The latest movie theater news and updates

  • May 5, 2008
    For Sale

    Wanted: CP-500 or CP-65

    Anyone have any equipment they want to sell? I’m watching EBay, but so is everyone else. McRae’s in Seattle thinks they are selling gold bars or something with their prices. You?

    7 comments
  • May 2, 2008
    Theaters

    City of Manistee finally takes action against theater owner

    MANISTEE, MI — On April 21st 2008 the city of Manistee finally took action aganist the owner of the historic Vogue Theatre in downtown Manistee.

    Citing the refusal of the owner to pay property taxes for the years 2000-2005, and 2007, a letter taped to the front door of the theatre served as notice that they were seizing the property if the deliquent taxes of $16,628.84 were not paid in full by April 30th at 5pm.
    As of May 1st, the signs have not been removed.

    1 comment
  • Events

    Another viable option for cinemas

    This from the daily e-letter UrbanEye, published by the New York Times:

    “Radio on the TV

    Attention NPR-heads and people without cable (same thing): your hero, Ira Glass, will be previewing new episodes of the Showtime version of “This American Life” tonight at various movie theaters. Expect to see the same quirky stories, some special guests, and a live-via-satellite appearance by the bespectacled host. Bring your tote bags."

    The Fathom Events information can be found here, while A Radio Host Tries His Voice On Television, by David Carr is where the original NYT article can be found.

    2 comments
  • Jobs

    How to fly a screen for live shows?

    We have a quonset hut and partial stage that is pretty much useless. If we could fly the screen out of the way somehow, it would make for a larger backstage and more practical to use for live shows.

    I know this isn’t the first time this has come up and I am wondering what others do in this case. Obviously we don’t want to ruin our screen by leaving it in place during a live show (even with curtain pulled), but removing it and reinstalling it over and over is going to damage it anyway. So…what’s the secret??

    11 comments
  • Events

    40th Anniversary screening of “2001: A Space Odyssey” at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre

    BEVERLY HILLS, CA — I meant to post this earlier in the week, but was sidetracked. At any rate, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences held a special 40th anniversary screening of “2001: A Space Odyssey” on Friday, April 25th. The sold out event took place at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theatre and was hosted by Tom Hanks. Mr. Hanks, who was introduced by Academy President Sid Ganis, offered personal remarks and perspectives on the film, and in turn introduced the evening’s special guests. These included cast members Keir Dullea (Astronaut Bowman), Gary Lockwood (Astronaut Poole), Daniel Richter (Moon Watcher), special effects master Douglas Trumbull and special effects artist Bruce Logan. Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin was in attendance as well, and received a well deserved standing ovation. Other highlights before the screening included a pre-recorded message sent by astronaut Garrett Reisman from the International Space Station.

    1 comment
  • Events

    “Alien Secrets” features the Vista Theatre

    Two historic movie locations share something in common. Free screenings of “Alien Secrets” on May 5th, 6th and 7th for media members and the general public. Reservations are required at: Alien Secrets.

    Hollywood, CA — During the first week in May, the exciting and controversial film, “Alien Secrets”, will be shown at the Wilshire Screening Room in Beverly Hills, Ca. Currently owned and operated by Michael Hall, the Wilshire Screening Rooms one of the choice screening facilities for the Academy of Motion Pictures, Film Festivals and top Hollywood production companies. The building once belonged to Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis and this was his personal screening room. The film, “Alien Secrets”, part Sci-Fi feature narrative and part documentary, features in it actual footage of the “War of the Worlds” 50th Anniversary held at the elegant Vista Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

    0 comments
  • May 1, 2008
    Openings

    Both drive-in theatres in Flint, Michigan Area are open for the season

    BURTON, MI and FLINT, MI — Both remaining drive-in theaters in the Flint, Michigan area are open this year. The US 23 Twin Drive-in Theatre just south of Flint will open for the season on May 2. It has been owned by the Warrington family since it first opened in 1951.

    The Miracle Twin Drive-in Theatre, one of the last two remaining drive-in theaters operated by National Amusements, opened for the season on April 25. The other drive-in National Amusements still operates is the Kenwood Drive-in Theatre in Louisville, KY.

    3 comments
  • Memories

    Old Toronto movie houses

    Hi Everyone:

    I became a member not only because I love old movie houses, but I’m in search of a name of one I used to frequent when I was living in Toronto. I would go there almost every evening and watch two old black and whites for a couple of dollars. You know the drill; “Double Indemnity,” “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.” I saw so many old flicks that it became a large part of my youth and life.

    Could any of you buffs possess the ability or knowledge which movie house this was? I used to go there between 1970 and 1974.

    Thank you for any help you can give me.

    Respectfully CC

    5 comments
  • Theaters

    More changes at Regal

    There was recent comment in the newspapers that Regal Entertainment Group may stop advertising in the local papers. This was possibly attributed from so many people finding their movie choices and times from the Internet.

    Another change is that their janitors will no longer be allowed to use electric leaf blowers. Where I work, Regal Willsonville-9 in Oregon, the use of new back pack vacuums was implemented this month. I totally agree with this method as bare film screens tend to attract a lot of dust and loose their brilliance. Dusting-off or cleaning screens is a job which needs to be very carefully done and with the proper items.

    1 comment
  • April 30, 2008
    Renovations

    Plans to reopen Denis

    MT. LEBANON, PA — The Denis Quad is planning to open for movies following upcoming renovations.

    Turns out you can’t keep a good theater down. Or dark.

    Plans were announced yesterday to raise $3 million to renovate the 71-year-old Denis Theatre in the heart of Mt. Lebanon’s business district. It has been closed for nearly four years and sat vacant along Washington Road, where passersby hoped for a rebirth but peered in the doors and saw mounds of trash.

    Read more in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

    1 comment