Ritz Theater

Here is a color photo of the Ritz Theatre.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/Texas%20Theatres/RitzTheatreBigSpringTx.jpg

This is the strangest theatre I have ever seen. You would think they would at least put a flat marquee on the building.

What kind of business doesn't even have a sign on the building?! Do you have to know the secret password to buy a ticket?

At least it is still functioning as a motion picture venue.

The Ritz is on a list of theaters that was supposed to install the Boeing Digital Cinema System that replaces 35mm film. Maybe the conversion was so expensive that they had no money left for a marquee.

The Boeing Company Brings Latest Digital Cinema Technology to MoviegoersSEAL BEACH, Calif., May 9, 2002

"The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA] is makingDigital projection of full-length motion pictures a reality with the installation ofThe Boeing Digital Cinema systems in markets across the United States and in London.

Moviegoers will consistently enjoy clear images, free of all the defectstypically associated with 35-millimeter film such as scratches, dirt, mechanical jumps and other degradation. The Boeing system, which utilizes satellite, fiber optics and physical media technologies, will be installed in 23 theatres bynext week. Other theatre locations will be announced as systems are installed.

Digital Cinema will give theatres using the Boeing system a competitive marketing advantage and attract more moviegoers because every showing of a digital movie will be as sharp and full of detail as the first viewing," said Frank Stirling, executive director, Boeing Digital Cinema, part of BoeingSpace and Communications (S&C), a business unit of The Boeing Company. "Thisbrings the cinematic experience closer to what was actually shot during filming. Moviegoers will see and hear the film the way the filmmaker intended.

Boeing Digital Cinema allows the secure delivery of a single movie file tothousands of theatres around the world. The system provides secureend-to-end transmission using encryption technology that has been endorsed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for protection of commercial and government information. From encryption upon receipt of content to decryption at projection in designated theatres, Boeing's end-to-end multi-layered security system ensures protection at each step of the process and reduces risk offilm piracy".

Theatres that are installing Boeing Digital Cinema include:

Dickinson: Northrock 14, Wichita, Kan.
Emagine: Cinema Hollywood, Birch Run, Mich
Loews: Boston Commons, Boston, Mass.;
Magic Johnson, Los Angeles, Calif.;
McClurg Court, Chicago, Ill.;
Sony Metreon, San Francisco, Calif.;
StarS Theatre, S Southfield, Mich.;
Universal Cineplex Odeon, Universal City, Calif
Malco: Cordova Cinema, Memphis, Tenn.;
Majestic 20, Memphis, Tenn.;
Malco S TownS Cinema, Rogers, Ark.
Oasis: Ritzy, London, U.K. S Ritz:
Ritz Theatre, Big Spring, Texas
UltraStar: UltraStar Chula Vista, Chula Vista, Calif.;
UltraStar Del Mar S Highlands 8, San Diego, Calif.;
UltraStar LaCosta 6, Carlsbad, Calif.;
UltraStar S Poway Creekside, Poway, Calif.S Vulcan:
Cinerama, Seattle, Wash

That's an OLD press release. The Northrock in Wichita has had their system removed, and I believe McClurg Court in Chicago has closed.

The Ritz, by the way, DID have the system installed. They've shown at least a couple movies digitally, including "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones" and, recently, "The Island."

update -screens should say twin

for sale loopnet $120,000.oo

My photograph of the RITZ.
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/297344898

My photograph showing the back of RITZ.
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/308682404

A 1990 photo of the Ritz Theater showing "Jewel of the Nile" with the old Hotel Settles in the background.

Any info as to if its for sale, and whom to contact?

Hello CyNdILaUpEr. Your best bet would be to contact the Big Spring Chamber of Commerce.

longislandmovie's posting above says it was listed at one time on "loopnet", but they charge to show their complete listings.

Don...

The Ritz Theater is listed in 1955 with 800 seats.

I was a projectionist at the Ritz in the 1950's and 1960's when the Ritz was a grand theatre. I also ran the Lyric and State in downtown Big Spring. The Lyric closed in 1955. The State is still there but has been closed for many years. These theatres were owned by R&R theatres and they went into disrepair when the Robb's faded away.
I am still in the business after 59 years.
Don Snyder

This was the Ritz in 1984.

I remember my parents taking me to see movies at this theater in the early 80s when I was a little boy and lived in the area. I remember seeing the re-release of Snow White and I think Superman 3 at this theater.

As a side note, the last time I was in Big Spring, about 1999, the theater was open and I think the marquee was still in place. I saw Carrie 2 there at a late night show. haha *If you want a more updated view of it, google street view as what looks to be a pretty recent shot of it.

Link to Google Street View - This might work...

Yes, it does, Thanks Vitonet. It looked much better in 1984.