Snarky, hdtv267? Hardly. Ask anyone who has been associated with the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Association just how difficult it is to preserve theaters in San Francisco. It is never easy in any large city, but it is especially so in SF. One the main purposes of this site is to contribute to and publicize preservation efforts and the related challenges. The recent histories of the efforts to preserve the Divisadero, the Metro, and the Coronet are all testaments to the difficulty of advancing theater preservation in this great city.
The in70mm.com site indicates that two 70mm prints of “The Master” are being shipped to the Dome, and the schedule of showings for Friday, the 14th, shows that not all of the showings are in the Dome, so it would appear that at least one other screen at the Arclight has been or is equipped for 70mm. Can anyone confirm?
The theater is no longer a part of Southeast Cinemas. As of September 12, 2012, this was the theater’s official website: http://www.beartowncinema.com/
Probably? Nay, certainly. Rehabilitation, restoration, and construction projects can take years in SF. The process is extensively politicized, and any project is reviewed by an incredible array of governmental and civic groups.
If one scrolls down to p. 11 on this webpage, a picture of the Opera House before its conversion to the Liberty Theater can be seen. The caption indicates that the building was razed in 1965.
The Uptown will reopen on September 14, 2012; it now features all-digital projection and a larger screen. Seating has been reduced to 350, and new carpeting has been laid. The balcony was retained with love seats installed. The theater now serves alcohol. An article about the renovations can be read here.
Update: The new owner of the building is Eddie Carranza, who currently operates the Congress Theater. His statement states that he is a fan of movie programming but is also interested using the theater for diversified entertainment options. Read article
An effort hasbeen launched to save the theater: View article
The closing is set for September 23, 2012. View article.
The Block E will close on September 23, 2012.
A slideshow showing the recent renovations is here.
Snarky, hdtv267? Hardly. Ask anyone who has been associated with the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Association just how difficult it is to preserve theaters in San Francisco. It is never easy in any large city, but it is especially so in SF. One the main purposes of this site is to contribute to and publicize preservation efforts and the related challenges. The recent histories of the efforts to preserve the Divisadero, the Metro, and the Coronet are all testaments to the difficulty of advancing theater preservation in this great city.
The in70mm.com site indicates that two 70mm prints of “The Master” are being shipped to the Dome, and the schedule of showings for Friday, the 14th, shows that not all of the showings are in the Dome, so it would appear that at least one other screen at the Arclight has been or is equipped for 70mm. Can anyone confirm?
A picture from 1952 can bee seen here.
According to this article, the theater space will be “removed” if a proposed retail expansion plan is approved. View article
The theater is no longer a part of Southeast Cinemas. As of September 12, 2012, this was the theater’s official website: http://www.beartowncinema.com/
Probably? Nay, certainly. Rehabilitation, restoration, and construction projects can take years in SF. The process is extensively politicized, and any project is reviewed by an incredible array of governmental and civic groups.
If this article is correct, the former theatre has been converted to a pub/restaurant called the Speakeasy Alehouse.
Direct links to photos cited above: 1, 2, 3
If one scrolls down to p. 11 on this webpage, a picture of the Opera House before its conversion to the Liberty Theater can be seen. The caption indicates that the building was razed in 1965.
This webpage includes pictures of the Liberty Theater.
The Uptown will reopen on September 14, 2012; it now features all-digital projection and a larger screen. Seating has been reduced to 350, and new carpeting has been laid. The balcony was retained with love seats installed. The theater now serves alcohol. An article about the renovations can be read here.
This webpage has pictures and other notes about the Duke.
It should be noted that this theater is independent and not associated with the Cinemagic theater chain.
This webpage has some additional details about and pictures of the theatre,
There is is some additional detail here.
Also, Some sources suggest that the original Central Hall was called Temperance Hall.
A picture of the theatre as it was in 1987 is here.
Update: The new owner of the building is Eddie Carranza, who currently operates the Congress Theater. His statement states that he is a fan of movie programming but is also interested using the theater for diversified entertainment options. Read article
A picture of the theater’s signage: View link
There are some pictures of the exterior of the theater after it closed on its page at CinemaTour.
There are some additional photos here.
A picture of the theatre can be seen here.