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The latest movie theater news and updates
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June 16, 2008
Breaking down southwest Michigan’s drive-in theaters
In this chronicle, MLive.com discusses the state of southwest Michigan drive-in theaters.
This is the first in a three-part series looking at Southwest Michigan’s drive-in theaters. This summer marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of the nation’s first drive-in theater in Camden, N.J. It’s also the 70th anniversary of the first Michigan drive-in theater, the Eastside Drive-In Theater in Harper Woods, which opened May 26, 1938, and closed in 1977. Today, there are nearly 400 theaters across the country and 10 permanent theaters in the state.
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June 13, 2008
After 30 years, GREASE is still the word!
UPDATED 6/16 with verranth1 post below:
The movie version of “Grease” was released exactly 30 years ago today, June 16, 1978. It was based on Jim Jacobs' and Warren Casey’s original 1972 Broadway musical. It is widely considered the most popular movie musical of all time. For myself, I saw it six (6) times in the theater upon its release. Generally, I don’t like musicals, but I still love “Grease”.
Some film facts that may interest you:
- It was the highest-grossing movie in the U.S. in 1978.
- It was filmed at Venice High School in Venice, California.
- Henry Winkler and Marie Osmond were originally considered for the roles of Danny and Sandy.
- Danny’s blue windbreaker at the film’s open is an homage to “Rebel Without a Cause”
- Olivia Newton-John had to be sewn into her black spandex during the film’s final sequence.
- Director Randal Kleiser has previously stated that he hated two of the film’s most popular songs, “Grease” and “You’re The One That I Want”.
Some theatrical 30th anniversary screenings of the film this weekend would certainly make sense. Unfortunately, I am unaware of any. So, pull out your DVD and celebrate 30 years of GREASE!
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Happy 15th anniversary, “Jurassic Park” and DTS!!!
On June 11, 1993, Universal Studios released what would become the first mega blockbuster of the 90’s, “Jurassic Park”. It was so popular that it would be re-released later that year and proved to be an annual Thanksgiving TV event on TV, and sold well on VHS, DVD, laserdisc, and eventually DVD.
This was the first movie to be shown in DTS, and a few select theaters were lucky to get the system installed. The result would be big and would start the digital surround sound wars that continues to this day, with Sony soon following suit with its soon-to-be-gone SDDS format. I first saw JP when it came out on VHS, since I was a bit too young to see this movie. What are your memories of this great movie?
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L.A. moviegoing on a budget
LOS ANGELES, CA — Despite the troubling economy, there are still plenty of low-price movie options in Los Angeles. In this post on Film Radar, site creator Karie Bible dishes out a list of theater discounts that cover most parts of town, with some even appearing in historic venues. Check it out and also lookout for their informative calendar of upcoming events in the area as well.
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June 12, 2008
What’s the Cinemark difference?
Can someone tell me what is the difference between Cinemark’s theater designs. There appear to be three different styles: 1.) The movies, 2.) Tinseltown USA, and 3.) Cinemark.
Do they have different amenities, projection capabilities, cater to different audiences? What makes them different? Also the front design of the Tinseltown USA design is there any significence to it? The four large columns on the front specifically.
Thank you!
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Question for NYC theater buffs
Can anyone identify the closed theater that used to appear briefly in the opening credits montage for “Law and Order SVU?”
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Wanted: Pair of projectors and pair of Altec A7 speakers
Looking for a pair of 35mm projectors and a pair of Altec A7 speakers within driving distance of Portland, OR.
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June 11, 2008
Comedy keeps movie theater owners smiling
A Boston-area theater thinks outside the box by showcasing stand-up comedy.
The slump in business for local movie theaters is no laughing matter – unless, of course, you happen to be in the audience.
To combat flat ticket sales, the Showcase Cinemas in Randolph has added a comedy night to its menu of attractions. The Thursday evening “Stand-up Showcase” features four comics performing a 100-minute show. The first was held in a 180-seat auditorium in the theater May 15, and the series is expected to continue every Thursday night.
Read the full story in the Boston Globe.
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Odeon to screen Grand Prix racing
LONDON, ENGLAND — The Odeon chain is planning to bring live races to its screens.
Odeon, the U.K.’s biggest exhib chain, has teamed with Formula One Management to bring Brit auds live uninterrupted motor racing grands prix from across the world.
Starting Sunday, Odeon — in association with SuperVision Media — will screen 10 grands prix at 25 selected U.K. theaters. Other than the Canadian race on Sunday and Brazilian race on Nov. 2, all screenings will get off the grid at 1 p.m. local time. All screenings will run without adverts or interruptions.
Read more in Variety.
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Director: Blu-ray offers better pix than theater
Since the advent of High-Definition TV, film buffs have debated whether it offers a better picture than what can be seen in your local movie theater.
However, Jon M. Chu, director of the Disney hit Step Up 2 The Streets, believes the argument should now cease:
The Blu-ray high-def disc wins by a mile, he says.
While Blu-ray might be driving people away from theaters, I’m pretty sure “Step Up 2” is causing greater damage.
Read the full story inTV Predictions.