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The latest movie theater news and updates
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November 5, 2009
Varsity to re-open as bargain cinema
CHAPEL HILL, SC — Although previously reported to be closed permanently, the Varsity Theater will be re-opening under new ownership as a $3 discount house.
Chapel Hill residents Susan and Paul Shareshian have begun working to restore the theater to its former elegance. “We want to bring back the feeling of a classic old-time movie theater and also provide a clean and fun space — with excellent service and a customer-focused staff — where local residents can enjoy a movie at a reasonable price,” says Paul Shareshian in a news release.
Read more in the News Observer.
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Nerwall Film presents “Midnight Show”
Long time Cinema Treasures fan and theater manager in South Jersey is working on an indie horror film with canadian comic book company arcana studios. The film is an old fashion ghost story set in an aged multiplex (every theater has a ghost story).
Pre-production is underway contact for more information.
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November 4, 2009
Owner promises renovation of Los Angeles and Palace theaters if…
LOS ANGELES, CA — The current owner of the Los Angeles and Palace theaters has committed to renovate the Palace and Los Angeles theaters on Broadway if the city will build a new parking facility between 6th and 7th streets.
The project, which would require another $2 million in tenant relocation and $31 million in pre-development and construction costs, would result in several hundred new spaces for uses along Broadway.
While Broadway has a number of parking garages, a recent study showed that these structures are near 100% occupancy during the day. Many close at night, and several structures have recently made exclusive arrangements with residential properties.
Read more at blogdowntown.com.
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Financing issues abort Muvico’s multiplex in Chicago’s Block 37
CHICAGO, IL — It looks like the cinema that was to be operated by Muvico in the Block 37 complex (now referred to as 108 North State – opposite Marshall Field’s, oops, Macy’s) is not going to be constructed. Muvico sought to renegotiate lease terms in June, but the bank involved would not agree to them and is foreclosing on the developer of the retail and transit portion of the project.
After undergoing a corporate reorganization that included shedding several of its movie houses, Muvico “informed Freed that it could not honor its lease but offered to enter into alternative arrangements,” Freed said in the filing.
Muvico renegotiated the lease, but the banks refused to approve the new terms, the filing said.
Read more in the Chicago Tribune.
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Fridley Theaters slimming down
OSKALOOSA, IA — Des Moines-based Fridley Theaters is reducing the number of theaters it currently operates. It has found a new owner for its Penn Centre Theatre in Oskaloosa and is looking to sell theaters in other Iowa towns.
However, Fridley Theatres is leaving Oskaloosa as of Oct. 30, according to Patti Ryan, Penn Central Mall manager. Fridley Theatres have operated out of the Penn Centre Theater since the mid-1990s. The mall owns the Penn Centre Theatre building and was leasing the property to Fridley Theatres.
Ryan said an individual will own and manage a movie theater business out of that building. She added, this individual will be an Oskaloosa resident, which Ryan called a good thing. The individual’s identity remained unreleased at press time.
Read more in the Oskaloosa Herald.
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November 3, 2009
Two auditoriums of former Crown Center 6 reopen as twin cinema
KANSAS CITY, MO — When the former Crown Center 6 closed two years ago, the space occupied by four of its former screening rooms was converted into a live theater venue. The remaining two screens will be re-opening soon as the Screenland Crown Center. The cinema will operate from Thursday through Sunday most of the time and feature independent, foreign, and documentary films.
That programming should distinguish it from the more commercial fare shown at AMC’s Mainstreet in the nearby Power & Light District.
“Our intent was to find an operator who would fit more into our entertainment strategy, something outside first-run, big-studio pictures,” said Rick Brown of Crown Center Redevelopment.
More details at the Kansas City Star.
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The Majestic Crest Theatre for Sale
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Majestic Crest Theatre is featured in the opening montage of “The Tonight Show” with Conan O Brien!
Majestic Crest Theater is for for sale and is currently on the market.
Even though the flashing marquee could cause seizures at night, the interior of this Westwood theatre makes you feel like you slipped on a banana peel and ended up smack dab in Golden Age Hollywood. With an enormous screen and great sound (that’s right – one screen), Majestic Crest Theatre hosts new release independent films with vim and vigor. When you’re sitting in your comfortable seats, don’t forget to look up and watch the stars, just don’t let them distract you.The theater is currently operated by the existing owner, who would consider leasing back and continuing to operate the theater after a sale. Property has been just approved as a Historical monument and approved for The Mills Act Historical Property Contract Program which allows for the property tax reduction down to $17,500.00+/– per year.
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Technicolor debuts alternative 3-D process for film
Techinicolor has announced a new 3D-on-film solution that it claims is an improvement over previous over/under 3D film prints. While acknowledging that the future probably lies with digital 3D projection, the process is intended to increase the number of screens that can show 3D productions by providing an alternative to digital, at least on an interim basis, Seven studios have indicated interest already.
The system aims to address the shortage of digital 3D screens by using conventional celluloid film prints capable of 3D imaging.
No exhibitors have yet announced they will install the system, but Ahmad Ouri, Technicolor’s president of strategy, technology and marketing, said he expects to announce the first deployment deals for Technicolor 3D at ShowEast next week.
Read more in Variety.
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November 2, 2009
Silent movies return to Seattle’s Paramount
SEATTLE, WA — Silent movies will be screened at Seattle’s Paramount Theater on three successive Mondays in November, including the 1916 version of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” on 11/2,“The Adventures of Prince Achmed,"a 1926 film from Germany, claimed to be the oldest surviving feature length animated film on 11/9, and, on 11/16, the 1925 version of "The Lost World.” Jim Riggs will be playing the theater’s mighty Wurlitzer at all performances.
More details here: STG Presents
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Those delightfully goofy William Castle promotional gimmicks
SEATTLE, WA — A recent article in the online Seattle P-I notes that while the internet has been used to promote the success of low budget films such as “Paranormal Activity” and the “The Blair Witch Project,” those of us “of a certain age” fondly recall how schlockmeister William Castle used memorable “promotional innovations” as effectively to create buzz around movies such as “House on Haunted Hill” and “The Tingler”. Many will recall the theaters – many, if not most, themselves now just memories – where we experienced “Emergo,” “Percepto,” and “Illusion-0”
William Castle didn’t just produce scary movies, he PRODUCED scary movies. To him, filming the movie was one thing, but marketing it was quite another. His promotional innovations (or “gimmicks” for you less romantic souls) earned him the title “The Schlockmeister” and he reveled in his reputation. Like a carnie barker, Castle would appear in a filmed segment before the start of each of his movies to hype the special “icing” associated with that particular film.
Read the whole article at Seattle Pi.