Embassy Theatre
10 Kent Terrace,
Wellington
10 Kent Terrace,
Wellington
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Just to correct the info given above, the 70mm screen and proscenium was installed in 1960 not 1965.
The first 70mm film shown was “Porgy and Bess”.
More historical information and photos on the Embassy here:
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Now operated by Sky City Cinemas, still only one screen.
Another photo of the Embassy Theater can be seen here.
This is an interior view of the Embassy Theater.
Here is a photo of the Embassy Theater. I hope they caught the guy trying to sneak in through the roof. LOL
A recent exterior photograph of the Embassy Theatre with a “Lord of the Rings” ‘extra’:
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This lovely theatre is protected by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust with a Grade 1 listing.
I am trying to see if I got this right. When 70mm was installed the screen was hung high and the orchestra was not used? Then they built two new cinemas under the balcony?
This is the official site for the Trust that owns the building. Lots more pictures here.
http://www.theembassytheatretrust.org.nz/
Here are some pictures & sound details.
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The Embassy underwent a major restoration/re-development in 2003 as a precursor for the World Premiere of Peter Jackson’s RETURN OF THE KING. The “tacky” proscenium installed in 1965 for 70mm was removed and the huge screen was moved higher and further back – this time a new proscenium was created that is in keeping with the existing style of the interior and one would never know it is not original.
The stalls, which hadn’t been used since 70mm was installed, were finally sealed off and two new cinemas were built in this disused space. Other improvements include: air-conditoning, reduced seating to accomodate wider rows & bigger more luxurious seats, foyer refurbishment, new 35mm/70mm projector & all Digital sound formats. A great cinema to see a movie – the sound and picture rock!
A
Kindest regards Embassy Theatre: I’m writing from the US, re: a communication from kiwiattic.com, for the final movie of the “Lord of the Rings.” I’d like to be apart of this, and would like to be put on a mailing list, updates list, how to what to do list, to get info to plan for the event. Are you doing that yet? If so, what do you need from me? Thank you in advance for your assistance, and cheers to “leanne” at kiwiattic.com, and others in your community, including your mayor, government, and tourism, for giving the early word to spur people to share in this, with your country. Best regards, Carrie Thomas