Cinema Treasures

Rare 35mm prints at the 26th Olympia Film Festival

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:47:39 GMT

OLYMPIA, WA -- The 26th Olympia Film Festival at the historic 772-seat single-screen Capitol Theater begins Friday Nov. 6 with the unreleased-on-video 35mm feature "Nothing Lasts Forever", starring Zach Galligan and Bill Murray. Other 35mm prints of unreleased-on-video films include Ken Russell's "The Devils" in a rarely screened LPP print, Paul Newman's adaptation of Ken Kesey's "Sometimes a Great Notion", the 1933 "Alice in Wonderland" starring Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, and W.C. Fields, and the 1932 Charles Laughton / Bela Lugosi classic "Island of Lost Souls". A 3-D print of Andy Warhol's "Frankenstein" will be introduced by star Udo Kier and we also celebrate the 20th anniversary of All Freakin' Night with an all-35mm print extravaganza featuring "Starchaser: The Legend of Orin in 3-D", "Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2", "Rolling Thunder", "Street Trash", and "A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2". And much much more! Check out the festival website for more info! The festival runs November 6-14, 2009!

Pittsburgh's Cheswick Theater closing

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:45:45 GMT

PITTSBURGH, PA -- The number of screens it has had over the years expanded and contracted, but for over six decades, the Cheswick Theatre has been entertaining patrons in the Alle-Kiski Valley area. The owner is reluctant to close it, but economic realities have left him no choice.

"I didn't want to close it, but there is such a thing that when it starts costing you money, you have no other alternative." The closing of the four-screen Cheswick Theatre along the north side of Pittsburgh Street comes two years after its sister building, which had two screens, closed. It's another step toward the end of an era in the Alle-Kiski Valley in which movie lovers flocked to downtown neighborhood theaters in New Kensington, Vandergrift, Cheswick and Tarentum.

Strand in Dover to be auctioned off

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:45:08 GMT

DOVER, NH -- The Strand triplex will be on the auction block on November 19. Built in 1919, the theater was operated by the Spinelli circuit which recently shut down all of its theaters.

Assessed at $705,300, the theater is one of two properties on a 2005 mortgage held by Rose Realty LLC in Madbury. The other property is located off Route 11 in Rochester -- where Spinelli had plans for a theater in 2006 -- and was the subject of a $150,000 foreclosure deed this past summer. The mortgage was in the amount of $429,500. Spinelli has encountered other financial challenges, including lawsuits for back rent at his Barrington theater and unpaid rent at the defunct Somersworth location.

More information at Fosters.com.

MPAA undercuts cinema distrubution

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:40:40 GMT

The MPAA announced that they are paving the way towards bypassing theaters in the film distribution model.

In a filing today with the Federal Communications Commission, the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) reinforced the benefits of allowing studios the option of sending movies fresh from the box office to tens of millions of American households. "Many of us love movies, but we just can't make it to the theater as often as we'd like. That is especially true for parents of young children, rural Americans who live far from the multiplex and people with disabilities that keep them close to home," MPAA Chairman and CEO Dan Glickman said. "Having the added option to enjoy movies in a more timely fashion at home would be a liberating new choice."

Read the full story at Deadline Hollywood.

Vintage movie theater seats for sale

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:30:53 GMT

I'm selling a bunch of old movie theater seats salvaged from a Masonic lodge built in the 1920s. I've uploaded photos here They're located in Dallas, Texas. I'm happy to ship anywhere in the U.S. if you have a shipping company that can pick them up.

Former Stadium 12 in Bonita Springs to re-open as cafe cinema

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:40:17 GMT

BONITA SPRINGS, FL -- The Regal Stadium 12, which closed in June, will re-open in as the Prado Cinema Cafe. The twelve screens will remain; new amenities will include leather seats, a grill menu, beer and wine availability, and wait service. The Prado's other tenants hope the theater's re-opening will increase traffic at the distressed shopping plaza.

Four months after Regal Stadium 12 shuttered its doors in Bonita Springs, a new movie theater has announced plans for a return to the big screen in full Hollywood style, with more bells and more whistles. Cinema Cafe is expected to open in February in The Prado at Spring Creek on U.S. 41, featuring 12 screens, leather seats, beer and wine service, a grill menu and waiter service. "The Prado Cinema Cafe will bring a long overdue, upgraded cinema experience with value-added services to the Lee County area, but at affordable, everyday prices," said Doug Olson, sales and leasing specialist for LandQwest Commercial, who secured the deal.

More detail in the Naples News.

Varsity to re-open as bargain cinema

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:35:55 GMT

CHAPEL HILL, SC -- Although previously reported to be closed permanently, the Varsity Theater will be re-opening under new ownership as a $3 discount house.

Chapel Hill residents Susan and Paul Shareshian have begun working to restore the theater to its former elegance. "We want to bring back the feeling of a classic old-time movie theater and also provide a clean and fun space -- with excellent service and a customer-focused staff -- where local residents can enjoy a movie at a reasonable price," says Paul Shareshian in a news release.

Nerwall Film presents "Midnight Show"

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:30:49 GMT

Long time cinema treasures fan and theater manager in south jersey is working on an indie horror film with canadian comic book company arcana studios. The film is an old fashion ghost story set in an aged multiplex (every theater has a ghost story). Pre-production is underway contact nerwallfilms1@yahoo.com for more information. You Tube Clip

Owner promises renovation of Los Angeles and Palace theaters if...

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:55:25 GMT

LOS ANGELES, CA -- The current owner of the Los Angeles and Palace theaters has committed to renovate the Palace and Los Angeles theaters on Broadway if the city will build a new parking facility between 6th and 7th streets.

The project, which would require another $2 million in tenant relocation and $31 million in pre-development and construction costs, would result in several hundred new spaces for uses along Broadway. While Broadway has a number of parking garages, a recent study showed that these structures are near 100% occupancy during the day. Many close at night, and several structures have recently made exclusive arrangements with residential properties.

Financing issues abort Muvico's multiplex in Chicago's Block 37

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:50:39 GMT

CHICAGO, IL -- It looks like the cinema that was to be operated by Muvico in the Block 37 complex (now referred to as 108 North State - opposite Marshall Field's, oops, Macy's) is not going to be constructed. Muvico sought to renegotiate lease terms in June, but the bank involved would not agree to them and is foreclosing on the developer of the retail and transit portion of the project.

After undergoing a corporate reorganization that included shedding several of its movie houses, Muvico "informed Freed that it could not honor its lease but offered to enter into alternative arrangements," Freed said in the filing. Muvico renegotiated the lease, but the banks refused to approve the new terms, the filing said.

Fridley Theaters slimming down

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:45:36 GMT

OSKALOOSA, IA -- Des Moines-based Fridley Theaters is reducing the number of theaters it currently operates. It has found a new owner for its Penn Centre Theatre in Oskaloosa and is looking to sell theaters in other Iowa towns.

However, Fridley Theatres is leaving Oskaloosa as of Oct. 30, according to Patti Ryan, Penn Central Mall manager. Fridley Theatres have operated out of the Penn Centre Theater since the mid-1990s. The mall owns the Penn Centre Theatre building and was leasing the property to Fridley Theatres. Ryan said an individual will own and manage a movie theater business out of that building. She added, this individual will be an Oskaloosa resident, which Ryan called a good thing. The individual�s identity remained unreleased at press time.

Two auditoriums of former Crown Center 6 reopen as twin cinema

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:43:17 GMT

KANSAS CITY, MO -- When the former Crown Center 6 closed two years ago, the space occupied by four of its former screening rooms was converted into a live theater venue. The remaining two screens will be re-opening soon as the Screenland Crown Center. The cinema will operate from Thursday through Sunday most of the time and feature independent, foreign, and documentary films.

That programming should distinguish it from the more commercial fare shown at AMC�s Mainstreet in the nearby Power & Light District. "Our intent was to find an operator who would fit more into our entertainment strategy, something outside first-run, big-studio pictures," said Rick Brown of Crown Center Redevelopment.

More details at the Kansas City Star.

The Majestic Crest Theatre for Sale

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:35:33 GMT

LOS ANGELES, CA -- The Majestic Crest Theatre is featured in the opening montage of "The Tonight Show" with Conan O Brien! Majestic Crest Theater is for for sale and is currently on the market. Even though the flashing marquee could cause seizures at night, the interior of this Westwood theatre makes you feel like you slipped on a banana peel and ended up smack dab in Golden Age Hollywood. With an enormous screen and great sound (that's right - one screen), Majestic Crest Theatre hosts new release independent films with vim and vigor. When you're sitting in your comfortable seats, don't forget to look up and watch the stars, just don't let them distract you.The theater is currently operated by the existing owner, who would consider leasing back and continuing to operate the theater after a sale. Property has been just approved as a Historical monument and approved for The Mills Act Historical Property Contract Program which allows for the property tax reduction down to $17,500.00+/- per year.

Technicolor debuts alternative 3-D process for film

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:30 GMT

Techinicolor has announced a new 3D-on-film solution that it claims is an improvement over previous over/under 3D film prints. While acknowledging that the future probably lies with digital 3D projection, the process is intended to increase the number of screens that can show 3D productions by providing an alternative to digital, at least on an interim basis, Seven studios have indicated interest already.

The system aims to address the shortage of digital 3D screens by using conventional celluloid film prints capable of 3D imaging. No exhibitors have yet announced they will install the system, but Ahmad Ouri, Technicolor's president of strategy, technology and marketing, said he expects to announce the first deployment deals for Technicolor 3D at ShowEast next week.

Those delightfully goofy William Castle promotional gimmicks

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:45:25 GMT

SEATTLE, WA -- A recent article in the online Seattle P-I notes that while the internet has been used to promote the success of low budget films such as "Paranormal Activity" and the "The Blair Witch Project," those of us "of a certain age" fondly recall how schlockmeister William Castle used memorable "promotional innovations" as effectively to create buzz around movies such as "House on Haunted Hill" and "The Tingler". Many will recall the theaters - many, if not most, themselves now just memories - where we experienced "Emergo," "Percepto," and "Illusion-0"

William Castle didn't just produce scary movies, he PRODUCED scary movies. To him, filming the movie was one thing, but marketing it was quite another. His promotional innovations (or "gimmicks" for you less romantic souls) earned him the title "The Schlockmeister" and he reveled in his reputation. Like a carnie barker, Castle would appear in a filmed segment before the start of each of his movies to hype the special "icing" associated with that particular film.

Read the whole article at Seattle Pi.

Silent movies return to Seattle's Paramount

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:45:01 GMT

SEATTLE, WA -- Silent movies will be screened at Seattle's Paramount Theater on three successive Mondays in November, including the 1916 version of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" on 11/2,"The Adventures of Prince Achmed,"a 1926 film from Germany, claimed to be the oldest surviving feature length animated film on 11/9, and, on 11/16, the 1925 version of "The Lost World." Jim Riggs will be playing the theater's mighty Wurlitzer at all performances. More details here: STG Presents

Chillicothe Optimist Club buys Town Theater; will operate as non-profit

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:40:49 GMT

CHILLICOTHE, IL -- The local Optimist Club has purchased the twin-screen Town Theater which opened in 1920 as the Sunset. Consistent with its mission as a service club dedicated to the youth of the community, the organization will show films that appeal to children and teens.

If all goes according to plan, the Optimists will close on the property at 1029 Second St. in Chillicothe's downtown before the end of November. The service agency has agreed with the current owner of the Town Theater, Vern Reynolds, to purchase the building and the business for $200,000. It will buy the property with a $20,000 down payment from the club's account. Latta, who is a Realtor, and Jim Maloof Realty waived their fees for helping with the sale of the property. The theater will be run as a not-for-profit, with all proceeds going to area youth groups, such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Little League sports programs.

Happy 50th, "Sleeping Beauty"

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:11:15 GMT

Walt Disney�s "Sleeping Beauty" 50th Anniversary -- The Original Engagements Commemorating the golden anniversary of the release of Walt Disney's animated film production of "Sleeping Beauty," I�ve put together a list of the film's original roadshow* bookings. These were the first cinemas anywhere to play the film and, for the most part, the only ones to showcase the film in 70mm and stereophonic sound. This article is a celebration of the cinemas in which the film played as much as it is a celebration of the classic film. (*Officially, "Sleeping Beauty" was not a roadshow release since screenings were continuous and seats were not reserved. However, many moviegoers and historians tend to remember the film as a roadshow because the film was booked initially as a 70mm exclusive in roadshow markets.) The original "Sleeping Beauty" presentations included the CinemaScope short film "Grand Canyon."

Bargain cinema in Sumter closes

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:50:56 GMT

SUMTER, SC -- The three screens of the Sumter Value Cinema have gone dark. The theater, once known as the Movies 3, served this community located about forty miles east of Columbia.

"It's good to have a place to go that doesn't cost too much," he said. "Especially in this economy." Leasure said he could bring five people and get drinks and popcorn for everyone for about $40. "I'd spend $40 at the other place just to get in the door," he said. "I don't know what we'll do now."

Christie displays Solaria Series Digital Projector at ShowEast

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:50:33 GMT

ORLANDO, FL -- Christie, the leader in digital cinema projection technologies, will debut its next-generation digital cinema solutions, the Christie Solaria series, at ShowEast with the launch of the Christie CP2220 digital cinema projector. Recognized as "the future of digital cinema," the projector features Texas Instruments' (TI) (NYSE: TXN) next generation DLP Cinema technology and an optional integrated 2K/4K media block. Christie's next-generation 4K digital cinema projectors will display 4096 x 2160 pixels of resolution. While maintaining support for 2K external servers, these new models allow exhibitors to easily project 2K or 4K content, giving them the widest choice in digital cinema options. The Christie CP2220 with Doremi's integrated media block will be on display at the Christie booth #1100. The Christie CP2220 is the first in the new series of digital cinema projectors that also includes the Christie CP2210 and the Christie CP2230. The Christie CP4220 and the Christie CP4230, also introduced in June, are the Company's premium 4K projectors and among the brightest in the world - like the 2230, the 4230 is capable of delivering over 30,000 lumens on the largest screens and delivers breathtaking 3D images. All next-generation Christie digital cinema projectors continue to utilize Christie Brilliant3D technology, providing the ultimate 3D experience with the lowest cost of operation.

Halloween Zombie Walk and Movie "Night of the Living Dead" at Norwalk Main Street Theatre

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:45:31 GMT

NORWALK, OH -- Join us Saturday October 31st as the Norwalk Main Street Theatre, 57 E. Main, Norwalk, OH will be hosting a "Zombie Walk." Come dressed as your favorite Zombie! We will meet at the theatre at 8:00 p.m. on Halloween and start the walk down Main Street at 8:30 p.m. (on the sidewalk) and walk 3 blocks and come back on the other side of the street back to the theatre where we will watch the classic Zombie movie that started it all: the 1968 Black and White version of "Night of the Living Dead." The movie is not rated. The cost is $3.00 for just the walk, $3.00 for just the movie or $5.00 for both the walk and the movie. The movie will start at 9:30 p.m. Everyone MUST check-in at the theatre and purchase a ticket to participate in the walk. Tickets are on sale NOW in the theatre Box Office (419) 668-8048

The Drive-In Theatre Museum needs your help!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:40:16 GMT

The Drive-In Theatre Museum is a not for profit 501 (C) (3) organization. We are looking for seats, screens and a Strong X 60B lamphouse power supply. We just moved into our new location, a 17 year old 5 plex theatre in a mall and have a big opportunity to be able to show movies in the winter. In the summer we show movies on a 1924 Band Shell, weather permitting. We need seats and screens for 2 of the theatres.

Cinema 8 to open in Canby

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:38:27 GMT

CANBY, OR -- This town, about twenty miles south of Portland, is looking forward to the opening of the Cinemagic Cinema 8. The town's former Canby Theater closed decades ago. The theater is a major component of a downtown revitalization project in Canby. The owner of the Cinemagic Theaters, Chuck Nakvasil, also operates theaters in the greater Portland area and not long ago opened a 7-screen cinema in Scappoose, to the north of the City of Roses.

Canby Cinema 8, the city of Canby and Canby Urban Renewal Agency will celebrate the opening of Canby�s new theater on Friday, Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m. with a public dedication of the Northeast Second Avenue and public parking lot project followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the cinema. The public-private partnership project has been in the works for three-and-a-half years as a revitalization project for Canby�s historic downtown. The Canby Urban Renewal Agency has invested $1.9 million in a new streetscape and a 150-space public parking lot that will serve the downtown area.

Read more about the Canby opening in the Canby Herald.

Little Art Theater in Yellow Springs goes non-profit

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:50:21 GMT

YELLOW SPRINGS, OH -- For eight decades, the Little Art Theater, which was once a bank, has been an important part of this community serving as a cinema, a venue for live theater, and as a church over the years. The theater has been featuring indie films, which will continue, and plans to add themed film events and showings of classic movies.

The theater received notice of its 501(c)(3) status this month, as a milestone in its 80-year history as a single-screen movie theater. While Jenny Cowperthwaite-Ruka, who has managed and then owned the theater for 23 years, resisted the change at first, she has found a group of people who care deeply enough about the theater to put their energy into insuring its perpetual survival. McGhee is the first president of the theater�s board of directors, and Maureen Lynch, a local movie goer and Friend of the Little Art, is the board's vice-president, in addition to board members Laura Carlson, Roger Reynolds, Mark French, Mary Kay Smith and Alice Earl Jenkins. Cowperthwaite-Ruka, who is now the theater's executive director, thinks of the nonprofit status as a link between the theater and the community that loves and supports it. "I think of it as a gift to the community -- it's an opportunity for people to really feel like it is their theater," she said in a recent interview.

Additional details in the Yellow Springs News.

Todd-AO Sound installs new "3D" sound mixing system

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:45:38 GMT

BURBANK, CA -- Todd-AO has installed the Isono "3D" sound mixing system at its Stage 2 mixing facility. According to Isono, the sound produced is totally "immersive" in theaters equipped for the process which already has already been installed at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Todd-AO's Stage 2 mixing facility has been outfitted with 672 speakers; 40,000 watts of power drive 224 audio channels. Todd-AO hopes to see at least 50 theatrical installations by the end of next year.

"We believe that Iosono 3-D Sound holds the potential to transform the movie-going experience, providing a rich, astonishingly realistic sound environment that audiences will find thrilling," added Robert C. Rosenthal, President of CSS Studios, parent company of Todd-AO. "Our mixers and other sound artists are excited about the potential of this technology and we are very pleased to introduce it to Hollywood through Todd-AO, a company synonymous with innovation and excellence in motion picture sound."