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The latest movie theater news and updates
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June 6, 2008
Picture House value?
I have a few copies of the Picture House publication, dated 1927. Can anyone give me an idea of their value? Please email me at
Many thanks,
Leanie0 comments -
June 5, 2008
Phoenix’s Cine Capri, 1966-1998
CINE CAPRI, 1966-1998
Compiled by Michael Coate
So, what are your memories of the Cine Capri?
It’s been ten years now since the Cine Capri closed. For over thirty years, the Cine Capri was one of the Phoenix area’s most popular movie theaters. With a seating capacity approaching 1,000 and boasting state-of-the-art sound and the largest screen in Arizona, the Cine Capri played Phoenix metro area exclusives for nearly twenty years of its life. The venue survived as a single-screener throughout its entire existence, despite industry trends such as saturation booking and the proliferation of multi- and mega-plexes. It closed in 1998, to the dismay of longtime Phoenix moviegoers, and met the same fate as many large ‘old’ theaters: the wrecking ball.
The Cine Capri played host to many films now considered classics, including a few reserved-seat ‘roadshow’ attractions, a 34-week run of “The Godfather,” and a spectacularly successful 60-week engagement of the original “Star Wars.” The theater was also host to numerous industry trade and test screenings.
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Cinematical discusses movie theater movies
The always entertaining blog Cinematical, touches on the topic of films within films over the years and the bloggers experience as a projectionist.
The earliest movie that I’m familiar with that significantly involves a theater is Buster Keaton’s “Sherlock Jr.” The silent comedian plays a projectionist who falls asleep on the job then has a dream in which he literally climbs through the movie screen and into a detective film. A similar idea of breaking the boundary between auditorium and screen is used in Woody Allen’s “The Purple Rose of Cairo” and in John McTiernan’s “The Last Action Hero,” both of which involve a movie character who manages to leave his respective film within the film. But nothing tops Keaton’s screen-entering stunt, which utilizes special effects that still astonish more than 80 years later.
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Wanted: Vintage theatre sound equipment
Wanted: Vintage theatre sound equipment. Speakers, amplifiers, cabinets, crossovers and vacuum tubes manufactured by Altec Lansing, RCA, Western Electric, etc. and any and all parts or pieces thereof (horns, woofers, etc. working or not). Will pay cash! Also willing to trade new and used audio and digital equipment. We have stage speakers, subwoofers, surrounds, processors, amplifiers, and complete sound racks available.
CALL US FIRST! WE’LL MAKE YOU THE BEST OFFER POSSIBLE!!!
Premium Performance Sound
913-362-3762
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June 4, 2008
Theatre may close due to property taxes
BRADENTON, FL — A mixup involving the possible tax=exemption from showing certain films may shutdown the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.
Lakewood Ranch moviegoers may lose their only theater, and theater operators say it’s because of a property tax mix up.
The non-profit Sarasota Film Society just opened the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas in December, and the group believed it was eligible for a property tax exemption. But the Manatee County Property Appraiser says it doesn’t apply. Now the Film Society is passing out flyers, hoping you’ll come to the rescue.
Read more at My Suncoast.com.
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For Sale: Dolby CP500 Digital Processor
For sale: 1 Dolby CP500 Digital Processor with reader. Excellent condition!! Just pulled from service less than 30 days ago! Best offer gets it.
Best REALISTIC offer
Or trade???
Contact us:
Premium Peformance Sound
913-362-3762
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June 3, 2008
Classic film series at the Majestic
GETTYSBURG, PA — The Majestic Theater is showcasing a summer series of classic films, usually not on the big screen in the area.
With the advent of VHS tapes and DVDs, movie patrons can watch these classics at home, but the experience is not the same as seeing it in a theater.
“There’s a difference between watching movies on the big screen and watching them on your television at home,” said Gabel, who has been programming movies for more than 30 years.
“Seeing movies in the community is so much more exciting and so much more memorable,” Gabel said. “It can be more emotionally powerful to see a film (when you are) surrounded by others who are experiencing the same emotion.”
Get the full story in the Evening Sun.
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Murdo theater may re-open
MURDO, SD — The Murdo Theater might reopen thanks to a dedicated community.
Kevin Moore, director of the Turner Youth Foundation in Jones County, said the group has been collecting money for three years to fix up the closed movie house. He said $36,000 has been raised for the effort, and volunteers hope to get about $86,000 to complete the project.
Moore says the theater, which was built in the early 1940s, was open for about three decades.
Since it closed, Murdo residents have driven about 55 miles to Pierre to see movies. More recently, they also have gone to Philip, which reopened its theater three years ago.
Read the full story in the Rapid City Journal.
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Mystery theater in Denver
I am looking for information on a movie theater in Denver, CO. I believe it was called the Federal Theater and went out of business within the last few years. It was located on the corner of Federal and 38th street in North Denver. I can’t seem to find any information on its operation when it was open or its closing, or whether it is salvageable.
I have checked local newspapers, real estate companies, and talked to locals with no luck. Any info on the current selling/renting of the property would be great.
Thanks
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June 2, 2008
Carbondale’s Varsity to become live theater venue
CARBONDALE, IL — A partnership has been formed between two arts groups in Carbondale seeking to transform the former Varsity Theatre into a center for the arts. Carbondale Community Arts and The Stage Co. have joined up to bring the former movie house, closed by Kerasotes Theatres in 2003, back to life as the Varsity Center for the Arts.
The entire renovation project is supposed to cost about $3 million according to Jack Langowski, board chairman of the Stage Co. One auditorium and the lobby are expected to open by this fall, in time for The Stage’s 27th season’s kick-off. Another 300-to-400-seat theater, a gallery and intermission space should be completed by 2012, as funds become available.
The city of Carbondale has been trying to decide the best use for the building since November 2007, when Kerasotes announced it was donating the theater building to the city for community use.
Read more on this story in the article in The Southern.