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The latest movie theater news and updates
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March 28, 2007
Bricks fall from unstable Lebowsky Center
OWOSSO, MI — On Friday, March 23, a number of bricks from the partially collapsed west wall of the fire damaged Lebowsky Center fell onto the adjacent Chemical Bank building. One bank employee heard the rumbling overhead and left the area to inform others. There was no apparent damage to the bank building.
Owosso’s building inspector said an emergency abatement has been issued for the removal of the unstable sections of the west and north walls of the theater. No one is allowed inside the fire damaged theater and adjacent eastern portion of the bank building now until the unstable portions are removed. Demolition has been slowed by seasonal load limit laws keeping heavy machinery off the roads during the spring months, but a demolition company will begin work by Wednesday.
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Peerless memories
BROOKLYN, NY — My father’s drycleaner/tailor shop was at 437 Myrtle and as a kid hanging out at dad’s store, I would be given 75 cents to get out of his hair for a couple of hours at the Peerless Theater two doors down.
The building and the interior are today exactly as they were in the early 1960’s when the theater was open for business. Today the interior is even better than it was then because everything is well painted and maintained. The marquee was taken down in the late sixties as I recall, and the front doors were replaced at that time.
The people who lived upstairs had no sound problem because the seats and the screen were actually in a separate building that was 75' down a 20 foot wide entranceway that also housed the ticket booth (on the right side). This area immediately behind the front doors was ostensibly for holding the throngs waiting for the next “sell out show.”
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Marquee letters wanted
Looking to purchase 8", 10" and 17 inch letters. Here is a link to a photo of the style of letters we need for our marquee.
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March 27, 2007
2nd annual Kent Film Festival
KENT, CT — The city of Kent, a small town of just under three thousand which lies on the border of Western Connecticut and New York State – just 30 miles north of Danbury, is gearing up for their 2nd annual Film Festival, March 29 to April 1. Tix range from $12 for a one-day pass to $125 for the “red-carpet” treatment with a real red carpet being utilized for kicks. Fifty films will be presented.
I never knew about the first one, but it’s apparent they are taking advantage of the wealth of actors* who live in this area and on the heels of the recent Bethel Film Festival and CT Film Festival.
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Theater doubles as a church on weekends
SANDY, OR — Unlike other theaters that were rescued from demolition to be used as places of worship, the Sandy Cinema is holding services for a local church just because they need the extra space. They even incorporate movie clips into the service sometimes.
There’s a dedicated group of local residents who show up at Sandy Cinema every weekend. The group — about 50 people strong — isn’t there to see Hollywood’s newest releases or even for the popcorn.
They are going to church.
On Feb. 18, Sandy’s Fellowship Bible Church moved its Sunday services from 5 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church to 9 a.m. at the cinema, a switch that Senior Pastor Gregg Chastain says holds a lot of promise for the 25-year-old church.
“This (new facility) puts us in a place where we can actually grow,” said Chastain. “I think lots of people are just happy to be meeting in the morning again.”
It’s definitely an interesting look at the alternative uses for a theater while still showing films. To read the full story, go to the Sandy Post.
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Theater restoration questions
We are in the process of purchasing a theatre involved in a tax forclosure. While feel sorry for the original owner, we are excited at the same time about making this beautiful theatre into a destination place of music, comedy, poetry slams, educational performances for local schools, and more music!
While we are excited about the possibilities we are worried about 1)Finding the right contractors with enough experience in historical buildings and 2)Adding a marquee for advertising events whithout interferring with the original look of the building.
The current owner has an active website that everyone should look at. It’s a beautiful building. Any ideas?
Write me an email at . Thanks!!!
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March 26, 2007
Happy 75th, Grandin Theatre
ROANOKE, VA — Today, the Grandin Theatre celebrates 75 years of service. Operating as a nonprofit theater since reopening following a restoration five years ago, the Grandin is delighting audiences to this day.
The Grandin Theatre, which turns 75 on Monday, is a relic of Roanoke’s golden age of theaters, when movie palaces such as the American Theater on Jefferson Street were a source of city pride. Roanoke had as many as 11 downtown movie houses in the early decades of the 20th century.
All of them — the American, the Jefferson, the Park, the Rialto, the Roanoke and the rest — have since fallen under the wrecking ball. The Grandin, despite many a twist and turn in its long history, has survived.
For more along with a detailed look at some of the highlights in its 75 years, visit the Roanoke Times.
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Port Theatre scheduled for demolition
NEWPORT BEACH, CA — After years of discussions on its future going back and forth, the Port Theatre is going to be demolished.
The final credits rolled a decade ago, but the final curtain hadn’t fallen until now.
The historic Port Theater, which closed in 1998 but sought to reopen ever since, will fall victim to the wrecking ball, officials confirmed Wednesday.
The California Coastal Commission approved a demolition permit last week, an agency spokeswoman said, and theater owner Rick Aversano applied for similar clearance through the city Tuesday.
For more, go to the OC Register.
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Interested in theater for lease with option to buy
I am interested in a theater for lease with an option to buy at a later date. Must be FULLY EQUIPPED and ready to reopen (if closed) with little effort. Currently operating is a plus. Also wanted would be the lack of any restricitions that would not allow the possibility of adding a few live performances during the year. The lack of close competition is also desired.
Please send COMPLETE DETAILS along with: Provable financials (past or present), and photos if available. Thanks
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March 23, 2007
Man, I sure love ArcLight
I’ve been harboring this little secret ever since writing for this site. Part of me thinks I might me labeled a heretic for even suggesting such a thing. Despite my love for the grand movie palaces of yesterday, my favorite place to see a film may just be ArcLight Cinemas.
For those not in the Hollywood area, let me bring you up to speed. ArcLight Cinemas is a luxury multiplex built five years ago in back of the historic Cinerama Dome on Sunset Boulevard. As opposed to other standard theaters thrown up today, ArcLight was created to incorporate many ideas that cater to a passionate audience.
For a couple extra dollars on weekends and virtually the same price as competing theaters during the week, you get reserved seating, no commercials, an introduction to the film by a member of the staff and an almost absurd amount of legroom and armrest space. They also at least attempt to typically show only the more desirable pictures in the marketplace, both small and big.