Can’t believe its been 30 years. I was too young to go into downtown but thoroughly enjoyed a sold out opening presentation in Langley Park, MD’s KB Langley. What an event film it was for the time, but I don’t think the movie had 70mm engagements in the DC area since the film was so rushed into theaters. I don’t think they had time to make 70mm prints in order to meet the Dec. 7 release.
My friend and I saw A Christmas Carol in IMAX 3D. It seems strange to me that its also playing in Digital 3D. If you’re going to go for the 3D experience, why not go to the more immersive experience of the large format showing? When we got tickets at the kiosk, it was interesting to note that they advertise the IMAX lite theater as THX. Unfortunately, the THX website does not list this venue as THX certified, yet. The movie was masked in what seemed to be 2:35, yet IMDB has the IMAX version at 1:44. Hmmm. The IMAX Digital trailer is all new and does show off the format’s immersive and colorful display. The previews for Avatar and Alice in Wonderland were truly amazing and, yes, even in the IMAX lite theater was quite good. Then again, we sat in the seats up front reserved for the elderly and handicapped.
The movie itself began much like we all know about the classic Dickens tale. The motion capture technique used on Jim Carrey doesn’t show his features in the beginning. His voice isn’t recognizable either at first. Unfortunately, given the fact that this is a familiar tale and I woke up very early, I found myself snoozing during the middle part of the movie. Overall, I did enjoy the movie and the format better this time around. I may want to watch it again during a matinee before Avatar comes out.
I don’t know if it was just me but the sound system seemed to have more ooomph and deeper bass than before and the surrounds good accompanying the 3D effects. Its still not up to par with the best THX venues yet, even though they are touting it as THX at the kiosk.
I wanted to see Twilight here in XD, but opted for A Christmas Carol at AMC Colombia 14’s IMAX-lite theater. The XD seems to be Xtra Large Digital Projection. I hope to catch it there this holiday weekend.
Since I’m neither a historic theater expert or non-profit professional I cannot help. I’m sad that the Senator isn’t showing first run movies anymore. For me, its basically a closing chapter of driving in to a wonderful place to experience event blockbuster movies for the last decade with other cinephile enthusiasts. While I do get their emails that promote their current programming of live shows and niche movies, they do not appeal to me. I wish you all the best. Farewell.
Kat/Virg, if you are lucky enough you could park in front of the theater or a block away. There’s a pay parking garage a block away, too. Since the last two times I visited the Ziegfeld were on Sunday, I was able to park for free on the street in front of the Ziegfeld and the last time, a block away. I did not feel like paying $20 for the parking in addition to the already high Manhattan price for seeing a movie there.
An old fashioned ghost story set in an aged multiplex? That sounds like a misnomer..ghost story and multiplex? What could be scary about a multiplex other than bad food, awful sound and projection? :) Those are common everyday experiences of normal moviegoers today at your local Regal and AMC.
MovieTix, how could you resist NOT seeing it in the IMAX digital version?? I am curious as to why they limit the IMAX screenings to just one show a day. They are showing it in DLP in Annapolis in THX but I think I may splurge and go the IMAX-lite route at this venue.
75 foot wide screen? Thats wider than our Uptown in DC! I wonder if its curved. You’d think LA/Hollywood would have enough venue choices and state-of-the-art ones at that being in the film capital of the world. I’m drooling and envious :P The IMAX-lite screens that our AMCs have don’t cut it as being truly IMAX and IMAX immersive as far as film presentation goes. Screen size is one thing..I’m a soundphile, too. If it doesn’t sound right and is THX cert, its not good.
I was just going by what you were saying. In the previous years, I forgot which auditorium was already DLP equipped. I do not recall the auditorium’s number but placement wise, it reminded me of Tysons. What I was saying before was that going by your assumption that 6 had the new install, it would make sense to have them book the new movie Amelia there as opposed to just putting back the older movie, which I’m assuming is the Meatballs 3D movie.
If you go and see Amelia there on time, let us know if there’s a new trailer for the digital system. I don’t think the next big digital movie will come until the movie 2012 is released in a few weeks. That one deserves the IMAX treatment given the size and scale of the destruction fx. Or, the Jim Carrey Disney Christmas Scrooge movie.
Yes, it was 6. If thats the case, why would they show an older movie with the new system? I’d think they would use the new system with the new movie. I should’ve asked. :) Besides, it was the only movie that I recall that specifically had the DP by the title. Also, Movietickets.com has just Wild Things in IMAX and regular film since there’s no DP designation.
I saw Amelia here at the 11am matinee (and perfect price of $6) but arrived late because I had to drop some folks off at a wedding in Pasadena. The film, itself, was good but not great. Its good to see Hillary Swank play a character who doesn’t die horribly…which probably means she won’t get another Oscar for portraying Amelia Earhart. I must say one does believe she captures what Amelia may have been at the time; a little reserved, but having an inner strength to continue despite the odds and obstacles.
Since I arrived late, I could not observe any pre-show ads for the auditorium’s new format. I’m hoping next time I will. The picture itself is as good as digital touts itself to be, bright, flicker and scratch free. The best colors to come out are blues and reds. One could count the freckles on Amelia though they varied throughout the film. At one point, her makeup made her look as if she had chicken pox. Maybe such crystal clarity is not such a good thing. To be honest, I can’t tell the difference between 2K and 4K Digital. You’d think 4K would be twice as sharp. Perhaps a CGI heavy film like a Star Trek would show better. Let’s hope one of the Christmas fx-heavy releases makes it to this venue and in the 4K format to say for sure. I want another try at it.
YIPPY! More power to you. Since a few of the theaters I go to are patronized by shall I say a more ‘urban’ crowd, the need for off-duty police officers would necessitate implementing a policy of kicking out cell phone users during a show. The kids that are employed are no match brawn-wise for many of the offenders.
Other than the much often discussed lousy projection/sound issues, nothing is worse than having to watch a movie and see that annoying backlight of a cell phone in use.
Having attended U of MD in the 90s, I did see one movie here. I was thinking about the place in recent years and thought it had closed since it was not advertising in the Post like it used to. It wasn’t until this year, that I re-discovered it again. I remember when first run movies would come out they would have free showings the day or two days prior to its general release for some titles. If no one knows it exists to be open to the general public, who is going to come?
They do have competition by way of the recently opened and superior Regal Royale 14 across from PG Mall and the Academy 8 on the other side of Greenbelt. If they advertised, had a regular schedule and priced movies right, more would come.
I could’ve sworn there was a listing for this theater once upon a time. It was back in ‘90 or '91 that I was drawn to this venue because of the CDS install for the engagement of Terminator 2. To be honest, though the sound was loud, but it did not better the 70mm THX engagement because of THX’s better sound separation. Loud is one thing, sound distinction is another. Of particular mention is the end scene with the T1000(?) being frozen by nitrogen then blown away by the T1’s hardware. The falling T1000 pieces sounded like falling and crashing pieces of glass crystal with that distinctive ping when it hits a solid surface. A very cool effect visually and aurally. :)
I know I’ve seen a few other movies here in the 90s but have not been back since. Parking is not easy to find unless you pay or walk a great distance.
Landmark is nearby and offers your art house counter programming. This venue books your usual Hollywood fare.
Aha. An opening announcement is found here: View link
I am surprised I never heard anything about this place even though I frequent this area almost weekly. Its too bad it didn’t have a chance. All that money invested and contruction done..a waste.
Sorry for the long delay in posting. I actually found this news bit in the Washington Business Journal. It states that the closure was due to a failed $5M expansion (!) of this venue to become, as Joe states above, a cinema and drafthouse. The owners of the Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse, who were behind the project cited the county’s long delayed permit process and excessive costs. The original news article can be found at View link
Comparatively speaking, is this better than IMAX-lite at the AMC’s? AMC and IMAX have diluted the IMAX branding with the installs at AMC. Sound is not so great either as the best THX certified theaters deliver better sound. I think twice about patronizing an AMC IMAX-lite presentation unless its a matinee where the price is more reasonable.
All right now..lets not start false rumors. AMC’s website has showtimes through the 24th and as Howard has said, the Informant is the next movie to be booked. Doesn’t sound like closure to me.
Since I was in the neighborhood, I drove by this place and it is boarded up. There were teens and the usual riff raff hanging around the building doing who knows what. The marquee that used to list showtimes and titles had a thank you note for the years of patronage and encouraged moviegoers to visit their sister plexes.
Being that there is a Walmart next door, this location could easily be converted to a Sams Club, if not a movie theater or church.
I caught “My One and Only” in #1 on a matinee showing this past week. Presentation was very good. They played a Stomp themed Dolby Digital trailer which didn’t really show off the theater’s sound capabilities other than being loud. I had no clue the movie was a biopic of sorts and thought the performances all around were quite good. Unfortunately, I must’ve been tired as I fell asleep between the 1/3 and ½ of the movie. I doubt I will see it again in theaters and will wait for it to come on cable before I see it again. :)
Can’t believe its been 30 years. I was too young to go into downtown but thoroughly enjoyed a sold out opening presentation in Langley Park, MD’s KB Langley. What an event film it was for the time, but I don’t think the movie had 70mm engagements in the DC area since the film was so rushed into theaters. I don’t think they had time to make 70mm prints in order to meet the Dec. 7 release.
My friend and I saw A Christmas Carol in IMAX 3D. It seems strange to me that its also playing in Digital 3D. If you’re going to go for the 3D experience, why not go to the more immersive experience of the large format showing? When we got tickets at the kiosk, it was interesting to note that they advertise the IMAX lite theater as THX. Unfortunately, the THX website does not list this venue as THX certified, yet. The movie was masked in what seemed to be 2:35, yet IMDB has the IMAX version at 1:44. Hmmm. The IMAX Digital trailer is all new and does show off the format’s immersive and colorful display. The previews for Avatar and Alice in Wonderland were truly amazing and, yes, even in the IMAX lite theater was quite good. Then again, we sat in the seats up front reserved for the elderly and handicapped.
The movie itself began much like we all know about the classic Dickens tale. The motion capture technique used on Jim Carrey doesn’t show his features in the beginning. His voice isn’t recognizable either at first. Unfortunately, given the fact that this is a familiar tale and I woke up very early, I found myself snoozing during the middle part of the movie. Overall, I did enjoy the movie and the format better this time around. I may want to watch it again during a matinee before Avatar comes out.
I don’t know if it was just me but the sound system seemed to have more ooomph and deeper bass than before and the surrounds good accompanying the 3D effects. Its still not up to par with the best THX venues yet, even though they are touting it as THX at the kiosk.
Now if only more theaters were this ornate! I did take a peak at their admission prices..WHOA!
I wanted to see Twilight here in XD, but opted for A Christmas Carol at AMC Colombia 14’s IMAX-lite theater. The XD seems to be Xtra Large Digital Projection. I hope to catch it there this holiday weekend.
Since I’m neither a historic theater expert or non-profit professional I cannot help. I’m sad that the Senator isn’t showing first run movies anymore. For me, its basically a closing chapter of driving in to a wonderful place to experience event blockbuster movies for the last decade with other cinephile enthusiasts. While I do get their emails that promote their current programming of live shows and niche movies, they do not appeal to me. I wish you all the best. Farewell.
Kat/Virg, if you are lucky enough you could park in front of the theater or a block away. There’s a pay parking garage a block away, too. Since the last two times I visited the Ziegfeld were on Sunday, I was able to park for free on the street in front of the Ziegfeld and the last time, a block away. I did not feel like paying $20 for the parking in addition to the already high Manhattan price for seeing a movie there.
An old fashioned ghost story set in an aged multiplex? That sounds like a misnomer..ghost story and multiplex? What could be scary about a multiplex other than bad food, awful sound and projection? :) Those are common everyday experiences of normal moviegoers today at your local Regal and AMC.
I drove by this place yesterday and there is still a for rent sign in the window.
MovieTix, how could you resist NOT seeing it in the IMAX digital version?? I am curious as to why they limit the IMAX screenings to just one show a day. They are showing it in DLP in Annapolis in THX but I think I may splurge and go the IMAX-lite route at this venue.
75 foot wide screen? Thats wider than our Uptown in DC! I wonder if its curved. You’d think LA/Hollywood would have enough venue choices and state-of-the-art ones at that being in the film capital of the world. I’m drooling and envious :P The IMAX-lite screens that our AMCs have don’t cut it as being truly IMAX and IMAX immersive as far as film presentation goes. Screen size is one thing..I’m a soundphile, too. If it doesn’t sound right and is THX cert, its not good.
I was just going by what you were saying. In the previous years, I forgot which auditorium was already DLP equipped. I do not recall the auditorium’s number but placement wise, it reminded me of Tysons. What I was saying before was that going by your assumption that 6 had the new install, it would make sense to have them book the new movie Amelia there as opposed to just putting back the older movie, which I’m assuming is the Meatballs 3D movie.
If you go and see Amelia there on time, let us know if there’s a new trailer for the digital system. I don’t think the next big digital movie will come until the movie 2012 is released in a few weeks. That one deserves the IMAX treatment given the size and scale of the destruction fx. Or, the Jim Carrey Disney Christmas Scrooge movie.
Yes, it was 6. If thats the case, why would they show an older movie with the new system? I’d think they would use the new system with the new movie. I should’ve asked. :) Besides, it was the only movie that I recall that specifically had the DP by the title. Also, Movietickets.com has just Wild Things in IMAX and regular film since there’s no DP designation.
I saw Amelia here at the 11am matinee (and perfect price of $6) but arrived late because I had to drop some folks off at a wedding in Pasadena. The film, itself, was good but not great. Its good to see Hillary Swank play a character who doesn’t die horribly…which probably means she won’t get another Oscar for portraying Amelia Earhart. I must say one does believe she captures what Amelia may have been at the time; a little reserved, but having an inner strength to continue despite the odds and obstacles.
Since I arrived late, I could not observe any pre-show ads for the auditorium’s new format. I’m hoping next time I will. The picture itself is as good as digital touts itself to be, bright, flicker and scratch free. The best colors to come out are blues and reds. One could count the freckles on Amelia though they varied throughout the film. At one point, her makeup made her look as if she had chicken pox. Maybe such crystal clarity is not such a good thing. To be honest, I can’t tell the difference between 2K and 4K Digital. You’d think 4K would be twice as sharp. Perhaps a CGI heavy film like a Star Trek would show better. Let’s hope one of the Christmas fx-heavy releases makes it to this venue and in the 4K format to say for sure. I want another try at it.
YIPPY! More power to you. Since a few of the theaters I go to are patronized by shall I say a more ‘urban’ crowd, the need for off-duty police officers would necessitate implementing a policy of kicking out cell phone users during a show. The kids that are employed are no match brawn-wise for many of the offenders.
Other than the much often discussed lousy projection/sound issues, nothing is worse than having to watch a movie and see that annoying backlight of a cell phone in use.
Having attended U of MD in the 90s, I did see one movie here. I was thinking about the place in recent years and thought it had closed since it was not advertising in the Post like it used to. It wasn’t until this year, that I re-discovered it again. I remember when first run movies would come out they would have free showings the day or two days prior to its general release for some titles. If no one knows it exists to be open to the general public, who is going to come?
They do have competition by way of the recently opened and superior Regal Royale 14 across from PG Mall and the Academy 8 on the other side of Greenbelt. If they advertised, had a regular schedule and priced movies right, more would come.
I could’ve sworn there was a listing for this theater once upon a time. It was back in ‘90 or '91 that I was drawn to this venue because of the CDS install for the engagement of Terminator 2. To be honest, though the sound was loud, but it did not better the 70mm THX engagement because of THX’s better sound separation. Loud is one thing, sound distinction is another. Of particular mention is the end scene with the T1000(?) being frozen by nitrogen then blown away by the T1’s hardware. The falling T1000 pieces sounded like falling and crashing pieces of glass crystal with that distinctive ping when it hits a solid surface. A very cool effect visually and aurally. :)
I know I’ve seen a few other movies here in the 90s but have not been back since. Parking is not easy to find unless you pay or walk a great distance.
Landmark is nearby and offers your art house counter programming. This venue books your usual Hollywood fare.
Either late ‘85 or early '86, shortly after “The Color Purple” finished its run.
Aha. An opening announcement is found here:
View link
I am surprised I never heard anything about this place even though I frequent this area almost weekly. Its too bad it didn’t have a chance. All that money invested and contruction done..a waste.
Upon further digging. I found an article that talks specifically about the theater here:
View link
Sorry for the long delay in posting. I actually found this news bit in the Washington Business Journal. It states that the closure was due to a failed $5M expansion (!) of this venue to become, as Joe states above, a cinema and drafthouse. The owners of the Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse, who were behind the project cited the county’s long delayed permit process and excessive costs. The original news article can be found at View link
Comparatively speaking, is this better than IMAX-lite at the AMC’s? AMC and IMAX have diluted the IMAX branding with the installs at AMC. Sound is not so great either as the best THX certified theaters deliver better sound. I think twice about patronizing an AMC IMAX-lite presentation unless its a matinee where the price is more reasonable.
All right now..lets not start false rumors. AMC’s website has showtimes through the 24th and as Howard has said, the Informant is the next movie to be booked. Doesn’t sound like closure to me.
Since I was in the neighborhood, I drove by this place and it is boarded up. There were teens and the usual riff raff hanging around the building doing who knows what. The marquee that used to list showtimes and titles had a thank you note for the years of patronage and encouraged moviegoers to visit their sister plexes.
Being that there is a Walmart next door, this location could easily be converted to a Sams Club, if not a movie theater or church.
I caught “My One and Only” in #1 on a matinee showing this past week. Presentation was very good. They played a Stomp themed Dolby Digital trailer which didn’t really show off the theater’s sound capabilities other than being loud. I had no clue the movie was a biopic of sorts and thought the performances all around were quite good. Unfortunately, I must’ve been tired as I fell asleep between the 1/3 and ½ of the movie. I doubt I will see it again in theaters and will wait for it to come on cable before I see it again. :)
Noooooooooo.
I thought the studios were to help subisize the digital transitions so that the smaller independents have some help with the costs?