I think this falls under the category of “nostalgia for the era we actually live in”.
MPol,
Regarding the sound issues with the new WSS print: The only source of information on this subject I’ve come across is on a post by one of this site’s regular contributors, who in my opinion has very credible credentials. The alleged issues concern the DTS, but if I’m not mistaken, the print should have a backup Dolby soundtrack which could alleviate the situation. I have yet to see it, and when I do I’ll post something to that effect. BTW, I did see WSS in Broadway (at the Palace) earlier this summer, and it was stunning!
Regarding large format film, we’ll have to wait and see what impact, if any, Ron Fricke’s upcoming film “Samsara” will have. Shot in Super Panavision 70, it is a follow up to “Baraka”.
Thanks Bill. Great stuff! I enjoyed Astronaut Anders comment as well. But I think Bob Wright’s note captures best the spirit of those who loved the movie back in 1968.
In the long run, the Joker is crazier. He is incorregible, and was already a demented criminal before his transformation. Batman/Bruce Wayne eventually accepts his role as the Caped Crusader with as much dignity as the circumstances allow.
“Batman Forever” featured Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face and Jim Carrey as the Riddler. Nicole Kidman also co-starred, and the character of Robin was introduced, played by Chris O'Donnell.
raysson,
I don’t recall any 70 MM engagements of “Batman Returns”. In fact, I was surprised to find none in the LA area. I saw it at the Chinese on a weekday afternoon, and we had the theatre practically to ourselves.
“Batman Returns' was indeed directed by Burton. Not bad, but the plot was a little bit incoherent. Burton also produced "Batman Forever”, which was directed by Joel Schumacher and featured Val Kilmer as the Caped Crusader. In my opinion, Kilmer was a better Batman than Keaton. This series ended with the bombastic “Batman & Robin”, also directed by Schumacher.
Quite a few of those films listed by Michael Coate were presented in 70 MM.
I also catched “Batman” at a packed sneak preview in Orange County. There was a high sense of anticipation and excitement among the crowd. The interesting thing was that when it was over, there was a brief, but weird moment of silence. It was as if the collective thought among the audience was “what the heck was this?” Then some started to clap and cheer like there was no tomorrow, and it caught on. The rest, as they say, is box-office history.
Visiting the Palace was one of the highlights during my trip to NYC last week. What a gorgeous, amazing place. And the show, West Side Story, was beautifully staged. “Cool” and “Dance at the Gym” musical numbers were just stunning!
While visiting NYC on vacation this week, I took some time and went to the 4:00 PM show of “Up” at the Ziegfeld yesterday. After reading and following some of the postings here from some time, I was not sure what to expect. Well happily it was a great experience! We were greeted with genuine courtesy by all, from the ticket booth to the concession stand. The theater was very neat and well kept. The sound was fantastic, and the image was clear and crisp. Granted, the screen size is not that great, but I’m spoiled here in LA with the Cinerama Dome. No, they did not use the curtains. The 3D was ok, but in my opinion the film did not really need it. The best part was after the show while we were exiting, one of the employees told my son “Hey, don’t forget your dad this Father’s Day!” I told him thanks, and that we loved the theatre and the show, to which he replied “And the theater loves you. Come back!” And we sure will next time we’re in town.
Thanks Michael. 1974: That’s kind of surprising. As you know, “2001” was re-issued during 1977-78 in NYC and LA, in part to capitalize on the success of “Star Wars”.
I wonder why “2001” was not re-issued at the Cinedome again, specially during the summer of 1977. I believe it was shown in 70 MM at the Big Newport once (?) during the 70’s.
Yes, it’s hard to imagine the Castro regime endosrsing a film about Celia Cruz.
Celia Cruz can be seen in the 70’s documentary/concert film “Salsa”. Her performance of “Bemba Colora” with the Fania All-Stars is simply amazing, the high point of the film, in my opinion.
My parents had a handful of La Lupe records. Sadly, most have been lost through the years.
Regarding the trivia, the Teatro Cinerama in San Juan, Puerto Rico may have been the last 3-strip installation in US soil. If I remember correctly, this happened sometime in 1965.
I’ve said it before, and will say it again: this has been a truly great series!
I understand that “Around the World in 80 days” was shot in Todd-AO at both 30 and 24 fps. The 30 fps was used for the full 70 MM Roadshow engagements and the 24 fps were used for the 35 MM reduction prints. A few years ago, the Egyptian screened what is probably the last surviving Todd-AO 30 fps print of “Around the World…”
JSA
That would be very neat. I saw “Ben-Hur†in 70 MM at the Dome sometime in the early 90’s, and it was spectacular. However, since the Dome apparently no longer runs reel-to-reel, chances are practically zero for a 70 MM engagement. My understanding is that only one or two 70 MM prints of the film are in existence. A 50 year anniversary engagement would probably have to be a 35 MM presentation, and in so-so condition. I don’t know of any efforts to create a digital transfer. “Ben-Hur†would be on my top 5 list for a full restoration. Hopefully it will happen soon…
I lived in Mayaguez for the better part of 5 years, on account of being a student at the College of Engineering (“El Colegio”). Saw a play there shortly after the 1984 renovation. Wonderful place. During the mid 80’s, it was used for live music events and theatre. I do not recall any films being shown there during that period. There was another movie theatre a few blocks from the main plaza. I believe it was called the Mayaguez. It’s probably demolished by now. At any rate, I’m glad that the Yaguez is still alive and kicking!
Sorry it took me a while, but I finally spoke with my mother this past weekend regarding the Victoria. According to her, it was located in Calle Comercio, and it was similar to the Teatro Riviera, which was located at Calle Loiza in Santurce. She thinks they showed double features, but was not sure. Now I’m intrigued, and will try to find more information. Stay tuned!
All my pre-feature cartoon memories from back in the day are MGM, like Tom & Jerry. But Saturday mornings belonged to Warner Bros!
I liked “Haredevil Hare”, because it introduced Marvin the Martian. And a few years ago, we had the treat of watching “Lumber Jack Hare” in its 3D glory, at the Egyptian in Hollywood.
Here are some random thoughts in relation to this thread:
1) Even for loyal Batfans, “Dark Knight” is a love-it or hate-it affair. In my opinion the best comic book adaptation in decades, second only to Richard Donner’s “Superman”. Perfect? Absolutely not! But a thrilling ride.
2) “Iron Man”: After watching the previews, reading the reviews, and hearing what people said, I decided to skip it. I can’t objectively say it’s good or CGI dreck. Same thing applies to “Benjamin Button”, “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Hancock”. They are not for me.
3) Wall-E: The most endearing Disney character in recent years, with some of the most astonishing animation. Too bad he and the Pixar crew are trapped in a insipid and recycled story. It deserved to be better, given that it touches on issues of globalization and environmentalism.
4) The movies I enjoyed the most this year were “Vicky Christina Barcelona”, “The Visitor”, “La Vie en Rose” (a holdover from 2007) and yes, “Dark Knight”.
5) 1979: “Apocalypse Now” should have won the Best Picture. A war movie, a horror movie and a psychedelic fantasy all in one, with Vittorio Storaro’s stunning cinematography. And based on a novel written in the late 1800’s.
6) One of the worst ideas to come out of Hollywood was the audacity to remake “The Day the Earth Stood Still”.
And going back to the original intent of this thread, I do remember fondly “Star Trek”. I was not sold entirely on the idea of a full lenght movie, because to me the series had run its course. But with Robert Wise directing, I just could not skip it!
I think this falls under the category of “nostalgia for the era we actually live in”.
MPol,
Regarding the sound issues with the new WSS print: The only source of information on this subject I’ve come across is on a post by one of this site’s regular contributors, who in my opinion has very credible credentials. The alleged issues concern the DTS, but if I’m not mistaken, the print should have a backup Dolby soundtrack which could alleviate the situation. I have yet to see it, and when I do I’ll post something to that effect. BTW, I did see WSS in Broadway (at the Palace) earlier this summer, and it was stunning!
JSA
Regarding large format film, we’ll have to wait and see what impact, if any, Ron Fricke’s upcoming film “Samsara” will have. Shot in Super Panavision 70, it is a follow up to “Baraka”.
JSA
Thanks Bill. Great stuff! I enjoyed Astronaut Anders comment as well. But I think Bob Wright’s note captures best the spirit of those who loved the movie back in 1968.
JSA
Was the Cooper’s Cinerama screen the largest ever built?
Bill: The telegram from Zeffirelli is a hoot! What a compliment from one master to another.
JSA
MarkL,
In the long run, the Joker is crazier. He is incorregible, and was already a demented criminal before his transformation. Batman/Bruce Wayne eventually accepts his role as the Caped Crusader with as much dignity as the circumstances allow.
JSA
MPol,
“Batman Forever” featured Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face and Jim Carrey as the Riddler. Nicole Kidman also co-starred, and the character of Robin was introduced, played by Chris O'Donnell.
raysson,
I don’t recall any 70 MM engagements of “Batman Returns”. In fact, I was surprised to find none in the LA area. I saw it at the Chinese on a weekday afternoon, and we had the theatre practically to ourselves.
JSA
“Batman Returns' was indeed directed by Burton. Not bad, but the plot was a little bit incoherent. Burton also produced "Batman Forever”, which was directed by Joel Schumacher and featured Val Kilmer as the Caped Crusader. In my opinion, Kilmer was a better Batman than Keaton. This series ended with the bombastic “Batman & Robin”, also directed by Schumacher.
JSA
Could this be the only market where all the Cinerama presentations were in 3-strip?
JSA
Quite a few of those films listed by Michael Coate were presented in 70 MM.
I also catched “Batman” at a packed sneak preview in Orange County. There was a high sense of anticipation and excitement among the crowd. The interesting thing was that when it was over, there was a brief, but weird moment of silence. It was as if the collective thought among the audience was “what the heck was this?” Then some started to clap and cheer like there was no tomorrow, and it caught on. The rest, as they say, is box-office history.
JSA
Visiting the Palace was one of the highlights during my trip to NYC last week. What a gorgeous, amazing place. And the show, West Side Story, was beautifully staged. “Cool” and “Dance at the Gym” musical numbers were just stunning!
JSA
While visiting NYC on vacation this week, I took some time and went to the 4:00 PM show of “Up” at the Ziegfeld yesterday. After reading and following some of the postings here from some time, I was not sure what to expect. Well happily it was a great experience! We were greeted with genuine courtesy by all, from the ticket booth to the concession stand. The theater was very neat and well kept. The sound was fantastic, and the image was clear and crisp. Granted, the screen size is not that great, but I’m spoiled here in LA with the Cinerama Dome. No, they did not use the curtains. The 3D was ok, but in my opinion the film did not really need it. The best part was after the show while we were exiting, one of the employees told my son “Hey, don’t forget your dad this Father’s Day!” I told him thanks, and that we loved the theatre and the show, to which he replied “And the theater loves you. Come back!” And we sure will next time we’re in town.
JSA
Thanks Michael. 1974: That’s kind of surprising. As you know, “2001” was re-issued during 1977-78 in NYC and LA, in part to capitalize on the success of “Star Wars”.
JSA
I wonder why “2001” was not re-issued at the Cinedome again, specially during the summer of 1977. I believe it was shown in 70 MM at the Big Newport once (?) during the 70’s.
JSA
Yes, it’s hard to imagine the Castro regime endosrsing a film about Celia Cruz.
Celia Cruz can be seen in the 70’s documentary/concert film “Salsa”. Her performance of “Bemba Colora” with the Fania All-Stars is simply amazing, the high point of the film, in my opinion.
My parents had a handful of La Lupe records. Sadly, most have been lost through the years.
JSA
AlAlvarez, thanks for posting this. Two of the films caught my attention: “Celia-The Queen” and “La Mala”.
JSA
Michael,
Regarding the trivia, the Teatro Cinerama in San Juan, Puerto Rico may have been the last 3-strip installation in US soil. If I remember correctly, this happened sometime in 1965.
I’ve said it before, and will say it again: this has been a truly great series!
JSA
I understand that “Around the World in 80 days” was shot in Todd-AO at both 30 and 24 fps. The 30 fps was used for the full 70 MM Roadshow engagements and the 24 fps were used for the 35 MM reduction prints. A few years ago, the Egyptian screened what is probably the last surviving Todd-AO 30 fps print of “Around the World…”
JSA
That would be very neat. I saw “Ben-Hur†in 70 MM at the Dome sometime in the early 90’s, and it was spectacular. However, since the Dome apparently no longer runs reel-to-reel, chances are practically zero for a 70 MM engagement. My understanding is that only one or two 70 MM prints of the film are in existence. A 50 year anniversary engagement would probably have to be a 35 MM presentation, and in so-so condition. I don’t know of any efforts to create a digital transfer. “Ben-Hur†would be on my top 5 list for a full restoration. Hopefully it will happen soon…
JSA
As much as I liked DK, please, enough is enough. Let’s give it a break and move on.
JSA
Well that’s what I thought Friday, but both films have been advertised since then daily.
JSA
I lived in Mayaguez for the better part of 5 years, on account of being a student at the College of Engineering (“El Colegio”). Saw a play there shortly after the 1984 renovation. Wonderful place. During the mid 80’s, it was used for live music events and theatre. I do not recall any films being shown there during that period. There was another movie theatre a few blocks from the main plaza. I believe it was called the Mayaguez. It’s probably demolished by now. At any rate, I’m glad that the Yaguez is still alive and kicking!
JSA
LuisV,
Sorry it took me a while, but I finally spoke with my mother this past weekend regarding the Victoria. According to her, it was located in Calle Comercio, and it was similar to the Teatro Riviera, which was located at Calle Loiza in Santurce. She thinks they showed double features, but was not sure. Now I’m intrigued, and will try to find more information. Stay tuned!
JSA
In the most bizarre booking I’ve seen in a long time, the Dome is showing “Slumdog Millionaire” along with “My Bloody Valentine”…
JSA
All my pre-feature cartoon memories from back in the day are MGM, like Tom & Jerry. But Saturday mornings belonged to Warner Bros!
I liked “Haredevil Hare”, because it introduced Marvin the Martian. And a few years ago, we had the treat of watching “Lumber Jack Hare” in its 3D glory, at the Egyptian in Hollywood.
JSA
Bravo MariaMaria, well said!
Here are some random thoughts in relation to this thread:
1) Even for loyal Batfans, “Dark Knight” is a love-it or hate-it affair. In my opinion the best comic book adaptation in decades, second only to Richard Donner’s “Superman”. Perfect? Absolutely not! But a thrilling ride.
2) “Iron Man”: After watching the previews, reading the reviews, and hearing what people said, I decided to skip it. I can’t objectively say it’s good or CGI dreck. Same thing applies to “Benjamin Button”, “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Hancock”. They are not for me.
3) Wall-E: The most endearing Disney character in recent years, with some of the most astonishing animation. Too bad he and the Pixar crew are trapped in a insipid and recycled story. It deserved to be better, given that it touches on issues of globalization and environmentalism.
4) The movies I enjoyed the most this year were “Vicky Christina Barcelona”, “The Visitor”, “La Vie en Rose” (a holdover from 2007) and yes, “Dark Knight”.
5) 1979: “Apocalypse Now” should have won the Best Picture. A war movie, a horror movie and a psychedelic fantasy all in one, with Vittorio Storaro’s stunning cinematography. And based on a novel written in the late 1800’s.
6) One of the worst ideas to come out of Hollywood was the audacity to remake “The Day the Earth Stood Still”.
And going back to the original intent of this thread, I do remember fondly “Star Trek”. I was not sold entirely on the idea of a full lenght movie, because to me the series had run its course. But with Robert Wise directing, I just could not skip it!
JSA