Seattle Cinerama

Please see the website on the opening of the Seattle (Martin) Cinerama in 1962. The address is:
http://members.aol.com/cinerama8/index.cinema.html

Photographs of the staff are included in the history. Thanks.

Hi, Ross & Patrick. Hey, I just was looking over your page on the Cinerama in Seattle, and it still says that Cineplex Odeon converted the building to 2nd run. The theatre was NEVER a 2nd run theatre. It was always -- even in its delapidated later condition -- THE first run house in Seattle. The only exception is that during its last couple of months it ran Air Force One and Titanic several weeks into their release. Also, the chain is now AMC, which bought out General Cinemas.

Cheers!
--Matt

I was visiting Seattle several years ago and couldn't wait to view a film at the Cinerama. The pic was "Lord of the Rings" and what a presentation. A huge screen, flawless projection and incrediable sound. We have nothing like this in SF. The Cinerama is the best!

If only all theatres were like this one! How ironic it is though that it's currently run by AMC, which represents many of the things that are wrong with today's theatres!

When I was livng in Portland, OR, I would make frquent trips to Seattle. On one of my trips, I took the oppotunity to see "TITUS" at the Cinerama. I have to say that it was one of the BEST theater experiences I've ever had. The theater was MARVELOUS (as was the film)!!!

I just moved back to New York late last year (after spending 15 years in the Pacific NorthWest). And we have just had the disheartening feeling of having the Loew's Astor Plaza, one of the last large single screen theaters left,close.

I hope those of you who are TRUE theater fans in Seattle will hold on to the Cinerama. Though his handling of the BLAZERS leaves a lot to be desired, Paul Allen gets major props from me for his work on the Cinerama.

I'd love to get back to Seattle someday and see a Cinerama revival. (I had seen several Cinerama shows back home in Chicago in the 1950s and early '60s)

My only experience with the Seattle Cinerama theater was in early 1969, while stationed at Fort Lewis, near Tacoma. I wanted so much to see Kubrick's "2001:A Space Odyssey" and this seemed the perfect place to watch it. I was not disappointed.

Although "2001" was shot in "Super-Panavision 70", MGM (or Technicolor) did make special prints just for Cinerama type theater showings (cf: imdb.com) It projected very impressively on Seattle's deep-curved screen. I had seen a matinee showing - went to dinner and came back to watch it again, I was so impressed. Happy to hear the theater still stands and is supported by local fans.

Does anyone know if there will be a Cinerama film fest this year?

I saw 'Grand Prix' and '2001' here in Cinerama-ish presentations, as well as many other fine films, including 'Lord of the Rings', in lavish style. Then, in 2004, 'How The West Was Won' in 3-strip Cinerama. The two side projectors were from Peru! An unforgettable experience. It was as if I'd never seen the film before. Synchronization was excellent. Never has Alfred Newman's score sounded so good, or the color been better. The artistry of John Ford's Civil War sequence was a revelation. The three projectionists were welcoming and cheerfully addressed our group's many questions. There were so many of us that we could hardly fit in the spacious righthand projection booth! And on Superbowl day, no less. I had an original program booklet, which made a hit in the general vicinity.

The restoration of the theatre itself is stunning. The moderne/populuxe feel of the place is 10 times better than the original, which was simply an endless array of dull red curtains. The Seattle Cinerama should serve as an inspiration to theatre owners everywhere! Bless you, Paul Allen!

I'll be in Seattle in September and hope to see somehting on the 90 foot Cinerama screen, rather than the 60 foot (but still impressive!) screen.

I meant the 68 foot screen.

And while I'm there, are there any recommendations for great movie houses that I should check out?

saps, when in Seattle, check out the bare remains of what was once a great theatre town: the Paramount, on Pine St, is the grandest. Rapp & Rapp in fine form, in association with the regional movie palace wizard, B. Marcus Priteca. Next, the 5th Avenue, which, in Ben Hall's immortal phrase, 'nearly out-Chinesed Grauman's Chinese' is a fine specimen in a dignified building. Both houses are in excellent (restored) condition, the 5th less so. The Coliseum, also on 5th, remains in frontage form only, as its interior is now, sadly, just another Banana Republic. But what a frontage it is, with 'COLISEVM' spelled out in Roman Empire form, way up there under the cornice. All three survivors, interestingly, used to be members of the Fox Westcoast chain. The marvelously oddball Moore, which still uses a sandbag fly gallery backstage, is down on 2nd. Almost more like a lodge hall than a theatre. Long gone in the immediate vicinity: the Town, the Music Box, the Blue Mouse, the Music Hall, and the beloved Orpheum. The Egyptian, up Pine St, actually was a masonic hall turned into theatre. Nice atmosphere. The Neptune, up in the University District, is fairly low key, but it sports busts of the sea god around the periphery of the auditorium, with eyes that glow in sea-greenish-blue. The Rivoli, the last burlesque house in Seattle, bowed to the wrecking ball in the early 1970s. This said, seeing the Cinerama restored was a major lift in a town known for being a filmgoers' paradise, but ironically, not a good turf for movie palace restoration, except in the two cases above.

What are the current uses for the Paramount, 5th Avenue, Moore and Neptune? (I know I could look it up, but...) Are they live performance spaces or do they still show movies? I wonder if any tours arre available. Thanks!

Universal presents KING KONG. World Premiere Monday, 12 December 2005 Ziegfeld Theatre, New York City. Regular performances start Wednesday, 14 December 2005 at the Ziegfeld Theatre, New York, the Cinerama Dome, Hollywood, CA and Seattle Cinerama.

http://www.kingkongmovie.com/ef239524432ba87f1ca8f70eed4b1fa7/en_splash.html

In a word, wow!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokeystik/15216927/

A recent pic

another one
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adpowers/8045984/

FYI: The Seattle Cinerama falls under the AMC chain now, not General Cinemas.

When will this theatre actually show a CINERAMA film?

I am in Seattle now and hope to make a report when I return!

saps, I look forward to your observations. I used to work at the Paramount (still standing) and the Music Hall (now long gone), so my Seattle movie palace thoughts are a mixture of the wistful and the glorious. The Cinerama dodged a bullet, and for that we can all be grateful. Happy touring!

I recently visted this theater and had an excellent experience. The renovation was superb; the lobby reminded me a bit of the United Nations/JFK Airport International Style, bland but clean, with blue tile thoughout.

I was happy to see a lovely pale purple curtain covering the screen, rather than pre-show advertising. The curtain opened to reveal a tremendous screen, which seemed to go from floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall. The manager later told me that the Cinerama screen is folded up behind this screen, and is ready to be reassembled whenever a Cinerama feature is presented, such as How the West Was Won, which screened a while back.

The auditorium seems to be done in a post-modern atmospheric style, including twinkling lights that go out when the feature starts. The orchestra level seats were comfortable rocking ones. I sat in the balcony (because I could!) where the seats didn't rock, except, oddly, in the front row, which thus provided a good view of the ceiling and a not-so-great view of the screen.

Needless to say, the presentation was first-rate, with a bright, clear picture and crystal clear sound.

The locals really seem to love this theatre, especially since it was recently spared from the wrecking ball. I join them in their support.

(While in Seattle I also visted and have commented upon the Paramount, the 5th Avenue, the Egyptian, the Colisuem and the Meridian.)

While in Seattle, it is definately worth a special trip to the Cinerama, regardless what is playing.

The single screen, THX certified auditorium sports the best sound I've ever heard in any theater ever, including Chicago's McClurg Court, LAs Village, and San Franciscos Metreon.

The theater primarily uses its massive flat screen, however for annual festivals they take that screen down, and assemble the (even more) massive curved cinerama screen, and show cinerama 3 projector format films, and 70MM films on the curved screen. I was fortunate enough to see Lawrence of Arabia in that format, it was spectacular.

The Cinerama was an early adopter of DLP technology, however they no longer project movies in DLP (as of Spring 05). Rumor has it that they recieved their DLP projector on loan from Boeing (I can confirm Boeing manufactured the Cineramas DLP projector), but that it was unreliable, and the resolution was pixelated on Cineramas massive screen.

Going to Seattle for the first time tomorrow...and watching "Narnia" here on Saturday. I can't wait!!!

WOW!!! Now that is one amazing theatre! Kudos to Paul Allen for resurrecting a true cinema treasure!

I am curious as to why this venue couldn't show regular films on the curved screen. We have a curved 70' screen at DC's Uptown where they show regular films all the time. They don't look distorted or unviewable at all.

The 68 foot "placeholder" screen is curved also. I've heard lots of folks complain that films projected on genuine 90 foot Cinerama screens (like the one at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood) look very distorted and out of focus in parts. I can't tell, though.

Dose anyone know this history? movie house called Kellie’s in Seattle Washington
Family History says that Minnie (Miller) Haas opened the first movie house in Tucson AZ. The first in Tucson was The Lyric “it was the first grind house in Arizona” it was called a grind house because they showed movies over and over again on a daily basis.
The reason I think Minnie was the owner of the Old Pima was because it operated between 1916 and 1920. Minnie and her brother came into some money around that time. Her brother Louis Clair Miller opened a movie house called Kellie’s in Seattle Washington. The AZ chain was operated under the Diamos umbrella or the Diamos Brothers’ Lyric Amusement chain of theatres throughout Southern Arizona, the Fox West Coast theatre chain this some how all ties together.

I have seen a number of movies at the Seattle Cinerama on my 2 or 3 visits there every year. They include Gladiator and recently Dreamgirls. Watching a movie in a theatre that presents its self in such a proffessioal way takes your mind back to the hey days of movie going. Everything about the building is fantastic. The screen is amazing and has an equally amazing sound system. Go! Go! Go! A great evening.

This is another view of the Seattle Cinerama.

Was in Seattle recently and made it a point to visit the Cinerama to see THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. What a wonderful trip back to the Sixties. Comfortable auditorium, huge screen, and absolute pleasure seeing a movie there. I hope someday to see a genuine Cinerama film there as well.

so all the features there now are DLP digial projection - right?

We're lucky the Cinerama screen is still on site, although presently folded up.

I thought some features were still film.

there is a rumor on the internet that the louvered screen was incorrectly installed, ie, the edges were lined up end to end instead of overlapped and pointed toward the back of the auditorium. Can anyone verify/refute this rumor?

Thanks

http://www.cinerama.com/special_events.asp

The Cinerama
70MM FILM SERIES

Screening now through March, 2008, you'll have the opportunity to view six classic films there, shown in super crisp 70MM. Shot on film twice the size of a typical 35MM motion picture, these super high-resolution films are known for their amazing clarity and detail on the big screen.

There were a limited number of these high-resolution films made, and Cinerama is one of only a few theaters able to screen them.








Cinerama will show the following spectacular 70MM films through March 2008: (Sunday screenings at noon; Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.)

-2007-
Top Gun: October 7 and 9
Ghostbusters: November 4, 6, 11 and 13
Titanic*: November 25 and 27, December 2 and 4

-2008-
2001: A Space Odyssey**: January 27 and 29, February 3 and 5
Tron: February 24 and 26, March 2 and 4
Lawrence of Arabia: March 16, 18, 23, and 25

Some corrections and comments are in order to some of the posts starting in September, 2007.

First, the theater no longer has a digital projection system. It was taken out a few years ago. I don't know what the system was, and I have no idea if they plan to install a new one. Though AMC has announced that all their theaters will be going digital, I'm not sure if the Cinerama will be one of them since AMC only manages it for owner Paul Allen.

Second, the Cinerama screen is not "folded up." It is permanently installed behind the second screen used for everyday showings. The second screen is dismantled (a job that takes 10 to 12 hours) so that Cinerama films can be projected on the proper screen.

Third, the rumor involving the improper installation of the screen is totally false. I was able to inspect the screen close up and the slats were always aligned correctly. There was an initial problem in that the slats were not anchored correctly so that the breezes from the air conditioning system did cause a somewhat minor rippling effect, but this has been corrected.

Fourth, neeb's posting contains several factual errors in the first and second paragraphs. I know it is not his or her fault since the erroneous information came from the theater's website. Contrary to what the website states, Top Gun, Ghostbusters and Titanic are simply 70mm blowups from 35mm stock. 2001 and Lawrence of Arabia were shot on 65mm stock (not sure about Tron) and the difference between those two and 70mm blowups is like night and day. And, as all of you should know, these films can be shown in any theater equipped with 70mm capabilities.

If any of you are planning a visit to Seattle, I would recommend that you plan on seeing either 200l or Lawrence of Arabia. Tron certainly has my interest for its rarity, though I wasn't a big fan when it first came out. When I saw Ghostbusters in 70mm a couple of years ago at the Cinerama, the print was very grainy. Top Gun is already gone and you couldn't pay me enough money to see Titanic again.

I recommend that you see ANY movie at this unique theater, no matter what is playing. You won't be sorry.

D Roben: Tron was shot in Super Panavision 70.

Thanks for the info, JSA. I shall definitely be seeing it then.

I was mulling over a trip to Seattle, including a visit to the Martin - but I'd really love to experience a true three-strip Cinerama presentation at some point in my lifetime. Are such occurences at this theatre far and few between? I imagine that three-strip prints are in short supply - especially for "How the West Was Won" - but I don't really have much knowledge in that area. Is there an archival print (or set of prints as it were) of HTWWW and maybe "This is Cinerama" in good condition that are still allowed to be screened here or in L.A.?

As a side note, I'm curious about the website advertisement for the upcoming 70MM film festival noting that "2001: A Space Odyssey" is an "original B print." Do I understand that correctly to mean the print is not in "A" condition - or is there some other meaning that escapes me?

Ed, I asked the same question on the Cinerama Dome's page. Here's HowardBHaas response:

"My guess is that it is still very enjoyable,and even more interesting because it is an ORIGINAL print. Perhaps there's a little color fading in a few places or the sound isn't perfect. Remember that B means good or very good, by definition. I sure wouldn't want to see a print in a D condition, but that's not this one."

I am not 100 % clear on what "original" means. My guess is that it would be a print struck before the re-issue from 6 years ago.

As far as HTWWW, the print screened a few years ago at the Cinerama Dome was in great shape, with a terrific soundtrack. I don't know the condition of "This is Cinerama". As of this time, I am not aware of any plans to show 3-strip Cinerama in the near future.

I'm thinking seriuosly to make the trip for "2001": it will be the 40th anniversary of the film.

JSA

New and restored prints of ""This Is Cinerama" and "HTWWW" were struck a couple of years ago at the Crest National Labs; information about them can be found at the "Cinerama Adventure" website at http://www.cineramaadventure.com/crest3.htm

I have seen the new print of "HTWWW" at the Cinerama Dome a few years ago soon after it was struck; it looked good, but probably would have looked even better if a proper strip screen had beeen installed.

If I am not mistaken, the last time "HTWWW" was shown at the Seattle Cinerama, the print was the lovingly cobbled together one that John Harvey put together that was shown at the New Neon Theater in Dayton, Ohio during the Cinerama revival that blossomed there in the late 1990s. I think this was shown soon after Paul Allen's restoration of the Seattle Cinerama.

John Harvey did bring his personal "cobbled together" print of HTWWW for the premiere of Cinerama in Seattle under the Paul Allen era, but subsequent showings have utilized the newly-struck print, and it looks fantastic on the Seattle Cinerama screen.

I have not experienced Three Strip Cinerama at the Dome, but I can say that the Seattle Cinerama is the only TRUE Cinerama theater left in the country. While Pacific Theaters should be commended by bringing back Three Strip to Southern California, that screen (as noted above) uses a single sheet, which has a curvature of 120 degrees, while the Seattle Cinerama uses a proper louvered screen with the original deeper 148 degree curvature.

It's been about three years since Three Strip Cinerama has last been shown in Seattle, so I'm hoping that it'll be brought back soon. I'll post here as soon as I hear anything as I am an acquaintance of one of the Cinerama projectonists (he works the Abel booth). If he hears of anything, he'll let me know.

Seattle is a great town - best seafood I've ever had! I've been there several times (mostly for business) and always enjoyed its hospitality and restaurants. Unfortunately, all my visits occurred before I knew (thanks to this site) that there was a working and lovingly restored Cinerama theatre in town! Even more unfortunately, here in NYC (where the format premiered) all of the original Cinerama venues have been demolished. Well, actually, the theatre where Cinerama was actually first unveiled to the public (the Broadway Theatre) is still standing and in fine shape, but has been converted to legitimate live theatre. I would definitely make the trip out west to experience a true Cinerama presentation (and I'd much prefer to do so in Seattle rather than Los Angeles), so please do keep us informed if you hear anything, D Roben! Thanks.

Seattle does it right: "Blade Runner" opens Oct 26. Should be a cool show at the Cinerama!

JSA

Here is a recent night view.

Any reports on how the "Blade Runner" engagement is faring in Seattle? The NYC engagement has been extended into its 5th week and expanded to an additional house as of this past Friday.

Regerding previous commments about the deep Cinerama screen being totally complete behind the existing screen: It's not just a matter of revealing the deep screen, there is most definitely "some assembly required."

I have seen numerous pictures of the long arduous process of dismantling the front screen and assembling the pieces of the deep screen that are stored behind it. This includes unfurling sections that are rolled up, and replacing the center of the curtain track so that it follows the curve of the deep screen.

As for this being the only "true" Cinerama theatre in the US... well Pacific did decide against installing the louvered screen at the Dome because they saw the unahchored louvres fluttering in the AC breeze when the Seattle first ran HTWWW. Certainly a mistake in my mind. And it's true that Seattle has a deeper curve, which is probably better.

However the specs for Cinerama were not set in stone, and the 126 degree (like the Dome) curve was used in some Cinerama theatres, others had a 146 degree curve like the Seattle). Some of the screens had flat sides like a bowtie, some were cylindrical. Some were even a flat sheet in the center and louvred only onthe sides. So you can't claim the Dome isn't "true" Cinerama just because of the degree of the curve.

The Seattle Cinerama people decided not to permanently install the deep curved screen because of some talk about picture distortion, (which could have been minimized). The Cinerama Dome people chose not to install a proper louvered screen, instead opting for a low-gain screen, which provides a less effective picture.

The Cinerama experince in Seattle may well be more impressive, but it requires a massive and expensive conversion process to assemble then dismantle the deep screen every time they want to use it, making even some 70mm films worthy of the deep screen more likely to be shown on the smaller one in front. (as is the case with 2001 and others in their current 70mm series). The Dome, however, shows everything on the curved screen, and when they want to run Cinerama, all they have to do is bring in the print and three very good projectionists.

Bottom line, The Seattle CInerama and the Dome each have attributes the other doesn't and some of their biggest differences were influenced in some way by each other. Seattle: nicer deepscreen experience, but that is very rare because it is not set up for regular use of the bigger screen. Dome: screen and picture could cartainly be better but it is there all the time. Advantage regarding Cinerama: Neither. Advantage regarding decor and atmosphere: Seattle.

having said all that, I'd love to visit the Seattle Cinerama, because it

...because it looks like a nice atmosphere to see a movie in. If i lived there I'd go all the time. But I wouldn't make the long trip unless they assembled the big deep-curved screen.

(Just a short note to get me back on the notification list)

Can anyone confirm whether "2001" will be shown on the curved Cinerama screen later this month, or will it be on the smaller, flat one? Thanks.

Bill:

"2001" will NOT be shown on the curved Cinerama screen. The logistics of tearing down the "regular" screen and reassembling it afterwards are just too time-consuming (and costly) to perform for only two showings (on separate days, with regular programming shown in between).

However, "2001" will still look spectacular on the "regular" screen. Just be sure to sit below the crossover aisle for best viewing.

Dan

Thanks, Dan. I was going to make the trip to Seattle from NJ, but only if it was on the curve. I'm a sucker for "2001" in Cinerama, the way I saw it in 1968.

L.A.'s Cinerama Dome is showing it this month also, but I have jury duty that day. This is just not my year for seeing "2001". Maybe Seattle will show it on their big screen another time, since theirs is a "real" Cinerama screen (vertical strips, 146-degree curve, etc.) I'd love to see it there someday.

Bill,

It certainly is impressive on the big Cinerama screen and of course is the optimum way of seeing it.

Periodically, the Seattle Cinerama schedules week-long 70mm/wide screen festivals usually featuring two or three 3-panel Cinerama films. This is when they pull out all the stops and use the massive Cinerama screen. Although it's been a couple of years since the last one, I'm hoping there will be one in the not too distant future. When one is scheduled, I'll be sure to post here.

Dan

Thanks again, Dan! Maybe I'll get to see "How the West Was Won" there too.

Has anyone seen any of the "2001" screenings this week?

Well, I saw it this afternoon. It was phenomenal, with one exception. The film just....stopped. Just before the intermission was supposed to happen. Lights came up, and the curtain closed. When it started again, it started where it stopped. The intermission portion never played. When it did finally come back up, there were no problems afterwards. I hope this doesn't happen on Tuesday night for the last showing. The audience was appreciative, though.

I went on Tuesday night and had to leave it was so messed up. I am one of the projectionists that ran 3 projector here(able booth for one show of How The West Was Won and one show of This Is Cinemrama) We used to have a good union operator here but AMC cut the position 3 years ago. What was wrong on Tuesday was poor focus and no sound from the stage speakers or subwoofers till midway thru reel 2 when I left to get my money back. Sad. When they ran 2001 on the deep curve several years ago it was great. Normal 35 presentations usually run okay here but with 70mm they really should use an experienced projectionist.

Too bad, too bad. I saw '2001' at the old 'red curtains' Cinerama when it came out in '68, and a couple other times there in reissue. No reason to trek in if the latest go round is flawed, though. Hopefully, the malfunctions won't happen again. Audiences may put up with a lot, but the management better kick some butt, so to speak.

Brian, you and your team did a GREAT job of handling 'HTWWW' when I saw it on Superbowl Sunday a few years back. Also, I really appreciated listening to you guys up in the booths, explaining about the process. A truly memorable occasion.

According to this page about the Seattle Cinerama Theatre on the City of Seattle website, the original design of the theatre was by local architect Raymond H. Peck. The renovation was handled by the Portland-based firm BOORA Architects.

Currently they are running engagements for the blind and deaf. Jumper ran recently and 10,000 B.C. starts at 12:01 am Friday.

11:59 pm on Thursday, my mistake.

Why isn't a WIDESCREEN WEEKEND done here each year as is done in Great Britain? Just think, a whole weekend with, 3-strip CINERAMA and 70mm "CINERAMA", 3-strip CINEMIRICLE, 3-strip KINOPANORAMA, 70mm TODD-AO etc.! Everyone should bug the heck out of the Gods in charge of the Seattle CINERAMA. To see what we are missing see: http://www.in70mm.com/widescreen_weekend/2008/index.htm

"Ladies and Gentlemen, This is CINERAMA!" Lowell Thomas September 30, 1952

Oh Bob, stop it!... you're making me homesick... again!!!

Did anyone see the 70mm Lawurence of Arabia today? I hope it was better than the 2001 presentation on Feb. 3rd.

A friend of mine saw Lawrence on Sunday and said that the presentation was flawless and that the print was excellent. She also said that the theater was about 3/4 full, which is quite impressive for an early Sunday show. I'm planning to see it next Sunday. I'll post my impressions afterwards.

Good to know. I'm planning on going to the noon show on Sunday as well.

I took a friend who had never seen Lawrence before this afternoon. We were both impressed. This is the place where I saw it for the first time. There were only 2 problems. One was a known problem and it had been posted in the lobby, so there wer no surprises. There was going to be a 1.5 minute silence just before the intermission. It was a problem with the print. The other problem was a lot of frame jumping during the tent scene. Not sure if that was a problem beforehand or not, but it was sorted out in short order. Well done! Can't beat 7th row center!

Apparently the Cinerama is playing Superman 1978 in 70mm this weekend.
...
The Arclight could learn a thing or two from their Seattle brethren.

This is how the flat screen is installed in front of the permanent Cinerama louvered screen at pictureville.
[url=http://www.in70mm.com/news/2006/cinerama_pictureville/index.html]

"Superman" will be playing for a week. I'm curious as to the condition of the print.

The Cinerama's website states that the "film is aged with discoloring." Awkwardly worded, but at least they're being truthful.

Any Chance for "How The West Was Won" to coincide with Warner's DVD package this summer?

Thanks

This is a recent photo.

I wonder how the theatre became the main theatre in Seattle for CC/DVS presentations. A good move by Mr. Allen, helping entertain the hearing and visually impared.

I meant AMC.

Reading above comments about the flat screen and the curved screen behind it why in the world are they showing 2001 on a flat screen when they have the only Cinerama screen in the country?
Too much assembly required is a pretty lame excuse. Then why have a Cinerama screen if you hardly ever use it?
And what I especially don't get is the fact that The Capitol and the Warner Cinerama, and Rivoli in NY often had 35 mm presentations between their 70mm films. And when I saw the salute to 70mm in the late 70's at the Warner I hardly think they went to such trouble to present it. Also I saw Superman 2 there and it was the same screen.
The Rivoli occasionally showed 70mm in the 70' which I saw on the wide curved screen. I never heard of a screen change and it would not have been worth it especially over night.
Somebody at the Seattle needs to think out of the box.

With all due respect, Leon...

First off, the Seattle Cinerama is not the only three-panel Cinerama theater in the US. The Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles is also equipped to show original Cinerama and has for the past few years on a sporadic basis (as has the Seattle Cinerama).

Second, when Paul Allen bought the Cinerama, he was thinking out of the box. Sure, the big curved screen is impressive, but showing any 35MM print (especially scope)on that screen results in a horrible distortion of the projected image as well as creating a focusing nightmare.

Now, I can't speak to the theaters you mentioned, but it's very possible that those screen curvatures were at 120 degrees (a lesser curve) vs. the Cinerama's 146 degrees (a very deep curve). The problems I mentioned above are not as evident on a 120 degree screen, but still are an issue.

Thirdly, don't forget that the Seattle Cinerama is a business. Removing the "flat" screen and then putting it up again takes many man hours and results in lost revenues. It is not a cheap undertaking.

When the Seattle Cinerama schedules another week-long Cinerama/70MM festival, you can be sure that the flat screen will come down. And, as I've stated before, I will post details here as soon as it is announced.

Maybe Leon is referring to the fact that the Seattle Cinerama screen is louvered (the Dome's isn't), when he states that it is the "only" Cinerama screen in the nation. A point that some Cinerama purists (not me however) may agree. The 3-strip shows at the Dome are terrific, and the recent 70 mm screening of "2001" there was a knockout.

In retrospect, tearing down the screen for the "2001" shows earlier this year, really did not make much sense, considering the fact that they were still running their regular fare on the flat screen. The downtime due to the labor involved (as stated in the above post by D Roben) was simply not justifiable, as opposed to the situation where a full week of Cinerama features are scheduled, and all the films would take advantage of the curvature and screen size.

JSA

The screen in the photo is gorgeous.
The Rivoli and the Warner had huge curved screens though to be honest I don't don't know to what extent.
Seeing 2001 at the Rivoli was such an overwhelming experience for me that I don't want to see it again on a flat screen. It was one of the greatest movie experiences of my life. It gave you a sense of 3 D but it was better. Things did not pop out at you like a gimmick.
The Warner also showed 3 strip Cinerama. I would like to know however if their screen of the 60's and 70's was different. Also the Capitol when it was showing movies like Zhivago and Planet of the Apes.

If distortion is a problem I thought you could rectfy most of it with lens. Who would notice?. Yes the movie aficiandos, but who else in today's day and age? I mean we are not in 1952. I've seen some pretty lousy presentations and it seems I'm the only one who complains so they just think I'm being difficult.

OK so if they have to change the screen to have 3 strip couldn't they have as someone said above showing at the same time films like Lawrence, Magnificent Men, 2001 SOM and many others so that the curved screen could be utilized for longer periods of time once a year?
Otherwise Cinerama in the name of the theater is considerably less than accurate.
And I hope they use curtains otherwise an important effect is thrown away.
At the Rivoli when you suddenly see that Hal is reading their lips the curtains started to close with the screen getting narrower slowly focusing on Hal.
Shocking and unbelievably chilling.

And if you were never in the Rivoli, Warner, or Criterion in New York to see 70mm than you have nothing to tell your grandchildren.

Calm down, Leon. The Seattle Cinerama DOES HAVE - and USE - CURTAINS.

AND, contrary to popular belief, the standard screen that they use to show non-Cinerama films is slightly curved as well.

Has anyone been here since the new seats and twinkly ceiling stars were installed? It was pretty comfy before...

Vertigo is coming! Cool!

http://www.seattlecinerama.com/TemplateComingSoon.aspx?contentId=2

Damn, now I'm jealous of ya'll in Seattle. You guys get to see Vertigo not only at the Cinerama, but in 70MM too.

Ah, if only plane or train tickets cost $5.

Yeah...and The Untouchables in 70MM as well! Sweet!! I think I'll pass on Gremlins, though...

From

http://www.in70mm.com/now_showing/index.htm

Coming to the Seattle Cinerama

In 70mm Dolby Stero

"The Untouchables"
Tuesday 2/24/2009
Thursday 2/26/2009
Sunday 3/1/2009
Tuesday 3/3/2009

"Gremlins"
Sunday 3/15/2009
Tuesday 3/17/2009
Thursday 3/19/2009
Sunday 3/22/2009
Tuesday 3/24/2009
Thursday 3/26/2009

To keep 70mm films coming to the CINERAMA, please go see these films!

I had the opportunity to see "The Untouchables" last Thursday and what an experience it was. The print the Cinerama obtained was flawless with no scratches or color fading. If I didn't know any better, I would say that the print had just come from the lab--it was that good!

There's only one screening left on Tuesday, March 3, at 8 PM. If you're in the Seattle-Tacooma area, do yourself a favor and see it.

The Seattle Cinerama is to be commmended for bringing back these films. Unfortunately, the only advertising for the series is on their website. There were only about 20 people in the audience when I saw it and, with numbers like that, I can't imagine them continuing this series. So I'll just repeat what Bob Jensen said above: "To keep 70mm films coming to the Cinerama, please go see these films!"

A small correction. There's also a showing on Thursday the 5th at 8PM as well.

So here I am 40 miles south of Chicago. I have no idea what is going on way up in Seattle. My guess is that the Seattle CINERAMA is doing a GOOD job of telling the Seattle area about it's 70mm films. I decide that perhaps I can help in my small way by listing the films on Cinema Treasures just in case someone in the Seattle area looks here and decides this is something they want to see. What can it hurt? What a surprise to find out the Seattle CINERAMA did not advertise it, only (on their website)! 20 people, 70mm, beautiful theater, what a waste, what a sin. Someone should be hung by their -----!

It reminds me of the late Walt Disney's quote on publicity "NEVER MISS AN ANGLE!".

A bunch of you up in the Seattle area ought to send this to Paul Allen.

PUBLICITY!

I just forwarded a link to this page to vulcan.com (Attn Paul Allen). I don't know if it will make a difference, but let's hope so!

Little Shop of Horrors in 70MM later this month:

http://www.seattlecinerama.com/TemplateComingSoon.aspx?contentId=2

I am curious as to what quality these prints are that are going to be shown. Its one thing if its a seldom used studio print, or even a new print but judging by the titles, I'd think they would be older prints. If anyone happens to attend any of these showings, blog and tell us, please, so those of us in the other parts of the country know that there is a good print of a particular 70mm movie we could get at our local 70mm filmhouse.

I was a bit upset to hear that the Cinerama showed "Vertigo" earlier in the year--this is my alltime favorite film. After the restoration release around ten years ago the Cinerama had an exclusive showing of the film for a good period of time (might have been a month), and I saw it at least five times. It was simply amazing. I haven't seen it in 70mm since, but will now be keeping my eyes open in case it returns--and I hope it does.

Awesome! Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 70MM starting this Sunday! http://www.seattlecinerama.com/TemplateComingSoon.aspx?contentId=2

Saw Indy today. The print was in pretty good shape. There was a problem when they started it up. Lights went down, curtain parted, and...nothing. About 30 seconds later, the sound started to spin up. When the audio was coming up, there was no picture. No Paramount logo or anything else. Then the picture came on and it was just in time for the title. Then it all went blank and silent again. Another 10 seconds and then audio spun up, everything came back up like it should. After that, no problems whatsoever. I know projecting 70MM is different than 35MM, but what is the difference that would cause this kind of problem? A similar audio problem happened when Lawrence was here in Feb. 08.

Listed below are the films which played at the Cinerama from its opening in 1963 through 1976. Research is from microfilms of The Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Variety. The dates are the Wednesday of the opening week.

01/23/63 The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm
04/10/63 How the West Was Won
04/22/64 It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
03/24/65 The Greatest Story Ever Told
08/11/65 The Hallelujah Trail
11/03/65 The Greatest Story Ever Told
12/22/65 Battle of the Bulge
03/30/66 Russian Adventure
06/29/66 Khartoum
10/12/66 The Appaloosa
11/09/66 Texas Across the River
12/21/66 Gambit
02/01/67 Grand Prix
10/04/67 Thoroughly Modern Millie
05/29/68 2001: A Space Odyssey
11/19/69 Ice Station Zebra
02/25/70 Krakatoa, East of Java
04/29/70 Ben-Hur
05/13/70 2001: A Space Odyssey
06/17/70 A Boy Named Charlie Brown
07/01/70 2001: A Space Odyssey
07/29/70 Two Mules for Sister Sara
08/05/70 Catch-22
12/23/70 Song of Norway
05/05/71 Julius Caesar
05/19/71 They Might Be Giants
06/09/71 The Andromeda Strain
09/22/71 Two-Lane Blacktop
10/06/71 The Devils
11/03/71 Carry on Camping
11/10/71 Bless the Beasts and the Children
11/17/71 Ryan's Daughter
12/22/71 Sometimes A Great Notion
02/09/72 A Clockwork Orange
06/14/72 Silent Running
07/19/72 Frenzy
08/16/72 The Man
08/23/72 Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex...
11/08/72 Cancel My Reservation
11/15/72 Oh, Calcutta!
12/20/72 The Great Waltz
01/31/73 Innocent Bystanders
02/07/73 Up the Sandbox
03/14/73 Save the Tiger
04/11/73 Brother Sun, Sister Moon
05/02/73 Camelot
06/20/73 The Friends of Eddie Coyle
07/11/73 This is Cinerama
08/15/73 Romeo and Juliet
09/19/73 Blume in Love
10/17/73 Electra Glide in Blue
11/14/73 Executive Action
12/19/73 The Day of the Dolphin
02/27/74 The Exorcist
07/17/74 That's Entertainment
11/13/74 The Gambler
12/25/74 Freebie and the Bean
03/12/75 Funny Lady
07/16/75 Rollerball
09/24/75 Undercovers Hero
10/15/75 Three Days of the Condor
12/24/75 Dog Day Afternoon
02/11/76 Barry Lyndon
03/31/76 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
06/23/76 Logan's Run
08/25/76 The Return of A Man Called Horse
10/06/76 A Matter of Time
11/03/76 Shout at the Devil
12/22/76 A Star is Born