Ziegfeld Theatre

The Sony SRX-R110 4k projector is the top of the line digital projector but it sells for about $80,000 (plus $15,000 for the lens A more expensive model for screens up to 25 feet is also available for $60,000. I did not realise it had duel lamps but that would explain, along with the increased pixel count,the incredable quality of the presentation. I could see in time this projector making film versions of IMAX obsolete.

Vito:

While I don’t know of any current standard installations using dual-digital projection, I do know that Radio City used a temporary setup of two stacked DLP units when they ran a preview showing for an HBO film a few years ago. The two projectors were aligned together on the screen to boost the brightness (as an aside, the show ended up being cancelled in progress when the digital server went down and they had no backup).

sorry for the double post, I wanted to clarify how the IMAX 3-D works and somehow both posts went thru.

Michael, I have not been able to find anyone who knows of any theatres using two projectors to improve light output. All of the locations I know off have NEC, Christie or Barco projectors and are using one projector. Perhaps you are refering to a duel Xenon bulb type of installation. IMAX 3-D has one film projector (70mm) but uses two bulbs to improve light output, and while I know of no digital applications doing so, perhaps some experimentaion is going with that idea. If any location would need a duel lamp projection it would be the Ziegfeld, if they are using a single bulb projector one would imagine every other location is doing so as well. Hopefully some one from the Ziegeld can confirm the projector at the Ziegfeld is a single lamp type. Perhaps this duel lamp theroy will help you get to the bottom of this.

The Rivoli was twinned earlier than 1984. 1982 maybe? (They ran “The Thing” there in summer ‘82 on both screens.)

Back to the Ziegfeld… This is one of the few large venues showing “Meet The Robinsons” in digital 3-D. Has anyone seen it there? Has anyone been able to determine if they are showing it using two projectors to improve the light output on the screen? (There were some reports that Disney screened “Chicken Little” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in some large-screen, major-market theatres using the dual-projection technique.)

Oh, and if any readers missed it in the news report posted Friday, here is a link to the theatres throughout the U.S. and Canada showing “Meet The Robinsons” in 3-D:

View link

Going back to screen size and installations, didn’t the Rivoli remove the Todd-AO screen in the 60’s and replaced it with D-150?

Thanks, Bill & Pete, for the info. From looking at the pictures posted here, I guessed about 40 to 50'. It seems rather small for a theatre with that seating capacity.

JSA

They did not enlarge the prosceniums. They put large curved screens in front of them and had curtains installed as well.
I believe the Rivoli was 65'. I do not know the Warner but I was very happy with it as I also saw a 70MM print there of the complete Paint Your Wagon and that wonderful score in 6 track. I still remember the haunting singing of ‘gold’ which opened the film. I enjoyed it enormously despite it’s negative press and failure but people in the late ‘60s were fools turning against big Hollywood films. Look also at Sweet Charity which was roadshow at the Rivoli. It was out of there pretty fast and it’s sensational.
By the way I also saw a ToddAO print at the Warner of South Pacific.
Though I’ve alway hated the tinting I like the film and it was the only way to see it.

JSA: I always thought the screen size was 50' wide, but I can’t prove it. I think I heard that back in the early ‘70s, but a memory that old can’t be trusted. Maybe someone else can give an exact figure.

Now I’m curious: What’s the screen size?

Anyway, the Ziegfeld screen IS too small, but I don’t see how it can be enlarged without re-designing th entire proscenium.

I was interested in the opening of “Meet the Robinsons”. We know the Ziegfeld is capable of showing Digital format, however it is my understanding that Disney Digital 3-D is not compatable for showing on a conventional Digital projector. It is also my understanding that conventional Digital media can be projected on the 3-D projector. My question, to the folks in the booth is, what changes in projection equipment are being planned for this engagement.
As a matter of fact, although we have had this question answered in previous posts, I would appreciate an update on just what equipment both Digital and film is currently in use at the theatre. Even though I have retired, I still enjoy communicating with others in the buisness, and I love keeping up with the changes going on in the movie biz as I enjoy retirement.
Long live the Ziegfeld and RCMH!

Luis, you’re right about the blockbusters getting a chance to do well at the Ziegfeld. Out of the ones you mentioned, I hope it’s Spider-Man 3. That looks like the best of them. The early fall downtime would also be a great excuse to bring the Classics back.

And if they do, Vincent, you should try to attend one of the shows. The Ziegfeld is almost 40 years old. It’s been standing longer than the Roxy stood, and it’s part of New York history now, like it or not. If you sit in about the 8th row center and the screen is open to its full expanse, you’ll feel like you’re back in the days of the great old Times Square theaters you miss so much. The Ziegfeld is the only theater in the city that even comes close to re-creating that experience – you have to concede that.