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The latest movie theater news and updates
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July 30, 2009
Richmond CenterStage complex nearing completion
RICHMOND, VA — There’s a very good article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch that gives a good summary on the progress of the renovation project for Carpenter Theatre(with photos).
Despite the multitude of technological advances — from fiber-optic lighting and air-conditioning vents along the floor in the theater to the state-of-the-art marquee — the structure and feel of the theater are that of 1928 and even further back in time.
Visitors who walk through the rotunda, with its original multicolored tiled floor, are ushered into a theater that has the feel of a medieval Mediterranean castle. A courtyard-like auditorium adds to the fantasy of being entertained in a long-ago era.
At the Carpenter Theatre, being restored as part of the new Richmond CenterStage performing-arts center, crews went to “great lengths to bring it back to its original form … with all the amenities and comforts of the 21st century,” said Jay Smith, spokesman for Richmond CenterStage.
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Old fashioned ballyhoo / Richard Elfman shows Hollywood !
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Here is a video of the promotion that Richard Elfman did on July 11 to promote Forbidden Zone at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
Enjoy!
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10+ 1927 Art Deco theater seats for sale!
I have purchased in the past at auction 10+ Art Deco 1920’s theater seats. They were from a theater in Manchester, MO., possibly the Manchester Cinema. I think the newspaper wrap with them is from the 90’s, could be when they were originally purchased. I do have pics to send just email. I may and try to put them somewhere(on line) and put a link.
12+ seats
17+ backs (6 just have stuffing back, they are not cushioned with springs. Maybe were for a tight end space)
14 aisle ends (some have the lights figures some are non-light ends)
13+ divider supports (some solid, some see-thru) -
July 29, 2009
The man responsible for all those American Classic photos
Here’s the story of the man whose photographs of so many US cinemas have been linked to individual theater pages.
Working from a 1953 movie exhibitor guide listing all the theaters in the country, he plotted his trips: Ogden, Utah; Omaha, Neb.; Bakersfield, Calif.; Bangor, Maine.
They drove like hell to get where they were going, but once they got there, they were prepared to wait.
If it was too cloudy for a good shot of the theater marquee or if the trains were late, they sat in the truck, drinking Special Export beer, which Jim would drive to Chicago to buy, reading, listening to the CB and napping.
Read the full story in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
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Savoy for sale
MONTPELIER, VT — A classic gem, the single-screen Savoy Theater is up for sale.
The Savoy Theater, a single-screen movie theater known for its dedication to arts, local and independent films, is up for sale. The asking price is $112,000.
Rick Winston, who founded the unique, brick-walled theater in 1980, and his wife and co-owner Andrea Serota said they have been struggling, particularly in the last two years, to keep the theater financially afloat. They said they decided to sell the theater in hopes a new buyer might bring new energy and ideas to rejuvenate the movie house.
Read more in the Times Argus.
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Rickshaw Theatre needs a screen and a projector
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — I am in the process of re-opening the Rickshaw Theatre (formally the shaw) in Vancouver, BC. www.rickshawtheater.com Currently we are doing live and theater shows but would like to do movies. We need a large screen 40 x 25 and a projector. We have no idea where to start looking, any help would be appreciated.
Please contact
Thanks
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July 28, 2009
Sonic to offer 3D download service
Going along with the Cinemanow service already available, Sonic is rolling out a 3D download system.
The company has partnered up with NVIDIA and says the 3D content will be optimized for GeForce GPUs. The CinemaNow player, when it goes live, will support the interesting GeForce 3D Vision and all compatible NVIDIA based 3D-capable displays. A couple notable displays that are capable are the Samsung 2233RZ and ViewSonic FuHzion VX2265wm.
Read more at After Dawn.
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Theater plan moves to center stage in Fremont
FREMONT, CA — After locals came together to save the Center Theater, the city is now supporting it again.
For a community group that wants to turn the Center Theater into a performing arts center, the message from City Hall is clear: “Break a leg, but don’t break the bank.”
City leaders have committed to acquiring the 1940s theater in the Centerville district and working with the Centerville Theater Preservation Group to turn it into a community theater that would support nonprofit performing arts groups.
But for that to happen, the community group first must build a $3 million endowment so that the city won’t be stuck paying for theater operations.
Read the full story in the Oakland Tribune.
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July 27, 2009
River Oaks praised as Houston’s best
HOUSTON, TX — This week, Film 101 takes a look at Houston-area theaters and claims the River Oaks is at the top of the heap.
Opinions on what makes a movie theater great are as different and widespread as those citadels of cinema themselves. Nowadays people like big screens, stadium style seating, clean floors, and speakers so large and loud they make your clothes vibrate. All of these amenities are nice and enhance the viewing experience to a certain degree, but do they really make for a great theater? I’m not convinced, and that’s why my choice for Houston’s best movie theater is the River Oaks Theater on West Gray.
This isn’t a monolithic megaplex with 24 screens, a loud arcade, and seats that become couches with the moving of an armrest. The River Oaks Theater was built in 1939, and still today looks like one of those old timey theaters you see in movies set in the past. If you saw Public Enemies, and I feel a bit sorry for you if you did, you’ll notice the River Oaks Theater looks like the theater Johnny Depp walked out of shortly before the end of the film.
Read more at Film 101.
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Old Paramount Theater needs equipment
We are renovating our theater to show movies as well as put on plays and have various live entertainment. We contacted a company in Salt Lake City who quoted us $88K for a digital installation including sound and $32K for 35mm + sound. We are a little confused about which technology to pursue. Purists say 35mm while others push for digital. Either way, I am afraid we would not make a profit in our small valley spending that kind of money. Is there a way to get a hold of a complete 35mm projection system without breaking the piggy bank?