Terrace Hippodrome Widescreen Theater

any more info on this?

theater closed this week without notice........

from the Internet site:

Charleston IMAX Theatre Closes

With deep regret, Rivers Enterprises Real Estate, Inc. announces the closing of the Charleston IMAX Theatre Monday, September 17, 2007. After seven and a half years providing Lowcountry residents and visitors to Charleston an educational and entertaining experience, the theatre is no longer financially viable.

The loyal support of our customers, our staff, and the city has been greatly appreciated over the years. Rivers Enterprises is undertaking a complete review of its roles as part of Aquarium Wharf and looks forwards to proving enhanced services for that area in the future.

Theater will reopen May 09 as TERRACE HIPPODROME WIDESCREEN.

So it's becoming an arena for bicycle races?

New day dawns for former IMAX
Hippodrome will play blockbusters on enormous screen starting in May
By Allyson Bird (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, March 17, 2009


Mike Furlinger

Under a colossal name dating to ancient Greek chariot races, the former IMAX theater at Aquarium Wharf lives again.

Instead of educational features such as "Everest" or artsy pictures such as the Cirque du Soleil-based "Journey of Man," Terrace Hippodrome will show blockbusters on what owner Mike Furlinger promises will be "by far the largest screen in Charleston."

Furlinger, who owns the art-house Terrace Theater on James Island, said Hippodrome's single screen will span up to 70 feet in length and reach up to 40 feet high. He plans to reopen the facility between May 1 and May 15 with a showing of either "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" or the newest "Star Trek" release.
Mike Furlinger, owner of the Terrace Theater on James Island, plans to breathe new life into the former IMAX theater at Aquarium Wharf by showing blockbuster features on the single screen at the renamed Terrace Hippodrome.

FILE/STAFF

Mike Furlinger, owner of the Terrace Theater on James Island, plans to breathe new life into the former IMAX theater at Aquarium Wharf by showing blockbuster features on the single screen at the renamed Terrace Hippodrome.
The former IMAX theater underwent few cosmetic changes during its transformation into Terrace Hippodrome. The theater will be similar to the Terrace Theater on James Island, also owned by Mike Furlinger, in that it will offer movie-goers wine and beer selections, with waiters serving in the lobby.

Brad Nettles
The Post and Courier

The former IMAX theater underwent few cosmetic changes during its transformation into Terrace Hippodrome. The theater will be similar to the Terrace Theater on James Island, also owned by Mike Furlinger, in that it will offer movie-goers wine and beer selections, with waiters serving in the lobby.

"It's kind of amazing that a city this size doesn't have a movie theater," he said, referring to the Charleston peninsula.

Terrace Hippodrome will bring in a fresh first-run blockbuster every month, according to Furlinger. He envisions major action movies such as "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" gracing the screen.

He also plans to extend some of the Terrace's atmosphere to downtown Charleston. The theater will serve beer and wine, with waiters working the lobby.

"We will encourage people to come early and stay late," Furlinger said.

The Concord Street theater will offer second-floor bike racks for locals who pedal over and movie discounts for patrons who paid to park in the nearby garage, according to Furlinger. He hopes to bring in bands, too, with a set-up similar to the Music Farm.

"That theater has some of the best acoustics in the country," Furlinger said. "And where else can you get that view?"

A New York transplant, Furlinger thinks the waterfront Aquarium Wharf needs an injection of local enthusiasm in order to work. The 415-seat IMAX closed in 2007, reporting poor financial results.

"The problem with IMAX, while it's a great place, is they just have too few movies per year," Furlinger said. "For a single screen to be financially viable to keep the interest of a community, you have to change frequently."

Furlinger said the renovations include few cosmetic changes but considerable screen and sound upgrades. He said prices likely will be 25 cents or 50 cents higher than Terrace tickets, which cost $9 for evening shows and $7 for matinees.

Beth Nathan, public relations manager at the S.C. Aquarium, said attraction officials were "thrilled" to learn about their new neighbor.

"We're excited, and we think it's wonderful to increasingly add other venues and opportunities at the Aquarium Wharf," she said.

correct seat count is 426

THEATER NEEDS NAME CHANGE....

THEATER OPENS THURSDAY MAY 7 TH AT 7PM WITH A 30 HOUR STAR TREK MARATHON.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29456235@N04/3486569177/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29456235@N04/3487384780/in/photostream/

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/may/07/the_terrace_hippodrome81280/

The Terrace Theater has announced dates of the Charleston Film Festival which will run from March 11th through March 14th 2010.

The festival will also use downtown’s new Terrace Hippodrome.

The press release had this to add:

The festival will have a new focus on local and regional films as well as films from around the nation. The after parties will be open this year to all film goers (complimentary ) with a valid ticket stub.
The web site will be CharlestonFilmFestival.com and will be live as of August 15 th 2009 . More info on film submissions will be available then. A new feature this year will be a tour of the Hippodromes massive projection booth with discussion on the future of 35 mm vs digital cinema. A new look and feel this year is sure to impress. This year part of the proceeds will go to film scholarships in the Charleston area.

CHARLESTON FILM FESTIVAL EDUCATIONAL SERIES


SAT MARCH 13 TH @11 AM--THE BRIGHTEST SPOT ON MAIN STREET -The history
of South Carolina movie theaters. Film and panel discussion. @ TERRACE
JAMES ISLAND


SAT MARCH 13TH @ 12:30 --CFA- PANEL DISCUSSION( Topic to be announced)@
TERRACE JAMES ISLAND


SUNDAY MARCH 14 TH-- THE FUTURE 35 MM OR DIGITAL?-Projection tour and
panel discussion the future of the industry. NOON @ TERRACE HIPPODROME
WIDE SCREEN


ALL EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS ARE $1.00 ADMITTANCE FEE

Sounds exciting!!

We believe this is the highest grossing single screen in the nation...not owned by a chain...

screen is 74 ft wide...

Rare 35 mm print of "FUNNY GIRL" to play at Charleston's Luxury theater!
The Terrace hippodrome is proud to announce a special 5 day showing of the 1968 classic "FUNNY GIRL" . Barbra Streisand stars in one of the last great musicals of its time. Funny Girl will open this Friday October 23 rd and play till Tuesday October 27 th. The Terrace Hippodrome Wide screen is Charleston premiere movie venue with 450 BMW leather seats and true digital sound. The Hippodrome boast South Carolinas largest movie screen.. Tickets may be purchased at the Hippodrome box office or by phone 724-9132. The Hippodrome is located downtown Charleston next to the South Carolina Aquarium.