I saw Toy Story 4 in the BTX theater with Atmos. I loved the rear voice track of the characters just as the picture opens. Excellent aural experience but I was not quite ‘feeling’ it at the much talked about ending. They have alcohol now but I opted for the mozzarella bites and cheese sandwich since they were rather cheap. Too much cheese in one sitting but served hot. The service could be better if the server would remember to bring napkins. I’m sure as long as this film makes the $, we’ll see another one as long as the story is compelling. They could reboot the thing with new kids.
I saw Hunt in 70mm also, but I don’t exactly where. I usually chose the best venue in the area. If it was exclusively 70mm here, then it was here. If it was also booked in 70mm in a THX cert house, I would have probably saw it somewhere else like Wisconsin Ave down the street, or one of the Multiplex Cinemas in VA. The last 70mm anything I saw here was Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in ‘89.
Giles, I’m reasonably sure they had 70mm prior to Raiders because I saw ‘Empire Strikes Back’ here when it opened in ‘80. Steve says above they got the Apex’s 70mm projectors for 'Empire.’ My experience is detailed somewhere deep into the postings here.
Being a teen and the only one of my friends who had a job (delivering the Washington Post) I paid for all of us to take the bus, movie tickets and food at the Booeymongers a few blocks down. :) Okay.. I didn’t exactly ‘pay’ for my friend’s tickets, but made them help me deliver the huge Sunday paper with all the ad inserts. Remember when the papers were 5 lb monstrosities? Imagine having to deliver hundreds of those things on a Sunday AM.
With today’s IMAX-lite screens, I’m not sure if I’d enjoy movies here the same way now as I did back then. Its hard to say. Back then, it was a new experience for me having grown up with just a 20" Motorola mono sound color tv.
Star Wars fans..the complete saga is being shown here for one long weekend starting 5/3. I’m wondering why they don’t do this closer to the last film coming out this December. It will still be the 20th anniversary of the start of the middle trilogy.
I don’t recall #1 having EX, yes it has the THX..almost audio nirvana. What I’m wondering if Episode 2 will show here with the same aural power as I remember watching it at the Senator and at the Annapolis Mall in DP. The scene I’m talking about is when Jango Fett sets off those weapons against Obi Wan in the asteroid field with that super loud BONNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGG. The visual and sound effects are so powerful that you almost weave and bop in tune with the ships navigating avoiding the bombs and asteroids. Then there’s the low, but powerful woooosh of Windu’s light saber just before the Jedi knight fight in the arena.
I remember the last time they had the SW movies here they were sell outs. I suspect this will be the same. Its too bad, they couldn’t get someone, anybody..actor or production staff, from some of the movies for a Q&A ala the 2001 retrospective in recent years.
BTX is Bow Tie cinemas branding of a large screen premium presentation experience. 4K, Dolby everything..Atmos. Other than the admission increase, its not much more than what they had when it was just THX and Digital. To cinephiles that may sound blasphemous, but I have had great movie EXPERIENCES here prior to Atmos and the Vision installs. The faux leather recliners are welcome but it gives reason to jack up admission prices such as the IMAX-type places like AMC. Bow Tie is a north east chain.
Had a great time seeing ‘Aquaman’ in BTX. Dolby Vision trailer is the same. Great sound and visual effects. For the $10 bargain Tues price, it is a bargain. Better than paying $18 for IMAX-lite and you still get Atmos. I have to admit, the still pics of Aquaman didn’t do much for me having grown up with the cartoons. Of course, this is probably the way with pretty much all of the Marvel and DC Comic movie adaptations. Wasn’t until Donner’s Superman, that that mold was broken.
Ordered a $13 pizza thinking it was a huge..Costco-like big slice, but it was enough for 2 or 3! Its more of a flat bread pizza like CA Pizza Kitchen. I wish they had a drink order option at the kiosk, they don’t. Delivery service is friendly, but they don’t think to give you napkins. Should have worn long sleeves tonight.. :)
I hear you, Mark. When they had 2001 in the summer, I’d like to think they did well. The last day was sold out as I noted above. They booked again in the fall. If they build and advertise it well, I’m sure people will come (like me). I’ve read the one 70mm Superman print in circulation is pink now. I’d like to experience the title sequence in its full screen 6 track glory at least one time. :)
Vertigo and Rosemary Baby bookings for their respective anniversaries. But no Superman? It turns 40 next month! Vertigo deserves the restored 70mm DTS version, not the 4K. Whats the point?
I’ve been saying the same thing for the last few years. I don’t think they’ve gotten rid of all their projectionists. I thought they had one for those rare 70mm shows. I remember one of the last bookings they only played 70mm on the weekends, thinking they ran digital or some automated showing on the weekdays when attendance is lower.
I found 2001: A Space Odyssey showing here tonight and attended the only showing. Film started promptly at 6:30, intermission at 8, resumed at 13 minutes. No previews or IMAX trailer, whatsoever. Just a prerecorded welcome announcement. The classical music played pre show was nice. One would think the theater would have had slide shows or commercials for the Smithsonian museums, but nothing. Even though today was a holiday, I paid $2 just in case. Fortunately, there was no ticket on my window given the 2 hr parking time max.
Movie was digitally disappointing. Color was not vibrant or sharp. The picture was ok, no transferred film artifacts such as scratches or spotting. In fact, the readouts looked dull. What I saw in the 70mm print at the AFI Silver such as the red veins in Bowman’s eyes in the bedroom suite scene showed a vein, not tree of veins. Bowman’s eye color in the closeups looked green in one scene, opaque in another. Ship/pod readouts were dull, worse than the 70mm print at the AFI.
Even though I’ve seen this film many times, I would always hope there would be a change to one scene. When Bowman rescues Poole, he returns to the Discovery but lets Poole’s body go to get into the ship through the manual airlock. Well…the pod has 4 arms with 4 hands. Bowman should/could have held on to Poole with two of the arms and still have the other two turn those dials on the Discovery exterior to open the airlock, place Poole into the chamber and then enter, himself, as in the film.
Having read of Kubrick’s obsession with perfection, he’d be rolling around in his grave to find this film digitally preserved and presented the way it was tonight.
Peter, so this Nolan supervised ‘new’ 70mm print taken from the 65mm original negative, to use a Trumpism…was an ‘alternative fact?’:) GRRR.
Giles had mentioned the IMAX version was at the Chantilly Smithsonian the previous week. I was thinking about attending that to compare but didn’t have the time to check it out. I hope it makes the rounds again to check out (the IMAX version).
Hooray for me. I caught the last showing of 2001 this evening. This time I bought tickets online to avoid the mess from last time. Turnout was surprisingly decent for a weeknight showing. I guestimate about 200 spread out the Grand Theater.
The theater advertises fresh made Whole Food sandwiches and other items. Unfortunately, they were all sold out. This is ridiculous for a 7:30 pm show. And they stopped selling my favorite stuffed pretzels. And I ain’t paying no $10 for a Costco sized dog that Costco sells for $1.50. Instead, I paid $5 for one oversized cookie and a bag of super crunchy chips. Its funny in that the guy next to me also had chips and as anyone who has seen the film knows its mostly quiet. You can hear audience movement, coughs and whatnot. So he and I were careful to quietly chew our extra crunchy chips, stop when the soundtrack was dead silent and resume chewing when it got loud. :)
Excellent showmanship. They discontinued the slide show and closed the curtain promptly at 7:30pm while the overture or entrance music began. There were some film detracting artifacts such as a sudden drop out as if the film had been trimmed at the beginning of the Dawn of Man scenes. Spotting and lines in certain places led me to believe the film has been shown quite a bit and probably mishandled. Intermission started at 9pm and the show resumed about 15 minutes later. Curtain closed. Audience clapped at the end. After the credits, while many still sat in their seats, curtain closed. ^5s.
Thinking about the ‘experience,’ I have to say it was less than I hoped. While its always great to see a classic on the BIG screen, with a decent audience, there were some other detractions. The color seemed less vibrant from what I thought was a first generation print. For example, the close ups of Dave Bowman. The guy has big BIG BLUE eyes. We’re not talking exaggerated digital blue like Chris Pine in the IMAX-lite Star Trek reboots here. They looked more light blue. My memory of the virgin print from the Uptown viewing from 1990 was more engaging..this is aside from the superior w-i-d-e screen at the theater. BUT..what I did notice this time (for the first time probably) were the red blood veins in Bowman’s eyes.
Another color detraction were the ship monitor readouts as Hal kills the scientists in stasis. The colors looked faded and not properly contrast and sharp. Maybe I’m wrong but I had thought the readouts filled the entire screen not boxed. The sound effect had a less than vibrant piercing beep beep..beep beep. Or, maybe my hearing has, um..lossed some sensitivity after years of THX/Dolby Digital/DTS abuse. :)
On the positive side, in one of the moon shots, there appeared more ‘texture’ than what I remember from before. The space suits by the Discovery looked more blood orange then orange than I recall. Since this print was supposedly made from the original negative would I be correct to assume this was the original intent?
I didn’t spend much time looking at the exhibits, but I did take a minute or two to marvel at the decorations and interior designs and how well things seem to have held up since its reopening some 15 years or so ago.
If Spartacus were shown here in 70mm for the Kubrick retrospective, I would have driven back for it. But for DCP, not so much interest. Might as well see it at home.
I saw the movie Incredibles 2 in #8 last week. The place looks a little more updated with the newer doors and concession upgrades. The recliner seats appear to be similar to the mall ones. If only they had upgraded the sound and installed larger screens. Sound levels for the movie were okay. I think if it played in the mall, it would be louder. Surrounds were ok and ] whatever attendance there was were mostly kids and their parents. Hope to visit the other auditoriums and sample some of the newer concessions on a future visit.
Looking at the AFI Silver’s page, they’ve got 2001 booked for only ONE day, Fri 8/24, with just two showings. I figured they would try to get it back especially with the current Kubrick film retrospectives.
I’m wondering why this year they hardly had any 70mm anything. I know we’re not in Hollywood and have easy access to the film archives and all that but when I see Portland and some of these other places having more 70mm, I’m jealous. This isn’t right. This is the AFI!
Since I missed the last showing of 2001 at the AFI Silver, I walked here to see what was playing and decided to see Ant Man in IMAX. I think its the first time I’ve been back to a Regal theater since the Into Darkness film blogged above. 5 years! And after tonight’s visit, it may be another 5 before I go back. :)
The remodel of the IMAX auditorium is nice. The soft faux leather seats are car seat comfortable and firm. They don’t recline! Seating capacity states 303.
I can’t believe I plunked down $20 for this movie. I used the kiosk to buy as the single cashier was busy. Still having my Regal card, I saw I had 500 points. The movie point system with them has changed in what I believe is just psychological. Instead of singular points for your dollar spending, it is now in the HUNDREDS.
The main concession stand is undergoing a major remodel and was completely closed. The secondary refreshment counter was opened and the counter guy explained you need 7000 points for a measly popcorn. I bought a pan pizza for about $7, not too bad. I asked for ice water and received nothing at the other end. Customer service is poor.
The pre show show plays on the entire screen, which is very nice. On the other hand, the sound plays only on the left side. Why this is, is baffling. You’d expect more for that $20 ticket price.
The IMAX trailer is the same. The circular countdown touting the big screen and immersive sound. They need to update it. Of all the trailers shown, the bio pic of Queen’s Freddie Mercury in the upcoming ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ looks quite good. :)
Presentation of the movie was as expected. This is IMAX-lite. Some decent stereo rear effects but nothing worth mentioning. Paul Rudd looks better with age. The CGI de-aging of Michael Douglas and Michele Pfeiffer’s characters are almost flawless. The darkness of the short scene definitely hides some of the imperfections of the effect but the shots are short that you’ll have to freeze frame the eventual home digital copy to notice it better.
I tried to catch the last showing of new print of 2001 this evening. After fighting rush hour traffic to get to the theater, I was surprised to see a line going to the end of Panera Bread! Still had 10 minutes to show time and then they announced the breakdown of their credit card system. Had no cash. I tried, along with my fellow patrons in line to book tickets online. Not knowing if that system was working, I gave up, since the site was so slow. I doubt the showing was sold out but I’m sure the crowd was a decently sized one.
In my disappointment, I walked around the block and decided to check out what was showing at the Regal theater… :)
I caught Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom here, as usual in the very nice BTX auditorium. Being Discount Tuesday, the $7 admission price is excellent. Fortunately, the self service kiosks were running correctly but the seat selection part took a few attempts to take hold. I took advantage of the concession food offering of hot Mozzarella sticks at $6 only because it was the cheapest offering. Why they don’t offer the traditional popcorn/soda/candy items for seat delivery is a mystery.
This time around there was an usher who asked if help was needed to find a seat. Didn’t need it, so it was declined. The plaque at the entrance to the auditorium indicates a 232 seat capacity. This amounts to..I’m guessing 1/3 of what the original capacity probably was with the regular seats in the beginning.
Previews had already started with what appeared to be curtains bunched up on either side of the screen. Not sure if the place now has curtains in use and I forgot to stay after to see if they closed after the movie ended. Will have to arrive much earlier to find out next time.
Movie presentation was excellent as usual. The Atmos trailer is the outer space one that mimics the Star Destroyer sound effect, from the first Star Wars, starting from behind and overhead. Very nice. The movie scene that composes the T Rex head shot and roar brought back memories of the same horrific roar in the original 1994 Jurassic Park at the Hollywood Loews Cineplex in the large DTS/THX auditorium…just loud, crystal digitally clear rumbling sound.
My six piece Mozzerella stick order arrived about 10 minutes into the movie. The guy just laid them at my tray, didn’t say a word. No napkins either. But, they were some of the crispiest, non greasy sticks I’ve ever had. I wonder if they used an air fryer for them. Definitely, will consider ordering them in the future. The other offerings get into the $10 price range, but for $7 all day admission Tuesdays, they look a little more palatable. I wish they had better drink offerings like smoothies and coffee drinks.
Howard, its K-r-n-o Krno in the Czech Republic. They have 70mm festivals, although thats way too far for me to go.
I just looked at the AFI site and discovered that 2001 co-star Keir Dullea will be there on the 7/5th 7:30 showing for Q&A. Cost is $20. I missed the last one he did with Gary Lockwood. Its too bad Doug Trumbull could have made it here, too, instead of the Smithsonian showing a few months back.
Wow, I would have loved to have been there. He’s held various Q&As at a few places in the past few years. It would have been even better if he showed some of his HFR shorts he’s been working on like he did at the Seattle Cinerama venue a couple of years ago.
2001 once again at the AFI. I assume its the NEW print. Or, can it be assumed they struck more then ONE? Will the experience be better than the ones previously had here? I guess we’ll find out soon.
Its been years since we had a 70mm festival locally. I’m jealous of the UK and Krno festivals they have every year. Time to have one here again. What do you all say? :)
Having not been inside the projection room, how difficult would have been to keep the older 35/70mm Norelco or whatever projection they had prior to the DP install? AMC could’ve kept them for classic revivals and not for just first run movies that would probably play better at the newer IMAX-lite venues. Even if they had, would the recent 70mm releases (Interstellar, Music Box (or whatever that dressmaker film was called, etc) have been able to be played with the older equipment?
This venue carries many memorable experiences as documented in this thread. The huge screen when properly used really adds to that immersive experience. To be honest, I’d rather see 70mm here than at the AFI..if I had a choice. :-D
If they do show 2001 here, it will probably be in 4K. I haven’t been here since Dreamgirls, which I believe was 2K DP. One would think 4K would be better but my memory of the DP presentations here were that they tended to be darker.
In70mm reports a new 70mm print made from the original negative, so you know it doesn’t get much better than that. Although, I wonder if that means the cut scenes are also restored.. :)
On the other hand, if they did a IMAX version and showed it at one of the Smithsonian venues…now THAT would be quite immersive. I think I’d get
motion sickness rewatching some the scenes that involved anti-grav or earth-orbit shots that go in circles.
Bill, that would be so awesome. On the other hand, the 70mm projectors are gone, so if they do decide to show it here, it would be in 4K Digital. The only other close 70mm auditoriums would be the AFI Silver (so so past presentations), Library of Congress and maybe the MPAA theater(?).
My friend and I saw Star Trek: The Motion Picture here on a Wed on one of AMC’s Dollar movie 11am shows. In fact, it was a popular $1 booking at the Academy 6, too. I don’t recall the mall so much but the auditorium was the typical shoe box-size theater. I’m thinking it was the Summer of ‘80. We had to take the Metro since it was in VA and I didn’t have a driver’s license, yet. The auditorium was so packed that they oversold the movie. The audience was quite diverse, young and old, parents with young kids, with a good number were sitting on the floor! Thinking back, I don’t think the Fire Marshall would’ve allowed this to take place.
Being Summer, watching a movie in an air conditioned theater was a great way to escape the heat.
I saw Toy Story 4 in the BTX theater with Atmos. I loved the rear voice track of the characters just as the picture opens. Excellent aural experience but I was not quite ‘feeling’ it at the much talked about ending. They have alcohol now but I opted for the mozzarella bites and cheese sandwich since they were rather cheap. Too much cheese in one sitting but served hot. The service could be better if the server would remember to bring napkins. I’m sure as long as this film makes the $, we’ll see another one as long as the story is compelling. They could reboot the thing with new kids.
I saw Hunt in 70mm also, but I don’t exactly where. I usually chose the best venue in the area. If it was exclusively 70mm here, then it was here. If it was also booked in 70mm in a THX cert house, I would have probably saw it somewhere else like Wisconsin Ave down the street, or one of the Multiplex Cinemas in VA. The last 70mm anything I saw here was Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in ‘89.
Giles, I’m reasonably sure they had 70mm prior to Raiders because I saw ‘Empire Strikes Back’ here when it opened in ‘80. Steve says above they got the Apex’s 70mm projectors for 'Empire.’ My experience is detailed somewhere deep into the postings here.
Being a teen and the only one of my friends who had a job (delivering the Washington Post) I paid for all of us to take the bus, movie tickets and food at the Booeymongers a few blocks down. :) Okay.. I didn’t exactly ‘pay’ for my friend’s tickets, but made them help me deliver the huge Sunday paper with all the ad inserts. Remember when the papers were 5 lb monstrosities? Imagine having to deliver hundreds of those things on a Sunday AM.
With today’s IMAX-lite screens, I’m not sure if I’d enjoy movies here the same way now as I did back then. Its hard to say. Back then, it was a new experience for me having grown up with just a 20" Motorola mono sound color tv.
Star Wars fans..the complete saga is being shown here for one long weekend starting 5/3. I’m wondering why they don’t do this closer to the last film coming out this December. It will still be the 20th anniversary of the start of the middle trilogy.
I don’t recall #1 having EX, yes it has the THX..almost audio nirvana. What I’m wondering if Episode 2 will show here with the same aural power as I remember watching it at the Senator and at the Annapolis Mall in DP. The scene I’m talking about is when Jango Fett sets off those weapons against Obi Wan in the asteroid field with that super loud BONNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGG. The visual and sound effects are so powerful that you almost weave and bop in tune with the ships navigating avoiding the bombs and asteroids. Then there’s the low, but powerful woooosh of Windu’s light saber just before the Jedi knight fight in the arena.
I remember the last time they had the SW movies here they were sell outs. I suspect this will be the same. Its too bad, they couldn’t get someone, anybody..actor or production staff, from some of the movies for a Q&A ala the 2001 retrospective in recent years.
BTX is Bow Tie cinemas branding of a large screen premium presentation experience. 4K, Dolby everything..Atmos. Other than the admission increase, its not much more than what they had when it was just THX and Digital. To cinephiles that may sound blasphemous, but I have had great movie EXPERIENCES here prior to Atmos and the Vision installs. The faux leather recliners are welcome but it gives reason to jack up admission prices such as the IMAX-type places like AMC. Bow Tie is a north east chain.
Had a great time seeing ‘Aquaman’ in BTX. Dolby Vision trailer is the same. Great sound and visual effects. For the $10 bargain Tues price, it is a bargain. Better than paying $18 for IMAX-lite and you still get Atmos. I have to admit, the still pics of Aquaman didn’t do much for me having grown up with the cartoons. Of course, this is probably the way with pretty much all of the Marvel and DC Comic movie adaptations. Wasn’t until Donner’s Superman, that that mold was broken.
Ordered a $13 pizza thinking it was a huge..Costco-like big slice, but it was enough for 2 or 3! Its more of a flat bread pizza like CA Pizza Kitchen. I wish they had a drink order option at the kiosk, they don’t. Delivery service is friendly, but they don’t think to give you napkins. Should have worn long sleeves tonight.. :)
Is 8 still THX, Giles? No placard or signage anywhere? If the sound was as bad as you described, I’d write to THX and complain.
I hear you, Mark. When they had 2001 in the summer, I’d like to think they did well. The last day was sold out as I noted above. They booked again in the fall. If they build and advertise it well, I’m sure people will come (like me). I’ve read the one 70mm Superman print in circulation is pink now. I’d like to experience the title sequence in its full screen 6 track glory at least one time. :)
Vertigo and Rosemary Baby bookings for their respective anniversaries. But no Superman? It turns 40 next month! Vertigo deserves the restored 70mm DTS version, not the 4K. Whats the point?
I’ve been saying the same thing for the last few years. I don’t think they’ve gotten rid of all their projectionists. I thought they had one for those rare 70mm shows. I remember one of the last bookings they only played 70mm on the weekends, thinking they ran digital or some automated showing on the weekdays when attendance is lower.
I found 2001: A Space Odyssey showing here tonight and attended the only showing. Film started promptly at 6:30, intermission at 8, resumed at 13 minutes. No previews or IMAX trailer, whatsoever. Just a prerecorded welcome announcement. The classical music played pre show was nice. One would think the theater would have had slide shows or commercials for the Smithsonian museums, but nothing. Even though today was a holiday, I paid $2 just in case. Fortunately, there was no ticket on my window given the 2 hr parking time max.
Movie was digitally disappointing. Color was not vibrant or sharp. The picture was ok, no transferred film artifacts such as scratches or spotting. In fact, the readouts looked dull. What I saw in the 70mm print at the AFI Silver such as the red veins in Bowman’s eyes in the bedroom suite scene showed a vein, not tree of veins. Bowman’s eye color in the closeups looked green in one scene, opaque in another. Ship/pod readouts were dull, worse than the 70mm print at the AFI.
Even though I’ve seen this film many times, I would always hope there would be a change to one scene. When Bowman rescues Poole, he returns to the Discovery but lets Poole’s body go to get into the ship through the manual airlock. Well…the pod has 4 arms with 4 hands. Bowman should/could have held on to Poole with two of the arms and still have the other two turn those dials on the Discovery exterior to open the airlock, place Poole into the chamber and then enter, himself, as in the film.
Having read of Kubrick’s obsession with perfection, he’d be rolling around in his grave to find this film digitally preserved and presented the way it was tonight.
Howard, so true.
Peter, so this Nolan supervised ‘new’ 70mm print taken from the 65mm original negative, to use a Trumpism…was an ‘alternative fact?’:) GRRR.
Giles had mentioned the IMAX version was at the Chantilly Smithsonian the previous week. I was thinking about attending that to compare but didn’t have the time to check it out. I hope it makes the rounds again to check out (the IMAX version).
Hooray for me. I caught the last showing of 2001 this evening. This time I bought tickets online to avoid the mess from last time. Turnout was surprisingly decent for a weeknight showing. I guestimate about 200 spread out the Grand Theater.
The theater advertises fresh made Whole Food sandwiches and other items. Unfortunately, they were all sold out. This is ridiculous for a 7:30 pm show. And they stopped selling my favorite stuffed pretzels. And I ain’t paying no $10 for a Costco sized dog that Costco sells for $1.50. Instead, I paid $5 for one oversized cookie and a bag of super crunchy chips. Its funny in that the guy next to me also had chips and as anyone who has seen the film knows its mostly quiet. You can hear audience movement, coughs and whatnot. So he and I were careful to quietly chew our extra crunchy chips, stop when the soundtrack was dead silent and resume chewing when it got loud. :)
Excellent showmanship. They discontinued the slide show and closed the curtain promptly at 7:30pm while the overture or entrance music began. There were some film detracting artifacts such as a sudden drop out as if the film had been trimmed at the beginning of the Dawn of Man scenes. Spotting and lines in certain places led me to believe the film has been shown quite a bit and probably mishandled. Intermission started at 9pm and the show resumed about 15 minutes later. Curtain closed. Audience clapped at the end. After the credits, while many still sat in their seats, curtain closed. ^5s.
Thinking about the ‘experience,’ I have to say it was less than I hoped. While its always great to see a classic on the BIG screen, with a decent audience, there were some other detractions. The color seemed less vibrant from what I thought was a first generation print. For example, the close ups of Dave Bowman. The guy has big BIG BLUE eyes. We’re not talking exaggerated digital blue like Chris Pine in the IMAX-lite Star Trek reboots here. They looked more light blue. My memory of the virgin print from the Uptown viewing from 1990 was more engaging..this is aside from the superior w-i-d-e screen at the theater. BUT..what I did notice this time (for the first time probably) were the red blood veins in Bowman’s eyes.
Another color detraction were the ship monitor readouts as Hal kills the scientists in stasis. The colors looked faded and not properly contrast and sharp. Maybe I’m wrong but I had thought the readouts filled the entire screen not boxed. The sound effect had a less than vibrant piercing beep beep..beep beep. Or, maybe my hearing has, um..lossed some sensitivity after years of THX/Dolby Digital/DTS abuse. :)
On the positive side, in one of the moon shots, there appeared more ‘texture’ than what I remember from before. The space suits by the Discovery looked more blood orange then orange than I recall. Since this print was supposedly made from the original negative would I be correct to assume this was the original intent?
I didn’t spend much time looking at the exhibits, but I did take a minute or two to marvel at the decorations and interior designs and how well things seem to have held up since its reopening some 15 years or so ago.
If Spartacus were shown here in 70mm for the Kubrick retrospective, I would have driven back for it. But for DCP, not so much interest. Might as well see it at home.
I saw the movie Incredibles 2 in #8 last week. The place looks a little more updated with the newer doors and concession upgrades. The recliner seats appear to be similar to the mall ones. If only they had upgraded the sound and installed larger screens. Sound levels for the movie were okay. I think if it played in the mall, it would be louder. Surrounds were ok and ] whatever attendance there was were mostly kids and their parents. Hope to visit the other auditoriums and sample some of the newer concessions on a future visit.
Looking at the AFI Silver’s page, they’ve got 2001 booked for only ONE day, Fri 8/24, with just two showings. I figured they would try to get it back especially with the current Kubrick film retrospectives.
I’m wondering why this year they hardly had any 70mm anything. I know we’re not in Hollywood and have easy access to the film archives and all that but when I see Portland and some of these other places having more 70mm, I’m jealous. This isn’t right. This is the AFI!
Since I missed the last showing of 2001 at the AFI Silver, I walked here to see what was playing and decided to see Ant Man in IMAX. I think its the first time I’ve been back to a Regal theater since the Into Darkness film blogged above. 5 years! And after tonight’s visit, it may be another 5 before I go back. :)
The remodel of the IMAX auditorium is nice. The soft faux leather seats are car seat comfortable and firm. They don’t recline! Seating capacity states 303.
I can’t believe I plunked down $20 for this movie. I used the kiosk to buy as the single cashier was busy. Still having my Regal card, I saw I had 500 points. The movie point system with them has changed in what I believe is just psychological. Instead of singular points for your dollar spending, it is now in the HUNDREDS.
The main concession stand is undergoing a major remodel and was completely closed. The secondary refreshment counter was opened and the counter guy explained you need 7000 points for a measly popcorn. I bought a pan pizza for about $7, not too bad. I asked for ice water and received nothing at the other end. Customer service is poor.
The pre show show plays on the entire screen, which is very nice. On the other hand, the sound plays only on the left side. Why this is, is baffling. You’d expect more for that $20 ticket price.
The IMAX trailer is the same. The circular countdown touting the big screen and immersive sound. They need to update it. Of all the trailers shown, the bio pic of Queen’s Freddie Mercury in the upcoming ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ looks quite good. :)
Presentation of the movie was as expected. This is IMAX-lite. Some decent stereo rear effects but nothing worth mentioning. Paul Rudd looks better with age. The CGI de-aging of Michael Douglas and Michele Pfeiffer’s characters are almost flawless. The darkness of the short scene definitely hides some of the imperfections of the effect but the shots are short that you’ll have to freeze frame the eventual home digital copy to notice it better.
I tried to catch the last showing of new print of 2001 this evening. After fighting rush hour traffic to get to the theater, I was surprised to see a line going to the end of Panera Bread! Still had 10 minutes to show time and then they announced the breakdown of their credit card system. Had no cash. I tried, along with my fellow patrons in line to book tickets online. Not knowing if that system was working, I gave up, since the site was so slow. I doubt the showing was sold out but I’m sure the crowd was a decently sized one.
In my disappointment, I walked around the block and decided to check out what was showing at the Regal theater… :)
I caught Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom here, as usual in the very nice BTX auditorium. Being Discount Tuesday, the $7 admission price is excellent. Fortunately, the self service kiosks were running correctly but the seat selection part took a few attempts to take hold. I took advantage of the concession food offering of hot Mozzarella sticks at $6 only because it was the cheapest offering. Why they don’t offer the traditional popcorn/soda/candy items for seat delivery is a mystery.
This time around there was an usher who asked if help was needed to find a seat. Didn’t need it, so it was declined. The plaque at the entrance to the auditorium indicates a 232 seat capacity. This amounts to..I’m guessing 1/3 of what the original capacity probably was with the regular seats in the beginning.
Previews had already started with what appeared to be curtains bunched up on either side of the screen. Not sure if the place now has curtains in use and I forgot to stay after to see if they closed after the movie ended. Will have to arrive much earlier to find out next time.
Movie presentation was excellent as usual. The Atmos trailer is the outer space one that mimics the Star Destroyer sound effect, from the first Star Wars, starting from behind and overhead. Very nice. The movie scene that composes the T Rex head shot and roar brought back memories of the same horrific roar in the original 1994 Jurassic Park at the Hollywood Loews Cineplex in the large DTS/THX auditorium…just loud, crystal digitally clear rumbling sound.
My six piece Mozzerella stick order arrived about 10 minutes into the movie. The guy just laid them at my tray, didn’t say a word. No napkins either. But, they were some of the crispiest, non greasy sticks I’ve ever had. I wonder if they used an air fryer for them. Definitely, will consider ordering them in the future. The other offerings get into the $10 price range, but for $7 all day admission Tuesdays, they look a little more palatable. I wish they had better drink offerings like smoothies and coffee drinks.
Howard, its K-r-n-o Krno in the Czech Republic. They have 70mm festivals, although thats way too far for me to go.
I just looked at the AFI site and discovered that 2001 co-star Keir Dullea will be there on the 7/5th 7:30 showing for Q&A. Cost is $20. I missed the last one he did with Gary Lockwood. Its too bad Doug Trumbull could have made it here, too, instead of the Smithsonian showing a few months back.
Wow, I would have loved to have been there. He’s held various Q&As at a few places in the past few years. It would have been even better if he showed some of his HFR shorts he’s been working on like he did at the Seattle Cinerama venue a couple of years ago.
2001 once again at the AFI. I assume its the NEW print. Or, can it be assumed they struck more then ONE? Will the experience be better than the ones previously had here? I guess we’ll find out soon.
Its been years since we had a 70mm festival locally. I’m jealous of the UK and Krno festivals they have every year. Time to have one here again. What do you all say? :)
Having not been inside the projection room, how difficult would have been to keep the older 35/70mm Norelco or whatever projection they had prior to the DP install? AMC could’ve kept them for classic revivals and not for just first run movies that would probably play better at the newer IMAX-lite venues. Even if they had, would the recent 70mm releases (Interstellar, Music Box (or whatever that dressmaker film was called, etc) have been able to be played with the older equipment?
This venue carries many memorable experiences as documented in this thread. The huge screen when properly used really adds to that immersive experience. To be honest, I’d rather see 70mm here than at the AFI..if I had a choice. :-D
If they do show 2001 here, it will probably be in 4K. I haven’t been here since Dreamgirls, which I believe was 2K DP. One would think 4K would be better but my memory of the DP presentations here were that they tended to be darker.
In70mm reports a new 70mm print made from the original negative, so you know it doesn’t get much better than that. Although, I wonder if that means the cut scenes are also restored.. :)
On the other hand, if they did a IMAX version and showed it at one of the Smithsonian venues…now THAT would be quite immersive. I think I’d get motion sickness rewatching some the scenes that involved anti-grav or earth-orbit shots that go in circles.
Bill, that would be so awesome. On the other hand, the 70mm projectors are gone, so if they do decide to show it here, it would be in 4K Digital. The only other close 70mm auditoriums would be the AFI Silver (so so past presentations), Library of Congress and maybe the MPAA theater(?).
My friend and I saw Star Trek: The Motion Picture here on a Wed on one of AMC’s Dollar movie 11am shows. In fact, it was a popular $1 booking at the Academy 6, too. I don’t recall the mall so much but the auditorium was the typical shoe box-size theater. I’m thinking it was the Summer of ‘80. We had to take the Metro since it was in VA and I didn’t have a driver’s license, yet. The auditorium was so packed that they oversold the movie. The audience was quite diverse, young and old, parents with young kids, with a good number were sitting on the floor! Thinking back, I don’t think the Fire Marshall would’ve allowed this to take place.
Being Summer, watching a movie in an air conditioned theater was a great way to escape the heat.