AFI Silver Theatre

The AFI has done a terrific job with the Silver Theatre. There are now three auditoriums now as opposed to the single one that was there. I have to admit that I've never been to the old Silver theater even though I've lived in the area for all of my life. This is probably because this theater didn't have 70mm projection capabilities and I always made the effort to see films in the best format, in any part, in and around the area.

What is nice about the largest auditorium is how wide the seating areas are where I caught a screening of a 70mm print of "Lawrence of Arabia." You don't feel claustrophobic as you might feel in other theaters. There is an organ, in this theater, that I'm sure is used to accompany the silent films when they are shown there. All three of the auditoriums are THX certified, but they don't play the THX trailer before each show.

I saw two movies this week at the AFI: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and the digitally restored THX1138.

I caught a sneak preview screening of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, in Auditorium 1, the Historic Theater, on Tues., 9-14 and enjoyed the presentation of the movie but still don't understand why they don't play the THX trailer before the movie starts! It is THX certified, according to the THX website. My only minor quibble was that the projection of the film went a bit off the upper left edge of the screen. Since this film has digital composites, I'm surprised that there isn't a digital presentation anywhere.

Now, THX1138 I saw in Auditorium 2, which was my first experience in this newer theater. The presentation was DLP, which showcased the restoration efforts of this 32 year old film quite well. And, surprise, they did show the THX and DLP trailers! The THX trailer was the older Terminator one, which did show off the auditorium's sound system.

If only the programming included more 70mm films other than 2001 and Lawrence of Arabia. *sigh*

The seating capacity for this theater is 400-200-75 for a total of 675 seats.

Excellent exterior/interior photos & history here:
http://www.adsw.org/site/MD/SilverSpring/ColesvilleRd/8619/index.html

Nice link TC. The address given on that website is:

Silver Theatre
8619 Colesville Road
Silver Spring, Maryland

The SILVER has undergone a stunning resurection from being boarded up many years. I saw over 2000 movies at the SILVER. Mr. Land, the long term manager, told me years later the house record was set by the 1st reissue of Walt Disney's PINNOCCHIO. Not talking dollars he said 5900 people saw the film that day, every seat, every show. My Mom and I failed to endure the long lines. The AFI, unfortunately, are poor custodians. A strange group, they've forgotten that the A in AFI is for "American" and they specialize in not-very-good foreign product. The lefty tilt is painfully obvious; no diversity of viewpoint can be seen here.

Rivjr, the "A" in AFI should NOT mean that American films are to be shown exclusively...any more than the Paris Cinémathèque Française should be showing French films to the exclusion of others. They DO show plenty of American films in all genres from many eras. They are cinémathèque/archival houses that are SUPPOSED TO BE concerned with film as an art form and an international entertainment medium. Others like them include the Harvard Film Archive, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Pacific Film Archive and a few more.

How can you say that "they specialize in non-very-good- foreign product"? This current calendar lists films by Luis Buñuel ("The Miky Way" and "Viridiana.") They have upcoming programs of works by Tavernier, Tarkovsky, Demy. In the past year or so they have shown films by Truffaut, Olmi, Godard. Hardly minor. Anyway, even if they were showing some not-very-good foreign product, that too is the mission of showcases like this place, that is, to display a catholicity in programming with the flawed along with the famous. One person's turkey may be another person's masterpiece. Henri Langlois of the Cinémathèque Française understood this when he opted to preserve EVERYTHING, to show EVERYTHING...not just the "known masterpieces."

"Lefty-tilt?" I see some left-oriented documentaries on past programs, but I also see right-leaning Sam Fuller's "The Big Red One" praising the American soldier in the hell of combat. I'm from Providence. I wish I had easy access to a fantastic movie facility of this type with its enormously varied, informed, and vital programming. Treasure it, value it, don't trash it. Pray for more of them. Indeed, crusade for a proliferation of them! We sorely need an AFI Silver Theatre in every city across our nation.

The CIRCLE theatre, in DC about 6 miles from the SILVER, used to offer a diversity of American classics as well as outstanding foreign films. They knew how to run this kind of theater; and the CIRCLE was 80%+ full every single night for over 20 years; until its prime real estate value pushed it into demolition. The AFI SILVER (1) has an agenda, and (2) that agenda is focused on things other than selecting a diverse program of good movies. The AFI ought SERVE the public, rather than use this fine facility to IMPOSE their narrow viewpoint. With that would come better box office in contrast to requests for donations. Free-flow of ideas beats all.

I'm sorry. I've looked at a list of their programs for the past year. I do not discern any narrow viewpoint. I see instead a mouth-watering array of an enormous variety of films from the U.S. and from many lands. These represent many different viewpoints, political philosophies, and directorial sensibilities. I do indeed see a "diverse program of good movies." For the life of me, I really can't see what you would like them to add...or omit. Did they show "Fahrenheit 9/11" without providing a pro-administration program or something like that? What specific types of films, what titles do you have in mind that are not being programmed? What agenda do they have? I remember seeing programs of the Circle, because I used to know the person who programmed it for a time. They were good programs but not of the breadth and depth of the AFI offerings. I urge readers to click on their site link above and see for themselves.

The first weekend of July AFI is screening the "Original Trilogy" Star Wars movies back-to-back-to-back. I've got my tickets...do you? They're also showing the first two "prequel trilogy" movies on the friday & monday that bookend the showings of the "original trilogy" (pass...thanks). Then the week of 8-14 they are showing all three "Raiders" films (sadly not sequentially) as well as American Grafitti & THX-1138 as part of their George Lucas hommage. Pretty good reason to visit our nation's HQ this July, n'est ce pas?

I've E-mailed them to find out if the original trilogy will be in 70mm, the special editions, and, if the prequels will be in digital projection. All three auditoriums are capable of any format, but I'd like to see them in the historic original auditorium. So far, no response.

I would imagine, at the very least, they will be displayed in the Eberson Theater. No way in hell will they be the "original" films...Lucas would never allow it. Thank the maker I was wise enough to grab the widescreen versions on videotape before the "Special Editions" were released (note: non-transferable to my DVD recorder). Maybe we'll be lucky enough to get the 70mm versions...whatever...just getting to see the three of them in a row on the big screen will be more than treat enough!

I remember when it was KB Silver Spring, "I saw the Empire Strikes Back" in 1980, right around the corner was Roth Silver Spring West and Roth Silver Spring East theaters.

Just returned from a screening of the original Star Wars trilogy. It was a great experience. Great sound and picture from start to end, in the largest historic theater (in THX). Unfortunately, the presenters flubbed up (though they did catch themselves) one of them referred to Star Wars as 'Episode One' and another referred to the second film as 'The Emperor Strikes Back.' It seems this was the only venue anywhere in the world that currently showed the first five movies of the saga. Its too bad the prequels weren't in digital.

The only bad thing about seeing the Original Trilogy at the AFI Silver was....nothing! I had real buttered popcorn, photo ops with various members of the Imperial fleet, and a Heineken to help wash down "Return of the Jedi". I did lose my prescription Ray Ban sunglasses....but what a theater! They found them and help onto them for me! I love this place! Coming up next...Indian Jones movies PLUS WC Fields's "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break!...WOW!

"March of the Penguins"...this year's best Documentary come Oscar time. This was my first movie in one of the "new" theaters and I was quite impressed. Loved the opening & closing curtain!!!

For additional information on/photographs of the Silver Theatre, visit:

http://www.homestead.com/silverspringhistory/theatre.html

http://silverspringvoice.com/archives/copy/2003/12/features_thenAgain.html

This is a photo of the Silver Theater from around 1938.

This is another photo of the AFI Silver Theater.

Two more:
http://www.roadsidenut.com/silt403.jpg
http://www.roadsidenut.com/silt4031.jpg

On this page you will see a picture of the theater before the renovation:
http://martinmc.home.mindspring.com/MiscTheatres/md.html

Interesting Eberson!

One mis-statement from above...Only Theatre #1 (The Historic Theatre) can present in 70mm. All three theatres can present in 16mm and 35mm though. Most of the 35mm aspect ratios are supported, including Silent films and 16mm Scope.

Soundwise...all three have Dolby Digital, DTS and SDDS. All three rooms are THX certified (as noted above) and they are now displaying the THX snipes ahead of most, if not all features (except archival ones where splicing of the film is prohibited).

All three theatres have DCinema projectors (1st generation due to when the theatres were put on line...2003).

All three theatres use the finest film projection equipment in the world and have genuine professional projectionists. It is a great theatre to support.

I was the cheif projectionist there from 1981-summer of 1982 and have been involved with the AFI/Silver's installation of the projection/sound equipment.

Steve

There are more ways the AFI could improve the Silver besides getting over their lefty narrow-mindedness in bookings. For one thing, the main auditorium (the restored old theatre) is something very special but the two new auditoriums are definitely not. Economically necessary, yes; special, no. But the AFI makes zero effort to let people know what's playing in the main theatre and what's in the two broom closets. Neither the newspaper listings nor the website tell you. A phone inquiry yields the usual automated run-around. I'd love to see a good classic re-run in the main theatre --- I enjoyed well over 300 movies in the old Silver --- but I wait and wait for an interesting booking. I saw HIGH NOON there, going 12 miles back to my old neighborhood, but that's two years ago. The AFI used to honor classics; not much anymore.

This commentis for "rivjr" (above posting) who returned to his "old neighborhood" as well as anyone else reading this who grew up in downtown Silver Spring. After the great success of my book "Historic Silver Spring" (Arcadia Publishing 2005), I would like to do a follow-up book but will need LOTS of period photographs from ALL decades of the 20th century.

If you have any photographs or ephemera (postcards, matchbooks, menus, newspapers, etc. depicting downtown Silver Spring) that i could borrow for the book, please contact me.

Thanks!

Jerry A. McCoy
President
Silver Spring Historical Society
www.sshistory.org
sshistory@yahoo.com

From what I understand, the AFI will shift movies from one auditorium to another based on ticket sales. So, to advertise say one movie to play in the main auditorium where ticket sales are less than in one of the 'broom closets' would be foolish. Of course, the exception would be the event film or 70mm showing of a classic movie.

I would not classify either of the non-historic auditoriums as broom closets. Acoustically, they are far superior to the Historic theatre. Picture wise, theatre #2 has about as big an image in a better sized room. You may not like the design of the two smaller rooms but that is one of personal taste but the shows they put out are all of high quality (all three rooms). I do feel that the screen size in #3 is a bit big for the room though.

This is a recent photo of the AFI Silver Theater.

Here is a recent night view of the AFI Silver Theater and this is a close-up of the marquee.

Address:

8633 Colesville Rd
Silver Spring, MD 20910

AFI Silver Theater website.

Tonight we saw "Notes on a Scandal" in the historic auditorium. The movie, itself, has some contemporaneous revelancy and touts terrific performances from both its stars Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench. The latter commands on screen attention in an understated way especially with her character's narrative. She could breath drama into just reading the ingredients off of a Twinkie wrapper! Her character will have discussion groups with much to talk about especially in the GLBT community.

The presentation, itself, was very good. The curtains were closed as the audience was filing in and opened when the trailers started. An AFI employee introduced the movie but still could use a little more oomph with maybe a tidbit or two about the movie to be seen and not just getting people to sign up for memberships. They played the older "Let's See it in THX" trailer which showcased some of the auditorium's sound potential. Yet again, there was that on screen jiggle during transitions as if someone were holding the projector with his/her hands. The film print was good with just a few scratches in one part that would've been a bigger detraction had the screen been any larger.

I drove 26 miles roundtrip to see a movie at my restored former neighborhood theatre, the SILVER; but turned around and went home. There is a big, BIG difference between seeing a picture in the real SILVER vs. one of their two broom closet theaters. Going to a matinee, first of all the lobby is closed and you enter through the side door. I would have chosen whichever film was in the big theatre only to be told "neither."

I did't need to travel across town to see a movie in their broom closet. Information as to which, if any, film is in the original theatre is ONLY available by showing up and asking. Such information is NOT available in the paper, NOT on the internet, NOT by telepone. This is in keeping with their liberal management. Customers, you see, ought not have a choice. Where they see a movie ought be in the hands of their liberal superiors; persons who know what's best for us. My advice is to stay away from the SILVER until those in charge there get their heads straight. Do not meanwhile hold your breath.

I was planning on making a trip down from Harrisburg Pennsylvania. If not being able to see a movie in the original auditorium and see the beautiful lobby. I will not attend. Thank you rivjr for saving me a trip.

AFI will be showing "2001: A Space Odyssey" as part of its Kubrick retrospective in glorious 70mm this weekend, 2/16-18/2007. It should be showin in the historic auditorium. Though the screen is not as wide, nor the cinematic experience as engulfing as the Uptown, it will be great to see it in widescreen again.

This is a more recent photo of the AFI Silver Theater.

I happened to catch "2001: A Space Odyssey" this past Saturday to an almost sold out crowd of almost 400 that started a little late. The only vacant seats I could see were in the very first row. Management was kind enough to start the line and keep the crowd indoors and snake them around the lobby.

The presentation, itself, was very professional as they closed the curtain during the overture dimming the house lights. They also had the intermission with music..well, that 60s shreiking piece they played during the Stargate Corridor sequence. A Manager introduced the show and talked up AFI membership, but like in previous intros, they do so with the enthusiasm of visiting a proctologist. Maybe it was me since I sat in the very last row, but his voice ran fast and over the speel about joining AFI..blah blah blah. He made no mention about this particular movie as part of Kubrick's body of work and how/why it is considered one of the best movies of all time. Or, at least explain the fact that the movie was in 70mm and how it is different from regular 35mm presentations. I say this since there were a lot of younger people (some probably no older than 6) in the audience, who probably have never seen a 70mm projected film in their lives.

The film had some scratches at the intro and at the start of the "To the Infinite and Beyond" sequence. Now, the close up of the bioreadouts of the crew before Hal killed them, looked grainy and dull to me. It made me wonder if this was a true 70mm print, or blow up, or 35mm? I suspect this print has been in circulation for awhile probably since the '01 rerelease. The soundtrack had an annoying tapping noise during Bowman's rescue of Poole and proceeded up through the end of Hal's disconnection. Other than that, the sound was full and encompassing. They played no trailers, whatsoever, not even the usual THX sound one.

On Sunday, 2-19, I was among over 400 attendees, to celebrate a birthday for Merv Conn (87), a local and very popular Accordionist, with some short films and live performances. This was a real treat as they showed some old films that showed what was Glen Echo Park and the old Trolleys that ran up through 1962...way, way before I was even born! I never knew Silver Spring had them but it was fascinating to see where they ran even though most of the tracks cannot be seen on the roads today. The live music was terrific that accompanied the silent color films. The 50 min HD video tribute to Merv Conn was played to the delight of the audiences, but I think that the director edited his interviews of his subject in a way that made him look like a buffoon. The man is 87 years old for pete's sake and its a given that he's going to be a little slow and hard of hearing!

All-in-all, its great to have a venue like the Silver to celebrate the arts both on film and live! Bravo!

Man again I don't know how anyone could consider the the 200-seat or the 75-seat theatres "Broom Closets." That is just plain silly. Neither theatre is that small and their screens are quite large. The 200-seat's screen is almost the same size as the Historic's. Acoustically it is far superior. The Historic theatre is certainly pretty and a treat to see a movie in but technically it is not as good as theatre #2. #3 almost has an IMAX feel due to its large screen when running classic films in the 1.37 ratio.

As to the print of 2001:A Space Odyssey that was just shown...it definately has been "previously enjoyed!" There are some scenes when it looked just stunning and other where the wear and tear were not so gentle. Track 6 (surrounds) did suffer from a ticking by a previous user of the film (most likely a stuck piece of charged oxide on a roller zapping the track on each revolution (the speed was about right for that...quite fast). This film did have an excellent mix and the AFI's sound system did deliver on all 6-tracks with wonderful panned dialog that I wish modern day mixers to do.

I am curious as the the shake that Jodar noted preceeding reel changes. The AFI does run changeovers so it is possible that if the prints were old, that previous users put splices in that would "telegraph" the reel change (the ends of reels tend to get beaten up by poor film handlers).

Steve

The 'shake' that I speak of is when they play any trailer (film) especially the THX sound one, that usually precedes the main attraction. Since they didn't play it for 2001, there wasn't any shake.

I am in totally agreement with you about the other theaters here. I'll take the AFI 'broom closets' over anything that their neighbor Consilidated has (and believe me they aren't as good) or the nearby Regal Rockville 13, or the shoebox AMC White Flint 5 anytime anyday. Though to be perfectly honest, I've never watched a movie in the smallest AFI auditorium (lucky me).

I wish the AFI would play other 70mm movies than this film and "Lawrence of Arabia." With their pull and industry contacts and affiliation, they should be able to do better for us east coast moviefans. We're treated like step children here! And, yes, I've written to them to no avail. The last time they played "West Side Story," "Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins"(?) they were all in 35mm.

Jodar,

Are you saying the whole THX trailer shakes or just before the beginning or end of the trailer?

Film trailers are spliced so while that taped piece of film is in the gate (less than 1 second), the picture will have a brief, sudden single "hop" when the tape hits the intermittent sprocket...ALL intermittent based projectors will do this. The extra thickness due to the tape will have the intermittent pull slightly more film which makes the image go slightly higher on the screen and then when the taped portion passes (it is about one frame in duration or 4-6 perfs of film, depending on tape size...the AFI runs 4-perf or 19mm wide tape to minimize this), the image returns to its normall height so this single Up, then down motion will make a single "hop." It is slightly more noticable on the machines the AFI uses (Kinoton "E" series projectors) since the intermittent is a 32-tooth sprocket instead of the more traditional 16-tooth sprocket of a mechanical intermittent. The splice is in contact with the intermittent about twice as long.

If you are referring to the whole preview being shaky then that is the fault of the print itself and will probably vary from preview to preview.

This is a 2007 photo of the AFI Silver Theater.

Obviously most people using this website are interested in HISTORIC theatres. Whether "broom closets" is a fair description of the two new auditoriums sidesteps the point that AFI magnagement willfully does nothing to offer the customer a choice --- nothing to let us know which film is in the historic theatre, which is in the closet. How difficult is it to make such information available by phone? I want the AFI to be up front with customers as to what's playing where.

In the nearby historic AVALON THEATRE, you can go to their website on any given day, or prior day, to find out what film is in the historic theatre and which is in the broom closet upstairs --- although they call the broom closet Avalon #2, that's OK. The AFI are control freaks and would never do anything so helpful or honest.

Obviously most people using this website are interested in HISTORIC theatres. Whether "broom closets" is a fair description of the two new auditoriums sidesteps the point that AFI magnagement willfully does nothing to offer the customer a choice --- nothing to let us know which film is in the historic theatre, which is in the closet. How difficult is it to make such information available by phone? I want the AFI to be up front with customers as to what's playing where.

In the nearby historic AVALON THEATRE, you can go to their website on any given day, or prior day, to find out what film is in the historic theatre and which is in the broom closet upstairs --- although they call the broom closet Avalon #2, that's OK. The AFI are control freaks and would never do anything so helpful or honest.

I agree totally that on website, AFI should identify which film is in the historic auditorium!!

As to the Avalon, under various management over the years, that theater has always specified Avalon 1 (the beautiful huge downstairs auditorium) or Avalon 2 (upstairs). I'v seen a movie upstairs since the nonprofit community tookover, and it isn't inappropriate for an arthouse film. It isn't a huge auditorium or screen, but it has been refurbished as comfortable as possible. I'd rather see a movie upstairs any day than in NYC's Lincoln Plaza.

With the Avalon, the theatre sizes are dramatically different and there are only two of them. The odds that a film might need to move about during the day is very small. It is easy for them to post what film is in what theatre.

At the AFI, that is not the case. Theatre 2 is 200 seats and not that small. Theatre 3 is notably smaller with only 75 seats. Theatre 1, despite being physically large is only 400 seats.

While all theatres can play silent movies at the proper speed, only theatre #1 has an organ permanently set up. So it is possible that a silent film will play part of the day in theatre #1 and the film with the most patrons will get bumped to theatre #2...but it might move back to theatre #1 after the "event" if business warrants. They are going to try and play the busiest movie in theatre #1 (Historic) unless theatre #1 has some capability that the other theatres don't have (organ, 70mm or a more substantial stage)

SG

The historic SILVER theater is much bigger than 400 seats. The SILVER was bigger than the AVALON by a good 30%. Although AFI reduced the seating when they renovated, during my 1,000+ visits here when Warner's owned it, the capacity was approx. 1,000 seats. Later, under KB ownership, it was sometimes used for first runs -- because of its size and location. For example, when the KB Cinema was swarmed with people wanting to see THE EXORCIST, KB ordered another print and played it at the Silver.

You are correct in that it used to seat more than 400. In fact I want to say capacity was 982 or 983 when I was the projectionist there in 1981. It was larger than the Bethesda up the street (MD 410...aka East-West Hwy) that only had 949 (as a conventional movie theatre).

SG

Here is a recent night view of the AFI Silver Theater honoring the late Deborah Kerr.

Step inside!
current photos of the historic, main Auditorium:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avatar1/159111720/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avatar1/159111720/

organ console:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/48093838@N00/508218219/

I meant to post 2 different photos of the historic auditorium, both facing the screen.Here's the other one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blainepen/344898096/

Nice photos, Howard. The last set is good in that you capture some of the better seats in the back that are spread out and not congested. If I'm snacking on something like their hot stuffed pretzels, I like the snack tables adjacent to the seats in the back. My friends and I snuck in sandwiches and soup from the Panera, next door, and had a good time with our movie!

On the other hand, the pictures point out the rather smallish screen. Small in comparison to some of the better single houses of yesteryear, sadly gone forever. I do wish that in '08, they have more 70mm other than Lawrence and 2001.

JodarMovieFan, though I do photo cinemas, I've haven't been, so these aren't mine. I found them on flickr and thought people would appreciate them.
Main auditorium screen is 40 feet wide for a scope film. That's not Cinerama sized like the DC Uptown, but it isn't small.
As to food, I love soft pretzels, hard pretzels, but not sure if pretzels should get stuffed!

Howard,

They used to have these delicous jalapeno cream cheese stuffed pretzels that were sooo good. If made right, its the perfect balance of crusty shell, the kosher salt and melting hot but not volcanic hot cheese with the right amount of jalapeno zing that's, oh so yummy! The last time I was there..probably when they had 2001 a year ago, they were out of that, actually most of their snacked goods were GONE except for popcorn, soda and alcohol. I was so disappointed!

I should add that because of this pretzel treat, its one of the few movie houses I'd ever buy concession stand anything because of the exhorbitant prices. Either I try to eat before the show or try to sneak it in.

Screen sizes have been added to the Introduction. Steve Guttag's comments about Auditorium 2 seem to be verified by the screen size and by the photos on the theater's website.

I just telephoned the AFI Silver office number. The woman who answered said "we do not give out that information" as to which movie will play in which screen this weekend!! it will depend on ticket sales. Best she could do was speculate Juno would not be in the 75 seat auditorium. Could not tell me at all whether they plan Its a Wonderful Life or Juno in the historic main auditorium. She said if she was attending herself, she wouldn't know.

grade of "F" to AFI Silver for attitude.

Anyone want to speculate whehter Juno or Its a Wonderful Life will b in the historic auditorium? 3rd movie is No Country for Old Men. Its a Wonderful Life is splitting a screen with other classics.

Friday, December 21, I saw at 5 PM, Juno in the historic auditorium. After buying my ticket in the new building, I was able to walk into the historic Art Moderne lobby.

I sat in the last row, with the tables that JordarMovieFan sits to eat his stuffed pretzels. The lady next to me had a soft pretzel (not stuffed) and a cup of beer.

Movie projection & digital surround sound were excellent.

After Juno was over, the other movies had not started, so I briefly walked into the newer auditoriums. Juno was shown without any curtain being present, so I presumed curtain only used for special presentations? But, no, curtains were closed in the newer auditoriums! I asked, and the manager told me historic auditorium's curtain has been broken at least a month, a chain broken.

I'd rather see a 70mm epic at the Uptown, with its huge Cinerama sized screen! However, overall, the AFI Silver is a great moviehouse with an excellent program of films.

Well, the light should have been on the money that night! I just changed the lamps on Friday! They were set to SMPTE spec and balanced (all three auditoriums). FWIW, on Friday, the projectionist in the Historic was using DTS for digital sound though it can run all three digitals.

Yes, it is true that the curtain in the Historic theatre is currently broken but don't expect it to stay that way for too much longer.

In theatre #2, you might have caught me when I was doing some tests between shows and hence the open curtain...if you saw any target film running, It was definately me. Also, if there is a format change between shows (like from 1.37 for Its A Wonderful Life to 1.85 for A Christmas Story, they will roll both machines to verify good frame/focus for that feature, BEFORE they seat the audience. Since the AFI has studio grade Kinoton projectors, they can rock/roll without film damage and without the need to rethread once set.

Steve

yes, the manager did say the curtain will be repaired.

Historic Auditorium ran a THX trailer, or whatever it is called. Mazza Gallerie on Sunday didn't. I was almost under impression that nobody pays for THX certification anymore? AFI still does?

When I walked into both auditoriums 2 & 3, the curtain was totally closed pre-film. I only stayed for a minute. Thank you, and AFI for arranging for such great film projection and sound. The overall presentation really is world class.

I've only seen you in person, a few years ago, at the Uptown, chatting with you in the projection booth.

I forgot to note that this was the 1st time I was inside this theater. Lived in DC a few years in mid-1980's and saw the exterior of closed Silver. Now in my hometown (Philly) and spent F-Sa-Su in DC.

Howard, I'm glad you enjoyed your movie in one of my favorite seats in the AFI's Historic Theater. What a treat, eh? Perfect movie presentation, eating a snack while stretched out in comfort, without worrying about who is behind or in front of you. Now if only a robe and bedroom slippers were the accepted theater attire decorum... :)

I'm sure theater owners pay for THX certs otherwise they can't claim they are THX certified and use the advertising to distinguish themselves from the other multiplex boxes. If you notice in the Post, some venues do advertise this fact such as BowTie Annapolis. What I don't like is the movie print ads, themselves, don't have the little THX logo by those theaters that do show the movies in their certified auditoriums, much less digital stereo (DTS, DD, EX, etc) and digital projection. Its now just one big ad and you call a number or check the directory.

I've always enjoyed sound format and projection format trailers before the actual movie starts, but fewer of the plexes do them anymore. With the sound format trailer, the audience gets a sense as to what the theater's sound system is capable of and with THX hitting all those sound levels AND the subwoofer vrooom, leads to great anticipation because of the startled auditory senses. If movie theater managers want to ensure audiences come back, they need to reenforce the positives of patronizing and that is the great sound and picture. So, play the damn THX trailer, please loud.

Let's hope AFI show other 70mm features in '08 than the usual fare...PLEASE?

I always as a film patron find out what film is in the big theatre or the historic auditorium before I buy my ticket. I think the AFI should due the same at the Silver. The Silver is considered an upscale theatre which means the audience is well educated and picky and would like to know which film is in the Historic Auditoruim. In Hollywood at the ArcLight its a big deal to know what playing in the Dome and at the Chinese complex its important to know if its in the Historic Auditorium. The AFI on any given day should know what film is playing in what Auditorium, even the local megaplex can tell you that.brucec

to brucec: The AFI Silver doesn't announce theatre assignments because they are subject to change, even within the day. There could be a film scheduled in Theatre II, but if it sells out and there are less tickets sold for a show in Theatre I, the theatre assignment could be swapped on the spot to ensure the least amount of "turn-aways" (guests who visit the theatre but are "turned away" because of a sold out show). A good rule of thumb for the Silver: the repertory programs are usually in Theatre I, unless there's a new film with high ticket demand, such as JUNO presently.

"There Will Be Blood" isn't in the historic auditorium?

no it isn't. JUNO is actually outselling BLOOD. I'd like to see BLOOD in the historic theatre though, just because it's such an amazing film.

Juno was very good. I saw it in DP at Landmark Balto. I'm glad its doing well at the AFI. I'm surprised to see its calendared to run well into February.

On the issue of what is showing in the Historic Auditorium, we've been over this subject over and over, over the years and its not going to change, unless they've booked a 70mm movie. Posting here may be a good outlet but one has to call AFI management and voice your protest or start an organized petition for what you want.

It was downright joyful to return to the SILVER --- where we've seen over 2000 movies over many decades -- for this year's best movie, JUNO. Too bad it was necessary to drive 20 miles round trip before finding out whether JUNO was in the historic theatre or one of the broom closets.

The reason that information is NOT available (on line, by phone, etc) as to what film is playing in the big theater is NOT to maximize use of the auditoriums; rather it's because the AFI are Liberals, and as such it's essential they be in control. They do not like freedom of choice, and can't stand the thought of customers deciding for themselves. Again, the AVALON makes this information available every day.

The only reason that AVALON posts which theater the film is being shown in is because of ADA. There is only a staircase to get to the second level. There is NO ELEVATOR so even if they wanted to put the higher attended movie downstairs, they would have to update the recording to notify. Hence the evil words SOLD OUT.

The Avalon is planning on installing an elevator.

The Avalon posts information, as to which film is in which theater, as a part of offering good Customer Service. The Silver DOES NOT offer this as a part of their BAD Customer Service. There is no excuse for bad Customer Service.

I assure you rlvjr, it has nothing to do with liberalism or bad customer service. Your comments are quite amusing though.

Nice update, Howard. I like the history write up, to include its restoration effort and current technical offerings. Its the best write up of any theater on this site. And, yes, I'm biased because its in my area. :)

I'm contemplating catching the restored El Cid tomorrow night. Even though its a workday and some of the reviews were not too kind and with the reporting of its two stars; Sophia Loren and Charlton Heston not getting along led to wooden performances, I feel if someone went through the money and expense of restoration, it must be worth a look.

JodarMovieFan, thanks! I'm glad you appreciate it.

In 1993, I saw "El Cid" in 70mm at the pre-restored Avalon (also rewritten, but the story isn't finished, as they've got more work to do, such as the elevator installation). It was a highlight of my moviegoing life. Costume period pieces are my favorite movies, though....
I see Monday's showing is some kind of HD digital. I'm not totally sure, but that doesn't sound like movie theater digital projection equivalent of film (inferior 2 k, more adequate 4 k, etc.) but like something you'd play at home. Or, maybe it might look ok on the big screen.

The Liberals at the SILVER need to put up or shut up! Either make the information available (by phone, newspaper or internet) as to what film is playing in the historic theatre (and which are in the small new theaters) or continue a reputation of BAD Customer Service. Freedom of Choice --- not a thing liberals like to allow for OTHER people, like customers.

My friend and I saw There Will Be Blood primarily to catch up on the Oscar nominated films I've missed. Being that this film has been out for almost a month and that Juno has been held over through February, I figured we'd be watching the movie in one of the smaller auditoriums. We were pleasantly surprised that the film, at least the 7:40pm Sat showing was in the Historic Auditorium to an almost full house.

The film, itself, was an interesting one but I'm on the fence as to whether it was movie 'inspired by the life of' as opposed to a true biopic. Daniel Day Lewis does give a wonderful, if dark performance and definitely deserves his nomination. Presentation was excellent. They played the latest THX Sound of Life trailer, which brought out several chuckles throughout the auditorium once it was finished. It is a cute sound trailer.

Liberals....conservatives....geeze oh Pete people give it a rest. If the world was as black and white as you'd have it then it would be soooo easy to tell the good guys (white?) from the bad (black?) (I'm addressing all you Rush Limbo types here). Y'know, I'm pretty much a social liberal and a finantial conservative. You know...libertarian kinda (and as for Republicans being finantialy conservative...puh-leease....let's borrow a couple of billion from China, pass it around $600 at a time to make us all feel good, cause in a decade or two China is gonna own us).

Last I checked, the AFI is not controlled by the government (funded in part perhaps, but not totally) and the folks at the Silver can do what they darn well want to do with their screens. I have found it frustrating myself on occasion...but get over it already!

Would I have loved to have seen "Godzilla" up on the historic screen? Sure! But you know what....any chance to see the big G man is golden...and it's not like the "smaller" screens s*ck, y'know. These people work cinema magic, and should be commended for showing these films that wouldn't get play otherwise.

Some people just gotta complain, I guess. Myself, I just renewed my $100 membership. Third year in a row! Even when I leave the DC area in a few years I'll still support this most worthwile cinematic endeavor.

I think they are just being good capitalists. The more popular the film they place it where they seat more. More seats=more people=more dollars generated. Am I wrong to think that?

Did anyone go to January 28th screening of 'El Cid' I heard from a couple of people it was one of the worst screenings due to several factors - however the Weinstein company distributed this film in tape or hard drive form - the entire left side of the screen was fuzzy. I've seen digital projection a couple of times on the main screen - 'Sharkwater' and 'Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream' (Silverdocs) and they were excellent - here, for 'El Cid' it sounded like it was an utter travesty.

I wanted to badly, but work commitments prevented that from happening. They advertised HD and I'd be surprised they let out a bad copy of media in whatever form. Better to just have cancelled the showing or heck, show the actual DVD, itself.

from a couple of online friends that did go to the 'El Cid' screening, a number of people left in utter disgust - supposedly this is the beginning of a AFI/Weinstein film showcase - if they can't provide actual film and not hard drive masters - they are going to have similiar problems down the line.

Hopefully, from that experience management will know better to secure a better copy of the film. Or, at least a decent backup copy. This isn't your local Regal or AMC multiplex where crap presentation can be expected, this is the AFI for pete's sake.

Hopefully, from that experience management will know better to secure a better copy of the film. Or, at least a decent backup copy. This isn't your local Regal or AMC multiplex where crap presentation can be expected, this is the AFI for pete's sake.

There's no harm in calling attention to Liberal Control Freaks, particularly when they're in charge of government funded projects like the AFI. The AFI gets plenty of support from taxpayers. There IS HARM in denying basic information to customers. Liberals always rant about CHOICE; so long as THEY do the choosing.

Here are 2008 photos of the AFI Silver: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

RIP Richard Widmark. AFI Silver Theater.

surprise, surprise

'2001' (in 70mm !!!)
April 25 - May 1

http://www.afi.com/silver/new/nowplaying/2008/v5i2/2001.aspx

'Blade Runner: The Final Cut' begins on the 2nd of May - no word yet if it's 35mm or a DLP presentation.

They always book 2001. I hope its not the print with the annoying tick that they showed the last time I saw it here. They should book its sequel, 2010, in 70mm, too.

I must miss it by accident everytime. I know 'Lawrence of Arabia' is a continual favourite. This engagement will be the first time I will have seen it at the Silver, the prior time I saw 2001 in 70mm was a mini-festival of 70mm films over at the Uptown.

I agree with the 2010 booking, especially now that Helen Mirran (sp? sorry) is such a big deal!!!

2001 at the Uptown would be such a great experience. The screen is 2x larger and more user engulfing for that 'ultimate trip.'

while I agree the Uptown is larger and more engulfing - I have a problem with the surround sound channels firing directly into the balcony area - if you're on the first floor it's fine, but the balcony sound configurement is not ideal. For the record, The AFI main theatre is also THX certified.

the tick on the print there, but at least it's only during the first part of the film and not the ones in space. The sound of the other hand - Wow, let me repeat theat Wow!

Yep.

WOW.

As much as I dig the foreign & indie films, the one sure thing to get me to the AFI are the revival festivals. I used most of my member passes last year during the TOTALLY AWESOME films of the 80's. It was such a gas to watch Fast Times at Ridgemont High on the big screen with the Original Soundtrack...not the lame one that's been on all the video releases since 1986 (I have a beta copy with the original soundtrack intact...but my Beta player died years ago...).

MORE REVIVALS!

Can't wait for Blade Runner next week! I saw it at the Uptown a few months ago...WOW!

I asked while I was there last Friday regarding 'Blade Runner' and the projectionist said it will be 35mm not DLP (which the main auditorium incidently does have)

All three auditoriums are DLP equipped. However, don't sound so dissappointed...remember 35mm film, at its worst resolution (1.85:1 ratio) is roughly TWICE the resolution of 2K DCinema, with a greater color spectrum and greater contrast ratio. For CinemaScope features, films advantage grows exponentially since digital's resolution DROPs for scope whilst film's resolving power goes up.

SG

If film is supposed to be so much better than DP, why do the film's in the plexes look so awful then? The DP movies I've seen over the years looked brighter, sharper and with more contrast than the same films at your local multiplex. No dust, grain, scratches, degradation. Maybe in an optimal setting film is better but in the real world and in our local movie houses, they are not (except maybe AFI and the independents).

but even the independent's seem to have problems with the prints they get - Landmark E Street I've seen four movies there so far this year, where the 35mm prints are hideous looking, not to mention 'There Will Be Blood' being flipped upside down at one point, with a reel change - those are the times, when you know DP wouldn't have problems like these.

First off, it isn't supposed...they are well documented facts (film's resolution, contrast, color space).

As to WHY you see better DP shows...there are several factors at work...first...look at your local multiplex's booth...who is operating it? By and large, nobody or poorly trained somebodys that often are not alloted the time or care for showing the movie. It is well documented that the exhibitor does not make much money on the movie itself, but the concession stand items they sell. As a business, it therefore tends to have them spend LESS on showing the movie itself since it is merely the vehicle to sell their profit items.

Then look at their equipment...by and large, they buy for low-cost, fast installation...not quality. You, therefore, are not going to get all out of a film that is actually on the film. When less expensive alternatives to the current crop of DLP projectors become available, believe me exhibitors will flock to those...right now, every Digital projector is the BEST that the technology has to offer, not the bottom end, as is often the case with film.

As to film's degradation...it can be mitigated with just minimal care...that I admit, that the chains just don't care about. I've personally run prints for weeks on end and they look every bit as good at the end of the run as at the beginning...in fact, we cleaned the dust that was on the print when it came out of the can off.

As for DP being brighter...it isn't...in fact it is limited due to its lack of contrast ratio...if the DP image is brighter in a side-by-side test, one of the systems wasn't set up properly...it isn't a trait of the system. In fact, film wins the brightness contest too. "Sharper" is a good one. By and large, it IS easier to focus a DP than film. Film pulsates in the gate as the heat hits the film (it swells towards the heat source) and thus has a tricky situation for the lens to resolve. That said, projected film has a greater resolving power than DLP...BUT since DLP has lower resolution, its limited pixel density IS sharp. What you get with that is a very sharp, lower resolution image (less detail) that has an exaggerated 2-D appearance to it. If you were to see the same image projected film versus DLP and go down to the screen you would see that the film has more detail in the image as compared to the grid like nature of the DLP image.

The next thing taking away from film is the use of digital intermediates. Many films use a 2K digital intermediate which is like a horrible filter that removes detail. In essence, the film is downgraded. But that is something that will not be with us for too much longer as films start to get 4K DIs (and hopefully greater, if they HAVE to do DIs). Note, these DIs also cut in on film's contrast too.

DP, on the other hand, has the distinct advantage that it does NOT have to suffer the duplication processes that a typical release print must go through. This puts a big variable into what a release print will look like on film.

I don't object to you all enjoying DCinema but I do object to the notion that DCinema is some sort of "upgrade"...it is actually a downgrade as all of the detractions from film are overcomable and one is comparing the best of DP with the worst of film.

SG

Last night, I caught the last showing of 2001. The print was slightly better than the one I saw last year. No annoying soundtrack ticks but there were print annoyances such as appearing 'butterfly' during the "Dawn of Man" sequence and some ghostly film images in the middle. I'm not sure if its just me but the film seemed to be less of an 'experience' than in previous times. I believe there was more of subwoofer mmmmmmm during the Stargate Corridor sequence.

Overall, it was nice to visit this classic. Its just seems to be less than what I remember. In the Main News section of the site, they report an Academy screening for the 40th anniversary, perhaps they got a better print than what AFI got?

Here is a May 2008 night view of the AFI Silver.

2001 in 70mm does not have any subwoofer track. There was a version in the '90s (quite rare) that they did a 5.1 mix on with...The track layout was similar to that of a 6-track mix on a dubber (Left, LS, Center, Rs, Right, Subwoofer). This is a potentially dangerous track configuration since it could end up in a conventional house and feed the subwoofer signal to the surrounds.

All other versions of 2001, including the AFI/Silver's recent playing featured the original "Todd-Ao" mix with five front channels and a mono-surround.

The print they received though definately watchable, was most certainly "previously enjoyed" and rather heavily so. The previous caretaker also didn't break the film down from their platter very well...cutting whenever they felt like it rather than finding the actual ends of the reels. Seriously, for limited circulation prints, build ups in any fashion should be banned (large reel or platter).

SG

On 11-4-01, I saw "2001" at the Uptown (DC) in a 70mm reissue, in 6 track? there was sound from the back of the auditorium. Sound had been digitally restored & remastered. The manager told me the sound was on the magnetic tape of the film. The print was perfect. The AFI is a wonderful movie theater, but the experience of seeing "2001" on the huge, curved Uptown screen could not be topped!

If it were up to me, build up of ANY print would be banned Steve. Call me old fashioned, but give me 20 minute reel-to-reel changeovers any day. If i'm out of touch, than so be it!!!

I would most certainly agree....the Uptown can make any film seem that much better. I love its deep-curved screen though it made showing films there more challenging. Don't believe what you hear about "digitally restored and remastered" for 2001 at the Uptown...it was the original mix there every time (though with noise reduction as new prints were made).

In my opinion, the last of the really good prints of 2001 were made in the 1980s (I want to say in 1980 or 81) before Metrocolor was shut down. They were the BEST 70mm print house by far...followed by Technicolor-London. Unfortunately, any print made prior to about the fall of 1982 would have faded quite a bit by now...most any print (in general) made in 1983 or beyond should still have decent color.

HAL is most interesting in 2001...he is modulated on ALL 6-tracks about equally as he is omni-present.

I also ran 2001 at the K-B Cinema in Washington, DC...but the Uptown was the most enjoyable for me...both showing (historical reasons, if for no other) and for view the movie.

SG

Steve, maybe that's what I was referring to. Remember when the Uptown showed a so-called "virgin" print there...not sure if it was 1990 or before but that is/was my first and best experience of that film to date. There was no color degradation, perfect sound and there was some mmmmmmmm during the Stargate corridor sequence. Sitting in that sweet spot and being engulfed in the sound and picture made one feel as if he was in the show.

Trying to keep on topic about the Silver though, it would be nice to get the 70mm movies that Hollywood locales such as the Astro, Academy, Egyptian and even their own sister AFI Arclight get for retrospectives. Again, the Silver seems to show only Lawrence and 2001. Heck, even the Castro gets some decent 70mm bookings of the older films.

You'll get no argument from me about the lack of different titles in 70mm as compared to other current 70mm theatres. I think the Silver has run Lawrence, 2001, Playtime, Mad World (UP70 at that), Baraka, and Hello Dolly.

SG

I know it's more than a year off, but I hope Ron Fricke's sequel to Baraka - Samsara can play (premier?) at the AFI Silver as part of the annual DC Environmental Film Festival in all it's 70mm goodness - I was watching portions of Baraka the other night upconverted to 1080p, this is one title I'd love to see released on blu-ray.

The Silver has also shown in 70mm:

- Far and Away (January 2003)
- Days of Thunders (January 2003)

I think you are correct on the titles but I know you are incorrect on your dates. The AFI/Silver didn't open until April 2003. 70mm capability didn't go on line until about August of 2003.

SG

oops that meant to say January 2004

anyone planning on seeing the three showings of 'Ben Hur'? (I can't my weekend is unfortunately pretty much booked) Would love to hear how the print looked and sounded

Is it in 70mm? The AFI site doesn't say. I'm guessing not. I'm curious how it will look. I'm planning on seeing the Hulk Sat night....though it would be nice to see Ben Hur on the big screen (if it were 70mm)

I happened by the AFI/Silver today...the print of Ben Hur is in 35mm CinemaScope. The print looked to be in rather good condition (clearly not an old print...the colors were very good) though not blemish free. It is entirely watchable from the few minutes I stuck my head up to the ports.

I think I caught a note on the leader that stated it was in Dolby-A...if so the optical track would have been a later downmix.

Steve

Oh good. It may be worth a visit. I imagine it will be shown in the Historic Theater or #2. Hulk was a decent flick, better than the Ang Lee version. The crowd loved it as well. :)

It was definitely in Theatre #1 (Historic today, Saturday).

Steve

It was great to see all the films at the recent Silverdocs festival being shown in DLP in all three auditoriums as such. About 2 percent of the films were actual 35mm prints.

"Totally Awesome 80's Movies Part 2" open next month through the end of August - and I can't wait to see ALIENS on the big screen - the last time I saw it theatrically was at the lower level theatres at Mazza Gallerie on their small rinky dink screens (long gone btw)

other films in the series will include:

The Goonies
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
The Breakfast Club
Sixteen Candles
Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains
Better Off Dead..
One Crazy Summer
The Dark Crystal
Labyrinth
They Live
Can't Buy Me Love
The Thing
Poltergeist
Flashdance
Videodrome
Videodrome
Dirty Dancing
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
Adventures in Babysitting
Aliens
Near Dark

There were 70mm releases of "The Goonies" (I saw that a the then newly renovated Avalon in '85 with my little cousins in glorious HPS 4000 stereo), "The Dark Crystal" (in '83 at the then newly renovated and triplexed MacArthur), Poltergeist ('82..the Embassy had it in 70mm but that was in a bad area of town), "Aliens" (in '86 at the KB Fine Arts..closed now).

In70mm.com reported that there was a 70mm print out for "Poltergeist" out there. It would be great if the AFI could track it down for the showing. Not sure of the other movies. As for "Aliens," I want to see the extended cut as it fleshes out the Ripley character in greater depth that gives her relationship to Newt more resonance. If its 35mm, I doubt its going to have that same impact as my memories of the KB Fine Arts 70mm showing that sticks in my mind so vividly.

"Flashdance" would be cool to see again in theaters. I loved the soundtrack and if the print is a decent one, or newly struck one, it should be great to experience in theaters the Giorgio Moroder score and many top 10 songs that were in the movie. Also, the cool strobe light effect during the 'Imagination' dance number would be good to see onscreen again.

man, I saw 'Aliens' at the crappy Mazza Gallerie theaters when they were on the lower lever - terrible theatre to experience such a great movie. Sadly from the newsprint program I got over the weekend, the cut of 'Aliens' is the theatrical cut.

hmmm, I was a little miffed. I saw 'The Muppet Movie' yesterday, and the print was not OAR (1.85) it was a cropped print.

'The Dark Crystal' looked great - the pic seemed overmmatted, the image looked wider than what it's supposed to be (2.35), but the sound and music score in particular seemed really restrained.

This coming Saturday and Monday's showing of 'Ryan's Daughter' will be in digital projection - which may or might not be a bad thing. Going to check it out Monday night.

What a beautiful-looking theatre!! Looks like another cool movie palace for the likes of great golden oldie-but-goody classics such as Dr. Zhivago, West Side Story, Sound of Music, and many others.

"It's A Wonderful Life" at the AFI Silver Theater.

We saw "Slumdog Millionaire" in the Historic Auditorium to a decent crowd. Excellent presentation and sound. The curtains were drawn after the slide show, which by the way FINALLY, after five years, has decent promos for all things AFI. They should have done this when they first opened. Its good advertising for the place and helps keep funds going in.

Unfortunately, they still don't carry my favorite stuffed pretzels. After talking with the attendant, she says they changed vendors and haven't had those for quite a long time. Another patron could be heard requesting the same thing as they advertise the availability of 'gourmet pretzels.' All they have now are the plain, yucky Costco-type frozen gup. No thanks. They do have single sized 'gourmet pizza.' I had the plain cheese one that was barely cooked in the middle even though the cheese on the outer edges was a little burned. Given all this, I may have to resort to sneaking in food from either next door's Panera or one of the eateries close by. Shame on you, AFI. You can do better.

(psst... I bring in Panera stuff in all the time.) I do like the beer the Silver has on tap. Their popcorn though is waaay oversalted. Compared to Landmark's popcorn their corn is vastly inferior.

I disagree...I love the popcorn. So much so that I always get a free refill from the cute girl behind the counter. I eat it at work all week long. She tells me that a lot of people do the same thing. If I had a gripe it would be that they often run out of butter. It's real butter, too. I wish they'd keeop a bit more on tap, that's all.

Looking forward to my yearly Casablanca fix. I have to renew my membership this month, too. It'll be my fourth year as an AFI member. If you are a DC film lover it's a no brainer. For $100 I get 8 free movies, invites to special screenings, the yearly AFI book, a years subscription to EW, yadda yadda. Again, a great (tax deductible, too) gift to myself!

I'm really looking forward to the David Fincher showcase and seeing "Moulin Rouge!" on the big screen again

AFI Silver Pays tribute to Natasha Richardson
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avatar1/3371400501/sizes/l/

1984 day and night photos of the Silver Theatre.
Day: http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c20%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=18&ProductID=28105
Night: http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c20%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=18&ProductID=28104

'Ben Hur' in all it's w-i-d-escreen goodness is screening this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, 16th and 17th)

Two Cinemascope musicals will also get shown this month: 'Brigadoon' and 'It's Always Fair Weather'

This is a 2009 photo paying tribute to Farrah Fawcett.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988

Silver Theatre and Shopping Center ** (added 1988 - Building - #88003466)
Also known as Silver Theatre and Silver Spring Shopping Center
8533--8575 Georgia Ave,8617--8623 Colesville Rd., and 951 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring

Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Eberson,John, Mohler Construction Co.
Architectural Style: Moderne
Area of Significance: Architecture, Commerce
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade
Current Function: Commerce/Trade

Here is a nice recent photo.