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The latest movie theater news and updates
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August 23, 2007
Rialto now dark
SOUTH PASADENA, CA — My wife and I battled our way along the insane freeways of California to say “goodbye” to South Pasadena’s venerable Rialto Theatre.
This was our only visit and found the old lady looking very stressed-out -the facade looked like a bad case of sunburn from decades ago. In fact it must be countless decades since the structure, in and outside ever saw any TLC.
Entering the almost pitch black auditorium we were welcomed by the wonderful sounds of George Wrights recorded pipe organ music… so lovely, but not the NON-air conditioned atmosphere which smelled hot and very stale. The latter must have come from the rock-hard, ancient seats. No wonder the audiences moved away.
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Mystery theatre?
I’m attempting to research the history of an old building which, in a 1920 Los Angeles census was mentioned as being connected to the silent movie industry. In recent decades it was a bar however from the looks of the facade it could have been an early silent theatre. The building was constructed in 1914, and the address is 3037 Sunset (or W. Sunset), in the Silver Lake area.
Someone here looked in the archives of the L.A. Times to no avail but that was before I found the date of construction. I also asked someone at the L.A. Conservancy but they didn’t know. Thoughts?
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Grand reopening of State Theater Nov. 17, 2007
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — I’ve been a part of Phase One of the renovation of the State Theater to get it ready for the Traverse City Film Festival July 31, through Aug. 5, 2007. A permanent 42 ft. long by 22 ft. high Screen was installed on the 45 by 24 ft wall that was built in the middle of the stage that, hasn’t had a permanent screen for quite a few years. A sound system where Boston Light and Sound came in and soundproofed the walls and installed one of the best sound systems in the business.
To top it off, we had 2 state of the art film projectors installed and the roof was replaced after years of neglect. This was all done in less then a month leading up to the film festival. Phase 2 is soon to get started where all the seats will be replaced with seats that will enhance your movie watching experience. The ceiling will be fixed and painted and the marquee will have new glass pains and a coat of paint, keeping with the decor of the 1949 area.
I’m so grateful I got to be a part of this, going down and opening up so the const. Guys would get an early start and stayed till late at night, as the Asst. Project coordinator. We here in Traverse City are looking forward to having it open year round starting in Nov.
Marc Ryan
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August 22, 2007
National Amusements to close two theaters in the Flint, MI area
FLINT, MI — The National Amusements theater chain has announced they will close two of their multiplexes in the Flint market. The Showcase Cinemas Flint East in Burton will close on September 3 after the last show. The Cinema 10 in Flint Township will also close, but the closing date has not yet been announced.
This will leave National Amusements with three locations in the area: the Showcase Cinemas Flint West, the Courtland Cinemas and the Miracle Twin Drive-in Theatre. The Miracle Twin will close for the season on September 3 and plan to reopen the drive-in (one of two National Amusements still operate) for the 2008 season.
National Amusements stated the Showcase East will close because “operation is no longer financially viable.” The theater chain also faced additional competition with the opening of the NCG Trillum Cinemas in Grand Blanc.
For additional info, see the news story in The Flint Journal.
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A tribute to South Jersey movie houses
A Tribute to South Jersey Movie Houses
Wednesday August 22 at 7:30pm
Tickets $8
Broadway Theatre of Pitman
Pitman, NJFor decades hundreds of beautiful movie houses dotted the Southern New Jersey landscape, but today only one remains – The Broadway Theatre of Pitman. On this special night, the Broadway pays tribute to the grand palaces and local houses that may be gone, but still hold a place in the hearts and minds of area moviegoers.
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Digital cinema widebreak
The looming takeover by digital cinema projection recently took another leap toward fruition. The Arts Alliance Media, a United Kingdom based provider of digital cinema technology, announced a deal involving aggressive mutual interest cooperation with Universal Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox.
The three companies will combine forces to facilitate digitizing nearly 7000 european cinemas in only a few years. The countries involved include: Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. For additional information checkoutArts Alliance Media.
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August 21, 2007
State Theatre manager wanted
TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Full time movie theater manager for the independent art house, the State Theatre, in beautiful northern Michigan. Projection and booking experience desired, film knowledge a plus, love of the movies a must. Weekend, nights and holidays required. Health benefits, salary dependent on experience. Send resume and cover letter to State Theatre Manager, PO Box 4064, Traverse City MI 49685 or .
Go to our web site to learn more about our beautiful theater.
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Projector head for sale!
35 mm. century projector head-sa type. I bought this a while back for a backup and never used it. It appears to never had been used. It’s missing intermintinence, gate, trap and the cover that goes behind trap. Otherwise it looks to be perfect.
$675. and I’ll pay shipping. I can e-mail pictures upon request. for more information.
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Palace in need
HUDDERSFIELD, UK — Help us save the Palace Theatre. A great big Art Deco gem messed about with over the years, but still one of the last purpose built variety theates to be built outside London. Look at the page write to the local council and make a noise!
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August 20, 2007
Light the Lyric Benefit BBQ
FLATONIA, TX — Light the Lyric Benefit BBQ being held on Sept 14th from 6pm till 10 pm and on Sept 15th from 11am till 7 pm at 120 E South Main St in downtown Flatonia.
Proceeds to go towards repairs to the Neon lights and letters, currently all 8 transforms are damaged, and one of the “C"s is rusted and fallen. Also missing all of the letter "R"s so its difficult to post any news on the marquee.
Hope to find a Sign Company that can repair the marquee in time for the 35th Annual Czhilispiel in October 26, 27, and 28th.
Great Texas BBQ, Yall Come, You hear!!