Ziegfeld Theatre
141 W. 54th Street,
New York,
NY
10019
141 W. 54th Street,
New York,
NY
10019
131 people
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JSA, Some in the industry are anxiously watching the response to: “Nightmare†It won’t be the only movie to be re-released in digital 3D â€" you’ll soon be seeing Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and Titanic.
As for the polls, perhaps the folks in Hollywood should pay a bit of attention to them. Yeah, that will happen. Of course the polls are taken by die-hard movie lovers like us, so I am not surprised by the results.
By the way, I am sure it will not be a problem at El Captain. but when ever you see digital 3-D or IMAX 3-D it’s best not to sit to close to the screen. I saw “Chicken Little†in a small screening room and then again in a theatre, it was much better in the theatre where I did not sit to close to the screen. In a small theatre the images tend to be a bit overwhelming. Well, at least to an old man like me, I am sure the younger folk love it that way.
Vito, No I have not seen digital 3-D yet. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is playing in that format at El Capitan until January. The theatre is about 40 min. (without traffic!) from my place. I’ll make the trip one of these weekends, before the Holidays strike in full force. Thanks for the recommendation!
It is interesting to note that on a poll posted here on this website on Jun 19 of this year, 59 % of the folks preferred 70 mm over Imax/Imax 3D, 2K/4K Digital, 35 mm and other formats.
Regards,
JSA
REndres, what are your thoughts about all of this?
JSA, A lot of people including myself thought something would come of 70mm DTS. As you know, the Ziegfeld installed a 70mm DTS reader and presented a movie or two, LOA I believe was one. DTS had the promise of cheaper, than standard magnetic, prints, improved digital sound and low cost booth maintenance. Alas, only a few pictures were made avalable and few took it to the next level, so the idea passed away. I would agree with you regarding the quality of digital, it just gets better and better. If you have not yet experienced digital 3-D I recommend you do, it is quite good. I would love to hear from some technical people who can expand on all of this. Also, what has our resident 70mm expert Michael Coate heard.
In my mind, 70mm-DTS should have a least provoked the interest of some in the industry. Reportedly Bryan Singer even considered shooting “Superman Returns†in 65 mm, before deciding on the Genesis camera.
In all fairness, the last few digital theatrical presentations I’ve seen were excellent, in terms of image and sound. And surely it will get better over time.
PS: Sorry for the Nov 3 double posting
JSA
While I hope the situation will someday change, my industry friends tell me, except for IMAX, 70mm is dead.
The general feelimg in Hollywood seems to be, why bother with the expense of 70mm when Digital can be as good or better.
All of us who loved 70mm will have to get used to the thinking of the new blood in the industry and accept the fact that with the exception of 70mm revivals and IMAX, Digital is the future of movies.
Progress, I guess.
Digitally at the Ziegfeld as well. The 70 MM prints would be a decision by the studio releaseing the movie and we know that isn’t going to happen.
It is being projected digitally at the Cinerama Dome.
I wonder if the Ziegfeld will go digital for the roadshow engagement.
What an opportunity to show some class and get out some 70 MM prints.
JSA
I wonder if the Ziegfeld will go digital for the roadshow engagement.
What an opportunity to show some class and get out some 70 MM prints out.
JSA
I wonder if the Ziegfeld will go digital for the roadshow engagement.
What an opportunity to show some class and get out some 70 MM prints out.
JSA
Tickets are already on sale for the Ziegfeld Theatre. Tickets are $25 with evening performances at 8 PM and matinees Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM
Tickets are already on sale for the Ziegfeld Theatre. Tickets are $25 with evening performances at 8 PM and matinees Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM
I hope the Ziegfeld does get the “Dreamgirls” roadshow. The Arclight Cinerama Dome has it for L.A.
According to today’s USA Today (see below), a short roadshow of “Dreamgirls” is planned. The Ziegfeld would seem to be a likely venue for the NYC engagement. Note the ticket price.
“The musical Dreamgirls is throwing some glitz on the usual "limited release.” On Dec. 15, 10 days before it opens nationwide, the film starring Beyoncé Knowles and based on the Broadway musical inspired by the story of The Supremes will be shown at special previews in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco â€" billed as a “road show” by distributors Paramount and DreamWorks. Preview screenings will be accompanied by a gallery display of costumes and design art. Souvenirs and soundtrack CDs will be on display, and each guest will get a glossy program booklet. Tickets will cost $25, and each seat will be assigned.
Set in the 1960s, the story follows the rise of an unknown female Motown group from backup singers to superstardom. Dreamgirls co-stars Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson of American Idol fame."
Beth… The elements for “Rear Window” may have indeed been restored, but unless a new print was struck for the Ziegfeld engagment (hah!), you would have just seen normal wear and tear from mulitiple screenings. Are you might have suffered through a shoddy presentation if the focus was soft.
I went to the Ziegfeld for “Rear Window” and am curious about the print. It didn’t seem to be all that sharp and I was a little surprised to see after the credits, information regarding the film’s restoration. Was the the film in horrible shape before restoration? Comparatively, the restored “Lawrence of Arabia” looked really great, for the most part?
I visited the Ziegfeld for the first time Saturday for “Dial M for Murder”. Was impressed with the theater, not quite a “palace”, but definitely quite a few steps above the typical multiplex of today or the typical single of its day. The print wasn’t perfect, but the projection and sound were very good, especially considering the quality of the print. Comfortable, clean as a whistle and everyone working there was polite. Looking forward to getting back to see another film soon, wish they’d do some horror for Halloween. I guess it’s off to the Jersey or Lafayette later this month.
The Ziegfeld has done it again. Through the combined force of its sound system and big screen, it had me cringing in terror at the phone booth scene in “The Birds”, a movie I’ve already seen around 100 times. That’s it for the Classics for me – already looking forward to the next installment.
“Flags of Our Fathers” opens there on Friday, but in the full-page ad in the Sunday Times the Ziegfeld is not even listed. Must be a printing error.
No, your memory appears to be intact. I forgot about it, though!
There was a week-long 70mm fest preceding the run of “Far And Away.” I believe the films were “Oklahoma!,” “West Side Story” and “2001.” I suspect the purpose of the fest was to tune up the theatre in anticipation of the heavily-promoted release of “Far And Away.” It was common in major markets to run some 70mm prior to a major new 70mm release to get the equipment and staff up to speed in an effort to reduce the chances for any hiccups during the all-important first day/weekend.)
I agree all of this Dome commentary is more appropriate for the Dome’s page. That’s why I made certain in my earlier post to sneak in a comment about the ZIEGFELD. :–)
Thank you Michael. Anyway, this topic is more appropriate for the Dome page, but the reason for my question was because I recall seeing “2001” at the Dome one Saturday afternoon in 1992. When we walked out of the theatre, there was a line for a sneak preview of “Far and Away” later in the evening. I’m not sure if my memory is playing tricks on me!
Once again, Thanks!
JSA
The DOME also ran “2001” during their 1988 25th anniversary festival.
I would think that by now those folks with a serious interest in the subject would know where to look. :–)
But since I was asked…
“2001” engagements at the CINERAMA DOME began on:
July 24, 1974
July 17, 1977
Mar. 19, 1993
Nov. 10, 1995
Visit www.fromscripttodvd.com/70mm_in_los_angeles_main_page.htm, then for info on Southern California showings of “2001,” select any of the following years 1968, 1974, 1977, 1980, 2001.
There were some engagements of “2001” at the ZIEGFELD — the subject of this thread — and they’re noted on our companion article, “70mm in New York.”
And…if anyone’s interested in the original 1968-69 roadshow engagements, Thomas Hauerslev posted a piece I researched on his in70mm site. The list on page 2 includes all of the original U.S. & Canadian “In Cinerama” bookings, most of the domestic “In 70mm” bookings and some of the international. Enjoy!
http://www.in70mm.com/news/2004/2001/release.htm
By the way, I’m not certain there were ever any “rectified” prints of “2001.” It may have been just the Ultra Panavision productions that received rectification treatment on the prints intended for Cinerama houses with deeply-curved screens.
Ed,
When I saw “2001†at the Cinerama Dome, they screened what I believe to be an “un-rectified†print. There were some minor, but noticeable image distortions. One scene had a major problem. On a long side shot of Discovery during the second act, the spaceship’s image was “bent”, and followed the contour of the Dome’s giant screen. Having said that, the overall presentation was very, very, impressive. I would go back in a second to the Dome if they screen “2001†in 70 mm, rectified or not!
Perhaps Michael Coate can shed some light as to the last time the Dome screened “2001â€â€¦
JSA
Bob Endres was RCMH head projectionist for many years. I realize that I left the word “projectionist” out of a sentence in my last post describing Bob’s job at the Hall.