Saw the new Star Trek opening night and again on Friday in #10. The presentation was truly exceptional. The theater rumbled when it needed to at the climax and one could feel the punches during the fight scenes. If only the screen were larger. I hope to catch the movie again here at least once more before it gets bumped.
My cousins and I caught the 5:30pm show of the new Star Trek movie. I can’t believe they sold out all shows and then added a later and earlier show! Surprisingly, the audience make up was older, which seemed to go against the filmmakers intention of making this the most accessible of the Treks. Comparing this viewing to the DLP THX Annapolis showing, I have to give my preference to the latter. This venue’s sound system lacks a deep bass that literally adds punch to scenes involving hand to hand fighting. The thuds were dull here and sorely missing was a good theater shaking during the climax. On the other hand, the screen’s larger size draws one into the action but is not enough to sustain given the sound system’s lack of ooomph.
$10 for an IMAX ticket? No way. I paid more than that for DLP! GRRR! The AMC IMAX-lite venues charge at least $14 and up depending on the market. I wish this theater were closer to me..at least in Virginia.
Buying a ticket is all good but the fact of the matter is most of the movie theaters in the DC area suck. Gone are the single screen gems of yesteryear. With the exception of the Uptown, there aren’t any worthy theaters for the President and his entourage to go to. Unfortunately, the Uptown didn’t book Star Trek, which is strange because of the fact that it is advertised on the huge IMAX screen venues.
Yes, but if its at the AMC’s IMAX, its really supersized DP, or what I’d like to call IMAX-lite. In the true IMAX auditoriums its letterboxed because of the aspect ratio of the movie so, again, its not TRUE IMAX. Our market isn’t getting it in DP so its either IMAX or regular film.
Oops. I meant to say the Star Trek in DP at the Ziegfeld! They have an excellent system and best presentation of Revenge of the Sith, including 35mm film, anywhere. Its just that there hasn’t been an equal since. I’m hoping Trek will be as at least as satisfying presentation wise if nothing else.
So I’m reading on the Clearview website that Star Trek will have an exclusive two-week digital projection run. Fascinating. May be worth charting a course to the Manhattan venue opening weekend. When I last saw a DP movie here (Will Smith’s “I Am Legend”) it was rather disappointing as there were no curtain action and the sound levels were suprisingly low.
If memory serves me correctly, one of the auditoriums had stereo and was larger then the second of the twins. No, it wasn’t anything great but they did offer rather cheap prices for second run movies. I do recall that they had pictures of several of local Maryland movie theaters some closed, some still open. Towards the end, they showed primarily Hindi films. Retail stores have no taken over the space that was once a movie theater.
I forgot to mention the auditorium we saw it in was #6, which seems like one of the smallest of the auditoriums but with still fairly large screen. I’m guessing at least 30ft.
My friend and I caught a midnight screening of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. As it turned out, the movie shown was actually an extended edition print where a similar version aired on the ABC network way back in 1981. This print was not bad for its age, which I’m presuming dates back to 1981 given when the extended cut was actually made. The only difference is that an alternate take of McCoy counselling Kirk about his fitness at command and Kirk being fitted with a EV suit were NOT in this presentation.
The film sound levels could have been increased a great deal to compensate for some of the surround drop outs. The extended version, with its ‘new’ cuts were noticeably lacking in at least the original cuts surrounds and ambient sounds, which made the sound flat.
It was interesting to note the audience attendance as that I thought there would be more ‘mature’ or seasoned viewers in attendance. It looked more like a geekdom private showing with the prevalence of the 25, or so in the audience, twentysomethings. And they were quite well behaved in that there were no snickers or cat calls during some scenes that I’ve noticed in past viewings. I’d also say there were a few viewers who were seeing this movie for the first time given their reaction to some of the scenes.
Overall, the experience was quite good given the age of this movie, almost 30 years, and the fact that the last time I’ve seen it in the DC area was way back in 1991. I hope Paramount strikes a new print of this movie, if not the Director’s Edition.
After paying anywhere from $10-$14 for a movie, who is going to pay another $10 for popcorn and soda? I’d rather eat/drink before the show or sneak it in. Unless its one of the independents, I’m not spending one cent more on over priced concession fare.
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.
Saw the new Star Trek opening night and again on Friday in #10. The presentation was truly exceptional. The theater rumbled when it needed to at the climax and one could feel the punches during the fight scenes. If only the screen were larger. I hope to catch the movie again here at least once more before it gets bumped.
My cousins and I caught the 5:30pm show of the new Star Trek movie. I can’t believe they sold out all shows and then added a later and earlier show! Surprisingly, the audience make up was older, which seemed to go against the filmmakers intention of making this the most accessible of the Treks. Comparing this viewing to the DLP THX Annapolis showing, I have to give my preference to the latter. This venue’s sound system lacks a deep bass that literally adds punch to scenes involving hand to hand fighting. The thuds were dull here and sorely missing was a good theater shaking during the climax. On the other hand, the screen’s larger size draws one into the action but is not enough to sustain given the sound system’s lack of ooomph.
$10 for an IMAX ticket? No way. I paid more than that for DLP! GRRR! The AMC IMAX-lite venues charge at least $14 and up depending on the market. I wish this theater were closer to me..at least in Virginia.
Buying a ticket is all good but the fact of the matter is most of the movie theaters in the DC area suck. Gone are the single screen gems of yesteryear. With the exception of the Uptown, there aren’t any worthy theaters for the President and his entourage to go to. Unfortunately, the Uptown didn’t book Star Trek, which is strange because of the fact that it is advertised on the huge IMAX screen venues.
FASCINATING! Boldy go film patrons and Star Trek fans everywhere!
Yes, but if its at the AMC’s IMAX, its really supersized DP, or what I’d like to call IMAX-lite. In the true IMAX auditoriums its letterboxed because of the aspect ratio of the movie so, again, its not TRUE IMAX. Our market isn’t getting it in DP so its either IMAX or regular film.
Oops. I meant to say the Star Trek in DP at the Ziegfeld! They have an excellent system and best presentation of Revenge of the Sith, including 35mm film, anywhere. Its just that there hasn’t been an equal since. I’m hoping Trek will be as at least as satisfying presentation wise if nothing else.
So I’m reading on the Clearview website that Star Trek will have an exclusive two-week digital projection run. Fascinating. May be worth charting a course to the Manhattan venue opening weekend. When I last saw a DP movie here (Will Smith’s “I Am Legend”) it was rather disappointing as there were no curtain action and the sound levels were suprisingly low.
If memory serves me correctly, one of the auditoriums had stereo and was larger then the second of the twins. No, it wasn’t anything great but they did offer rather cheap prices for second run movies. I do recall that they had pictures of several of local Maryland movie theaters some closed, some still open. Towards the end, they showed primarily Hindi films. Retail stores have no taken over the space that was once a movie theater.
Interesting picture. :)
So the bottom line is no more movies (preferably first run) will be shown until……?
Weren’t these supposed to be installed at the Mann Chinese 6 theaters? I recall there was a news item posted on this site about it several months ago.
I forgot to mention the auditorium we saw it in was #6, which seems like one of the smallest of the auditoriums but with still fairly large screen. I’m guessing at least 30ft.
My friend and I caught a midnight screening of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. As it turned out, the movie shown was actually an extended edition print where a similar version aired on the ABC network way back in 1981. This print was not bad for its age, which I’m presuming dates back to 1981 given when the extended cut was actually made. The only difference is that an alternate take of McCoy counselling Kirk about his fitness at command and Kirk being fitted with a EV suit were NOT in this presentation.
The film sound levels could have been increased a great deal to compensate for some of the surround drop outs. The extended version, with its ‘new’ cuts were noticeably lacking in at least the original cuts surrounds and ambient sounds, which made the sound flat.
It was interesting to note the audience attendance as that I thought there would be more ‘mature’ or seasoned viewers in attendance. It looked more like a geekdom private showing with the prevalence of the 25, or so in the audience, twentysomethings. And they were quite well behaved in that there were no snickers or cat calls during some scenes that I’ve noticed in past viewings. I’d also say there were a few viewers who were seeing this movie for the first time given their reaction to some of the scenes.
Overall, the experience was quite good given the age of this movie, almost 30 years, and the fact that the last time I’ve seen it in the DC area was way back in 1991. I hope Paramount strikes a new print of this movie, if not the Director’s Edition.
After paying anywhere from $10-$14 for a movie, who is going to pay another $10 for popcorn and soda? I’d rather eat/drink before the show or sneak it in. Unless its one of the independents, I’m not spending one cent more on over priced concession fare.
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.