011/cinerama/index.htm

I jast saw the new digital “Ben Hur” at Alice Tully Hall, part of NYFF, and am still on a high from that. This at the Ziegfeld would be tremendous.

Also, although I’m not here to plug the competition, I’ll do it anyway since I’m a big supporter of Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens. After a two year makeover they reopened this year with, among other things, an incredible theatre, and they are launching a “See it Big” series of classics later this month. Check it out on Movingimage.us.

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Jul 7, 2011 at 6:33 pm

Bill:

Very cool-they are actually doing this at the Hollywood Bowl, this month, I believe, and I had a fantasy of going, but it was only a fantasy. Your news has just made my day.

Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Jul 7, 2011 at 1:38 pm

Thank you for everyone’s comments. Again, if you love the classics, I urge you to drop an e-mail to Craig. There is a 70mm print of ‘West Side Story" out there with restored 6 track. Wouldn’t you like to see THAT at the Ziegfeld??

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Jul 7, 2011 at 11:19 am

I could be wrong, but I believe that “The Sound of Music” was briefly revived sometime after that.

Best Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Jul 7, 2011 at 3:51 am

Actually, it was earlier in 2006-check it out here, that’s when they gave out cards asking for titles, and I added about 20 more films as suggestions, one of them was “Close Encounters” which was the first I intoduced.

http://cinematreasures.org/blog/2006/2/8/big-films-for-a-big-screen

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Jul 4, 2011 at 7:34 am

Bill:

Nice hearing from you! And Thank You! By the way, since I don’t knock the competition, Film Forum is showing “Planet of The Apes” (1968) starting, I believe, Friday. I have a friend who saw a press screening who said the print is gorgeous.

Best,

Gary

ZiegfeldMan
ZiegfeldMan commented about Ziegfeld Theatre on Jul 4, 2011 at 6:29 am

I just sent this off to Craig—now can we get an e-mail campaign going here!! The very first Classics Festival at the Ziegfeld was, I believe, in the Fall of 2006. Time for another. Please, everyone, help me out:

Hi Craig:

Happy July 4th. I’m always looking ahead—this Christmas time, two Spielberg films will be opening, and he directed both-“The Adventures of Tintin” and “War Horse.” Hopefully at least one of them will be at the Ziegfeld.

But, in anticipation, looking back at the classics, I think there’s always some downtime at the Ziegfeld in the Fall, and showing some classic Spielbergs would definitely bring in the people. This is the 30th anniversary of “Raiders” followed by the 30th of “Poltergeist” and “E.T.” There is nothing like seeing these on a big screen.

The TCM festival, for the last two years, has been drawing thousands of people to Hollywood (I was there in 2010) to see, believe it or not, “old” movies on the Big Screen.

When you showed the three (now four) “Indiana Jones” movies a few years ago, the people who saw them originally, now wanted to bring their kids.

Let me know,

Best

Gary