It’s not just the lack of stadium seating but their screens just don’t deliver the same impact that Rockaway’s large, slightly curved screens do…which is why I’m so looking forward to them adding the 3D technology to give us that “immersive” feeling. Who needs IMAX anyway? We just have to be patient. The digital revolution has found its way into music (CDs), video (DVDs), TV channels, and now movie theaters. And 3D appears to be a natural extension of the latter. Read MarketSaw’s piece on “The Year of 3D: A Massive Paradigm Shift Is Happening”. Regarding Parsippany’s pricing, Clearview does have that arrangement with Cablevision for two free admissions on Tuesdays and discounts the rest of the week, day or evening, for those who qualify.
With the extra revenue they could have pulled in from “Hannah Montana”, “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Bolt”, “My Bloody Valentine 3D”, “Coraline”, “Monsters vs. Aliens”, “Up”, and “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”, they could have probably paid for, at least, the one digital system they plan to install. By the way, one screen ain’t gonna cut it. These movies are so successful that the overlap has actually hurt them and sometimes one had to be bumped to show another. Parsippany continues to be ahead of the curve with two of the six digital screens capable of 3D and, with the money they’re making, will probably add more.
The drop down window I think you’re referring to (Choose Your Movie, Opening This Week, Coming Soon, Now Playing) is a movietickets.com feature that can be accessed from any theater listed under movietickets.com. It doesn’t necessarily mean those movies will play at the theater whose page you happen to be on. If you’re referring to something else specific to Rockaway 16, let us know.
Can you provide a little more detail for those who don’t subscribe to the Moviewatcher Newsletter? What did it say? When I was at the theater last weekend and inquired about digital 3D, I was told by a worker that the manager was “working on it now”.
Follow-up to my June 25th entry: Add Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings, King Kong, The Hobbit, Tintin) to the growing list (James Cameron, Dreamworks, etc.) of those committed to “all 3D” from now on. Certainly most, if not all, animation will be 3D. MarketSaw lists over 100 3D movies either rumored, in production, or with release dates through 2012. In addition to movies, on the way are live sporting events, concerts, and stage productions broadcast from anywhere in the world into your local theater. This will benefit everyone, especially those who cannot afford to attend the real thing. 3D interactive gaming, shown before the 3D movie, is in its early stages in the UK and will involve the audience. Hopefully, this will end the dilemma of theaters resisting to convert to 3D due to a lack of product and directors hesitant to shoot in 3D due to a lack of 3D screens. Finally, a standard for 3DTV is currently being developed which should generate even more competition (and innovation) between theaters and home entertainment systems. So…let’s get going Rockaway! The train has left the station with no signs, as in the past, of derailing! The technology is there, the investments are being made by the heavy-hitters, and the returns are rewarding.
Hey “larry 2” and “movie534”, you know I can’t remain silent. 3D is not going away this time, PERIOD! There are several reasons: 1/It’s far superior to past 3D systems (practically foolproof), 2/It’s being used more wisely than in the past (less gimmicky), 3/The public has accepted it if you look at the percentage of revenue it represents, 4/It has the backing of major studios, directors, etc., 5/It represents a form of entertainment you can’t get at home (at least for now and at least at this high level of quality), 6/AVATAR! AVATAR! AVATAR! You ain’t seen nothing yet. What’s been released so far is just the warm-up. And while it’s true that the majority of releases so far have been animated, give it time. Live action is on the way. Check out the MarketSaw blogspot. For me, that justifies “all this fuss” And, for those who say 3D does nothing to improve the story, I agree. But it wasn’t meant to. It was meant to enhance the senses, i.e., the moviegoing experience, much like color or widescreen or IMAX. They never made the story better either and yet survived because they made what you were watching more lifelike. 3D is the next logical step by making it more immersive, like life itself. Finally, until more digital 3D screens are added, there will be plenty of 2D versions of 3D movies available for all of you who don’t like it and continue to view the current wave as just another “phase”. Time marches on! The days of silent, black and white, and flat only movies are GONE, like it or not. I will now remove my gloves!
I totally agree with you. We also had cashiers who counted out change instead of just handing it to you…and always said “thank you”…and movie houses with character instead of cookie-cutter multiplexes…not to mention movies (double features even) with stories instead of headache inducing camerawork, loud soundtracks and themes which are designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator of moviegoer. My list goes on and on. I think you made my point. This is not so much about 3D itself (which I will heartily defend) but about digital and how the technology has changed so much that the once noble profession of “projectionist” has been reduced and handed down to button-pushing kids. In fact, I would have guessed that the introduction of 3D would have been an added challenge to the projectionist of your day since it once involved dual strip synchronized projection which had to be right. I think 3D’s initial demise was not so much about bad films (they’ve always existed) but more about how they were projected, which caused eyestrain and headaches. I’ll stop here but I just wanted to express my support for 3D as an enhancement to movies (and don’t want to see it disappear just because of the new way it’s being projected) while totally agreeing with you about how your profession has changed dramatically.
May I weigh in? If I were a projectionist for as long as you have been, I might agree with you. Having never been in your shoes, I can’t speak to whatever you are experiencing. However, is it about 3D itself, or digital projection (whether 2D or 3D)? Or maybe change in general. My first 3D movie was “Bwana Devil” in 1953 (I was 8 years old) and I have been waiting for this moment when they finally got 3D right. I agree with those who believe it is the next logical step to enhancing the movie experience (after sound and color). And, done right, can be very effective. I believe 3D is worth the effort and the digital technology certainly adds clarity and color purity. I also believe a new generation of projectionists may have an easier time adapting to new technologies, much like they do with anything new. I grew up in the 50s and still have trouble getting out of it. Hang in there! 3D is here to stay this time.
I was at the theater today and asked two employees if UP will be shown in 3D and both said no. Both said digital is coming and it’s in the budget along with other things. So, once again, we’re getting conflicting information coming out of this theatre. I will believe NOTHING until I see it with my own two eyes (and hopefully will be wearing 3D glasses at the time).
Where are you seeing “Battle for Terra” on anybody’s list for this weekend? According to Movietickets, everybody in this area is holding over “Monsters vs. Aliens” and other digital screens are showing other movies. Even Parsippany and Succasunna don’t list it. Also, it would be nice if Rockaway occasionally showed some of the foreign films that are being released and reviewed on Rotten Tomatoes or mentioned at awards shows but never seen around here. They tend to focus more on story and character than on whizbang effects. Instead we keep seeing films that continually cater to the lowest common denominator (recycled dumb comedies and films that rely on computer-generated effects, violence, explosions, car-crashes, or comic book characters.) And it gets worse during the Summer. I know it’s all about what sells but, with 16 screens, it would be nice to slip something intelligent in once in a while.
I never used online ticketing but I always thought that if a particular time was grayed out it just meant online ticketing was not available for that showing, but the movie would still play at that time. As far as closing some screens, wouldn’t the list of movies be much shorter? I still count 15 movies playing, some of them with totally grayed out showtimes.
What is going on with these grayed out showtimes? I can’t make any sense out of the pattern. Some screens have EVERY show grayed out, some have EVERY OTHER show grayed out, and some don’t have any grayed out. East Hanover has everything grayed out. Clifton Commons just about the opposite. What exactly affects online ticket availability and why this crazy pattern? I’m not so sure I would make the leap and say it has something to do with installing digital. If so, how?
According to the LF Examiner website (LF=Large Format), Rockaway 16 is now scheduled for a flat screen IMAX 3D system for June 30, 2009. We’re listed as a future theater which may not open on time or at all. Here we go again! Check it out… http://www.lfexaminer.com/theaUSA.htm#NY
Rockaway 16 is listed under NY, not NJ.
Did I read that right? Theater 8 will be showing the 3D version? There’s no mention of that on Movietickets.com. How did you find this out? After several unsuccessful attempts since the 1950s, I’m glad to see 3D technology finally getting it right. And, so far, filmmakers appear to be making much better use of it (more immersive and less gimmicky). 3D has gotten a bum rap far too long. It’s been almost 28 months to the day (November 28, 2006) since my first posting proclaiming 3D was going to take off (based on what I was reading)…and now it’s happening and people are taking notice. Regarding Colorcode, it’s ok for magazines and TV until a standard for 3DTV is established, and better than Anaglyphic (red/blue) since there’s less of a double image for 2D viewing. However, the public must not be made to believe this is what they’re using in theaters. Again, what’s the deal on theater 8?
Don’t waste your time seeing any of the new 3D movies at a theater, like Rockaway, that’s not equipped to show them in 3D. You’re missing a key element of the movie. Coraline made one of the best uses of 3D I’ve ever seen and can’t imagine why anyone would even consider seeing it any other way. I’m 64 years old. My first 3D experience preceded Bwana Devil back in 1953. It consisted of 5 short subjects from England under the title Stereo Techniques. After living through the first two 3D crazes (the 50s and the horrible, and thankfully, short-lived revival in the early 80s), they finally got it right with the new digital 3D. It’s like going from silent to sound and b&w to color. Take advantage of it, pay the few extra bucks, and enjoy it!
In fairness to Clifton Commons, the reason why they are showing Coraline in 2D is because they have decided to hold over My Bloody Valentine in 3D. Apparently, they only have one digital 3D screen. But even that is sad…one AMC digital 3D screen within 15 miles of our area. Parsippany appears to have five digital screens, with at least two equipped for 3D (If I recall, they showed Hannah Montana on two screens.)
This is so pathetic! Every month we get a different story. First IMAX (Jul 08), then IMAX delayed (Jan 09), then NO IMAX…Combine TWO theaters, combine THREE theaters, combine NO theaters. In the meantime, Clearview keeps rolling along adding new screens. Within a 15 mile radius of this area, EIGHT theaters are showing Coraline in 3D…all Clearview (Bellevue, Headquarter’s Ten, Kinnelon, Mansfield, Millburn, Parsippany, Succasunna, and Wayne). FIVE theaters are showing it in 2D…all AMC (Clifton Commons, Essex Green, East Hanover, Wayne, and Rockaway). How is it that Clearview can manage this transition and AMC cannot? Since Rockaway opened, there have been eight 3D movies released (Beowulf to Coraline). There are nine more scheduled to the end of this year (Jonas Brothers to Avatar). That’s a lot of lost revenue considering most of it comes from the 3D versions (up to 70 percent)…shameful!
Justin, the link didn’t work. Add the letter “L” at the end of “htm” and the link will work. That’s an excellent site for a complete history of 3D movies. Also, check out the Marketsaw Blogspot site for a comprehensive list of upcoming 3D films. He lists close to 100 3D films scheduled, to be announced, and rumored through 2012. It also includes a list of digital 3D theaters worldwide and daily news items.
Thanks Jezebel for the update…finally, some encouraging news. We don’t really need full-blown IMAX. We do need 3D. You didn’t mention whether the digital system will be RealD, IMAX, or Dolby, but I suppose it doesn’t matter just as long as it can show any and all of the 3D releases scheduled this year and beyond. I read that “Beowulf” was the first movie to be shown in all three formats so it sounds like there shouldn’t be a compatibility issue. My only concern is “How will only one screen be able to handle overlapping releases? I think that’s what hurt "U23D” because “Hannah Montana” was held over. With the dozens of 3D films on the horizon, that might be a problem unless they stagger the showtimes each day until they can add another screen. Again, thanks.
Sorry for the continued rants on Rockaway’s IMAX. It comes from two sources, frustration and ignorance. We have a beautiful new 16-screen theater with stadium seating, great sound, and large slightly curved screens but no digital 3D presentation. Most of all, there seemed to be a lack of vision on the part of AMC to forsee and invest in the coming digital 3D revolution prior to construction. Personally, I could be satisfied with RealD on those screens but that doesn’t seem to be in the works. When I heard IMAX was coming, naturally I thought traditional IMAX, not IMAX-lite. Who would not get excited – hence, all the questions. I now defer to you guys, the experts. Thanks for providing some clarity. I’m still trying to visualize what the screen will look like if it is to fill the width of three auditoriums with no additional height. Anybody?
For what it’s worth, I was at the theater today and asked the usual question – Will the IMAX be in this month? One employee didn’t know and said they don’t tell us anything. Another said the plan is to combine three – not two – theaters into one big IMAX and construction will start in February. Sounds fantastic even if we have to wait a little longer once again. I wonder how they’ll handle screen height. Will they raise the roof? I figured out how they could handle more than one 3D (or even 2D) IMAX movie released in the same week – the same way IMAX theaters do today – show them at different times each day – for example, one at 11am, 3pm, 7pm and the other at 1pm, 5pm and 9pm, assuming contracts permit it.
When you start seeing fewer movies listed on AMC Rockaway’s weekly schedule, then you know they started construction on the IMAX theater. So far, that hasn’t happened. Unless they can work really fast, I don’t see how they can do it by the 23rd. Also, I say again, one screen will not be able to handle all the 3D movies coming out this year and beyond. Rockaway needs to invest in REALD as well as IMAX. That investment will pay off since 3D versions pull in about 3 times the revenue as 2D versions.
It’s not just the lack of stadium seating but their screens just don’t deliver the same impact that Rockaway’s large, slightly curved screens do…which is why I’m so looking forward to them adding the 3D technology to give us that “immersive” feeling. Who needs IMAX anyway? We just have to be patient. The digital revolution has found its way into music (CDs), video (DVDs), TV channels, and now movie theaters. And 3D appears to be a natural extension of the latter. Read MarketSaw’s piece on “The Year of 3D: A Massive Paradigm Shift Is Happening”. Regarding Parsippany’s pricing, Clearview does have that arrangement with Cablevision for two free admissions on Tuesdays and discounts the rest of the week, day or evening, for those who qualify.
With the extra revenue they could have pulled in from “Hannah Montana”, “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Bolt”, “My Bloody Valentine 3D”, “Coraline”, “Monsters vs. Aliens”, “Up”, and “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”, they could have probably paid for, at least, the one digital system they plan to install. By the way, one screen ain’t gonna cut it. These movies are so successful that the overlap has actually hurt them and sometimes one had to be bumped to show another. Parsippany continues to be ahead of the curve with two of the six digital screens capable of 3D and, with the money they’re making, will probably add more.
…AND, How long will it take to get auditorium 7 ready?
How long will it take to get auditorium 7 ready?
The drop down window I think you’re referring to (Choose Your Movie, Opening This Week, Coming Soon, Now Playing) is a movietickets.com feature that can be accessed from any theater listed under movietickets.com. It doesn’t necessarily mean those movies will play at the theater whose page you happen to be on. If you’re referring to something else specific to Rockaway 16, let us know.
Can you provide a little more detail for those who don’t subscribe to the Moviewatcher Newsletter? What did it say? When I was at the theater last weekend and inquired about digital 3D, I was told by a worker that the manager was “working on it now”.
Follow-up to my June 25th entry: Add Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings, King Kong, The Hobbit, Tintin) to the growing list (James Cameron, Dreamworks, etc.) of those committed to “all 3D” from now on. Certainly most, if not all, animation will be 3D. MarketSaw lists over 100 3D movies either rumored, in production, or with release dates through 2012. In addition to movies, on the way are live sporting events, concerts, and stage productions broadcast from anywhere in the world into your local theater. This will benefit everyone, especially those who cannot afford to attend the real thing. 3D interactive gaming, shown before the 3D movie, is in its early stages in the UK and will involve the audience. Hopefully, this will end the dilemma of theaters resisting to convert to 3D due to a lack of product and directors hesitant to shoot in 3D due to a lack of 3D screens. Finally, a standard for 3DTV is currently being developed which should generate even more competition (and innovation) between theaters and home entertainment systems. So…let’s get going Rockaway! The train has left the station with no signs, as in the past, of derailing! The technology is there, the investments are being made by the heavy-hitters, and the returns are rewarding.
Hey “larry 2” and “movie534”, you know I can’t remain silent. 3D is not going away this time, PERIOD! There are several reasons: 1/It’s far superior to past 3D systems (practically foolproof), 2/It’s being used more wisely than in the past (less gimmicky), 3/The public has accepted it if you look at the percentage of revenue it represents, 4/It has the backing of major studios, directors, etc., 5/It represents a form of entertainment you can’t get at home (at least for now and at least at this high level of quality), 6/AVATAR! AVATAR! AVATAR! You ain’t seen nothing yet. What’s been released so far is just the warm-up. And while it’s true that the majority of releases so far have been animated, give it time. Live action is on the way. Check out the MarketSaw blogspot. For me, that justifies “all this fuss” And, for those who say 3D does nothing to improve the story, I agree. But it wasn’t meant to. It was meant to enhance the senses, i.e., the moviegoing experience, much like color or widescreen or IMAX. They never made the story better either and yet survived because they made what you were watching more lifelike. 3D is the next logical step by making it more immersive, like life itself. Finally, until more digital 3D screens are added, there will be plenty of 2D versions of 3D movies available for all of you who don’t like it and continue to view the current wave as just another “phase”. Time marches on! The days of silent, black and white, and flat only movies are GONE, like it or not. I will now remove my gloves!
I totally agree with you. We also had cashiers who counted out change instead of just handing it to you…and always said “thank you”…and movie houses with character instead of cookie-cutter multiplexes…not to mention movies (double features even) with stories instead of headache inducing camerawork, loud soundtracks and themes which are designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator of moviegoer. My list goes on and on. I think you made my point. This is not so much about 3D itself (which I will heartily defend) but about digital and how the technology has changed so much that the once noble profession of “projectionist” has been reduced and handed down to button-pushing kids. In fact, I would have guessed that the introduction of 3D would have been an added challenge to the projectionist of your day since it once involved dual strip synchronized projection which had to be right. I think 3D’s initial demise was not so much about bad films (they’ve always existed) but more about how they were projected, which caused eyestrain and headaches. I’ll stop here but I just wanted to express my support for 3D as an enhancement to movies (and don’t want to see it disappear just because of the new way it’s being projected) while totally agreeing with you about how your profession has changed dramatically.
May I weigh in? If I were a projectionist for as long as you have been, I might agree with you. Having never been in your shoes, I can’t speak to whatever you are experiencing. However, is it about 3D itself, or digital projection (whether 2D or 3D)? Or maybe change in general. My first 3D movie was “Bwana Devil” in 1953 (I was 8 years old) and I have been waiting for this moment when they finally got 3D right. I agree with those who believe it is the next logical step to enhancing the movie experience (after sound and color). And, done right, can be very effective. I believe 3D is worth the effort and the digital technology certainly adds clarity and color purity. I also believe a new generation of projectionists may have an easier time adapting to new technologies, much like they do with anything new. I grew up in the 50s and still have trouble getting out of it. Hang in there! 3D is here to stay this time.
I was at the theater today and asked two employees if UP will be shown in 3D and both said no. Both said digital is coming and it’s in the budget along with other things. So, once again, we’re getting conflicting information coming out of this theatre. I will believe NOTHING until I see it with my own two eyes (and hopefully will be wearing 3D glasses at the time).
Where are you seeing “Battle for Terra” on anybody’s list for this weekend? According to Movietickets, everybody in this area is holding over “Monsters vs. Aliens” and other digital screens are showing other movies. Even Parsippany and Succasunna don’t list it. Also, it would be nice if Rockaway occasionally showed some of the foreign films that are being released and reviewed on Rotten Tomatoes or mentioned at awards shows but never seen around here. They tend to focus more on story and character than on whizbang effects. Instead we keep seeing films that continually cater to the lowest common denominator (recycled dumb comedies and films that rely on computer-generated effects, violence, explosions, car-crashes, or comic book characters.) And it gets worse during the Summer. I know it’s all about what sells but, with 16 screens, it would be nice to slip something intelligent in once in a while.
I never used online ticketing but I always thought that if a particular time was grayed out it just meant online ticketing was not available for that showing, but the movie would still play at that time. As far as closing some screens, wouldn’t the list of movies be much shorter? I still count 15 movies playing, some of them with totally grayed out showtimes.
What is going on with these grayed out showtimes? I can’t make any sense out of the pattern. Some screens have EVERY show grayed out, some have EVERY OTHER show grayed out, and some don’t have any grayed out. East Hanover has everything grayed out. Clifton Commons just about the opposite. What exactly affects online ticket availability and why this crazy pattern? I’m not so sure I would make the leap and say it has something to do with installing digital. If so, how?
According to the LF Examiner website (LF=Large Format), Rockaway 16 is now scheduled for a flat screen IMAX 3D system for June 30, 2009. We’re listed as a future theater which may not open on time or at all. Here we go again! Check it out…
http://www.lfexaminer.com/theaUSA.htm#NY
Rockaway 16 is listed under NY, not NJ.
Did I read that right? Theater 8 will be showing the 3D version? There’s no mention of that on Movietickets.com. How did you find this out? After several unsuccessful attempts since the 1950s, I’m glad to see 3D technology finally getting it right. And, so far, filmmakers appear to be making much better use of it (more immersive and less gimmicky). 3D has gotten a bum rap far too long. It’s been almost 28 months to the day (November 28, 2006) since my first posting proclaiming 3D was going to take off (based on what I was reading)…and now it’s happening and people are taking notice. Regarding Colorcode, it’s ok for magazines and TV until a standard for 3DTV is established, and better than Anaglyphic (red/blue) since there’s less of a double image for 2D viewing. However, the public must not be made to believe this is what they’re using in theaters. Again, what’s the deal on theater 8?
Don’t waste your time seeing any of the new 3D movies at a theater, like Rockaway, that’s not equipped to show them in 3D. You’re missing a key element of the movie. Coraline made one of the best uses of 3D I’ve ever seen and can’t imagine why anyone would even consider seeing it any other way. I’m 64 years old. My first 3D experience preceded Bwana Devil back in 1953. It consisted of 5 short subjects from England under the title Stereo Techniques. After living through the first two 3D crazes (the 50s and the horrible, and thankfully, short-lived revival in the early 80s), they finally got it right with the new digital 3D. It’s like going from silent to sound and b&w to color. Take advantage of it, pay the few extra bucks, and enjoy it!
In fairness to Clifton Commons, the reason why they are showing Coraline in 2D is because they have decided to hold over My Bloody Valentine in 3D. Apparently, they only have one digital 3D screen. But even that is sad…one AMC digital 3D screen within 15 miles of our area. Parsippany appears to have five digital screens, with at least two equipped for 3D (If I recall, they showed Hannah Montana on two screens.)
This is so pathetic! Every month we get a different story. First IMAX (Jul 08), then IMAX delayed (Jan 09), then NO IMAX…Combine TWO theaters, combine THREE theaters, combine NO theaters. In the meantime, Clearview keeps rolling along adding new screens. Within a 15 mile radius of this area, EIGHT theaters are showing Coraline in 3D…all Clearview (Bellevue, Headquarter’s Ten, Kinnelon, Mansfield, Millburn, Parsippany, Succasunna, and Wayne). FIVE theaters are showing it in 2D…all AMC (Clifton Commons, Essex Green, East Hanover, Wayne, and Rockaway). How is it that Clearview can manage this transition and AMC cannot? Since Rockaway opened, there have been eight 3D movies released (Beowulf to Coraline). There are nine more scheduled to the end of this year (Jonas Brothers to Avatar). That’s a lot of lost revenue considering most of it comes from the 3D versions (up to 70 percent)…shameful!
Justin, the link didn’t work. Add the letter “L” at the end of “htm” and the link will work. That’s an excellent site for a complete history of 3D movies. Also, check out the Marketsaw Blogspot site for a comprehensive list of upcoming 3D films. He lists close to 100 3D films scheduled, to be announced, and rumored through 2012. It also includes a list of digital 3D theaters worldwide and daily news items.
Thanks Jezebel for the update…finally, some encouraging news. We don’t really need full-blown IMAX. We do need 3D. You didn’t mention whether the digital system will be RealD, IMAX, or Dolby, but I suppose it doesn’t matter just as long as it can show any and all of the 3D releases scheduled this year and beyond. I read that “Beowulf” was the first movie to be shown in all three formats so it sounds like there shouldn’t be a compatibility issue. My only concern is “How will only one screen be able to handle overlapping releases? I think that’s what hurt "U23D” because “Hannah Montana” was held over. With the dozens of 3D films on the horizon, that might be a problem unless they stagger the showtimes each day until they can add another screen. Again, thanks.
I think you mean it would become the AMC Rockaway 14 (13 screens plus the IMAX which would consist of the remaining 3 screens).
Sorry for the continued rants on Rockaway’s IMAX. It comes from two sources, frustration and ignorance. We have a beautiful new 16-screen theater with stadium seating, great sound, and large slightly curved screens but no digital 3D presentation. Most of all, there seemed to be a lack of vision on the part of AMC to forsee and invest in the coming digital 3D revolution prior to construction. Personally, I could be satisfied with RealD on those screens but that doesn’t seem to be in the works. When I heard IMAX was coming, naturally I thought traditional IMAX, not IMAX-lite. Who would not get excited – hence, all the questions. I now defer to you guys, the experts. Thanks for providing some clarity. I’m still trying to visualize what the screen will look like if it is to fill the width of three auditoriums with no additional height. Anybody?
For what it’s worth, I was at the theater today and asked the usual question – Will the IMAX be in this month? One employee didn’t know and said they don’t tell us anything. Another said the plan is to combine three – not two – theaters into one big IMAX and construction will start in February. Sounds fantastic even if we have to wait a little longer once again. I wonder how they’ll handle screen height. Will they raise the roof? I figured out how they could handle more than one 3D (or even 2D) IMAX movie released in the same week – the same way IMAX theaters do today – show them at different times each day – for example, one at 11am, 3pm, 7pm and the other at 1pm, 5pm and 9pm, assuming contracts permit it.
When you start seeing fewer movies listed on AMC Rockaway’s weekly schedule, then you know they started construction on the IMAX theater. So far, that hasn’t happened. Unless they can work really fast, I don’t see how they can do it by the 23rd. Also, I say again, one screen will not be able to handle all the 3D movies coming out this year and beyond. Rockaway needs to invest in REALD as well as IMAX. That investment will pay off since 3D versions pull in about 3 times the revenue as 2D versions.