Loew's Jersey Theatre
54 Journal Square,
Jersey City,
NJ
07306
54 Journal Square,
Jersey City,
NJ
07306
98 people
favorited this theater
Showing 151 - 175 of 1,501 comments
I hear you Bob. Ive always cared too much also, and now look where it got me. A projectionist with 37 years expierience and digital puts me out of work. I miss running film.
One point I forgot to mention. An important and respected film archivist was in the audience last night with his family. We ran into each other in the lobby after the show. He asked if they had considered utilizing a communication system between the auditorium and the booth.
I left the project in 2003 so can not speak for present policy, but I can tell you during the two years that we ran 35mm, there was constant dialogue. I was usually the one on the radio calling up to the booth when there was a problem. In those early days, focus drift was a MAJOR problem with the Kinoton projectors. We had to have communication constantly throughout the show.
Rob: perhaps this is something that should be considered for future presentations?
Thanks, Mark. My problem is that I care too much. I became involved in the fight to save the theater when it was scheduled for demolition. The 16mm shows that I presented in the lobby were not only the most successful, they attracted the most New York press during that crucial time when Hartz Mountain wanted to level the theater for an office building. I spent literally thousands of hours on the project for over a decade and introduced the late Bob Eberenz to the project. It was through Bob and Steve Levy’s tireless efforts and donation of equipment that the 35mm projection capability was restored. When we began working on the booth, it was a stripped pigeon coup. To say that it was a challenge would be an understatement.
At that time, the building had no heat or running water. We worked in the winter with heavy coats and gloves, and had to go to C.H. Martin next door just to clean up. Bob and I were there nearly every Saturday for close to ten years. Bob was a wonderful man and a dear friend and he believed in putting on the best show possible. He had worked in the film industry since 1946.
We were all volunteers. Nobody made a penny. I once asked Bob what he would charge for his time involved. He laughed and said, “They couldn’t afford me.”
For two years between 2001 and 2003, our programs gave the audience their monies worth. We ran shorts, cartoons and trailers with every show. It was not just a movie, it was the Movie Palace Experience. That’s what we believed in and what we tried to present to the audience.
When I see a sloppy show, it really hurts. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Mr. Eberenz should have a plaque in his honor in the building. He did so much not just in the booth, but with the stage lighting, organ lift, the marquee, electrical system, etc. The theater would not be where it is today if it were not for his valuable input and countless hours of volunteer work.
In closing, I have to say that Mr. Eberenz would have really liked you, Rob. You speak the same language. I’m only sorry that you never got to know him.
A recent profile of the Loew’s Jesey can be read here.
It hurts me to hear a great person like Bob have a dissappointing time at any film presentation. I know he gave me many thumbs up when I showed Jaws back in June at the Count Basie. I wanted to attend but was working a concert in Lakewood at the stadium. If my families situation was better I would love to be one of the projectionists here, having 37 years expierience, but my financial situation prohibits me at this time. Best of luck to Rob & Mitchell.
Thanks, Bob. I don’t want to throw any of our dedicated, hard-working volunteer projectionists under the bus. In the end, I’m responsible for the presentation, and if it falls short, it’s my fault.
Rob: The Loew’s Jersey is indeed fortunate to have you and Mitchell on their projection team. I know that you are fighting an uphill battle!
I apologize for the unacceptable quality of this weekend’s film presentation, and I hope we can win back our patrons' confidence in future showings.
Bob, I received Goldfinger heads out, and did not have a chance to inspect it as thoroughly as I otherwise would. I only received the print for Dr. No approximately 30 minutes before showtime, tails out and emulsion out, a configuration that required manual winding, with at least one countdown leader spliced out of frame. After having to inspect Friday’s print just before the show (as no one was available to do it sooner), this left little time for me to look at Goldfinger, and as I was growing tired, I did not wind the last reel to see what was on the tail (although I did know there were credits).
Regardless, none of these things should have caused the various faults with this past weekend’s presentation, and I’m embarrassed that it was not nearly as professional as it should have been.
Our projectionist who was working that show made a mistake and cut off the film after seeing cues at the end of the reel. I did not react in time to get the film back on screen before the backstage crew brought up the lights and closed the curtain—we view the credits as an integral part of the film and out of respect for the cast and crew—as well as their fans, our patrons—never intentionally skip them.
I should point out that Mitchell Dvoskin, who usually projects on Friday nights, is an attentive operator who frequently checks focus and framing.
If Mitchell is projecting, you are assured of a quality presentation. He knows film and recognizes the art of showmanship. When Bob Eberenz and I first brought 35mm capability back to the Loew’s in the late 1990’s, Mitchell and Bernie Anderson were our two chief projectionists.
It might be good to alert customers as to which projectionist will be working the show.
I went back to the Loew’s last night for the first time in quite a few years. It was good to see old friends again and certain showmanship aspects of the presentation (lights, curtains) were very good to see.
However, the projection was very disappointing. Reels remained out of focus for up to five minutes at a time; framing on one reel was off so badly that heads were getting cut off and it remained that way for nearly ten minutes; a changeover on GOLDFINGER was missed and allowed to run unchecked for about 30 seconds while everybody stared at a white screen. Finally, much to everyone’s frustration, the end credits/music were cut off from GOLDFINGER. It was later confirmed they were on the print which had been delivered to the theater tails out on Thursday.
It was a VERY sloppy presentation that greatly diminished all the hard work of the others doing their work professionally.
Make no mistake, the volunteers have done a GREAT job with the Loew’s. However, there’s no shortage of competent, professional operators in the NYC area. I hope they can get someone to run these shows who is attentive and provides a quality presentation.
GDellaFa, I was in attendance at this past weekend’s “Sean Connery/50 Years of Bond” weekend when the October film program was announced. On Oct. 26th and 27th FOL is presenting a program called,“Horror:the Ways You Like IT” with such featured films as, “Carnival of Souls”, “Murders In The Rue Morgue” (Lugosi)“Dracula” (Hammer)“The Horror of Dracula” and “The Sentinel” Sounds like the web site needs an update.
The October movie weekend will be on 10/26 & 10/27. As of now, Friday night will be a double feature of Homicidal and Carnival Of Souls. Saturday will be Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932 Version), Dracula (Lugosi Version), and Horror Of Dracula. Program subject to change until everything is confirmed, at which time the shows will appear on the web site with their start times.
Aren’t there any movies/events scheduled for October 2012? All the website shows right now is the Farmers Market…
The Landmark Loews Jersey – The Wonder Theatre Of New Jersey
The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre is the metro area’s favorite venue for classic films!
The theatre is located directly across from the PATH subway station connecting Manhattan with Jersey City and it is also easy to reach from most area highways. Secure discounted parking is located directly behind the theatre. Have your parking ticket validated at the theatre’s boxoffice.
As Always, All Our Show Are Still Presented Exclusively From High Resolution 35mm Motion Picture Film With Genuine Carbon Arc Projection, On Our Giant 50 Foot Wide Screen.
This coming weekend will start our fall seasons classic films at The Landmark Loews Jersey.
Friday September 28th at 8:00pm – Marnie (1964)
Starring Tippi Hedren and Sean Connery.
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. (130 minutes, Color)
A happy man with a happy life falls in love with an unhappy women with an unhappy life, and drama ensues.
Saturday September 29th at 6:00pm – Dr. No (1962)
Starring Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Joseph Wiseman.
Directed by Terence Young. (111 minutes, Color)
This year is the 50th anniversary of James Bond on film, and in this, the first film adaptation of a James Bond novel, it seems that bad things are happening in Jamaica. Fortunately, those evil doers underestimate secret agent 007…
Saturday September 29th at 8:30pm – Goldfinger (1964)
Starring Sean Connery, Gert Fröbe, and Honor Blackman.
(117 minutes, Color)
James Bond, 007 is back again, foiling an evil plan to rob Fort Knox.
Visit The Landmark Loews Jersey web site for details.
The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre Lobby
I believe the web site has been updated, recently. There appears to be some Sean Connery films scheduled for Sept. 28th and 29th. You might want to give the site a look. Hope you find something you like.
The website has no showtimes. Are they currently showing films and how often? Will there be an active schedule maintained on the website or do you have to go there to find out?
my favorite movie theatre when i was a kid. probaly went to the loews, than to the state and stanley combined.
Is it too early to start anticipating what the Fall film series might have in store? Any word yet?
Thanks for posting this, Tinseltoes. Gee, the theatre looks brand-spanking new with the paper on the stairs. I’m sure the owners had a sense of pride in their theatres back then.
Thanks, Tinseltoes. It was fascinating to read about the luxurious design details that went into the Loew’s Jersey. They didn’t call it a movie palace for nothing. So glad it’s still open for business, against all the odds.
We do have a plan to install digital projection in the near future, but we plan on exhibiting film alongside and in preference to the digital content (where good prints are available) for as long as possible.
Not to be a party pooper, but is the FoTL planning on a replacement for their 35mm projection system? Or perhaps they need both digital and 35mm? I just saw a figure of $70,000 for a independent San Francisco house. Perhaps this only applies to new films, which the Loew’s does not show. If classic films continue to be available in 35mm prints, perhaps this isn’t an issue for the Loew’s? Do we need to start a fund-raising drive? Just wondering…
In April, the Loew’s remembered the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster with three great shows.
Programs from the last two Loew’s Jersey shows. Mothra was really a blast!
The Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre is the metro area’s favorite venue for classic films!
The theatre is located directly across from the PATH subway station connecting Manhattan with Jersey City and it is also easy to reach from most area highways. Secure discounted parking is located directly behind the theatre. Have your parking ticket validated at the theatre’s boxoffice.
As Always, All Our Show Are Still Presented Exclusively From High Resolution 35mm Motion Picture Film With Genuine Carbon Arc Projection, On Our Giant 50 Foot Wide Screen.
The coming 2 weekends will conclude this seasons classic films at The Landmark Loews Jersey.
For June 1st & 2nd
Friday June 1st at 8:00pm – The Producers (1968)
Starring Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Kenneth Mars, Estelle Winwood. Directed by Mel Brooks. (90 minutes, Color).
Down-on-his luck Broadway producer Max Bialystock takes an offhand comment by his new accountant Leo Bloom and turns it into the ultimate ponzi scheme: the two will over sell shares in a new musical, make sure the show is a flop that closes on the first night, and keep all the money.
Saturday June 2nd at 6:30pm – My Man Godfrey (1936)
Starring William Powell, Carole Lombard, Alice Brady, Gail Patrick, Jean Dixon, Eugene Pallette. Directed by Gregory La Cava. (95 minutes, B&W)
In the midst of the Great Depression, a spoiled daughter of a wealthy family wins a prize by bringing an unemployed man living at the town dump to a party. The girl falls in love with the man and impetuously hires him as her family’s butler. We soon find there’s more to the man than the girl or we suspect, and less to girl’s wealthy family.
Saturday June 2nd at 8:30pm – Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charlie Ruggles, Barry Fitzgerald, May Robson.
Directed by Howard Hawks. (103 minutes, B&W)
One of the crowning comic achievements in the careers of director Howard Hawks and of stars Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, “Bringing Up Baby” is also the ultimate distillation of the screwball comedy. The story, such as it is, involves a nerdish paleontologist, an heiress determined to snag him, two leopards, a dinosaur bone and mistaken identity. A non-stop parade of inspired gags, incredibly smart and funny wordplay and the pointed if hysterical skewering of the archetypes that screwball comedy so deftly makes fun of: the idle rich, eggheads and officialdom.
For June 8th & 9th
Friday June 8th at 8:00pm – Mothra (1961)
The Toho Monster Classic, presented in Japanese with English Subtitles.
Saturday June 9th at 6:00pm – Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)
For the kid in all of us.
Saturday June 9th at 8:10pm – Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Return to Hogwarts when learning to be a wizard was still filled with awe, mystery, and fun.
Visit The Landmark Loews Jersey web site at for details.