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The latest movie theater news and updates
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November 10, 2008
Multiplex transformed into gym
NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA — The four-screen Norwin Hills Cinema is being transformed into Galaxy Fitness with an anticipated January opening.
Cinema 1 will become a studio with 60 pieces of cardio equipment while the walls between the other theaters will be torn down to accommodate a fitness center for kids.
The sloped flooring is being leveled with Styrofoam and then topped with concrete. Levelling the floor is the most difficult aspect of the renovation.
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November 7, 2008
Dickinson Theatres inks deal to go digital
Dickinson Theatres of Overland Park, KS recently inked a deal to begin transitioning all of it’s 40 locations to digital in near the future.
“AccessIT is excited and proud that Dickinson Theatres will be the first exhibitor partner in our Phase 2 Deployment Plan,” said Chuck Goldwater, President of AccessIT’s Media Services Group. “With more than 80 years of excellence in the exhibition business, Dickinson Theatres and John Hartley and his team have the experience, the vision and the passion to take full advantage of the benefits of digital technology as leaders in the industry."
Read more in Access ITDickinson Theatres, Inc. owns and operates 40 movie theatre locations in 11 states with 380 screens in Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. A privately owned organization, Dickinson Theatres, Inc. is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas and employs over 1100 staff members including 24 full time corporate employees. For more information about Dickinson Theatres, Inc. visit www.dtmovies.com
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Shady Oak Theater being demolished
CLAYTON, MO — The 75-year-old single screen “Shady Oak” theater is currently being torn down to make way for a parking lot.
The town is saving its 4-by-6 foot sign that stood on a post outside the theater to possibly incorporate into a future project.
Closed since 2000, the Shady Oak fell victim to newer multiplexes nearby as well as a lack of downtown parking.
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Cinemark opens fourth Utah multiplex
OREM, UT — Cinemark is opening Cinemark University Mall, a 14-screen, all digital theater this week. Five of the auditoriums have 3D capability, and this is the fourth theater Cinemark has opened in Utah.
Cinemark is hoping an economic downturn will help business since in five of the last seven recessions, movie attendance has boomed. During the last recession, in 2001, North American box office revenues rose nine percent.
The theater may also be used as part of the Sundance Film Festival. Cinemark has a contact to show festival films in Park City.
Read more in the Daily Herald.
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The Movies Return
KINGMAN, AZ — Kingman has been without a movie theater since the four screen “The Movies” shut down last year. While there are plans to build an 8 screen modern multiplex next year, the old theater is reopening with a fresh makeover next month.
It looks like Christmas will come early this year for Kingman’s movie buffs. The defunct movie theater at 4035 Stockton Hill Road, closed since late last year, is set to reopen under new management Dec. 12.
Abandoned by theater giant Cinemark the previous December, the aptly-named “The Movies” four-screen theater has received a new lease on life – literally – thanks to the efforts of a California theater owner and longtime cinema technician, Tom Daugherty.
Read the full story in the Kingman Daily Miner.
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AMC shelves plan for an IPO…again!!!
Last week, AMC Entertainment held off plans for an IPO despite an economic crisis that is hitting movie theaters really hard this weekend. Read the story by clicking on this link courtesy of the LA Times
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How many movie theaters are there in the US today?
Question: How many hardtop theaters are there in the US today? The industry indicator seems to be “number of screens”. But I am curious as to how many hardtop theaters are still showing films.
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Two Boots Pioneer theater closing
NEW YORK, NY — Two Boots Pioneer an independent movie house on the Lower East Side, closed, effective November 1st. Their last show was “Night of the Living Dead,” in celebration of Halloween. The theater had been successful for nine years, but was facing a rent hike and the end of their lease. The Pioneer showcased much original programming throughout its life, including celebrations of 70s porno chic and a tribute to Luis Guzman. There will be a free party on November 7th to send the theater off in style.
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Columbus Grandview to reopen in January
COLUMBUS, OH — After all the drama last month of the Drexel Grandview closing, then not closing, then finally closing when its landlord returned from vacation, a new operator has stepped forward with plans to reopen the theater in January.
A former manager of the Drexel North theater and his wife will spend about $50,000 of their savings to renovate the Grandview.
The couple intends to keep their day jobs for at least a year and then hope to manage the theater full time after that.
The previous operator wished them well.
Read more in the Columbus Dispatch.
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November 6, 2008
AMC opens Fork & Screen concept in KC
OLATHE, MO — AMC has reopened the east wing of its massive Studio 30 megaplex as the Fork & Screen, an upscale dinner/movie/bar concept.
Eleven auditoriums have been gutted and rebuilt, with three screens designated Cinema Suites and featuring extra amenities like padded reclining chairs and reserved seating. The number of seats in the suites are limited to 32 per auditorium and no one under 21 will be allowed.
A full-service kitchen has been installed and a sprawling bar called MacGuffins has been added. Food and drink are delivered to the seats by a staff that will eventually number 140.
Read the details at KansasCity.com.
