Aren’t 6 and 7 the auditoriums with the leather love seats that serve alcohol during the week? If so, thats pretty bad they aren’t keeping up with maintenance. They charge more for those auditoriums don’t they? I wanted to see Mummy 3 there..thinking since its gone from my favorite THX plex in Annapolis. I guess I’ll have to go to Tysons.
Giles, you should fill out a comment card on the THX website about your bad experience. Since the place is supposed to be THX certified, the presentation should not have been so lackluster especially one like the fx-laden Mummy.
For me at least, I can’t say I’m not thrilled by the aspect that one of the main contributors to my disgust for current day cinema attendance – is on screen advertising- and they’re not making a lot of money? Boo Hoo.
Terry, I’m not sure why they couldn’t have built a bigger screen then the one they have now. If they were following the restoration to a T and the original screen was 40 ft then that would explain it. There could be ample space if they did away with some of the ornamentation.
As far as the speaker specs, there was a discussion on the theater discussion page here on CT. FWIW, the Historic auditorium and the two smaller ones are all THX certified so you can be assured that the quality of the sound is optimal. As great as it is to watch 2001 in the Historic Auditorium, 40' is small for a film of that scope to be immersed into experiencing the ‘ulimate trip.’ I’m big on sound and picture myself back to the days when 70mm releases (albeit mostly blow ups were the norm) in the late 70s and 80s. You’re absolutely right about speaker placement and large screens being important for the making of a great theatrical experience.
Its flat as far as I know and about 40' wide. Its not as immersive as say a viewing at the Uptown would be but at least it has regular annual showings here. I wish they would show other 70mm than just this film and 2001.
We’ve debated the film vs digital format over and over but, sorry, I have to say that in the case of Regal and AMC in the DC metro market, where many of their venues have lousy scratchy film projection anyway, digital is, indeed superior.
Ken, I forgot to mention prices but it seems everybody is charging about $10 in this market per adult ticket during peak hours. Expensive, yes, but with everything else going up, what is one to do except wait for the DVD or cable release. I still enjoy going to the movies on opening weekend, preferably a full house enjoying the entertainment on screen. If it ever gets up to $15 on a regular basis, maybe I’ll think twice about it but then again, IMAX is charging that much and in the case of a film like the latest Batman, it was worth it.
Part of the problem is they do little to advertise the difference between film and digital projection. No house boards, no on screen trailer of the format like some other venues do. If you don’t educate the public on the difference, they won’t appreciate the difference.
Another is, of course, the much complained about customer service and projection quality, or lack thereof. If you have staff who don’t care about the customer or people in the booth who know what they’re doing, its obvious your customer isn’t going to come back.
Congratulations!! So now that you’ve made a success of your new venue, when can we expect a 70mm festival? Let us know, I’ll be happy to drive down for a visit. Your place is closer than driving to England for their annual 70mm fest..provided there was a transatlantic bridge. :)
Its a given that a part of the astronomical numbers and attendance are due to Heath Ledger’s sudden and unexpected passing. Its the curiosity factor. Let’s see what happens in the following weeks as there are still some big pictures coming out and whether this movie sustains. I’m predicting a 60% or more drop in week 2. I doubt this film will sink Titanic. :)
This theater was located in a suburb of Washington DC that is notorious for crime and drug dealing even though the Prince Georges County MD Police Headquarters are not too far away. It closed long before I was allowed to go to the movies, but being a native MDer, I know the place quite well. Thankfully, a church has put it to good use whatever remains of the theater.
Thanks for the links, Roloff. The articles are insightful if a bit technobabblish. Its great that the film’s director, Chris Nolan, has an appreciation for the wide screen process making much of it in IMAX. One comment post article that I agree with states that with all the talk of wide screen moviemaking, why not just film the whole thing in 65mm? You’ve still got the distribution network out there, albeit a much, much smaller one of 70mm capable film houses and more that could be brought up to date for less than an IMAX or DC Cinema install ($100K plus?).
All should know by now that event films such as this demand you buy your tix way ahead, days ahead if you want the showtime, sound and picture format you prefer. Our only IMAX venue showing Batman is sold out this weekend, so I’ll probably see Mama Mia and catch Batman next weekend.
Its good news for theaters that traffic is built up for this movie. Even better for the independents that were lucky to secure a print in spite of the competition from the chains.
Giles, how large of a screen do you think #5 has? Is it as large as the Air & Space installs? I kind of doubt it. What would you estimate audience capacity to be and what was the attendance like? It seems more of an IMAX-lite theater than true IMAX. Also, I thought the installs were digital projection as opposed to film. As happy as I am for the new installs, I don’t want to pay another $15 to see Kung Fu Panda, again. I already saw that at the Chantilly VA IMAX.
As of this writing, the DC Market has plenty of midnight showings in some of the larger plexes in the area (AMC and Regal). The largest single screen DC theater, the Uptown has many tickets left and has no AM Friday shows. I suspect the sold out screenings is more of a random regional phenomenon then a national trend. The single IMAX screenings are probably another matter even here, as the Chantilly VA Air & Space IMAX theater has many sold out showings but its not completely sold out for the weekend, as of yet.
I’m sure classic films can be converted to the format. Its just a matter of if a studio is willing to go to the expense of the cleaning and conversion process, probably making a digital interpositive and then going with the appropriate format.
As of today, there are no advance tix sales for the DC/Balto area AMC IMAX theaters. Perhaps, they aren’t ready yet. The only relatively close IMAX theater for Batman Returns is the Air & Space theater in Chantilly, VA.
None of the AMC theaters supposedly getting the IMAX Digital treatment in the DC area are booking anything as of today. Maybe this may change by next week, but AMC’s website is not selling advance IMAX tickets at the aforementioned theaters. Maybe they just aren’t technically show ready. As for now, its the Air & Space Museum’s IMAX in Chantilly VA that has it, but many of their shows are already sold out. Better buy now!
The next event movie will probably be the next Mummy installment. Judging by the previews, its quite FX and action laden and should make for some great popcorn entertainment. If AMC opens with that on their IMAX Digital screens, I’ll be content.
My friend and I caught the 7:30pm (Sun 7/6) showing of “Hancock” showing in DP. There was an article circulating that indicated that Sony was debuting this movie in 4K DP across the country. I don’t know if this venue had it and if it did, it didn’t seem noticeably better than 2K. The ticket taker didn’t know either. He just said to enjoy the movie as its is “crystal clear.” Okay fine.
There was a sparse audience that seemed to enjoy the movie in spite of the fact that there was no curtains drawn or opened at any time prior to the movie or at the close of it. And no Dolby Cinema trailer or any DP trailer to denote the system used to project the movie either. As far as the movie is concerned, I’d give it two snores and several yawns. For those who were in attendance at this showing, it was me snoring in row 5 during parts of the movie. Sorry.
That’s no where near us, Giles. LOL. I’m hoping to catch it at the Ziegfeld this Sun. They’ve got an excellent Dolby Digital Cinema set up there. I’m curious about the resolution of IMAX DP. Is it 12K? :)
The Reuters article doesn’t say.
The so-called IMAX screenings at the Smithsonian’s Udvar Hazy Air & Space are masked screenings. When we saw Panda there in IMAX, it was liked watching a letterboxed movie. The top and bottom of the screen was not utilized. Had I known, I would have just gone to a DP screening and saved money, time and gas going all the way to Sterling VA.
But back to the AMC installs, I hope their IMAX presentations utilize the whole screen otherwise it will be no different than any other movie in their larger auditoriums. Actually, the idea of DP on a IMAX-sized screen.. 70' or larger is exciting; no flicker, better contrast, no fading or scratched prints…less than three weeks away. :)
All right, I’m confused. The new IMAX installations are 35mm IMAX installs or is it IMAX Digital Projection, or something else? If its IMAX 35mm, it sounds like 70mm blow up to me, which isn’t true 70mm to begin with. So to bellyache complain now before we even get a chance to see how good or bad this format is isn’t fair. I doubt AMC and Regal would spend money on a format that will yield only a marginal improvement in the moviegoing experience.
There were 70mm releases of “The Goonies” (I saw that a the then newly renovated Avalon in ‘85 with my little cousins in glorious HPS 4000 stereo), “The Dark Crystal” (in '83 at the then newly renovated and triplexed MacArthur), Poltergeist ('82..the Embassy had it in 70mm but that was in a bad area of town), “Aliens” (in '86 at the KB Fine Arts..closed now).
In70mm.com reported that there was a 70mm print out for “Poltergeist” out there. It would be great if the AFI could track it down for the showing. Not sure of the other movies. As for “Aliens,” I want to see the extended cut as it fleshes out the Ripley character in greater depth that gives her relationship to Newt more resonance. If its 35mm, I doubt its going to have that same impact as my memories of the KB Fine Arts 70mm showing that sticks in my mind so vividly.
“Flashdance” would be cool to see again in theaters. I loved the soundtrack and if the print is a decent one, or newly struck one, it should be great to experience in theaters the Giorgio Moroder score and many top 10 songs that were in the movie. Also, the cool strobe light effect during the ‘Imagination’ dance number would be good to see onscreen again.
Aren’t 6 and 7 the auditoriums with the leather love seats that serve alcohol during the week? If so, thats pretty bad they aren’t keeping up with maintenance. They charge more for those auditoriums don’t they? I wanted to see Mummy 3 there..thinking since its gone from my favorite THX plex in Annapolis. I guess I’ll have to go to Tysons.
Giles, you should fill out a comment card on the THX website about your bad experience. Since the place is supposed to be THX certified, the presentation should not have been so lackluster especially one like the fx-laden Mummy.
For me at least, I can’t say I’m not thrilled by the aspect that one of the main contributors to my disgust for current day cinema attendance – is on screen advertising- and they’re not making a lot of money? Boo Hoo.
Terry, I’m not sure why they couldn’t have built a bigger screen then the one they have now. If they were following the restoration to a T and the original screen was 40 ft then that would explain it. There could be ample space if they did away with some of the ornamentation.
As far as the speaker specs, there was a discussion on the theater discussion page here on CT. FWIW, the Historic auditorium and the two smaller ones are all THX certified so you can be assured that the quality of the sound is optimal. As great as it is to watch 2001 in the Historic Auditorium, 40' is small for a film of that scope to be immersed into experiencing the ‘ulimate trip.’ I’m big on sound and picture myself back to the days when 70mm releases (albeit mostly blow ups were the norm) in the late 70s and 80s. You’re absolutely right about speaker placement and large screens being important for the making of a great theatrical experience.
Its flat as far as I know and about 40' wide. Its not as immersive as say a viewing at the Uptown would be but at least it has regular annual showings here. I wish they would show other 70mm than just this film and 2001.
We’ve debated the film vs digital format over and over but, sorry, I have to say that in the case of Regal and AMC in the DC metro market, where many of their venues have lousy scratchy film projection anyway, digital is, indeed superior.
Ken, I forgot to mention prices but it seems everybody is charging about $10 in this market per adult ticket during peak hours. Expensive, yes, but with everything else going up, what is one to do except wait for the DVD or cable release. I still enjoy going to the movies on opening weekend, preferably a full house enjoying the entertainment on screen. If it ever gets up to $15 on a regular basis, maybe I’ll think twice about it but then again, IMAX is charging that much and in the case of a film like the latest Batman, it was worth it.
Part of the problem is they do little to advertise the difference between film and digital projection. No house boards, no on screen trailer of the format like some other venues do. If you don’t educate the public on the difference, they won’t appreciate the difference.
Another is, of course, the much complained about customer service and projection quality, or lack thereof. If you have staff who don’t care about the customer or people in the booth who know what they’re doing, its obvious your customer isn’t going to come back.
Congratulations!! So now that you’ve made a success of your new venue, when can we expect a 70mm festival? Let us know, I’ll be happy to drive down for a visit. Your place is closer than driving to England for their annual 70mm fest..provided there was a transatlantic bridge. :)
Its a given that a part of the astronomical numbers and attendance are due to Heath Ledger’s sudden and unexpected passing. Its the curiosity factor. Let’s see what happens in the following weeks as there are still some big pictures coming out and whether this movie sustains. I’m predicting a 60% or more drop in week 2. I doubt this film will sink Titanic. :)
Variety is reporting that the final numbers for the weekend are that the film grossed $158.3 M.
This theater was located in a suburb of Washington DC that is notorious for crime and drug dealing even though the Prince Georges County MD Police Headquarters are not too far away. It closed long before I was allowed to go to the movies, but being a native MDer, I know the place quite well. Thankfully, a church has put it to good use whatever remains of the theater.
Thanks for the links, Roloff. The articles are insightful if a bit technobabblish. Its great that the film’s director, Chris Nolan, has an appreciation for the wide screen process making much of it in IMAX. One comment post article that I agree with states that with all the talk of wide screen moviemaking, why not just film the whole thing in 65mm? You’ve still got the distribution network out there, albeit a much, much smaller one of 70mm capable film houses and more that could be brought up to date for less than an IMAX or DC Cinema install ($100K plus?).
Howard and the rest,
All should know by now that event films such as this demand you buy your tix way ahead, days ahead if you want the showtime, sound and picture format you prefer. Our only IMAX venue showing Batman is sold out this weekend, so I’ll probably see Mama Mia and catch Batman next weekend.
Its good news for theaters that traffic is built up for this movie. Even better for the independents that were lucky to secure a print in spite of the competition from the chains.
Giles, how large of a screen do you think #5 has? Is it as large as the Air & Space installs? I kind of doubt it. What would you estimate audience capacity to be and what was the attendance like? It seems more of an IMAX-lite theater than true IMAX. Also, I thought the installs were digital projection as opposed to film. As happy as I am for the new installs, I don’t want to pay another $15 to see Kung Fu Panda, again. I already saw that at the Chantilly VA IMAX.
MovieTix86,
It sucks :) Thanks for the update. No Batman.
Jack, your last link takes one back to this page.
As of this writing, the DC Market has plenty of midnight showings in some of the larger plexes in the area (AMC and Regal). The largest single screen DC theater, the Uptown has many tickets left and has no AM Friday shows. I suspect the sold out screenings is more of a random regional phenomenon then a national trend. The single IMAX screenings are probably another matter even here, as the Chantilly VA Air & Space IMAX theater has many sold out showings but its not completely sold out for the weekend, as of yet.
I’m sure classic films can be converted to the format. Its just a matter of if a studio is willing to go to the expense of the cleaning and conversion process, probably making a digital interpositive and then going with the appropriate format.
As of today, there are no advance tix sales for the DC/Balto area AMC IMAX theaters. Perhaps, they aren’t ready yet. The only relatively close IMAX theater for Batman Returns is the Air & Space theater in Chantilly, VA.
None of the AMC theaters supposedly getting the IMAX Digital treatment in the DC area are booking anything as of today. Maybe this may change by next week, but AMC’s website is not selling advance IMAX tickets at the aforementioned theaters. Maybe they just aren’t technically show ready. As for now, its the Air & Space Museum’s IMAX in Chantilly VA that has it, but many of their shows are already sold out. Better buy now!
The next event movie will probably be the next Mummy installment. Judging by the previews, its quite FX and action laden and should make for some great popcorn entertainment. If AMC opens with that on their IMAX Digital screens, I’ll be content.
My friend and I caught the 7:30pm (Sun 7/6) showing of “Hancock” showing in DP. There was an article circulating that indicated that Sony was debuting this movie in 4K DP across the country. I don’t know if this venue had it and if it did, it didn’t seem noticeably better than 2K. The ticket taker didn’t know either. He just said to enjoy the movie as its is “crystal clear.” Okay fine.
There was a sparse audience that seemed to enjoy the movie in spite of the fact that there was no curtains drawn or opened at any time prior to the movie or at the close of it. And no Dolby Cinema trailer or any DP trailer to denote the system used to project the movie either. As far as the movie is concerned, I’d give it two snores and several yawns. For those who were in attendance at this showing, it was me snoring in row 5 during parts of the movie. Sorry.
That’s no where near us, Giles. LOL. I’m hoping to catch it at the Ziegfeld this Sun. They’ve got an excellent Dolby Digital Cinema set up there. I’m curious about the resolution of IMAX DP. Is it 12K? :)
The Reuters article doesn’t say.
The so-called IMAX screenings at the Smithsonian’s Udvar Hazy Air & Space are masked screenings. When we saw Panda there in IMAX, it was liked watching a letterboxed movie. The top and bottom of the screen was not utilized. Had I known, I would have just gone to a DP screening and saved money, time and gas going all the way to Sterling VA.
But back to the AMC installs, I hope their IMAX presentations utilize the whole screen otherwise it will be no different than any other movie in their larger auditoriums. Actually, the idea of DP on a IMAX-sized screen.. 70' or larger is exciting; no flicker, better contrast, no fading or scratched prints…less than three weeks away. :)
All right, I’m confused. The new IMAX installations are 35mm IMAX installs or is it IMAX Digital Projection, or something else? If its IMAX 35mm, it sounds like 70mm blow up to me, which isn’t true 70mm to begin with. So to bellyache complain now before we even get a chance to see how good or bad this format is isn’t fair. I doubt AMC and Regal would spend money on a format that will yield only a marginal improvement in the moviegoing experience.
Go see it at BowTie Annapolis. Their #10 is Dolby Digital Cinema and is THX cert.
There were 70mm releases of “The Goonies” (I saw that a the then newly renovated Avalon in ‘85 with my little cousins in glorious HPS 4000 stereo), “The Dark Crystal” (in '83 at the then newly renovated and triplexed MacArthur), Poltergeist ('82..the Embassy had it in 70mm but that was in a bad area of town), “Aliens” (in '86 at the KB Fine Arts..closed now).
In70mm.com reported that there was a 70mm print out for “Poltergeist” out there. It would be great if the AFI could track it down for the showing. Not sure of the other movies. As for “Aliens,” I want to see the extended cut as it fleshes out the Ripley character in greater depth that gives her relationship to Newt more resonance. If its 35mm, I doubt its going to have that same impact as my memories of the KB Fine Arts 70mm showing that sticks in my mind so vividly.
“Flashdance” would be cool to see again in theaters. I loved the soundtrack and if the print is a decent one, or newly struck one, it should be great to experience in theaters the Giorgio Moroder score and many top 10 songs that were in the movie. Also, the cool strobe light effect during the ‘Imagination’ dance number would be good to see onscreen again.