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The latest movie theater news and updates
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March 8, 2010
Owner puts AMC Cantera 30 up for sale
WARRENVILLE, IL — The Cantera 30’s owner is putting the theater, built in 1998, on the market, asking $37 million. AMC’s current lease does not expire until 2015 and the chain holds renewal options.
AMC Cantera 30, one of the region’s largest and top-grossing movie theaters, opened in 1998. The theater, at 28250 Diehl Road just off Interstate 88, is owned by Kansas City, Mo.-based Entertainment Properties Trust and an offshore investor and is leased to the operator, American Multi-Cinema Inc. (AMC)
The asking price equates to a 12% capitalization rate on current rent, says Ken Szady, a Cushman executive director who is handling the marketing the property along with colleague Jim Carpenter.
The biggest question mark for investors will be what happens in five years when AMC’s lease is scheduled to expire.
There are additional details in Chicago Business.
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New cinemas coming to Leesburg, VA and Pigeon Forge, TN
LEESBURG, VA — A twelve-screen multiplex will be Cobb Theatres first venture in the region around Washington DC; the chain is based in Alabama. It will feature the company’s CineBistro as part of the theater’s amenities, and the company hopes to open the multiplex by the summer of next year.
“A CineBistro consists of an intimate lounge and restaurant area in a boutique setting, surrounded by multiple theatres — each seating between 80-100 customers. After dining, the tables are rolled back and patrons enjoy a movie in what Cobb Theatres describes as a true ‘private Hollywood movie screening experience.’”
The theater will also have stadium seating with custom-designed rocking seats for unobstructed viewing and wall-to-wall curved high grain screens that the company says produce brighter colors and sharper images than other screens.
There is more in Loudoni.com.
In Pigeon Forge, TN, demolition has begun to provide space for a five-screen theater in the Walden’s Landing Center. The cinema will be operated by Phoenix BIG Cinemas of Knoxville.
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Old movie theater pro audio wanted
Looking for older Altec, Western Electric, Fairchild, Gates, Ampex, RCA, etc. sound equipment from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Please with details.
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March 5, 2010
Trail Theater for sale
ST. JOSEPH, MO — Built in 1951, the Trail Theatre is currently for sale. Its former manager hopes it might come back to life as a movie house, but redevelopment for retail may well be its future.
If it were to open as a movie theater again, Mr. Heye suggested the Trail follow other older cinemas and become a place for high-buzz independent movies from directors such as Woody Allen. But after mentioning it, he questions if that would be a profitable venture.
“I don’t know if the theater going public in St. Joe is the kind that’s going to sufficiently support an art theater,” he said.
Local collector and Trail Theater patron Greg Filardo said for it to function as money-making business again, it will take rethinking on both the owner and St. Joseph citizens' parts.
The full story is in the St. Joseph News.
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Carbon Rod 35mm projectors/sound & fountain drink dispenser
If you are interested in original carbon rod 35mm projectors & sound equipment (~1940s) or a classic fountain drink dispenser (~1960s), please contact the Ituna Theatre @ (306) 550-4023. Serious inquiries only please.
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March 4, 2010
Bow Tie Cinemas will use Technicolor’s non-digital 3D projection system
LOS ANGELES, CA — Twenty-five of Bow Tie Cinemas 150 current screens will be equipped with Technicolor’s recently announced 3D projection system which uses conventional 35mm projectors fitted with special lenses. The installation cost is said to be significantly less than that for new digital systems. Seven studios have agreed to support the alternative 3D format.
Technicolor says its film 3-D solution costs a fraction of what it would take to install digital projectors, which has enabled modern 3-D movies to be shown at most theater chains.
Technicolor’s solution costs about $4,000 to $6,000 to outfit an auditorium with a silver screen, plus a maximum $12,000 in rental costs per year for a specialized lens. Digital projection systems cost about $75,000 per screen.
“We’ve developed a high-quality solution that addresses the 3-D screen scarcity issue and allows exhibitors an affordable way to bridge the gap to digital,” said Joe Berchtold, president of Technicolor’s creative services business, in a release.
Read more from the Associated Press.
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Kenning Hall Theatre for sale
CLAPTON, LONDON, ENGLAND — The former Kenning Hall Cinema in the East End of London (formerly the Clapton Cinematograph Theatre) is currently up for sale. This is one of London’s earliest purpose built picture palaces, dating from 1910, and containing original features from the Edwardian era. It is also said to be the cinema which influenced the youthful Harold Pinter to become a dramatist and screenwriter.
Anyone interested in acquiring this historic cinema and equipping it for the twenty first century as a tribute to the great playwright should contact Julia Lafferty at
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Theatre candy supplier info needed
I am operating a two screen first run movie theater in the Midwest. I am looking for wholesale candy suppliers. Currently I am purchasing candy at retail and reselling. There must be suppliers out there. Anyone have any names of companies?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Best Regards,
Katie -
March 3, 2010
Theater in Rock Springs to be renovated
ROCK SPRINGS, WY — Opened in 1949 as the West Theatre, and later known as the Rock and Star Theatre Two, this theater will be renovated and have its original name restored.
This article in Main Street Rock Springs has more detail, and includes links to descriptions and sketches of the upgraded facility.
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Thomas Lamb’s Adirondack Lodge for sale!
Looking for a summer home in the Adirondack Mountains? For a mere $487,000 you could be the proud owner of Thomas Lamb’s former summer home – designed, of course, by Mr. Lamb himself.
Check out all the photos!