Cinema one -original stalls is an art-deco masterpiece, whilst 2 and 3 in the circle are (at best) pleasant screening rooms. However, eclectic programming, consistent presentation standards, and very friendly and helpful front-of-house staff ensure every visit is a worthwhile experience.
Go for it Jerry! It’s people like you that we need to encourage to keep cinema memories alive. Promise me a “personally signed” edition when you eventually put pen to paper. Best wishes.
Thanks Jodar and Bill. But still wonder why any cinema fan visiting NY, of which the Ziegfeld is a “must”, should trust to luck as to whether or not their session will co-incide with the supposedly occassional use of the curtains. Surely Clearview Cinemas should have a firm policy, one way or the other.
Am intrigued by the constant “did they/didn’t they” use the curtain comments. Surely in these days of automation the use of screen tabs should be a no-brainer. Here in Australia it’s just accepted that all cinemas with screen curtains are automatically programmed to operate, along with house-to-half lighting, as part of a cinematic presentation. Even when I’m the only person remaining in the auditorium (more often than not) at the conclusion of the credits, I still appreciate the closing of the curtains as a last-remaining vestige of showmanship. Considering the Ziegfeld’s fame in NY, is this a situation peculiar to Clearview, or an accepted practice across America?
Is there “anyone” associated with Mann Theatres that has an ounce of Showbiz in their blood? My few visits to LA have seen me witness the lowest common trash movies, just to experience visiting the Chinese. OK, put the teen flix/blockbusters in the Chinese 6 next door. Clearly, the core audience for these films don’t give a damn to their surroundings, as long as they’re hearing digital sound.
What visitor to Hollywood wouldn’t pay top dollar to witness a beautifully presented 70/35mm print of a classic movie with full theatrical presentation on a “Roadshow” release once in a while?
Undoubtedly a magnificent cinema gem, but as a “live” theatre, leaves a lot to be desired. Designed for film, the circle/balcony is so far removed from the stage that audiences feel they are sitting in the foyer of The Athenaeum Theatre across the street. Since the renovation, the few film presentations (Gone With The Wind/The Wizard Of Oz/High Society/My Fair Lady) and a few “premieres” have been sadly ruined by lack of screen drapes (in situ) and effect lightings surrounding the proscenium. Now air-conditioned, paint work and murals that survived over many years are now peeling due to the effect of humidity control.
Are Mann Theatres attempting to kill off this famous theatre? The “B” grade bookings of late would seem to indicate the end is near. Do Mann Theatres no longer have any importance with major studios? Would not be surprised to see a policy of Z-grade double features programmed soon in an attempt to justify closure.
A long time coming, but finally the end seems inevitable. I wonder if, in 20 years, we’ll bemoan the demolition of another piece of history? Such a shame the facade cannot be retained, although the 1970’s signage will “not” be missed.
What’s happening at the Ziegfeld? According to the Clearview web-site and Moviefone there are no screenings this week. Such information makes this fan very nervous.
Been there. Done that! The 1950’s all over again with a tired old gimmick reborn. $3 surcharge (here in Australia) for 3D features, “one-size-fits-all” glasses for adults and children. Why not just produce quality films???? – no gimmick required!
Clearly, the present owner is committed to allowing this beautiful building to fall into disrepair to the extent of demolition. Sadly, only the facade is heritage listed, giving free reign to build another skyscraper behind the original frontage. Tragically, the same developer also owns the beautiful Comedy Theatre in Exhibition Street, and would appear to be commited to the same fate.
Saturday matinees ceased long ago, and now, latest calendar has every Tuesday “closed for private function”. Double feature policy also seems to be waning. Many nights programmed for single feature only. Is this the beginning of the end?
An absolute gem that should be on the “must see” list of every movie loving visitor to LA. Bargain priced, staff that really care, extremely comfortable seating – with leg room that has to be experienced to be believed, and real showmanship presentation. Puts the “famous” Hollywood screens to shame.
Palace Cinemas has now invested in digital 3-D projection at both Balwyn and Dendy Brighton cinemas.Initial presentations will be “Journey To The Centre Of The Earth” starring Brendan Fraser.
Why did the recent screening of South Pacific have the Intermission (and therefore Entr'acte) missing? A friend who attended stated the restless nature of the audience, coming in and out of the auditorium – particularly in the second half of the film – ruined the experience.
HowardBHaas’s photo of the curtain brings back memories of my visit to London last year when I caught a movie at the Tottenham Court Road Odeon. One can only guess that these purple house tabs are now the Odeon “style”. Auditorium at Tottenham Court was pitch black save for a spotlight centred on the curtain (as above). NOT a good look.
Cinema one -original stalls is an art-deco masterpiece, whilst 2 and 3 in the circle are (at best) pleasant screening rooms. However, eclectic programming, consistent presentation standards, and very friendly and helpful front-of-house staff ensure every visit is a worthwhile experience.
Go for it Jerry! It’s people like you that we need to encourage to keep cinema memories alive. Promise me a “personally signed” edition when you eventually put pen to paper. Best wishes.
Thanks Jodar and Bill. But still wonder why any cinema fan visiting NY, of which the Ziegfeld is a “must”, should trust to luck as to whether or not their session will co-incide with the supposedly occassional use of the curtains. Surely Clearview Cinemas should have a firm policy, one way or the other.
Am intrigued by the constant “did they/didn’t they” use the curtain comments. Surely in these days of automation the use of screen tabs should be a no-brainer. Here in Australia it’s just accepted that all cinemas with screen curtains are automatically programmed to operate, along with house-to-half lighting, as part of a cinematic presentation. Even when I’m the only person remaining in the auditorium (more often than not) at the conclusion of the credits, I still appreciate the closing of the curtains as a last-remaining vestige of showmanship. Considering the Ziegfeld’s fame in NY, is this a situation peculiar to Clearview, or an accepted practice across America?
Apologies! Don’t know how my comment on the Chinese LA has found its way to this site.
Is there “anyone” associated with Mann Theatres that has an ounce of Showbiz in their blood? My few visits to LA have seen me witness the lowest common trash movies, just to experience visiting the Chinese. OK, put the teen flix/blockbusters in the Chinese 6 next door. Clearly, the core audience for these films don’t give a damn to their surroundings, as long as they’re hearing digital sound.
What visitor to Hollywood wouldn’t pay top dollar to witness a beautifully presented 70/35mm print of a classic movie with full theatrical presentation on a “Roadshow” release once in a while?
Undoubtedly a magnificent cinema gem, but as a “live” theatre, leaves a lot to be desired. Designed for film, the circle/balcony is so far removed from the stage that audiences feel they are sitting in the foyer of The Athenaeum Theatre across the street. Since the renovation, the few film presentations (Gone With The Wind/The Wizard Of Oz/High Society/My Fair Lady) and a few “premieres” have been sadly ruined by lack of screen drapes (in situ) and effect lightings surrounding the proscenium. Now air-conditioned, paint work and murals that survived over many years are now peeling due to the effect of humidity control.
Are Mann Theatres attempting to kill off this famous theatre? The “B” grade bookings of late would seem to indicate the end is near. Do Mann Theatres no longer have any importance with major studios? Would not be surprised to see a policy of Z-grade double features programmed soon in an attempt to justify closure.
A long time coming, but finally the end seems inevitable. I wonder if, in 20 years, we’ll bemoan the demolition of another piece of history? Such a shame the facade cannot be retained, although the 1970’s signage will “not” be missed.
Second week now with no screenings. Can appreciate 1-2 days closure for a premiere screening, but 2 weeks…? What’s going on here?
What’s happening at the Ziegfeld? According to the Clearview web-site and Moviefone there are no screenings this week. Such information makes this fan very nervous.
Been there. Done that! The 1950’s all over again with a tired old gimmick reborn. $3 surcharge (here in Australia) for 3D features, “one-size-fits-all” glasses for adults and children. Why not just produce quality films???? – no gimmick required!
Clearly, the present owner is committed to allowing this beautiful building to fall into disrepair to the extent of demolition. Sadly, only the facade is heritage listed, giving free reign to build another skyscraper behind the original frontage. Tragically, the same developer also owns the beautiful Comedy Theatre in Exhibition Street, and would appear to be commited to the same fate.
Saturday matinees ceased long ago, and now, latest calendar has every Tuesday “closed for private function”. Double feature policy also seems to be waning. Many nights programmed for single feature only. Is this the beginning of the end?
An absolute gem that should be on the “must see” list of every movie loving visitor to LA. Bargain priced, staff that really care, extremely comfortable seating – with leg room that has to be experienced to be believed, and real showmanship presentation. Puts the “famous” Hollywood screens to shame.
Palace Cinemas has now invested in digital 3-D projection at both Balwyn and Dendy Brighton cinemas.Initial presentations will be “Journey To The Centre Of The Earth” starring Brendan Fraser.
Why did the recent screening of South Pacific have the Intermission (and therefore Entr'acte) missing? A friend who attended stated the restless nature of the audience, coming in and out of the auditorium – particularly in the second half of the film – ruined the experience.
HowardBHaas’s photo of the curtain brings back memories of my visit to London last year when I caught a movie at the Tottenham Court Road Odeon. One can only guess that these purple house tabs are now the Odeon “style”. Auditorium at Tottenham Court was pitch black save for a spotlight centred on the curtain (as above). NOT a good look.