Ziegfeld Theatre

The problem with that HYPE is that anything can be called a Roadshow Engagement. At only 10 Days thats a limited platform engagement, before it opens Everywhere at somewhat popular prices. Even the worst Roadshow engagements lasted 8 weeks or longer.
I guess the Dreamwork/Paramount marketing department has been hard at work on this one. At least the El Capitan gives it’s special engagements with ticket prices at $25. Special enter before the regular line goes in seats in the sweet spot of the theatre and popcorn & a soda for that price and admission to the building next door that shows special show related items. The Arclight charges $14.00 for reserved seats.

“Dreamgirls”: the Movie ($10.75), a limited edition program ($14.25) and an intermission (Priceless). ($25.00)

Vito, I get overwhelmed by the regular IMAX screen, no matter the seat!

I was aware of “Star Wars” 3D, but not of “Lord of the Rings” and “Titanic”. Incidentally, the Castro in San Francisco recently screened a 70 MM-DTS print of “Titanic”.

Unquestionably, IMAX images are beautifully shot. But I get a bigger sense of awe from 70 mm widescreen formats. Guess I’m spoiled, because during the 70’s and early 80’s I used to frequent a now-defunct D-150 theatre. That curved screen was something else…

JSA

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

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.

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.

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 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

I hope the Ziegfeld does get the “Dreamgirls” roadshow. The Arclight Cinerama Dome has it for L.A.

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 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.

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. :–)

The DOME also ran “2001” during their 1988 25th anniversary festival.