The May 19, 1969, grand opening date cited in the overview as I write this comment is incorrect. The correct opening date (for Screen 1) per trade reports and Honolulu newspaper coverage was September 23rd, 1970. (Screen 2 opened a bit later.).
Also, a slight correction/clarification is needed for the world premiere of “Tora! Tora! Tora!” claim since technically it was a co-world premiere as the film premiered simultaneously* in four cities (Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Honolulu).
*The premieres weren’t literally simultaneous because of, obviously, time zone differences between the four premiere locales.
Ralph Daniel: I find it highly unlikely the “Chips Ahoy” cartoon short screened with “Altered States.” Ask yourself: Does it seem plausible Disney would authorize one of their G-rated cartoon shorts, with no thematic similarities, and in a different aspect ratio, to be screened with an R-rated movie from a rival studio? The only 70mm screenings of “Chips Ahoy” I’m aware of screened with “The Black Cauldron” in 1985. And “The Black Cauldron” played Town & Country, the same theater in which you’re recalling seeing “Altered States,” so if you saw “Cauldron” there, too, then I’d say you’re simply conflating the two moviegoing experiences. On the other hand, if you did not see “The Black Cauldron” there, then maybe it’s a different cartoon short that played with “Altered States” (the sci-fi themed “Duck Dodgers in the 24 ½ Century,” maybe?).
stevenj and bigjoe59: The San Francisco Cinerama history can be found here. And you’re overlooking a 1973 roadshow release: “Last Tango in Paris” (which, in SFO, played seven months at the Royal).
bigjoe59: Click the link to the San Francisco Bay Area 70mm & Roadshow article that I provided in my earlier comment and you’ll find much of the info you’re seeking.
bigjoe59: By “heyday of roadshow engagements” I assume you’re referring to the 1952-73 period, in which case I’m aware of three (Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines, The Agony and the Ecstasy, The Blue Max). See: 70mm and Roadshow Films in San Francisco.
vindanpar and DavidZornig: The Egyptian did not host the world premiere of “The Poseidon Adventure.” The world premiere was held at the National in NY on December 12th (1972), which doubled as the National’s grand opening. It premiered in L.A. two days later.
“Funny Girl” premiered here 50 years ago today in what was an industry first: a simultaneous three-screen roadshow booking. The film would go on to play five weeks on screen #3, nine weeks on screen #1, and a very successful 42 weeks on screen #2.
bigjoe59:
Audiences in as many as eight cities would’ve seen the original cut (during the initial days of their lengthy engagements). Benson’s new “Space Odyssey” book addresses this as do I in my 1968: A Roadshow Odyssey article.
On the subject of “Funny Girl,” here’s the link to my recent 50th anniversary retrospective for those of you interested in such things.
Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” opened its world premiere engagement here on this day in 1959. Happy 60th!
This theater’s numerous roadshow engagements are noted in this new article on Boston’s large format and roadshow history
The Gary’s roadshow engagements are noted in this new article on Boston’s large format and roadshow history
Does anyone know which booking followed Century 21’s lengthy 1978-79 run of “Superman”?
Does anyone know which booking followed the roadshow run of “Patton” at the Golden Gate?
Does anyone know which booking followed the roadshow run of “Far from the Madding Crowd” in the Golden Gate Penthouse?
The May 19, 1969, grand opening date cited in the overview as I write this comment is incorrect. The correct opening date (for Screen 1) per trade reports and Honolulu newspaper coverage was September 23rd, 1970. (Screen 2 opened a bit later.).
Also, a slight correction/clarification is needed for the world premiere of “Tora! Tora! Tora!” claim since technically it was a co-world premiere as the film premiered simultaneously* in four cities (Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Honolulu).
*The premieres weren’t literally simultaneous because of, obviously, time zone differences between the four premiere locales.
Ralph Daniel: I find it highly unlikely the “Chips Ahoy” cartoon short screened with “Altered States.” Ask yourself: Does it seem plausible Disney would authorize one of their G-rated cartoon shorts, with no thematic similarities, and in a different aspect ratio, to be screened with an R-rated movie from a rival studio? The only 70mm screenings of “Chips Ahoy” I’m aware of screened with “The Black Cauldron” in 1985. And “The Black Cauldron” played Town & Country, the same theater in which you’re recalling seeing “Altered States,” so if you saw “Cauldron” there, too, then I’d say you’re simply conflating the two moviegoing experiences. On the other hand, if you did not see “The Black Cauldron” there, then maybe it’s a different cartoon short that played with “Altered States” (the sci-fi themed “Duck Dodgers in the 24 ½ Century,” maybe?).
The Cinema 57’s 70mm engagements are noted in this new article on Boston’s large format and roadshow history.
The Cheri’s 70mm engagements are noted in this new article on Boston’s large format and roadshow history.
The Charles' 70mm engagements are noted in this new article on Boston’s large format and roadshow history.
The Astor’s 70mm and roadshow engagements are noted in this new article on Boston’s large format and roadshow history.
Somerville’s recent 70mm screenings are noted in this new article on Boston’s large format and roadshow history.
stevenj and bigjoe59: The San Francisco Cinerama history can be found here. And you’re overlooking a 1973 roadshow release: “Last Tango in Paris” (which, in SFO, played seven months at the Royal).
bigjoe59: Click the link to the San Francisco Bay Area 70mm & Roadshow article that I provided in my earlier comment and you’ll find much of the info you’re seeking.
bigjoe59: By “heyday of roadshow engagements” I assume you’re referring to the 1952-73 period, in which case I’m aware of three (Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines, The Agony and the Ecstasy, The Blue Max). See: 70mm and Roadshow Films in San Francisco.
vindanpar and DavidZornig: The Egyptian did not host the world premiere of “The Poseidon Adventure.” The world premiere was held at the National in NY on December 12th (1972), which doubled as the National’s grand opening. It premiered in L.A. two days later.
“Finian’s Rainbow” premiered here (Penthouse) 50 years ago today.
patryan6019: Were the Tacoma Mall engagements of the “last 4 ‘Cinerama’ pictures” advertised/promoted as being “in Cinerama”? Even Song of Norway?
“Funny Girl” premiered here 50 years ago today in what was an industry first: a simultaneous three-screen roadshow booking. The film would go on to play five weeks on screen #3, nine weeks on screen #1, and a very successful 42 weeks on screen #2.
“Funny Girl” premiered here 50 years ago today. It would go on to play 72 weeks.
“The Robe,” the first film in CinemaScope, premiered here sixty-five years ago today.
^Are the titles in the 3rd Annual 70mm & Widescreen Film Festival known yet?
bigjoe59:
Audiences in as many as eight cities would’ve seen the original cut (during the initial days of their lengthy engagements). Benson’s new “Space Odyssey” book addresses this as do I in my 1968: A Roadshow Odyssey article.