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The latest movie theater news and updates
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July 12, 2013
Movie theaters in airports unlikely
The Los Angeles Times reported that people want movie theaters in airports more than any other amenity. However, don’t expect to see these anytime soon as they would be cost prohibitive given the limited space in terminals.
What other types of buildings would you love to see a movie theater in?
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Small town rallies to save the Scenic Theater
LISBON, ND — Evan a city of 2,000 can save a theater. Locals came together in a big way to generate over $100,000 for a digital conversion of the Scenic Theater. Over 300 individual donations and a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture pushed them over the edge and ensured the theatre would be there for years to come.
You can read more about this inspiring story in the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.
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July 11, 2013
Old Art Deco movie theater in Iowa near completion
GARNER, IA — The 1931 Avery Theatre is close to reopening on August 9 after years of renovations. The interior of the theatre should appear brand new yet refer back to the original look.
Read more at KWWL.
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Barron could close this summer
PRATT, KS — The clock is ticking for the Barron Theatre as the owners look to sell the property. They simply can’t cover the costs of operating it anymore and a digital conversion would just make things worse for them financially. If it closes, residents would have to drive to Kingman or Larned for a flick.
Go to KSN for more on the story along with a video.
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July 10, 2013
New Galaxy Cinema opens in Sarnia replacing Lambton 9
SARNIA, ONTARIO, CANADA — Canada’s Cineplex opened a new state of the art cinema last month which which replaces the Famous Players Lambton 9 which closed upon the opening of the new cinema. The new Galaxy Cinemas Sarnia boasts eight screens which total nearly 1,600 seats with the latest cinema innovations.
You can read more in the Cineplex press release.
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Empire to focus on Sobeys, sells theatres to Cineplex, Landmark
Empire has sold the majority of its cinema assets to Cineplex and Landmark. They plan to focus on growing their Safeway supermarkets and use the money for debt repayment. Sales have been going well so far this year for the chain so this appears to be a good time to readjust their priorities.
Read more in the Globe and Mail.
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July 9, 2013
Digital Conversion Dooming Barron Theatre?
Kansas TV stations KSN and KAKE are reporting that the 83-year-old Barron Theatre in Pratt may close, starving the city of its only remaining theater and forcing residents to drive 100 miles – yes, 100 miles – to other theaters in Wichita or Hutchinson. While ticket sales are brisk, the owners don’t want to invest in digital projection and see this as a good time to sell the Barron or close the theater. Maybe they should try Kickstarter …
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July 8, 2013
New Hope for Milwaukee’s Grand Theatre?
The Journal-Sentinel is reporting that Myron Heaton is spearheading a new plan to restore and reopen Milwaukee’s long-closed Grand Theatre. According to the report, “Heaton said the estimated price tag for the theater and the land is under $1 million, which with funds available through a family trust he can cover. As soon as the building, which has sat dormant for 18 years, is purchased, the restoration and construction can begin.” The project is slated to cost over $60 million and is in the very early stages of its development.
(Thanks to Trolleyguy for providing the photo.)
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July 6, 2013
“Save The Historic Huntridge Theater!” - 11 Days Left
Earlier this week I wrote about the importance of indiegogo, Kickstarter, and other fundraising sites that have helped independent cinemas convert to digital projection and/or keep the doors open during difficult times. I’m back this weekend with an update on a new effort to restore and reopen the long-closed Huntridge Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada. This S. Charles Lee-designed movie house is drifting away and may face demolition in 2017 when it loses its protected status. This would be a big loss for Las Vegas and for historic theaters.
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July 5, 2013
Cinerama Films at the Gaslamp Theatre
The Reading Gaslamp Theatre in downtown San Diego will be showing newly restored 2K Digital prints of four Cinerama titles as part of their weekly Forty Foot Films series. Cinerama digital films include the overture, prologue, intermission and walk out music just as originally shown and presented in “SmileBox” which simulates the curved screen.
Cinerama Holiday, July 27, 28, 30
Seven Wonders of the World, August 24,25,27
South Seas Adventure September 21,22, 24
Windjammer November 16,17, 19
All seats are $7.00. Showings are Saturday and Tuesday at 7:00pm and Sunday at 1:00pm
(Thanks to John Sittig, Cinerama Inc., for the news.)