Comments from Theaterat

Showing 76 - 100 of 335 comments

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Mar 27, 2006 at 8:33 am

Lifes Too Short….Phil Phil is a neighbor and a friend of mine. He does not have- or know how to use a computer, but he is a big movie and theater fan like myself.He is about 12 years older than I and has a very good memory of many old and forgotten theaters in Brooklyn and New York.I let him post his entries under my name. Since Phil Phil and I {along with our 2 lady friends} have started to go to the Jersey lately, he just wants to get his “2 cents in” like the rest of the posters on this site.We went to the 3-26 screening of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS and he was just blown away by the presentation and experience. If he wants to post a comment on the show- and I think he does, I let him do it. Mystery solved!

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's Oriental Theatre on Mar 20, 2006 at 8:13 am

East Cost Rocker… Sorry to hear about your mother`s death. On the way you took to the VZ from Luna Park, there were at one time no less than7 theaters there. They were the SHORE, the TILYOU, the STILLWELL, the BENSON, the ORIENTAL, the HOLLYWOOD and the DYKER. Also, not too far away from these were the MERMAID, the SURF, the TRUMP Cinema, the TUXEDO and the DELUXE. Each and every one is now closed, abandoned, demolished, or used for retail. As long as we remember them, they will be , as Neil Young says in RUST NEVER SLEEPS- “gone, but not forgottren”.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Mar 13, 2006 at 11:20 am

Posted for Phil Phil by Theaterat. After hearing so much about the Jersey from Theaterat and others, I decieded to go on Sat March 11th for the James Dean double feature. All I can say is WOW! I AM impressed. I found the widescreen presentation of these films to be first rate, and the emotional impact these films had on me was the same that it was some 50 years ago when I saw these films as a young teen ager.As far as the theater is concerned, what can I say that has not already been said on these posts?It was absolutely amazing to see how this great theater is being bought back by the volunteers and everyone else connected with the project. What a fresh breath of air when compared to todays faceless dirty and impersonal multiplexes. This is moviegoing in its best tradition.Equally amazing were all the people I met- total strangers who shared the same memories of these films and the great theaters with me. This was quite simply the best moviegoing experience Ive had in many moons.Cant wait to see the TEN COMMANDMENTS on March 26th. I Know that it will be another great experience. Posted by Theaterat for Phil Phil.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Alpine Cinema on Mar 6, 2006 at 8:33 am

Box office Bill… Remember seeing ITS A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD and AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS at the Alpine in the late 60s.These films- wich were in a widescreen format DID look good on the Alpines screen. When it was firstplexed in the late 70s- early 80`s it was not too bad and I did manage to see a few films there at that time.After not going for many years when I did return to see PASSION OF THE CHRIST 2 years ago, it was absolutely in rock bottom condition. I based my initial entry on that. And speaking about the PASSION, I found Mel Gibsons non epic on the life of Christ to be way too brutal and way to graphic, Even though Gibson took a chance and made a movie peopkle actually went to see, I thgought the whole crucifixion and aftermath were handled better in BEN HUR and KING OF KINGS, but that is just my humble opinion.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Kent Theater on Mar 5, 2006 at 9:39 am

Its amazing how a very small theater like the KENT can survive in this day and age. Quess it will be around for a while. I noticed a new marquee was installed recently. This neighborhood {wich is predominately Pakistani and Bangladeshi}probably has a core group that supports the theater to keep it in business. If that is the case, the Kent is a true survivor!

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Alpine Cinema on Mar 5, 2006 at 9:26 am

The ALPINE definately will close- the date is yet to be announced, but it does not have too long for the world. A good friend of mine {he insisted that I not give his name} is friendly with the manager. He says it should be either in the late spring or early summer. They probably will announce the closing at the last minute. Even though this theater is absolutely THE worst multiplex I ever been to, even in its so called “glory days” it was never a great theater in the Loew`s tradition. The inside was rather plain- especially when compared to the ORIENTAL, 46TH>ST, KINGS, or other Loews theaters. The fact that it did not have a balcony always made me think this theater was designed “on the cheap”, but it was an alright theater to see a movie at in most of the 60s and early 70s.When this one goes- and it will be going soon- the closest theater will be the PAVILLION in the Windsor Terrace area, or the UA SHEEPSHEAD on Knapp ST near the Belt Parkway. Does anybody really care?

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Feb 26, 2006 at 11:43 am

Ed Solero… I cant say what version the Jersey will be showing, but Im sure it will be excellent anyway.I can`t remember what format it was released in in the 80s, but the version I saw was magnificent- and the color did NOT look bleached out like it looked in GWTW when I saw it at Radio City in the mid 70s.So it is written…..

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Feb 26, 2006 at 8:54 am

The TEN COMMANDMENTS is usually shown on the Channel 7 movie on Easter night, but there will be no comparison to seeing it on the big screen- the way it is supposed to be seen.I remember seeing a re release of it at the Loew1s 46th.St theater in Brooklyn in the summer of 1966 and another re release of it on St Patricks Day in 1984 at a theater on Bway in NY.I can`t remember what theater it was, but I went with my friend Mike B{ More of a film buff than theaterbuff} and the print quality and presentation were first rate. You just HAVE to see the parting of the Red Sea on the big screen! One of the best special effects { for my money anyway} ever filmed. Oh almost forgot The Plagues and the Exodus.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's 46th Street Theatre on Feb 17, 2006 at 7:49 pm

You are exactly right Rocker!My very own sentiments indeed. With all that money- more than I probably spend in a lifetime, I would buy a theater, refurbish it and show classic films and have other events. Of cMy mother can take tickets, my brother can help to paint and restore, my sister-in-law can sell candy, etc. etc, etc.ourse, I would have to take care of my family and friends too!

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about New Boro Park Theatre on Feb 15, 2006 at 8:46 am

EDR try comparing THAT to the ambience and atmosphere of a multiplex!

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's 46th Street Theatre on Feb 15, 2006 at 8:40 am

East Coast and EDR…One thing is for sure. This is a changed neighborhood and it will never be like the ‘ old days’ again.Guess they will live on as long as we have our memories. I can say the same thing about ny current neighborhood. At one time largely Italian and Jewish, it is currently a mecca {if that word can be used} for a growing Russian community as the shop signs in Cyrillic along 86th. St will bear out. The Benson, the Deluxe, the Oriental, the Marboro and the Walker are long gone. Its a shame. The nearest theater to me is the alpine and it is a dump. There is also the Sheepshead, but Id rather not comment on that.Guess you really don`t know what you had until you lose it.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Feb 14, 2006 at 10:31 am

Or how about Charlton and Sophia Loren in EL CID? I never actually saw the entire film- only bits and pieces of it on TV many years ago, but it is definately one to see on the big screen.Also Bill Huelbig-remember when ALL the PLANET of the Apes movies all played together in the early 70s? Did you “go ape' back then?I did and even though one and two were the best, it was a great day {literally} at the movies.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Feb 14, 2006 at 10:31 am

Or how about Charlton and Sophia Loren in EL CID? I never actually saw the entire film- only bits and pieces of it on TV many years ago, but it is definately one to see on the big screen.Also Bill Huelbig-remember when ALL the PLANET of the Apes movies all played together in the early 70s? Did you “go ape' back then?I did and even though one and two were the best, it was a great day {literally} at the movies.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Feb 14, 2006 at 8:37 am

It would be even better if the TEN COMMANDMENTS and BEN HUR played as a double feature! This would probably run for over 9 hours with intermissions, setting up the films and introductions, but I am down for it. Maybe someday.Still,nothing can compare to seeing these epics on a big screen at a great theater.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about New Boro Park Theatre on Feb 13, 2006 at 7:35 pm

Yes EDR, it was a beautiful theater.I really liked those box seats and was lucky to sit there a few times- after I asked the manager or someone if it was OK.No real comparison to this and the 46th. St, due to differing interior decorations and styles.Hard to believe it`s gone more than 30 years now!

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's 46th Street Theatre on Feb 13, 2006 at 7:24 pm

Guess that the 46th.st AND the Boro Park theaters could have existed as they did.Even though Boro Park was a predominately Jewish{ non Hasidic} neighborhood back then, it was the influx of the ultra religious Hasidics that put pressure on BOTH of these theaters to close on the Sabbath and not to have Rock `n roll concerts either.I really do not want to get off on a tangent here, but I always thought that there was supposed to be a seperation of Religion and state- or in this case private business in America.Religion should be a private matter between the believer and God {in whatever form He exists } for that person. Although I condider myself to be a Christian, I never foist my religious values upon others. And, by the same token, I do not want them to be foisted upon me.I am not saying that these issues closed these theaters, but the sad fact is that they never will return.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's Jersey Theatre on Feb 13, 2006 at 3:08 pm

To quote Dennis Hopper" If you remember the 60s, you probably weren`t there". I grew up in this era{ late 60s early 70s} and even though lots of lousy things such as Viet Nam, LBJ, the Kennedy and King murders, drugs, Watergate,etc etc happened, this was a Great era that I remember fondly. Put THAT in your I POD and play it!As far as the 80s were concerned, they could never equal the 60s.What all of this has to do with the Jersey, I have no clue, but I AM looking foward to seeing the TEN COMMANDMENTS on the big screen.And yes, I was at the 2-11 screening of The Misfits and it was excellent to see it on the big screen. There was a decent audience, but the threat of snow probably kept a lot of people away. And the grayhound dogs up for adoption were sooooo cute!

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Loew's 46th Street Theatre on Feb 11, 2006 at 11:12 am

It is also NOT pronounced as LOW-EEES.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Benson Twins on Feb 10, 2006 at 9:01 am

Yankee Mike… I never went to the Benson after it was twinned, but since I used to shop on 86th St, I would often see what the Benson was showing. I DID go to see both of these twin features, but it was at the Walker for Mel Brooks and the Highway {on Kings Highway and West 7tyh.St for the Dustin Hoffman double.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Bay Ridge Theatre on Feb 9, 2006 at 11:15 am

Box Office Bill… Good to heasr from you again. Besides the Bay Ridge, wrestling was sometimes held at the Roll- a- Rama{ Ex Stillwell} in the early 60s and another theater on Eastern Parkway, but I`m not sure of its name.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Benson Twins on Feb 9, 2006 at 10:50 am

Yes, it was on a double feature with Mel Brooks then new >Young Frankenstein". Also about the same time the Dustin Hoffman film “ Lenny” was also featured on a double feature with “Midnight Cowboy”.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Kings Theatre on Feb 9, 2006 at 10:40 am

Posted by Theaterat for Phil Phil.I would like to share a Kings memory with the viewers. I DO agree, the magnificent Loews Kings is worth saving and I applaud all those who are working to that end.I remember in early 59{ possibly January} the great film version of Jules Vernes “Around The World in 80 Days” was playing at the Kings. Back then, if a film was popular, it would be re-released. Any way, it was a Sunday afternoon. My father- a Jules Verne and movie fan like me asked me it I wantes to go. I said “yes' and we drove to the Kings in the familys ~52 Cadillac. I never was at the Kings before, so my father told me it is like going to a palace and a museum rolled in one. He was right! The whole place just blew mw away!No need to describe it again, but I never will forget the mens room with its richly decorated wood paneling and art work and the forest of columns in the lobby. I remember sitting center stage in the first row of the balcony in the Smoking Section. Remember them? I am not sure if the movie was presented in Todd A_O or widescreen, but it did not matter.I was so mesmerized by the movie and the great theater that was showing it that I just sat there in rapt attention.Since then, I have seen other epics at other theaters, but on that very cold Sunday way back then, I realized that this was what movie going was all about.About 9 years later, in early 68 it was re-released for the last time before going to TV. I did see it at the Alpine, but the experience was not the same.My friend Theaterat tells me that the Loews Jersey is in the Kings tradition, but I have yet to see it.Will try to go in the near future.Posted by Theaterat for PhilPhil

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Benson Twins on Feb 9, 2006 at 10:11 am

Above comment posted by Theaterat for Phil phil.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Benson Twins on Feb 9, 2006 at 10:09 am

Here is a description of the Benson theater after it became a twin. The entire theater was gutted. A new floor was poured and a thick wall was built right down the middle. The basement level bathrooms were completely modernized and had an anti odor system added. The lobby was left pretty much intact, but it was painted to freshen it up. A wall was added to the entrance of each auditorium and the candy counter was designed in a “v” shape so patrons from theater 1 and 2 could be servwed.When you bought your ticket, the ticket taker would show you in. Due to the design, you could not switch theaters.A thick curtain was hung on each side of the wall. It was probably soundproof because you could not hear the movie in the next theater. All the seats seemed new. Each theater had 2 blocks of seats seperated by 2 aisles. The seats in theater1 went up to the side wall on the left side, and the seats in theater 2 terminated on the right wall. These groups of seats were left open near the fire exits. A new screen was added to each theater. The domed celing was eluiminated- at least inside. This was the Benson Reborn. It was a rather pleasant theater that reminded me iof an “art” theater that would be right at home on NYs upper East Side.It was also the first theater in Bensonhurst to go multiplex. It opened in its new incarnation in early April of 1975I went to see fellini`s “Amarcord” at that time. and continued to go right up to the end in 1987. Unlike the Benson of old, the new version was kept clean and was a popular place to catch a movie for most of its run.

Theaterat
Theaterat commented about Bay Ridge Theatre on Feb 9, 2006 at 8:38 am

Remember going to the Bay Ridge in the early 60s-62 and early 63 with the Cub Scouts. My father who was the activities co ordinator took our troop to see wrestling matches that were held here for a while.Remember it to be a medium size theater and the seats were upholstured in a green fabric that contrasted nicely with the white plaster decor.This theater had a balcony and I remember we sat in the first row for a good view.