I have fond memories of watching many films (mostly in 70mm) at the KB Cinema. It was one of my favorite venues that made the drive into the city worth it..actually, even before I could even drive. Check out my blog at the Cinema page.
Now, the Studio was another matter. It was one of the worst experiences for me as I’ve only been there once, maybe twice. You could get two soundtracks for the price of one.
If and when you can pull off your reunion, it would be nice to read about it and please post if you do. Thanks.
As long as its not Regal and/or AMC that buy them out, I’m fine with it. These two chains pretty much monopolize the venues in the Washington DC Metro area. As such, they pretty much book the same fare all the time. Even the DP prints or 3D Digital prints get booked in the same venues even if they are relatively close to each other.
It would have a first-hand report, perhaps someone to post pictures, maybe some video of your activities there? :)
Given Show West is a Hollywood trade show event, I imagine everything will be digital this and digital that. Future digital exhibition technologies maybe?
I was wondering about that, too, John S. Other than booking the Monsters vs. Alien movie in Digital 3D, the movieticket website doesn’t reveal any new shows through May. This is strange given the fact that there are several BIG EVENT movies opening every weekend in May starting with the Wolverine prequel, the Demons and Angel movie, Star Trek and a few others. I’d love to see the new Star Trek in DP here if they book it.
I’d be in for restoring this theater to at least when I remembered it back in the 80s. :) But what of its current tenant? Does the store that occupies the place have a long term lease? And even if you turn it back to a working theater, there’s the issue of parking. I haven’t been by there in years, but filling the theater, which if I recall during its refurbishment in ‘85 or so had seating close to 1000 or more. Maybe Metro is nearby. I prefer to drive. In any case, I think the MacArthur would be a better choice at coming back if and when CVS ever decides to go or can be persuaded to leave.
Oh boy. It seems the CT gremlin has eliminated the comments that were on this page. Let me repost my memories of this place.
I remember this was one of the few venues that opened Star Trek: The Motion Picture on both screens in 1979. The other DC venue was, of course, the KB MacArthur where the movie had its official world premiere. The Post’s Weekend had showtimes of this movie that were around the clock starting at 8am or so if I recall correctly. As a very young teen, I took the bus here to see Star Trek several months after its first run. They were still showing it here. I felt overwhelmed at the screen size and presentation, as it seemed the screen was about as tall as it was wide in the larger, Dolby-equipped auditorium. The other auditorium was non-stereo. The opening scene with the flyover of the Klingon battle cruisers gave the impressioin of really being in space ‘flying over’ these massive ships. Very cool. Presentation was flawless as was my enjoyment of watching this movie on the big screen for the umpteenth time.
As you descended the stairs to the screens, I do recall there was a video game room to the right as well.
In December 1984, this venue had one of the few bookings of 2010 in 70mm. In contrast to the viewing at the GCC Springfield Mall 1 (Springfield, VA), in the then new THX certified theater, this venue seemed to play it LOUDER. My mind goes back to the scene where the late Roy Sheider’s character, Dr. Floyd is conversing with his wife about going back into space. She’s pissed and hurls a glass into the sink. The resulting CRASH was sudden and audibly crisp as it broke into what seemed like many, many pieces. It made my friends and I jump/shift positions in our seats!
I’d like to think I visited this place again after that but can’t recall at this time. If you were to go there now, you’d never know there was a movie theater here at all. Next door is a little sandwich shop called Booeymongers, which was a great after movie destination spot for a light meal and conversation.
10 has a new resident, a mouse, which made its debut to this patron during the showing of Coraline in Digital 3D a few Saturdays ago. My friend informed one of the managers on duty, who claimed they’ve laid out glue traps for it. Given the amount of kids that go through there, I don’t know if that was such a good idea. Also, the second concession stand being located just outside of 10 makes me wonder how clean things are there as far as food service goes. Not a good thing.
I am curious as to what quality these prints are that are going to be shown. Its one thing if its a seldom used studio print, or even a new print but judging by the titles, I’d think they would be older prints. If anyone happens to attend any of these showings, blog and tell us, please, so those of us in the other parts of the country know that there is a good print of a particular 70mm movie we could get at our local 70mm filmhouse.
Oops, my mistake, its NOT Cinemark but Kerasotes Theatres will open a new 16-plex in the Brandywine Crossing shopping complex where Costco just opened.
Hmm. I didn’t know this plex was one of the top four performers given that it has no IMAX or deluxe theaters with restaurants that some of the other, newer Muvicos have. I also surmise that we won’t be getting the much talked about 4K Sony projectors that the previous chain was to have installed in their theaters.
In a way, this is good that Cinemark is moving into the DC Metro area. More competition for AMC and Regal, the stalwart behemoth chains of this area. While Hanover is quite a large venue, I look forward to their newer plex scheduled to open in southern MD in the not-too-distant future.
I got stuck in PA and couldn’t make it to the meeting. As it is just past midnight, I’m wondering if any of you attended the meeting (and are nightowls) to report as to what happened? Its a shock to me that its over but may be it not?
Joe, I’m guessing the 4th theater had to have been added sometime in the 80s, BEFORE Roth opened the then new 7 or 8 plex behind where the closed Circuit City and SSA were, which as 1987.
I’ve read the owner has just about everything he owns tied up with this loan, including mortgaging his house. I suspect if it goes to auction, he will lose his home, too. That is too much. As far as a backlash for asking for money, what is there to lose if the end is near? Just lose your house, your home and whatever else you’ve put into the theater your whole life. Just do it. Put up the donation link and get the word out that funds are needed.
I suspect a bankruptcy filing is in order as a last minute action if nothing else comes through. Keep the circling vultures away.
They initially put up a donation link and now they’ve taken it down. Whatever happens, if there’s a last minute attempt at a non-profit reorganization, an outside party buy out, maybe even a bankruptcy filing, at least start the donations so that the place is kept open and/or maybe pay off its mortgage arrears. I wish we knew what that amount was.
What I’m gathering from the Balto Sun article is that the accelerated foreclosure process may be happening because of a potential buyer in the wings to get the theater at auction. This sounds more like one of those B-movie plots.
At least put up the donation link and reveal how much money is needed to avoid foreclosure. What about a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing also? I imagine that may be a 11th hour move if everything else fails.
For those of you on the Senator’s email list, they’ve sent out the word that they are about to shut down and be auctioned off. I sent the news link to this site but it has yet to post. Now, it makes sense as to why they put up the donation link. Today, in an even stranger turn of events, they took down the donation link! Are they resigning themselves to the inevitability of closure and being sold?
I’ve been keeping abreast of the Senator’s woes and attempts to reorganize perahaps as a non-profit but my previous post brings to light the fact the virtual donation box is up again. If the Senator is say now $500K in debt and they will close by the end of March, then somebody needs to say so and get the word out and get people to send in whatever they can and as fast as they can. I’ll be one of them, as will my friends and whomever I meet that enjoys movies in the better venues like the Senator.
Giles,
I was wondering about that myself with regard to the AFI Silver and the Uptown. We’ve blogged about recent Uptown experiences but they don’t live up to the best that would warrant being on a 10-best list.
As far as other venues, my memory of visiting the Westwood in LA was memorable. In fact, I think the experience of watching a movie there was superior than the Senator’s (at that particular time). Plus, the venue seemed more ornate, better maintained while still boasting state-of-the-art projection. I believe they/are THX certified, as well. There are also Grauman’s Chinese and Disney’s El Capitan.
I have fond memories of watching many films (mostly in 70mm) at the KB Cinema. It was one of my favorite venues that made the drive into the city worth it..actually, even before I could even drive. Check out my blog at the Cinema page.
Now, the Studio was another matter. It was one of the worst experiences for me as I’ve only been there once, maybe twice. You could get two soundtracks for the price of one.
If and when you can pull off your reunion, it would be nice to read about it and please post if you do. Thanks.
As long as its not Regal and/or AMC that buy them out, I’m fine with it. These two chains pretty much monopolize the venues in the Washington DC Metro area. As such, they pretty much book the same fare all the time. Even the DP prints or 3D Digital prints get booked in the same venues even if they are relatively close to each other.
It would have a first-hand report, perhaps someone to post pictures, maybe some video of your activities there? :)
Given Show West is a Hollywood trade show event, I imagine everything will be digital this and digital that. Future digital exhibition technologies maybe?
You’re absolutely right. There are worse things shown on broadcast tv and basic cable.
Perhaps this is premature, but the fact is this venue is no longer showing movies, dare we change the status to closed?
I was wondering about that, too, John S. Other than booking the Monsters vs. Alien movie in Digital 3D, the movieticket website doesn’t reveal any new shows through May. This is strange given the fact that there are several BIG EVENT movies opening every weekend in May starting with the Wolverine prequel, the Demons and Angel movie, Star Trek and a few others. I’d love to see the new Star Trek in DP here if they book it.
Nice job, Chuck. I hope to visit this place someday. If only they had more frequent performances like every other weekend.
I’d be in for restoring this theater to at least when I remembered it back in the 80s. :) But what of its current tenant? Does the store that occupies the place have a long term lease? And even if you turn it back to a working theater, there’s the issue of parking. I haven’t been by there in years, but filling the theater, which if I recall during its refurbishment in ‘85 or so had seating close to 1000 or more. Maybe Metro is nearby. I prefer to drive. In any case, I think the MacArthur would be a better choice at coming back if and when CVS ever decides to go or can be persuaded to leave.
Oh boy. It seems the CT gremlin has eliminated the comments that were on this page. Let me repost my memories of this place.
I remember this was one of the few venues that opened Star Trek: The Motion Picture on both screens in 1979. The other DC venue was, of course, the KB MacArthur where the movie had its official world premiere. The Post’s Weekend had showtimes of this movie that were around the clock starting at 8am or so if I recall correctly. As a very young teen, I took the bus here to see Star Trek several months after its first run. They were still showing it here. I felt overwhelmed at the screen size and presentation, as it seemed the screen was about as tall as it was wide in the larger, Dolby-equipped auditorium. The other auditorium was non-stereo. The opening scene with the flyover of the Klingon battle cruisers gave the impressioin of really being in space ‘flying over’ these massive ships. Very cool. Presentation was flawless as was my enjoyment of watching this movie on the big screen for the umpteenth time.
As you descended the stairs to the screens, I do recall there was a video game room to the right as well.
In December 1984, this venue had one of the few bookings of 2010 in 70mm. In contrast to the viewing at the GCC Springfield Mall 1 (Springfield, VA), in the then new THX certified theater, this venue seemed to play it LOUDER. My mind goes back to the scene where the late Roy Sheider’s character, Dr. Floyd is conversing with his wife about going back into space. She’s pissed and hurls a glass into the sink. The resulting CRASH was sudden and audibly crisp as it broke into what seemed like many, many pieces. It made my friends and I jump/shift positions in our seats!
I’d like to think I visited this place again after that but can’t recall at this time. If you were to go there now, you’d never know there was a movie theater here at all. Next door is a little sandwich shop called Booeymongers, which was a great after movie destination spot for a light meal and conversation.
Shouldn’t the name of this be P&G Mongtomery Mall 3? Its listed that way on their website.
10 has a new resident, a mouse, which made its debut to this patron during the showing of Coraline in Digital 3D a few Saturdays ago. My friend informed one of the managers on duty, who claimed they’ve laid out glue traps for it. Given the amount of kids that go through there, I don’t know if that was such a good idea. Also, the second concession stand being located just outside of 10 makes me wonder how clean things are there as far as food service goes. Not a good thing.
I am curious as to what quality these prints are that are going to be shown. Its one thing if its a seldom used studio print, or even a new print but judging by the titles, I’d think they would be older prints. If anyone happens to attend any of these showings, blog and tell us, please, so those of us in the other parts of the country know that there is a good print of a particular 70mm movie we could get at our local 70mm filmhouse.
Oops, my mistake, its NOT Cinemark but Kerasotes Theatres will open a new 16-plex in the Brandywine Crossing shopping complex where Costco just opened.
Waldorf, MD. LOL
No. Cinemark. Its opening near where the new Costo has just opened.
Hmm. I didn’t know this plex was one of the top four performers given that it has no IMAX or deluxe theaters with restaurants that some of the other, newer Muvicos have. I also surmise that we won’t be getting the much talked about 4K Sony projectors that the previous chain was to have installed in their theaters.
In a way, this is good that Cinemark is moving into the DC Metro area. More competition for AMC and Regal, the stalwart behemoth chains of this area. While Hanover is quite a large venue, I look forward to their newer plex scheduled to open in southern MD in the not-too-distant future.
The theater is still listed under Muvico.
Today, I happened to drive by the theater and noticed the furniture store that was there is now going out of business.
I got stuck in PA and couldn’t make it to the meeting. As it is just past midnight, I’m wondering if any of you attended the meeting (and are nightowls) to report as to what happened? Its a shock to me that its over but may be it not?
Joe, I’m guessing the 4th theater had to have been added sometime in the 80s, BEFORE Roth opened the then new 7 or 8 plex behind where the closed Circuit City and SSA were, which as 1987.
I’ve read the owner has just about everything he owns tied up with this loan, including mortgaging his house. I suspect if it goes to auction, he will lose his home, too. That is too much. As far as a backlash for asking for money, what is there to lose if the end is near? Just lose your house, your home and whatever else you’ve put into the theater your whole life. Just do it. Put up the donation link and get the word out that funds are needed.
I suspect a bankruptcy filing is in order as a last minute action if nothing else comes through. Keep the circling vultures away.
They initially put up a donation link and now they’ve taken it down. Whatever happens, if there’s a last minute attempt at a non-profit reorganization, an outside party buy out, maybe even a bankruptcy filing, at least start the donations so that the place is kept open and/or maybe pay off its mortgage arrears. I wish we knew what that amount was.
What I’m gathering from the Balto Sun article is that the accelerated foreclosure process may be happening because of a potential buyer in the wings to get the theater at auction. This sounds more like one of those B-movie plots.
At least put up the donation link and reveal how much money is needed to avoid foreclosure. What about a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing also? I imagine that may be a 11th hour move if everything else fails.
For those of you on the Senator’s email list, they’ve sent out the word that they are about to shut down and be auctioned off. I sent the news link to this site but it has yet to post. Now, it makes sense as to why they put up the donation link. Today, in an even stranger turn of events, they took down the donation link! Are they resigning themselves to the inevitability of closure and being sold?
Schine,
I’ve been keeping abreast of the Senator’s woes and attempts to reorganize perahaps as a non-profit but my previous post brings to light the fact the virtual donation box is up again. If the Senator is say now $500K in debt and they will close by the end of March, then somebody needs to say so and get the word out and get people to send in whatever they can and as fast as they can. I’ll be one of them, as will my friends and whomever I meet that enjoys movies in the better venues like the Senator.
Giles,
I was wondering about that myself with regard to the AFI Silver and the Uptown. We’ve blogged about recent Uptown experiences but they don’t live up to the best that would warrant being on a 10-best list.
As far as other venues, my memory of visiting the Westwood in LA was memorable. In fact, I think the experience of watching a movie there was superior than the Senator’s (at that particular time). Plus, the venue seemed more ornate, better maintained while still boasting state-of-the-art projection. I believe they/are THX certified, as well. There are also Grauman’s Chinese and Disney’s El Capitan.