Bow-Tie Cinemas Harbour 9

Tsk:
http://tinyurl.com/2kpuoe

I'm not 100% sure about this, but I believe this place opened in the mid 80s? I'm thinking '87 or so and it was under the APEX or KB name. My friend and I attended a movie on opening weekend, but I can't remember what it was! The theaters are upstairs and are about the same size..I'm guessing 150-250, maybe 300. If you attend on a Thu evening-Saturday, do visit the Amish Market that's right below the theaters. They have wonderful fresh farm produce and dairy, along with snack foods such as fresh made pretzels (with or without salt or butter) and a variety of freshly baked-on-the-premesis cookies, breads, pies and cakes! Ian says he enjoys Pot Bellys and, yes, their sandwiches are good and reasonably priced, but they only have bottled and canned drinks. I prefer the fountain variety.

When Crown took over, they completed a remodel back in '04 or so, which included a refurbished concession stand area and sound systems. I believe they all have digital sound (at least Dolby) that I am aware of. They do play the Dolby Digital trailer the last few times I've seen movies here. I read on a website on 70mm capable theaters, that the projector from the old MacArthur supposedly made its way to this venue back in '97 and that auditoriums 1 and 2 were 70mm capable. Unfortunately, I don't recall this venue ever booking 70mm anything.

BowTie took over in late '06 and the programming has remained art house-type fair, which would explain the lack of teens attending this place..as if that were a bad thing? The Mall gets the popular films but this is not always the case. Last year, this place got Dreamgirls as opposed to the Mall, so go figure. BowTie installed new rocker type seats, which are very comfortable. The last film I saw here was Sweeney Todd, in #1, to an almost empty theater but enjoyed the movie and the sound. It was nice to lie down and enjoy the show.

Ken, as far as your post to a link about underaged ticket buying, I've seen cashiers at the ticket counter ask for ID to those who look underaged. Maybe on that particular night, someone slipped up but I probably can guess who asked for ID upon entering the theater, too. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a film that is Rated R states that no one under 17 is allowed without a guardian or parent? If thats the case, then the parent legally should have gone to the showing with the kids. Or, maybe he did go with them to buy the tickets then decided not to go to the show thinking that once the kids had been cleared to buy tickets, his presence was not required for the actual show.
I honestly think he has no standing since legally, his child was attempting to watch a movie that legally required a guardian or parent to be with him and his friends.

During my years of frequenting the Mall 11, I've had to ask for a refund only one time and that was because they advertised Superman Returns as being in digital projection, yet it was not. I was told that the "key" to the digital projector had expired and that the last show of that movie of the day was on film. The ticket taker tried to explain to me that there was "no difference" between digital projection and film but I was not having it. The Manager was going to give me money back, but I opted for passes because I frequent the place often. If that offended parent had seen the General Manager, I'm sure he would have gotten his money back.

Here is the link that states that #1 and #2 were 70mm equipped:

www.redballoon.net/current70mmus.html

Tonight was not a good night at the Harbour 9, particularly the Frost/Nixon showing in #6. The picture was shown outside of the screen and the surround sound went out towards the end. I would have complained but the movie was somewhat of a schnoozer anyway.

The Christmas day showing of Doubt in #2 was better..perfect, in fact. :) I hope this isn't a sign of things to come with uneven showmanship.

My friend and I saw "Public Enemies" starring Johnny Depp in #4. They played a Dolby Digital EX trailer, a new one, or at least different from the one I remember at the Senator way back in '99. Unfortunately, I didn't notice rear theater sound fx (in the trailer) to showcase the EX part sitting pretty close to the front. The film, overall was good, with decent sound.

I saw 'Up' in #5 in Dolby Digital. Unfortunately, it was not in 3D as it just left the Mall 11 before I had a chance to see it. The movie, itself, was engaging despite the lack of 3D. There are some decidedly adult moments 1/3 through the movie that I thought would be upsetting to some. Overall, the film was a delight and another Pixar hit. Surrounds were evident when needed to be and as the film was not digital, there were noticeable scratches screen hiccups towards the end.

I caught "My One and Only" in #1 on a matinee showing this past week. Presentation was very good. They played a Stomp themed Dolby Digital trailer which didn't really show off the theater's sound capabilities other than being loud. I had no clue the movie was a biopic of sorts and thought the performances all around were quite good. Unfortunately, I must've been tired as I fell asleep between the 1/3 and 1/2 of the movie. I doubt I will see it again in theaters and will wait for it to come on cable before I see it again. :)