The latest movie theater news and updates

  • March 9, 2009
    Events

    35mm Screening of “King Kong vs. Godzilla” at the Colonial Theatre Spooktacular

    KEENE, NH — On the evening of Friday, April 24th, 2009, the Colonial Theatre will present its second “Colonial Theatre Spooktacular”, featuring a screening of a brand-new 35mm print of that foreign film classic, 1962’s “King Kong vs. Godzilla”.

    Curated by the maniacal movie mavens from “Saturday Fright Special” (New Hampshire’s first home-grown horror-host TV show, seen on public access stations throughout the country), the evening will feature vintage 35mm monster movie trailers and other assorted film goodies, giveaways of signed copies of TYRANT and an original “King Kong vs. Godzilla” sketch courtesy of comics icon S.R. Bissette as well as DVDs and T-shirts, and live appearances by “Saturday Fright Special” characters.

    This will be an all-ages event, as the love of giant rubber-suited monsters should know no age barriers.

    9 comments
  • Theaters

    10 best movie theaters in America

    Ross Melnick of Cinema Treasures & Karen Noonan of Theatre Historical Society advised Moving Pictures magazine on the best ten movie theaters in America.

    Last summer, The Dark Knight opened on 4,300 American movie theater screens, approximately 20 percent of the 26,000 screens available in the United States, according to National Association of Theater Owners (NATO). It’s quite possible that you enjoyed the movie’s majestic, panoramic visuals in a theater boasting state-of-the-art projection and sound, but it’s just as likely that you saw the film in a tiny box with a postage stamp-sized screen. Not every silver screen in America is golden, after all. That said, the below-listed screens are among the ten best in the nation, according to Moving Pictures with help from Ross Melnick of Cinema Treasures, a website devoted to classic movie theaters, and Karen Colizzi Noonan, president of Theatre Historical Society of America.

    See the list at Moving Pictures.

    Also check out a similar piece from Travel and Leisure.

    14 comments
  • Openings

    Imlay City’s Cinema III reopens as Imlay City Cinemas

    IMLAY CITY, MI — The Cinema III, first opened in 1980 and closed in 2007 has reopened under new ownership as the Imlay City Cinemas. The new owner, Remo Querciagrossa, noticed the for sale sign while motorcycle riding. After buying the cinema, he replaced the roof, repainted the interior and upgraded the projection and sound equipment.

    Further info from the Flint Journal.

    1 comment
  • March 8, 2009
    Events

    A Tribute to Forrest J. Ackerman

    On Sunday March 8th. 2009 there will be a Special Tribute at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood at 4pm. A reception starts at 3pm and Free admission.

    On Sunday March 8th. 2009 at 7pm.
    Forrest J. Ackerman Tribute Double Feature:

    “Famous Monster: Forrest J. Ackerman” (2007) 48 minutes.
    “The Time Travelers” (1964) MGM 82 minutes.

    5 comments
  • March 6, 2009
    Events

    Garden Theatre to celebrate first year

    WINTER GARDEN, FL — “Garden Encore” is the name of the weekend long celebration the Garden Theatre will launch the weekend of March 7-9. Performances all three nights will feature professional singers from Walt Disney World and an orchestra. The theatre is celebrating the completion of its first year of operation since the 5 year restoration allowed it to open as a live performance and film venue in 2008.

    The Saturday night event will include a roof top cocktail party with entertainment and gourmet food. The theatre is located at 160 W. Plant Street. Phone 407-877-4736 for ticket information, or visit the website.

    0 comments
  • Theaters

    Terrace Theater Charleston wins Best Movie Theater!

    CHARLESTON, SC — The Terrace Theater is named Charleston’s best.

    Read the blurb at the Charleston City Paper.

    1 comment
  • Closings

    Miracle Twin Drive-in Theatre closed permanently

    BURTON, MI — Inquiring about the status of the Miracle Twin Drive-in Theatre, it has been confirmed that it has closed permanently based on this E-mailed reply:

    Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry. National Amusements closed the Miracle Twin Drive-in for the season in September of 2008 and will not be reopening the theatre. National Amusements offered the theatre employees positions in the company’s local indoor theatres. We wish to thank our loyal patrons who have shared great movies and memories with us over the years, and hope to see them at our other area theatres.

    Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

    Regards,
    Wanda Whitson

    This means that National Amusements, which began as a chain of drive-in theaters, is no longer in the drive-in theater business.

    Read more about its official closing here.

    1 comment
  • For Sale

    US 23 Twin DI put up for sale

    FLINT, MI — After the recent death of Lou Warrington Jr., his son Lou Warrington III has put the US 23 Twin Drive-in Theatre up for sale. There are “For Sale by Owner” signs with a hand-written phone number posted underneath the drive-in’s landmark neon marquee. As previously reported, the drive-in will reopen this year for the final time under Warrington family ownership.

    Further info can be found in the Flint Journal which does indicate that if there is no buyer by the end of the season, the drive-in will sit vacant. Warrington is asking for between $5 million to $8 million for the 30+ acre property. The story also mentions one potential buyer who wants to keep it as a drive-in theater.

    The “23” for the first time ever, has no local competition because the crosstown rival Miracle Twin DI in Burton is not reopening. So it is expected to get the big movies, which the Miracle Twin had previously gotten most of in previously seasons, this summer.

    1 comment
  • Openings

    It’s curtains for Fremont’s last mainstream theater

    FREMONT, CA — The Cinedome 8 is set to close and leave Fremont with no mainstream theater.

    It was never the fanciest theater, but when it came to the latest Hollywood flicks, the Cinedome 8 was all Fremont had.

    Now, after more than 30 years, it is about to exit the stage, employees said.

    The Cinedome 8 is scheduled to shut its doors for good Sunday, leaving the city with more than 210,000 residents but no first-run movie theater, said employees at the theater and its sister theater, the Cinedome 7 in Newark.

    Read the full story at the Argus.

    0 comments
  • March 5, 2009
    For Sale

    Vintage ticket machines for sale

    Hello,
    I have two old ticket dispensing machines and I would like to sell them. I also have some rolls of tickets to go with them.

    I am based in Gillingham, Kent. For more details, my number is 077 26 77 88 29

    Many Thanks,
    George Kasabi

    6 comments