Have a news tip for us?
Just email . Ideas for stories, links to interesting articles, and press releases are welcome.
The latest movie theater news and updates
-
December 27, 2006
Town Theater RFEI
HILLSBORO, OR — Here’s some more information on the RFEI mentioned a few weeks ago.
The City of Hillsboro owns a vintage theater in the heart of downtown Hillsboro. Unfortunately, it is currently in a state of disrepair. The theater was originally built in the art deco style in the 1920s and operated as a Venetian Theatre until 1956, when it suffered significant damage in a fire. It was restored and opened in 1957 as the Town Theater. It has been closed since 1996 and has been unoccupied since that time. The City acquired the adjacent building to provide additional space for physical changes to the building such as ADA accessible restrooms which may be required by current code.
Many townspeople seem to be behind any effort that would be made to restore the theater and return it to use.
The City recently issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to entertain different concepts and plans for the restoration and use of the theater. If you are interested in responding to such a request, or if you can offer an avenue to help us get the word out, please let me know. All relevant documentation can be found at the Town Theater RFEI Site.
Thank you!
Contact:
John Southgate
.or.us
503-681-62291 comment -
Looking for L.I. theater to buy
I’m interested in buying or leasing a cinema for music venue purposes in NYC as well as Long Island. I have done this with other locations and plan to keep the integrity of the theater even though my use will be for music. I’m looking for something that can be special, and I’ve got some great investors behind me. Please if you might have something.
Thanks,
Jessica -
Pemberton 4 to close
VICKSBURG, MS — Just want to pass one about the Pemberton Cinema 4 which is the only cinema in Vicksburg, MS. The Pemberton Cinema Square 4 which had been owned by Regal Group and now Village Entertainment. Just a few days ago it has been closed permanentaly at Pemberton Square Mall because of high rent issues with CBL Associaites of Chattanooga, TN.
Over the years the Pemberton Square Four has never been upgraded. Projectors broke down, leaky roofs, etc. Now for the first time in 100 years, Vicksburg is once again without a cinema.
One truth I can tell of the Pemberton 4 is it never got any of the important films like “United 93” or Oliver Stone’s “World Trade Center”. Those are just examples. Poor marketing on behalf of the cinema owners can be blamed as well. But not upgrading equipment and expanding its size contributed to its demise. Before this surprise closing happened, Village Entertainment had plans to refurbish it. But high rent made this 21 year old cinema the victim.
-
December 26, 2006
National Amusements launch ticket price war in Flint, Michigan market
FLINT, MI — National Amusements has temporarily lowered ticket prices at its three first-run megaplexes in the Flint, Michigan market. For a limited time, ticket prices have been reduced to $6 for evening shows and $4 for matinees, seniors and children at the Showcase Cinemas Flint East in Burton, the Showcase Cinemas Flint West in Flint Township and the Cinema 10 in Flint Township.
It is believed the lowered ticket prices are due to the local economy as well as new competition with the NCG Trillium Cinemas in Grand Blanc Township.
More information can be found in The Flint Journal.
-
Portland, Oregon Theater for sale
My theater, The Mt. Tabor Theater is for sale if anyone is looking for one :)
I have the original plans for when it was built in 1913. Pretty cool stuff with the actual back drops and music pit. This place has some amazing details built in. Also, the original seats are in the attic where there are the old projectors, like it stood still in time.
Either email me with any questions that are not answered from my loopnet listing.
Cheers,
Philip
-
Michael Jackson DVD mystery theater
In Michael Jackson’s DVD (Michael Jackson Number ONES) track 12 he is singing a song in an empty old theater. Would anyone know the theater?
Regards,
Paul -
December 25, 2006
Villard Theatre demolition
VILLA PARK, IL — Just happened to be driving by and saw that the former Villard Theatre in Villa Park, IL has been at least partially demolished. The auditorium is gone, but they are keeping the space towards the front that has been in use as retail. Supposedly they are building condos (of course).
-
Disney’s ‘Meet the Robinsons’ topical PSA
Take a look at this public service announcement, presumably to be shown in cinemas when the upcoming animated film is released. I’m sure you’ll all get a chuckle. (Although I do think that it’s a bit naive to redress popcorn eaters for being ‘too noisy’, seeing as theater operators depend on bags and bags of this stuff being sold!)
-
December 22, 2006
The Midnight Movie Experience
Waiting outside in the dark for hours and it’s below freezing. Flying cross country and then back in a two day span. Checking Fandango every ten minutes to see if they’ve announced the times yet.
Before I found my love for movie theaters, I had my passion for movies. One of the extra special parts of moviegoing is when those big event films come out. You might have seen the trailer six months or even a year earlier. As the months go by, the anticipation only grows. And then finally, one day, it’s release day.
For me, when it comes to big event films, there’s only one way to go; the midnight movie opening night. No matter how little sleep I got the night before, if it’s something I’ve been waiting for a long time, I am wired once the late evening comes around. There’s just something about seeing a movie like that when it’s just you and the hardcore fans. Plus, the guarantee of almost no children doesn’t hurt either.
With one friend we even have this deal where each year one of us travels cross country to the other and we see the most highly-anticipated event film of the year. Of course, we see it at midnight at the most prime location in town. Sometimes, what we’re actually going to see is up for debate but never how we’re going to see it. Our parents to this day don’t quite understand why someone would take a vacation just to see a movie.
While I seem to have years and years experience being that I have so many memories, that’s not quite true. My midnight movie memories are entirely restricted to the past ten years. I’m anxious to know how this tradition has changed over the years. Of course I’ve read about it in the 70’s but what about before that? For something so tied to the event films that have been such a huge part of moviegoing since “Jaws”, how does it translate to different genres and times?
-
Saving The Madison Theatre in East Atlanta Village
ATLANTA, GA — I am very close to starting a fundraising/renovation project to reopen The Madison Theatre. Currently, I am working on getting her on the National Registry and Landmark status locally. Both of these designations would allow us to raise funds and receive grants/tax incentives to get the project completed.
Anyone who has any historical knowledge, ideas, know-how to help get this done, .
Thanks and keep your fingers crossed.