I saw “Lincoln” here today. Excellent film, good presentation, but a whole mess of platter scratches on the print. Talking to the staff, they said digital projection should be installed later this year. He seemed to think there would be no difficulty in financing the transition because they were owned by a larger corporation which had the resources.
My wife and I went to this theater last night and had a very pleasant surprise. Prior to the movie’s starting, a live announcement came on. It was the manager advising everyone not to use cell phones, smart phones, etc. during the movie. He said that if this happened, the offenders would be removed. He added that during the movie, an usher would be observing for any infractions of this rule. Of course, everyone applauded this.
Sure enough, a very tall and wide-shouldered young man in an usher’s uniform occasionally came in and stood quietly at the back of the auditorium.
I’m not sure if this is a general policy of Marcus Theaters or just in effect at this complex. Most welcome, for sure.
Definitely much better today. Stadium seating, comfortable seats, wider range of options at the concession stand. All vast improvements over the shoebox auditoriums of the 80’s or the old theaters with a wall down the middle to add additional screens.
The local TV station in Madison today had a report about how the Towne was struggling to convert to digital projection. There were some shots in the projection booth of the platter system in operation.
According to Box Office magazine, the theater was reopened in 1959.
http://www.boxoffice.com/the_vault/issue_page?issue_id=1959-5-4&page_no=35#page_start
The marquee is now lit up at night, bringing a splash of color to the downtown scene. I’ve added a picture of the ticket booth, which has someone in it during the day to distribute literature to tourists.
The Michigan is prominently featured in the climatic fight scene in the recently released film “Alex Cross.” There are shots in the balcony area and above the ceiling. How authentic those are is questionable because damage is done to the ceiling at one point.
This theater was recently referred to in an episode of “House Hunters International” on the HGTV channel. The young lady who was a local resident called it the “dollar theater.”
Interesting thing about the lobby flier display boxes. They spelled the theater’s name as “Montclair” cast in metal on the top. Wonder if anybody saved one of them?
Chicago Avenue and Washington Boulevard are both east-west oriented streets one mile apart from each other and don’t intersect. The caption on that picture is incorrect.
Cinematour has the 137 4th Avenue address and 2 pictures from 2011 that show the theater still standing. Street View is now adjusted above to show the theater.
The address in the header is incorrect. Go to Google Street View and type in 137 4th Avenue and you will see an image of the still-standing theater from 2009.
I saw “Lincoln” here today. Excellent film, good presentation, but a whole mess of platter scratches on the print. Talking to the staff, they said digital projection should be installed later this year. He seemed to think there would be no difficulty in financing the transition because they were owned by a larger corporation which had the resources.
My wife and I went to this theater last night and had a very pleasant surprise. Prior to the movie’s starting, a live announcement came on. It was the manager advising everyone not to use cell phones, smart phones, etc. during the movie. He said that if this happened, the offenders would be removed. He added that during the movie, an usher would be observing for any infractions of this rule. Of course, everyone applauded this.
Sure enough, a very tall and wide-shouldered young man in an usher’s uniform occasionally came in and stood quietly at the back of the auditorium.
I’m not sure if this is a general policy of Marcus Theaters or just in effect at this complex. Most welcome, for sure.
Definitely much better today. Stadium seating, comfortable seats, wider range of options at the concession stand. All vast improvements over the shoebox auditoriums of the 80’s or the old theaters with a wall down the middle to add additional screens.
The local TV station in Madison today had a report about how the Towne was struggling to convert to digital projection. There were some shots in the projection booth of the platter system in operation.
Theater is now closed according to the website.
If the address is correct, it appears that the theater building has been replaced by new construction. Status should be demolished.
The digital projector has been in since November. Check the website.
Status should be changed to Open. Now operating as NCG Marietta Cinemas. Here’s the website: http://www.ncgmovies.com/marietta/
From the listings on the website and the pictures on the marquee, this theater seems to be a twin screen.
According to Box Office magazine, the theater was reopened in 1959. http://www.boxoffice.com/the_vault/issue_page?issue_id=1959-5-4&page_no=35#page_start
The Big Cinemas Fremont 7 in Fremont California has 1339 seats, making it possibly the largest Bollywood theater in North America.
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/5236
The marquee is now lit up at night, bringing a splash of color to the downtown scene. I’ve added a picture of the ticket booth, which has someone in it during the day to distribute literature to tourists.
The Michigan is prominently featured in the climatic fight scene in the recently released film “Alex Cross.” There are shots in the balcony area and above the ceiling. How authentic those are is questionable because damage is done to the ceiling at one point.
This theater was recently referred to in an episode of “House Hunters International” on the HGTV channel. The young lady who was a local resident called it the “dollar theater.”
That picture referred to by Chuck is dated at least 1946, the release date of the film “Wake Up and Dream” listed on the marquee.
7 bucks to watch short films in a 36 seat “theater”? Sounds like sitting in someone’s basement and watching dvds without the ambience.
Interesting thing about the lobby flier display boxes. They spelled the theater’s name as “Montclair” cast in metal on the top. Wonder if anybody saved one of them?
That would be the Main Theater at 4815 W Armitage, which is already listed on CT.
Renovating as what?
I have added 2 photos of the lower level. Screening rooms 2 and 3 are in the basement of the theater.
I have added a photo of the lobby and refreshment stand.
Chicago Avenue and Washington Boulevard are both east-west oriented streets one mile apart from each other and don’t intersect. The caption on that picture is incorrect.
Not only closed, but the interior has now been gutted and floor leveled for retail.
Cinematour has the 137 4th Avenue address and 2 pictures from 2011 that show the theater still standing. Street View is now adjusted above to show the theater.
The address in the header is incorrect. Go to Google Street View and type in 137 4th Avenue and you will see an image of the still-standing theater from 2009.