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The latest movie theater news and updates
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May 14, 2010
Thirty-five years ago, when the fin broke through the water…
June 20, 2010 will mark the 35th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking summer blockbuster, “Jaws”.
What can I possibly say that every fan of this film doesn’t already know? That it ushered in a new era of film marketing and wider theatrical releasing? That in between “The Exorcist” and “Star Wars” it was the highest grossing film of all time? That it instilled fears of going in the water that people probably still hold onto today? That it made Martha’s Vineyard more popular than it already was?
What’s the point? You already know all this. What I will, however, do is share a personal story with you regarding this film, and perhaps you will, too…
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May 13, 2010
Regency renovates, re-opens former Edwards cinema in San Juan Capistrano, CA
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – Regency Theatres has opened a new four-screen theater in the space formerly occupied by the Edwards Franciscan Plaza 5. Now decorated in a Moroccan theme, the renovated theater includes Rick’s Café as well as a VIP auditorium. The city had been without a cinema since the Franciscan Plaza closed a decade ago.
The full story, with a slide show, is in the Orange County Register.
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Levoy Theatre financing package complete
The Levoy Theatre Preservation Society (LTPS) has announced that the financing package for the historic theater in Millville, NJ is complete and funds have become available for its reconstruction.
Work will commence within two weeks with a completion expected in approximately 10-months, creating a fully operational, state-of-the-art performing and screen arts center.
The Levoy Theatre, listed on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places, was originally built in 1908 and closed in 1974.
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Rheem Theatre closes
MORAGA, CA — The Rheem Theatre closed approx. 4 weeks ago. The owner of the property is looking for someone to continue the operation as a theatre.
The theatre was bult as a single screen in 1957 by Donald Rheem. It was closed for a while in the early to mid 70’s and reopened as a concert venue circa 1980. It became a single screen theatre again in the 90’s and more recently was four-plexed.
Mike
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May 12, 2010
Open House at Hollywood Theater this Saturday
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A free open house and tour of the long-closed Hollywood Theater at 2815 Johnson Street is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, from Noon to 5:00 p.m. The city hopes that the event might spur interest in reuse or redevelopment of the Art Deco theater that opened in 1935 and closed in 1987.
After just a few short minutes inside this treasured landmark, I was eating my words. Tearing down the Hollywood Theater would be an absolute tragedy. While the place needs a serious Heidi Montag-type facelift, there’s still maximum potential for it to be restored into the great entertainment hub it once was.
There is additional information and four pictures atWCCO.
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Thirteen-screen megaplex opens in York
YORK TWP., PA — The latest addition to the Jupiter, FL-based Frank Theatres, Inc. chain has had its soft opening. The Queensgate 13, built on the site of the former the Regal Queensgate Plaza theater, features all-digital projection, a café, an arcade, and a VIP auditorium where those over 21 can enjoy alcoholic beverages.
Another local official referred to the theater as a possible anchor for the community.
“This theater signals the real rebirth of the community,” said Stewart Weinberg, Dallastown Area School District superintendent. “I’m really excited that since this is in the school district it will help support the quality of education (through added tax dollars). This is a fantastic investment.”
There is more in the York Daily Record.
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Rave Motion Pictures takes over Showcase Cinemas Flint West from National Amusements
FLINT, MI — Rave Motion Pictures has taken over management of the Showcase Cinemas Flint West which is being renamed Rave Cinemas Flint West. It is one of 32 National Amusements theaters sold to Rave in December. The changeover is gradual. The refreshment stand now sells Coke instead of Pepsi as an example. Rave is expected to make several improvements including adding all digital projection equipment. The indoor signs are being changed, but the outdoor signs bearing the Rave name are not expected to appear until around June.
“We are beginning to change the internal signage in the theater, but slowly,” Devine said. “The outside signage won’t appear until June or so.”
The company, which markets itself as the nation’s fifth largest theater exhibition chain, has two other Michigan locations, the RMP Cityplace 14 in Kalamazoo and RC Ann Arbor 20 in Ypsilanti.
Additional details from the Flint Journal.
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May 11, 2010
Cinema Plaza in Flemington may not have a future
FLEMINGTON, NJ – The Cinema Plaza may be in the last part of its life. Although plans were announced some time ago to replace it with a modern, state-of-the-art multiplex, the current operator wants now to build at a new location. The building that houses the cinema started out as a dairy barn in 1921, and later became an automobile dealership. It became a a five-screen theater 1981; a sixth was later added in what was the originally a hayloft.
Cinema Plaza at 240 Route 202-31 could be demolished to make room for a retail complex to be called Shoppes at Raritan. If the proposal is accepted, the new complex will include a CVS pharmacy, a bank and restaurant as well as retail stores
Under the corporate name of 240 Highway Rt. 202 Associates, property owner Steven Kalafer has submitted at application and plans to the township Planning Board. Kalafer is best known as founder and chairman of the Flemington Car and Truck Country group of dealerships.
The full story is at NJ.com.
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Cinema 21 celebrates 83 years; current owner has been at the helm for the last 30
PORTLAND, OR — Even in a city with a several independent cinemas, the Cinema 21 stands out: it remains a single screen survivor of the many changes that have killed many other movie houses over the decades. A key factor in its longevity is its owner and operator, Tom Ranieri, whose programming skill keeps this movie house going with a strong community following.
The brand is still in place — witness recent premieres such as “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (now playing) or “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” or “The Wrestler.” But the work require to maintain the brand, and what the brand can be expected to reap in ticket sales, has transformed significantly during Ranieri’s tenure.
“A slow-moving glacier has passed through and changed the landscape,” Ranieri says. “Things have changed dramatically. Videotape changed people’s experience of watching a movie. Now it requires more of an event to get people to come out. And maybe that’s only a cheap movie and a beer and a slice of pizza. And maybe some movies are events in themselves. But just having a good film or a solid film to show is easily dismissed. People look at that and think ‘I’ll catch in on DVD or VOD.’”
Read the whole story in the Oregonian.
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Norwalk Main Street Theatre for sale - Schine Theatre
NORWLAK, OH — The Norwalk Main Street Theatre located at 57 E. Main Street, is for sale. This Schine theatre was built in 1941 in the art deco style. It seats 220 in the balcony and 700 on the main floor. All art deco remains intact. Organ and piano have been sold.
Outer lobby was redecorated in 2006 with the carpet being removed from the walls and replaced with new drywall and wallpaper that matched the original paper under the carpet of a burgundy and cream stripe. lso, new light fixtures were installed in the outer lobby as the old ones were falling apart.