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The latest movie theater news and updates
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September 5, 2014
Hiawatha residents strive to bring back movie theater
HIAWATHA, KS — With the recent closing of the Arrow Twin, locals are clamoring for a cinema option. With the city’s involvement unclear in a renovation to make it more viable, a nonprofit group called Hiawatha ACES has stepped up to raise funds to bring it back. No one knows which way it will go but it appears some solution will arise.
Read more in the Topeka Capital Journal.
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September 4, 2014
Maintaining historic theaters in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District
PITTSBURGH, PA — Ever wondered what goes into running a historic movie palace? Keystone Edge delved into it with a look at the day to day operations of the Benedum Center, Byham Theatre and Heinz Hall. Check out what it takes to keep these palaces running and the interesting obstacles that come up when showcasing features that are both vintage and brand new.
(Thanks to Tinseltoes for providing the photo.)
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September 3, 2014
Hawaiian theatre faces digital transition
HONOKA'A, HI — The 1930 People’s Theatre has until October to raise $60k for a digital projector but they’re already halfway there. The theatre has been successful with live events but first-run movies is their specialty.
Read more and watch a video at KITV.
(Thanks to Ross Melnick for providing the photo.)
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September 2, 2014
Vassar Theatre put up for sale
VASSAR, MI — The Vassar Theatre, closed since the death of its owner Tim O'Brien last March, has been put up for sale by his sister who was declared the owner of the theater in June. O'Brien was not married and had no children. The asking price is $179.000.
Further details are in WJRT.
(Thanks to Tinseltoes for providing the photo.)
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August 29, 2014
Homer theatre for sale
HOMER, AK — It’s been a labor of love for its owners for the past 12 years but they’re putting the Homer Theater back up for sale. This time however, the new owners will get a theatre all set for the next generation of moviegoers. In recent years, the theatre has been extensively renovated with new seats, digital projection and a remodel of the lobby area. They have the distinction of being one of the only small-town theaters that present Metropolitan Opera broadcasts and have even launched a successful documentary film festival.
Read more about the special theatre in Homes News.
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Capitol to get new life as a luxury movie theater
DAVENPORT, IA — The deep history of the Capitol Theatre is about to take another turn with plans to convert it into a luxury theatre. Shuttered since 2010, the plan is to replicate the work done on St. Louis' Moolah Theatre which means upscale touches like leather couches and loveseats.
Read more in the Quad City Times.
(Thanks to Norman Plant for providing the photo.)
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August 28, 2014
Butts saved in Fairfax
FAIRFAX, VA — Patrons probably thought the digital conversion recently at the University Mall Theatres would be the last upgrade for a while for the second-run theater, but even bigger things are coming. After not knowing anything about Kickstarter months ago, the operator launched a “Save Our Butts” campaign to replace the aging seats and have already reached the $100,000 goal. Improvements to the floors are next.
Read more about this successful chain of discount theaters in the Washington Post.
(Thanks to Jack Coursey for providing the photo.)
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August 27, 2014
Russellville Roxy opens its doors again
RUSSELLVILLE, AL — After 40 years in darkness, the Roxy Theatre was reopened last week for a documentary film screening. With a new projection system, there’s more to come too.
Read more in AL.com.
(Thanks to Chirs1982 for providing the photo.)
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Texting encouraged in some Chinese theaters
Theaters in China have been experimenting with technology that projects audience tweets onto the screen during a movie. While many are concerned about the ramifications of such technology damaging the theater experience, others are praising it due to it being somewhat of an organic progression as more and more Chinese watch films on mobile devices. Are other countries next?
Read more in Yahoo Tech.
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August 26, 2014
Last independent movie theater in Beaver County closing
AMBRIDGE, PA — The summer of 2014 may be remembered as the last hurrah of many older theaters that couldn’t make the jump to digital. The Ambridge Family Theater closed its doors after almost 50 years in business. The owners are putting it in the market so maybe an enterprising younger steward can help it along. They’ll have to buy a new projector first though.
Read more and catch a video at WPXI.