Cinema Treasures

Marcus Theatres installs 12th UltraScreen

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:38:08 GMT

ORLAND PARK, IL -- Marcus Theatres has installed a new 70-foot-wide UltraScreen at the Orland Park Cinema. It was unveiled November 26th in time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It was installed in a 400-seat auditorium that has been renovated from the ground up. In addition to the UltraScreen, the hall is using Crown Digital D-Chain amplifiers and JBL ScreenArray speakers.

Grand Theater at 84 Years Old presents another Holiday Classic!

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:55:55 GMT

EAST GREENVILLE, PA -- The Grand's 4th Annual Christmas Tradition Show starts Friday, December 12th. This year our feature is Charles Dickens' "Scrooge" starring Albert Finney in this 1970 award-winning version. We are also extremely excited to announce that our Historic 1923 Marr & Colton Theater Pipe Organ will premier to the public for the first time! The Grand is excited to be making history returning one of these historical instruments to its home movie theater! Our in-house organist, Mr. Carl Black will perform on this historic instrument prior to each show, featuring classic Christmas tunes from years past! We are also continuing a long-lost tradition of local single-screen movie houses, a free night of movies to thank all of our customers for their patronage during the past year. Our Free Night is Wednesday, December 17th at 7PM. Seats are on a first come basis. Showtimes: Friday, December 12th 7, 915PM Saturday, December 13th 2, 7, 915PM Sunday, December 14th 2, 7PM Monday, December 15th 7PM Tuesday, December 16th 7PM Wednesday, December 17th 7PM FREE NIGHT! Thursday, December 18th 7PM

Big Screen Classics at Coolidge 75th

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:55:18 GMT

BROOKLINE, MA -- The Coolidge Corner Theatre will be hosting a series of Big Screen Classic Films for their 75th Anniversary, which is also sponsored by Trader Joe's. The following link will offer still more information.

Is Village Entertainment out of business?

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:38:27 GMT

Hello everybody. I am wondering what has happened to the Village Entertainment/Village Theatres chain. Consider the following: 1) The Village North, per its phone number, is now called "Visionary Theatres". 2) The North Riverside is now operated by Classic Cinemas. 3) The Lincoln Village and the Bloomingdale Court are now run by Indian (Bollywood) film companies, although they do show Hollywood films too. According to Yahoo Movies, the Lincoln Village is now called "Fun Asia Devon".

Searching for theater to Lease

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:35:05 GMT

I had my hands on a great three screen theater in Southeastern VA a few months ago that is still for lease. My backing fell through, so here I am. I'm still seeking a small theater to lease. Willing to look into any locations. I'm not a wealthy guy, but I've got a little money to put into this, and great experience. Ready to go, just need to locate the theater that's right for me. Talk to me soon, please. BrianHolland@usa.com

The Screening of America

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:55:44 GMT

A.O. Scott of the New York Times looks at how our viewing patterns of films has changed and what the future may hold.

A short time ago, in honor of the impending holiday season and the looming depression, I settled in for a viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life." I watched it on the same laptop on which I'm writing these words, with headphones plugged in to filter out distraction, though from time to time I did shrink the image so I could check my e-mail or my favorite blogs. Did this compromise my experience of the movie? Maybe, but then again, compared to what? Hadn't there always been commercial breaks and scenes interrupted by a trip to the bathroom or the refrigerator? As I watched Jimmy Stewart discover Zuzu's petals in his pocket for at least the 20th time, I realized that "It's a Wonderful Life" -- like "Casablanca" and "Ben-Hur" and most of Ingmar Bergman and James Bond, among countless others -- was a film I had never seen as a film. I'd never seen it projected through a dark room full of strangers onto a big screen.

Read the full story in the New York Times.

Digital Projection Not Always Perfect

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:45:33 GMT

The public may think digital cinema is perfect but that's not the case. Quite frequently things go wrong such as during an advance screening of the new Brad Pitt movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" when the picture was green and no amount of tweaking could change that. The screening was canceled. Other recent snafus include a screening of Steven Soderbergh's Spanish-language "Che" where it played without subtitles for 15 minutes before the showing was canceled. A few weeks later, subtitles from "Che" played during a screening of "Doubt." In that case, the problem was quickly fixed. However, digital projection did provide an advantage when a woman became ill during a screening of "Revolutionary Road." After an ambulance took the woman away, the projectionist was able to rewind the film a few minutes to the audience could get the full impact of the film. If it was film, it would have had to be done in real time, delaying the picture even more. Read more in Variety.

Historic Ioka Theater to close Christmas Eve

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:41:46 GMT

EXETER, NH -- The historic Ioka Theater, which has operated since 1915 when it showed "Birth of a Nation," will close its doors on Dec. 24th. The main reason is the high cost of installing a sprinkler system, with high energy costs and insurance costs as contributing factors. The theater has 500 seats in the main auditorium with a smaller second screen in the basement which formerly served as the area's YMCA.

Sales Agent Invitation of Shuaikang Seating

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:41:19 GMT

Dear Seat Manufacturers and Distributors: Shuaikang Seating would seek for your cooperation because we have advantages in manufacturing, price and you have sales network and experience in sales at North American market. Therefore both could cooperate well in the basis of mutual benefit. Powerful Manufacturing: Shuaikang Seating has large scale factory, advance production equipment and mature process technology.

Remembering Cinerama (Part 13: Columbus)

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:55:54 GMT

REMEMBERING CINERAMA Part 13: Columbus The following is Part Thirteen in a series of retrospectives on Cinerama, the legendary motion picture process that kicked off the widescreen revolution. The series focuses on providing a market-by-market, film-by-film, historical record of when and where Cinerama and its multi-panel clones were exhibited. The easy-to-reference articles also serve to provide nostalgia to those who experienced the Cinerama presentations when they were new and to highlight the movie palaces in which the memorable events took place. Part 1: New York Part 2: Chicago Part 3: San Francisco Part 4: Houston Part 5: Washington, D.C. Part 6: Los Angeles Part 7: Atlanta Part 8: San Diego Part 9: Dallas Part 10: Oklahoma City Part 11: Syracuse Part 12: Toronto And now...Part 13: Cinerama Presentations in Columbus, Ohio!

Pickwick Theatre celebrates 80th anniversary

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:55:23 GMT

PARK RIDGE, IL -- The Pickwick Theatre will celebrate its 80th anniversary by playing the same silent film it played when it opened: "Lilac Time" with Gary Cooper and Colleen Moore. The theater, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is distinctive for its 100-foot art deco tower. It has been in continuous operation since 1928 without any modification to the original auditorium and has been owned by the same family since 1967. Read more about the history of the theater in the Norridge-Harwood Heights News.

A new magazine for those who cherish Britain's OLD THEATRES

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:50:04 GMT

A new magazine for enthusiasts wishing to learn more about Britain's OLD THEATRES has just been launched at the Coliseum theatre, Aberystwyth. The publication has the backing of Britain's maestro of mirth, Ken Dodd, O.B.E., and Mr. Nick Thomas, the world's most prolific pantomime producer. Packed with information for preservation groups, it will create an open forum on all that's good about British theatre--some of which were converted into cinemas during their life time. For more information and if you would like to join in, please contact Terry Kirtland direct by E Mail: tezza@hawthorn48.freeserve.co.uk He will be very pleased to hear from you. tezza@hawthorn48.freeserve.co.uk

Conneaut Plaza Theatres reopens under new management

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:47:48 GMT

CONNEAUT, OH -- The Conneaut Plaza Theatres reopened under new management last weekend after closing last September. Ironically, the recent closing of the nearby Ashtabula Plaza Theatre laid the foundation for reopening the Plaza. The new owners of the two-screen mall cinema, a married couple, have installed new carpeting and given the place a new coast of paint. They also put in a new concession stand that offers an extended menu that includes hot dogs, nachos and pizza to be baked on the premises by Pizzi Cafe. They hope that will help them compete with the bigger multiplexes. The couple has been learning how to run the projectors and other equipment from the former manager. Read more in the Star Beacon.

Blair Theatre reopens

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:45:26 GMT

BELLEVILLE, KS -- The Blair Theatre reopened on November 7, 2008 showing "Madagascar 2". The movie "Bolt" in 3D is being shown November 21st- December 4th.

Classic cinemas and picture palaces forum

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:45:01 GMT

I thought it would be a fun idea if we had a forum to post and chat, etc. so I've made one up and I hope you all join in :) http://thepalladium.21.forumer.com/index.php Just copy and paste into your browser.

John Loeks speaks as Studio 28 closes

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:40:48 GMT

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- This link shows a photo and video from a final night speech by the closing Studio 28 owner, John Loeks.

Widmark film festival at Bank Street

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:34:50 GMT

FILM FESTIVAL HONORING RICHARD WIDMARK SPONSORED BY "OUR TOWNS FOR SAR-E POL" Location: Bank Street Theater 46 Bank Street, New Milford, CT 06776 (860) 354- 2122 PANIC IN THE STREETS Sunday, January 11th 2009 - 3:00 PM Suggested donation $25

Disney resigns with IMAX

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:45:24 GMT

The Walt Disney Disney Co., which hasn't released a theatrical film in IMAX for over five years, has signed a five-picture deal with the large format film company. IMAX will distribute the films starting in November 2009 with Robert Zemeckis' "A Christmas Carol" starring Jim Carrey. Zemeckis' two previous films, "The Polar Express" and "Beowulf," were released in IMAX. Disney says it had not given up on IMAX but that it was busy launching its own Disney Digital 3D, which is a rebranding of the Real 3D system. With the world economic crisis slowing down the expansion of digital and 3D screens, teaming up with IMAX, which has its own digital and 3D systems, makes sense.

Arthur Hiller and Nat Taylor contact info

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:35:52 GMT

Anyone out there know to contact either Arthur Hiller (Director) or the family of Nat Taylor (founder of the modern day multiplex) to see if either of them have information or photos from a theatre that I own and that was owned by their nephew in the 1960's?

Norwalk Theatre "Rummage" Sale/January, 2009

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:30:31 GMT

The Norwalk Main Street Theatre, 57 E. Main, Norwalk, OH is going to be cleaning out our basement and upstairs in early January, 2009. We have lights, light bulbs, manual dimmer switches, BGW amps, props, signage, + many more misc. items. If you are a collector or just want some authentic theatre items this sale is for you! You can contact Steve at slafountain@sbcglobal.net. Watch Cinema Treasures for the exact date in January, 2009

Encore performances now playing at a theater near you

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:55:57 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC -- Not only was the Tivoli Theater saved, but its rebirth also helped revitalize a neighborhood. This piece looks at other theaters as well and their place in their respective communities.

Pat Myer and her husband were newlyweds when they started fighting to save the Tivoli Theater. When the Columbia Heights theater finally reopened in 2005, the couple had long since celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. "It was a long commitment," says Myer, describing her work to save the nearly 85-year-old historic theater. "It consumed us for a long time. It would be nothing for me to spend 20 or 30 hours a week working on Tivoli issues." A long-fought battle indeed, but she says the result was well worth it. Today Columbia Heights has transformed -- restaurants, boutiques and even a Target now stand in an area once plagued by gang violence -- thanks in no small part to the restored Tivoli Theater and the efforts of Myer and her "Save the Tivoli" group.

Read the full story in the Washington Business Journal.

Stadium seats for sale

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:45:13 GMT

Like new-185 theater seats 9.5 out of 10 in condition. Seats are lavender in color and have tray tables. Seats were $350.00 new and are now for sale for $125.00 ea. Over 100 seats $100.00 each. Email for more info. Located in South Carolina.

Shows go on at Loma

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:45:06 GMT

SOCORRO, NM -- After announcing its closing last month, the Loma Theatre will reopen soon under new management.

There might be a Hollywood ending for the Loma Theater after all. Complete with a hero riding in to save the day, it appears the local movie theater's future has been secured and the grateful masses should soon make their appearance. Incline Village, Nev., businessman Todd Bloomhuff-- owner of Bloomhuff Entertainment Inc. and Bloomhuff Theaters � said he plans to reopen the city's Loma Theater as the New Loma Stadium Cinema by the second week in December.

Read the full story at El Defensor Chieftain.

A star fades in Reedsburg

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:45:25 GMT

REEDSBURG, WI -- Despite news to the contrary, the Star Cinema will not reopen. Instead, it will be used as a storage facility for the time being.

Despite rumors that it would reopen, the Star 6 Cinema in downtown Reedsburg has officially been closed. City Building Inspector Art Biesek received a memo from Steve Carpenter, an employee of the business, breaking the news Thursday. "I just got word today that the Star Cinema in Reedsburg will not be reopening," the memo said. "The cost of the reopening can't be justified in light of the theater's attendance history."

Neighborhood Flix Cinema and Cafe assets go to auction

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:45:01 GMT

DENVER, CO -- After only 10 months in operation, Neighborhood Flix Cinema & Cafe went under. In order to satisfy some of the tax liens incurred during their brief stint in business, the Denver Department of Finance will be selling the assets and equipment of the theater and restaurant at public auction on Tuesday, November 25, 2008. The auction will take place on-site at 2510 E. Colfax, Denver. "We've sold many different types of businesses, but never a movie theater" said Rich Schur, Auctioneer with Schur Success Auction Services, who will be conducting the sale for the City of Denver. "Talk about your home theater set up," Schur added. "Wouldn't it be cool to have a thirty-foot screen in the house?" The auction will include all of the projectors, screens, and theater seating in each of the three theaters. In addition, the lobby furniture, kitchen equipment, and most every other item used in the business will be sold as well.