Okay, I do remember the not-so-friendly cashier at the booth, who, on this day, was reading a book. She and the ticket taker were watching, in bemusement, as I was trying to buy our tickets using the automatic kiosk. It didn’t work, so I ended up buying it from her. She did say “enjoy the show” and that was about it. Rude, well, its NYC. At least told us to enjoy the show, perhaps she sensed we were out of town… :)
I’ve E-mailed them to find out if the original trilogy will be in 70mm, the special editions, and, if the prequels will be in digital projection. All three auditoriums are capable of any format, but I’d like to see them in the historic original auditorium. So far, no response.
My friend and I visited NYC and made a stop at this theater to see Revenge of the Sith in DLP. I must say that the theater is quite ornate and large but the screen size was smaller than I expected. I suspect its about 40' or so wide, about the size of some of the larger auditoriums in your local multiplex, or like our Baltimore’s Senator. Its a bit strange to have to go up the stairs, then turn right into an auditorium that seems to go down again. The lobby pictures show a Ziegfeld that had a much more decorative top structure that is missing from the current one. Was this the same theater?
The picture and sound are better than in most theaters I have experienced with this DLP/Dolby Digital Cinema set up. Excellent sound separation, with little reverberation, yet powerful subwoofers add to the aural experience! Its nice to see an ‘older’ theater outfitted with the latest presentation technologies and sound. If people are going to leave their DVDs and cable to see a movie, this is how it should be experienced.
My understanding of DLP is that its a Texas Instruments system and Dolby Digital Cinema is a competing system that achieves the same objective, which is digital cinema projection. DDC, according to the article link, stores, decodes and projects at “higher data rates than other image decoders,” meaning Texas Instruments DLP system.
As far as the posted theater listing, a check of the Ziegfeld indicates it is Texas Instruments' DLP set up, not Dolby Digital Cinema. Not trying to be difficult, just trying to discern the differences.
If megaplexes are the future, I’d be supportive of say a megaplex that incorporates a single screen gem and then building adjoining but distant, ornately-styled auditoriums that have the projection and sound that exceed THX cert standards like the Arclight, in Hollywood.
What specific venues have the new Dolby Digital Cinema system? Their website doesn’t say. Has anyone seen a movie with this new system? If so, how does it compare to DLP?
I caught Sith in Digital projection but came away with a somewhat less-than-satisfying experience. The movie looked dark, not as vibrant as previous movies seen digitally. Then again, it may be this theater. I’ll be catching it again on regular 35mm and maybe another digital projected theater.
Patrons should complain to Clearview management and do so with frequency and ferocity, perhaps then someone will fix the place, especially if its the AC. I’d be quite a livid patron, if I were to attend say, screening of the new Revenge of the Sith, in 90 degree+ indoor heat!
Yes, they are showing it starting with a 12:01 AM show that is sold out. Since they’ve gone to a platter system, I suspect the projection qualities aren’t quite up to decent standards. I’m going to see it in DLP and then at Baltimore’s Senator Theater, then maybe the Uptown, unless someone has a post that indicates the picture and sound are bad first. My experience seeing Attack of the Clones, in ‘02, here was quite bad.
Why can’t movie theaters just start their advertisements before the published time? That way you don’t have to wait 10-15 minutes for the movie to begin.
Isn’t that a waste of money having a venue that isn’t used? You would have at least some revenue coming in from a few patrons rather then to have nothing and still have to pay for your rent, electricity, etc. I’ve never heard of such a thing.
I’m curious as to why the Ziegfeld is dark until next week. I’m wondering if they are upgrading their digital projectors to the new 4K units out by Sony.
The Uptown was remodeled back in 1996 or so. The seats have higher backs and are a marked improvement from what was installed before. The sight lines are good given the enormous size of the screen. Now, I haven’t been there since Spiderman 2, so I can’t say how much worse the presentation is now. I saw Sin City in DLP and enjoyed the presentation, but the movie was so so.
I do plan on seeing Revenge of the Sith there to compare it to Baltimore’s Senator and Crown Annapolis' digital presentation of the movie. I’m sure there will be posts about this theater, again, at that time.
I hope the Washington DC Market will be part of the initial roll out, but the screens at the two Landmark multiplexes here are a bit on the small side. And the admission prices are some of the highest, if not the highest here, even during so called ‘bargain’ matinees.
Does anyone know if any theater in the US has this projector? How does it compare to the 2K projectors that are already out? You’d think this new one is 2x as sharp.
If the theater had better programming, films that showcased its capabilities; 70mm & classic films that other theaters were not showing, then perhaps it would’ve survived. Maybe the local P&G theater group will take it over after its gone. Anyone know what will happen to the theater when it is closed?
As far as the Uptown is concerned, maybe it will be twinned; a theater upstairs where the balcony presently is and the curved screen below. Oops. I probably shouldn’t have suggested that…
If enough people write, like I did, perhaps someone will notice and make the necessary changes. Otherwise, people just won’t go there anymore. I rarely go downtown anymore to see a movie. Since they don’t have films in 70mm anymore, whats the point travelling all the way to see it in a place where management doesn’t care?
Ahh. Now this drive-in brings back some memories. No, I’ve never been inside of it but I do remember passing by, on my way home, from school. The view, from Central Ave., was obscured by sections of board. Unfortunately, there were these big gaps between the boards where you could see xxx-rated action as you drove by. And, yes, there were people who would park their cars, on Central Ave., where the biggest gaps were to see portions of the movie for free!
I’d like to go, too, but CA is on the other coast and don’t have the funds, but do have the frequent flier mileage to go ;) Hmmm. The last time I was in H'wood, they were just remodeling the Dome.
It would be nice to visit the refurbished theater and other palaces there.
I wish our (Wash DC) Uptown theater would have events like this. They used to have Cinerama projection capabilities and the curved screen to do it.
I saw two movies this week at the AFI: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and the digitally restored THX1138.
I caught a sneak preview screening of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, in Auditorium 1, the Historic Theater, on Tues., 9-14 and enjoyed the presentation of the movie but still don’t understand why they don’t play the THX trailer before the movie starts! It is THX certified, according to the THX website. My only minor quibble was that the projection of the film went a bit off the upper left edge of the screen. Since this film has digital composites, I’m surprised that there isn’t a digital presentation anywhere.
Now, THX1138 I saw in Auditorium 2, which was my first experience in this newer theater. The presentation was DLP, which showcased the restoration efforts of this 32 year old film quite well. And, surprise, they did show the THX and DLP trailers! The THX trailer was the older Terminator one, which did show off the auditorium’s sound system.
If only the programming included more 70mm films other than 2001 and Lawrence of Arabia. sigh
I remember this theater when it was a single screen venue. It had 70mm capability as the first Poltergeist film had the only 70mm presentation in the DC/MD/VA market. The next film I saw here was Robocop, in a relatively new sound format (for its time), Dolby Spectrum, in 1987. Parking was difficult, if non-existent at the time. You had to walk blocks, through some not very safe neighborhoods, after parking your car, to get to this theater. Or, if you were lucky enough, wait until the previous show was done so you could park your car as patrons exited.
The last time I went to this theater was to see Margaret Cho’s first concert film “I’m the One That I Want,” in ‘00. The theater had reopened as a twinned venue serving food and alcohol. The dining area decor seemed decent and the menu selection was adequate. Since the movie wasn’t an event film with a busy soundtrack, I could not compare it to my experiences of the past.
Yes, the first Star Trek movie premiered at the MacArthur, but it also opened at other theaters in the DC Metro area. I saw it, on opening weekend, at the now closed KB Langley and later at the Jenifer, which I believe had the movie longer than other theaters in the area. The Jenifer played the movie on both screens starting at 8 or 9 am, on opening weekend, too, if I remember correctly.
I remember the Jenifer. Maybe it should be listed on Cinema Treasure, too. I saw the first Star Trek movie there several times as well as a few other movies. It had a killer dolby sound system that was turned up nice and load..the way I like it :) And, yes, the second theater didn’t have Dolby, if I remember correctly.
I think Superman played at the Uptown in 70mm. I was too young to go downtown when it came out and saw that film at a shoebox multiplex theater called the Landover 6, now thankfully closed.
Okay, I do remember the not-so-friendly cashier at the booth, who, on this day, was reading a book. She and the ticket taker were watching, in bemusement, as I was trying to buy our tickets using the automatic kiosk. It didn’t work, so I ended up buying it from her. She did say “enjoy the show” and that was about it. Rude, well, its NYC. At least told us to enjoy the show, perhaps she sensed we were out of town… :)
I’ve E-mailed them to find out if the original trilogy will be in 70mm, the special editions, and, if the prequels will be in digital projection. All three auditoriums are capable of any format, but I’d like to see them in the historic original auditorium. So far, no response.
My friend and I visited NYC and made a stop at this theater to see Revenge of the Sith in DLP. I must say that the theater is quite ornate and large but the screen size was smaller than I expected. I suspect its about 40' or so wide, about the size of some of the larger auditoriums in your local multiplex, or like our Baltimore’s Senator. Its a bit strange to have to go up the stairs, then turn right into an auditorium that seems to go down again. The lobby pictures show a Ziegfeld that had a much more decorative top structure that is missing from the current one. Was this the same theater?
The picture and sound are better than in most theaters I have experienced with this DLP/Dolby Digital Cinema set up. Excellent sound separation, with little reverberation, yet powerful subwoofers add to the aural experience! Its nice to see an ‘older’ theater outfitted with the latest presentation technologies and sound. If people are going to leave their DVDs and cable to see a movie, this is how it should be experienced.
My understanding of DLP is that its a Texas Instruments system and Dolby Digital Cinema is a competing system that achieves the same objective, which is digital cinema projection. DDC, according to the article link, stores, decodes and projects at “higher data rates than other image decoders,” meaning Texas Instruments DLP system.
As far as the posted theater listing, a check of the Ziegfeld indicates it is Texas Instruments' DLP set up, not Dolby Digital Cinema. Not trying to be difficult, just trying to discern the differences.
If megaplexes are the future, I’d be supportive of say a megaplex that incorporates a single screen gem and then building adjoining but distant, ornately-styled auditoriums that have the projection and sound that exceed THX cert standards like the Arclight, in Hollywood.
What specific venues have the new Dolby Digital Cinema system? Their website doesn’t say. Has anyone seen a movie with this new system? If so, how does it compare to DLP?
I caught Sith in Digital projection but came away with a somewhat less-than-satisfying experience. The movie looked dark, not as vibrant as previous movies seen digitally. Then again, it may be this theater. I’ll be catching it again on regular 35mm and maybe another digital projected theater.
Patrons should complain to Clearview management and do so with frequency and ferocity, perhaps then someone will fix the place, especially if its the AC. I’d be quite a livid patron, if I were to attend say, screening of the new Revenge of the Sith, in 90 degree+ indoor heat!
Yes, they are showing it starting with a 12:01 AM show that is sold out. Since they’ve gone to a platter system, I suspect the projection qualities aren’t quite up to decent standards. I’m going to see it in DLP and then at Baltimore’s Senator Theater, then maybe the Uptown, unless someone has a post that indicates the picture and sound are bad first. My experience seeing Attack of the Clones, in ‘02, here was quite bad.
Why can’t movie theaters just start their advertisements before the published time? That way you don’t have to wait 10-15 minutes for the movie to begin.
Isn’t that a waste of money having a venue that isn’t used? You would have at least some revenue coming in from a few patrons rather then to have nothing and still have to pay for your rent, electricity, etc. I’ve never heard of such a thing.
I’m curious as to why the Ziegfeld is dark until next week. I’m wondering if they are upgrading their digital projectors to the new 4K units out by Sony.
The Uptown was remodeled back in 1996 or so. The seats have higher backs and are a marked improvement from what was installed before. The sight lines are good given the enormous size of the screen. Now, I haven’t been there since Spiderman 2, so I can’t say how much worse the presentation is now. I saw Sin City in DLP and enjoyed the presentation, but the movie was so so.
I do plan on seeing Revenge of the Sith there to compare it to Baltimore’s Senator and Crown Annapolis' digital presentation of the movie. I’m sure there will be posts about this theater, again, at that time.
I hope the Washington DC Market will be part of the initial roll out, but the screens at the two Landmark multiplexes here are a bit on the small side. And the admission prices are some of the highest, if not the highest here, even during so called ‘bargain’ matinees.
Does anyone know if any theater in the US has this projector? How does it compare to the 2K projectors that are already out? You’d think this new one is 2x as sharp.
If the theater had better programming, films that showcased its capabilities; 70mm & classic films that other theaters were not showing, then perhaps it would’ve survived. Maybe the local P&G theater group will take it over after its gone. Anyone know what will happen to the theater when it is closed?
As far as the Uptown is concerned, maybe it will be twinned; a theater upstairs where the balcony presently is and the curved screen below. Oops. I probably shouldn’t have suggested that…
If enough people write, like I did, perhaps someone will notice and make the necessary changes. Otherwise, people just won’t go there anymore. I rarely go downtown anymore to see a movie. Since they don’t have films in 70mm anymore, whats the point travelling all the way to see it in a place where management doesn’t care?
Ahh. Now this drive-in brings back some memories. No, I’ve never been inside of it but I do remember passing by, on my way home, from school. The view, from Central Ave., was obscured by sections of board. Unfortunately, there were these big gaps between the boards where you could see xxx-rated action as you drove by. And, yes, there were people who would park their cars, on Central Ave., where the biggest gaps were to see portions of the movie for free!
Awesome, it even works on my Mac using Windoze Media Player! I guess not all Microsoft products are that bad.
They are closing this theater as of this Thursday, 9-23-04.
I’d like to go, too, but CA is on the other coast and don’t have the funds, but do have the frequent flier mileage to go ;) Hmmm. The last time I was in H'wood, they were just remodeling the Dome.
It would be nice to visit the refurbished theater and other palaces there.
I wish our (Wash DC) Uptown theater would have events like this. They used to have Cinerama projection capabilities and the curved screen to do it.
I saw two movies this week at the AFI: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and the digitally restored THX1138.
I caught a sneak preview screening of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, in Auditorium 1, the Historic Theater, on Tues., 9-14 and enjoyed the presentation of the movie but still don’t understand why they don’t play the THX trailer before the movie starts! It is THX certified, according to the THX website. My only minor quibble was that the projection of the film went a bit off the upper left edge of the screen. Since this film has digital composites, I’m surprised that there isn’t a digital presentation anywhere.
Now, THX1138 I saw in Auditorium 2, which was my first experience in this newer theater. The presentation was DLP, which showcased the restoration efforts of this 32 year old film quite well. And, surprise, they did show the THX and DLP trailers! The THX trailer was the older Terminator one, which did show off the auditorium’s sound system.
If only the programming included more 70mm films other than 2001 and Lawrence of Arabia. sigh
I remember this theater when it was a single screen venue. It had 70mm capability as the first Poltergeist film had the only 70mm presentation in the DC/MD/VA market. The next film I saw here was Robocop, in a relatively new sound format (for its time), Dolby Spectrum, in 1987. Parking was difficult, if non-existent at the time. You had to walk blocks, through some not very safe neighborhoods, after parking your car, to get to this theater. Or, if you were lucky enough, wait until the previous show was done so you could park your car as patrons exited.
The last time I went to this theater was to see Margaret Cho’s first concert film “I’m the One That I Want,” in ‘00. The theater had reopened as a twinned venue serving food and alcohol. The dining area decor seemed decent and the menu selection was adequate. Since the movie wasn’t an event film with a busy soundtrack, I could not compare it to my experiences of the past.
Yes, the first Star Trek movie premiered at the MacArthur, but it also opened at other theaters in the DC Metro area. I saw it, on opening weekend, at the now closed KB Langley and later at the Jenifer, which I believe had the movie longer than other theaters in the area. The Jenifer played the movie on both screens starting at 8 or 9 am, on opening weekend, too, if I remember correctly.
I remember the Jenifer. Maybe it should be listed on Cinema Treasure, too. I saw the first Star Trek movie there several times as well as a few other movies. It had a killer dolby sound system that was turned up nice and load..the way I like it :) And, yes, the second theater didn’t have Dolby, if I remember correctly.
I think Superman played at the Uptown in 70mm. I was too young to go downtown when it came out and saw that film at a shoebox multiplex theater called the Landover 6, now thankfully closed.