ptouchette81: I would like to offer a clarification on your comment pertaining to Barry Monush’s “Sound of Music” book. Simply, Mr. Monush was not the first to identify the detail you cite. For the record, I’ve prepared three retrospective articles on “The Sound of Music” — one in 2005 for its 40th anniversary, another in 2010 for its 45th anniversary and yet another in 2015 for its 50th anniversary. The 45th piece, by the way, was published here at Cinema Treasures. (A link in the right margin appears on every database entry page of any theater mentioned in the article, but apparently the link in the right margin under the News About This Theater heading isn’t easy to notice.)
Anyway, Mr. Monush used my research (with permission) as the blueprint for his roadshow engagements chapter. I must admit, though, I should add I was quite disappointed when instead of re-printing my work as it originally appeared he instead created a derivative work and worse he misspelled my name and erroneously cited the original publication source.
I’m curious what years Tosh managed this theater because there appears to be credible evidence this venue did have the capability to run 70mm prints. While 70mm projection is not touted in the theater’s grand opening advertisement, it is listed as a 70mm-equipped theater in a late 1960s Norelco (projector manufacturer) trade ad as well as in 1980s era Dolby install records. Plus, more tellingly, at least a dozen movies were promoted as a 70mm presentation in the Austin newspaper during the 1970s & 80s including “Brainstorm,” the first two “Indiana Jones” movies, and revival runs of “The Sound of Music” and “2001.” The last known 70mm presentation here was, I believe, “Silverado” in 1985.
The June 1, 2004 comment claiming this was the first San Francisco theater to have THX Sound is not correct. The first was the UA Galaxy. Unfortunately I’ve seen the erroneous claim repeated elsewhere.
There’s no need to correct me regarding my “Planet of the Apes” comment, Comfortably Cool, since I posted my comment on the 8th. I posted the comment at 9:39pm PST which is what shows up in the time and date stamp when I view this page. Perhaps my comment displays on your computer with an Eastern Time Zone posting?
The “Star Wars” run mentioned in the overview was August 25th-September 7th, 1978. And while I cannot provide the theater’s opening date, I can confirm “Star Wars” was not the first thing to play here. (Some readers might misinterpret the ambiguous overview as indicating “Star Wars” was the theater’s debut booking.) As well the twinning appears to have have occurred later on as in summer ‘78 it was a single screener.
Per a check of the Times-Picayune back issues, the general release (not roadshow) first run of “Raintree County” at the Panorama was held December 25th, 1957 through March 4th, 1958.
I’m passing along the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at this and other Phoenix area cinemas.
I’m passing along the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at this and other Phoenix area cinemas.
I’m passing along the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at this and other Phoenix area cinemas.
JohnShiner: Your recent comments on roadshows and 70mm suggest you will enjoy the following article on Philadelphia’s roadshow and large-format history, if you aren’t already aware of it.
ptouchette81: I would like to offer a clarification on your comment pertaining to Barry Monush’s “Sound of Music” book. Simply, Mr. Monush was not the first to identify the detail you cite. For the record, I’ve prepared three retrospective articles on “The Sound of Music” — one in 2005 for its 40th anniversary, another in 2010 for its 45th anniversary and yet another in 2015 for its 50th anniversary. The 45th piece, by the way, was published here at Cinema Treasures. (A link in the right margin appears on every database entry page of any theater mentioned in the article, but apparently the link in the right margin under the News About This Theater heading isn’t easy to notice.)
Anyway, Mr. Monush used my research (with permission) as the blueprint for his roadshow engagements chapter. I must admit, though, I should add I was quite disappointed when instead of re-printing my work as it originally appeared he instead created a derivative work and worse he misspelled my name and erroneously cited the original publication source.
I’m curious what years Tosh managed this theater because there appears to be credible evidence this venue did have the capability to run 70mm prints. While 70mm projection is not touted in the theater’s grand opening advertisement, it is listed as a 70mm-equipped theater in a late 1960s Norelco (projector manufacturer) trade ad as well as in 1980s era Dolby install records. Plus, more tellingly, at least a dozen movies were promoted as a 70mm presentation in the Austin newspaper during the 1970s & 80s including “Brainstorm,” the first two “Indiana Jones” movies, and revival runs of “The Sound of Music” and “2001.” The last known 70mm presentation here was, I believe, “Silverado” in 1985.
Why was this theater called Bethany West during the early years of its life before they settled on, simply, Bethany?
Here’s the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at this and other Tucson cinemas.
Here’s the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at this venue when it was known as the Galleria (and other Tucson cinemas).
Here’s the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at Foothills and other Tucson cinemas.
Here’s the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at El Dorado and other Tucson cinemas.
Here’s the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at El Dorado and other Tucson cinemas.
Here’s the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at El Con and other Tucson cinemas.
Here’s the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at Century Park and other Tucson cinemas.
Here’s the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at Century Gateway and other Tucson cinemas.
Here’s the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at Campbell Plaza and other Tucson cinemas.
Here’s the link to a new historical article about large format and roadshow presentations at Buena Vista and other Tucson cinemas.
The June 1, 2004 comment claiming this was the first San Francisco theater to have THX Sound is not correct. The first was the UA Galaxy. Unfortunately I’ve seen the erroneous claim repeated elsewhere.
Here’s a related retrospective article that might interest some of you: Something Better Than Man: Remembering “Planet of the Apes” On Its 50th Anniversary
There’s no need to correct me regarding my “Planet of the Apes” comment, Comfortably Cool, since I posted my comment on the 8th. I posted the comment at 9:39pm PST which is what shows up in the time and date stamp when I view this page. Perhaps my comment displays on your computer with an Eastern Time Zone posting?
“Planet of the Apes” opened here (and simultaneously at 72nd Street Playhouse) fifty years ago today.
What is the date of this advertisement?
The “Star Wars” run mentioned in the overview was August 25th-September 7th, 1978. And while I cannot provide the theater’s opening date, I can confirm “Star Wars” was not the first thing to play here. (Some readers might misinterpret the ambiguous overview as indicating “Star Wars” was the theater’s debut booking.) As well the twinning appears to have have occurred later on as in summer ‘78 it was a single screener.
Per a check of the Times-Picayune back issues, the general release (not roadshow) first run of “Raintree County” at the Panorama was held December 25th, 1957 through March 4th, 1958.
JasonCManley: See this retrospective article, which cites the opening day locales, for confirmation of your “Return of the Jedi” experience.