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The latest movie theater news and updates
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December 23, 2008
BCS Championship in 3D
Another high-profile sporting event is coming to screens around the U.S., this time in 3D.
Until now, only the Florida Gators have known what it’s like to have Tim Tebow screaming in your face during a football game.
But fans will finally get that experience, too, for the BCS Championship Game betwen UF and Oklahoma on Jan. 8. The game will be broadcast in high-definition 3D in about 80 movie theaters across the country, the company 3ality Digital announced Tuesday.
Read more in the Palm Beach Post.
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National Amusements tied up in family disagreement
The Redstones are clashing over a debt renegotiation plan that could hold up future plans for National Amusements.
During a recent meeting of a special committee at National Amusements, the Redstones' movie theater company, which also controls Viacom and CBS, Ms. Redstone’s vote was the only one against the plan, according to people familiar with National Amusements' board deliberations. These people spoke anonymously because such proceedings are meant to be kept secret.
The continuing discord between the two represents another obstacle to an orderly debt renegotiation that would allow Mr. Redstone to maintain his grip on Viacom and CBS. The latest episode has made him a public example of what many industry titans are facing these days: declining personal wealth. Mr. Redstone’s net worth was once estimated by Forbes at more than $8 billion, but today it is questionable as to whether he is worth even $1 billion.
Read more in the New York Times.
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December 22, 2008
The Senator Theatre in transition
BALTIMORE, MD — A community meeting was held last evening about transition plans to turn the Baltimore Senator Theatre’s operations to non-profit. California-based Venuetech and local Mayfair Consulting were on hand to give a presentation, describe possibilities, challenges and ask for community input. Volunteers are now being asked to offer any services that may be helpful in moving forward with the transition.
This now appears to be the only way to ensure that the theatre’s doors remain open!
Local TV news:
FOX
Local newspaper:
Baltimore Sun -
Second act for Wollaston
QUINCY, MA — A return could be coming for the Wollaston Theater.
Shuttered for the past five years, the Wollaston Theatre, a survivor from the golden age of theaters, could be returning as a community centerpiece.
According to a broker handling the property, a group of individuals and organizations involved in the arts has signed a purchase and sale agreement with the estate of Arthur Chandler. Chandler, who died in April, had owned the theater since 1979 and operated it until its closing in 2003.
Read the full story in the Boston Globe
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Orlando gets funds for theater
ORLANDO, FL — The city council is diverting funds so downtown can finally get a movie theater.
The Orlando City Council on Dec. 15 approved a deal that would provide $6 million to the owners of the long-awaited downtown movie theater.
Beverly Hills, Calif.-based RP Realty Partners LLC, which last week told Orlando Business Journal it secured a movie theater operator for its mixed-use The Plaza, will receive the funds through two special assessments levied by the city. The first is a $2.5 million retail assessment to be paid to the city over 15 years, and the second is a $3.5 million parking assessment paid over 10 years.
Read more in the Orlando Business Journal.
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December 19, 2008
Advance sales now open for reissued classic book, “American Theatres of Today”
Pre-publication orders are now being taken for the classic 1920s-30s book on movie palaces and legitimate theatres, “American Theatres of Today.” This important reference work has long been out of print and is being reissued to mark the Theatre Historical Society of America’s 40th Anniversary in 2009.
The book, by R.W. Sexton and B.F. Betts, was originally published as two separate volumes in 1927 and 1930, and is one of the very few theatre books produced during the era when movie palaces were being built all across the country.
It is 368 pages and features 113 theatres, 275 photographs and 278 drawings and plans; it also contains an introduction by famed showman Samuel L. “Roxy” Rothafel.
To do justice to this very special book, the original volumes were scanned using the latest technology and equipment, and THS is publishing it in a single volume, as originally produced with large-format 9"x12" pages, and printed on heavy acid-free paper.
This special edition is limited to 400 numbered copies. Publication is anticipated in February, 2009. Complimentary gift cards are available for those ordering copies, which may be personalized and sent to gift recipients.
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The Movies reopens
Kingman, AZ has been without any movie theatres for the past year since The Movies closed. Local residents had to drive to Laughlin to see the latest releases.
But now the theatre has gotten new ownership and reopens the old 4-screen theatre on Friday at popular prices (not as popular as they were before the theatre closed, but much lower than big city movie theatres!). Prior to Friday’s opening the owners have opened “The Movies” for benefit screenings of all the top films locals could not see in the past year.
Read more in the Kingman Daily Miner.
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IMAX on track to grow throughout 2009
Shares of IMAX Corp. have been rising from its year-to-date low as the company has been adding screens and is locked in to run the biggest blockbuster films of 2009.
Over the weekend, 12% of the grosses of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” came from IMAX theaters, for a per screen average of over $30,000 compared to the national average of only $8700. Nineteen of the top 20 grossing theaters were IMAX theaters with ticket prices 25% to 40% higher than the average.
Box office results similar to this one throughout the year has consistently demonstrated the strength of the IMAX brand and the fact that the public is willing to pay a premium to see movies in IMAX theaters.
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Historic theatre for sale
NORWALK, OH — The Norwalk Main Street Theatre, 57 E. Main, is for sale. The theatre was built in 1941 with an art deco theme and is a Schine Theatre. It is located in the Historic District on Main Street. It seats 924 and a stage with dressing rooms and orchestra pit were added in the 1970’s.
The screen pulls down to show movies. The projectors are Simplex and run on carbon arc rods. Plenty of street and free city lot parking. Great for someone who wants to do live shows and show movies too.
Visit the website to see photos of the theatre. Contact Steve at for more info.
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December 18, 2008
Cinema Treasures is site of the day
Today, Entertainment Weekly named Cinema Treasures the site of the day. Definitely a great endorsement.