Netflix 25 Nov 2019 press release (entitled Netflix Proud to Preserve New York’s Iconic Paris Theatre)
https://media.netflix.com/en/press-releases/netflix-proud-to-preserve-new-yorks-iconic-paris-theatre
New York’s iconic Paris Theatre is back! The Paris, one of the oldest art houses in the United States, and the last single-screen theater in New York, was shuttered earlier this year and was re-opened earlier this month to a successful run of Marriage Story, by acclaimed New York filmmaker Noah Baumbach. Today Netflix announced a lease agreement to keep the theater open and save the beloved institution. The company plans to use the theater for special events, screenings, and theatrical releases of its films. Terms of the lease were not disclosed.
“After 71 years, the Paris Theatre has an enduring legacy, and remains the destination for a one-of-a kind movie-going experience,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer. “We are incredibly proud to preserve this historic New York institution so it can continue to be a cinematic home for film lovers.”
The Paris Theatre has charmed film aficionados since it first opened in 1948, when actress Marlene Dietrich cut the ribbon to commemorate the occasion. The theater, opened by Pathé Cinema, originally showed French titles, the first of which was La Symphonie Pastorale, which ran for eight months.
The Paris became a symbol of prestige cinema, known for showcasing specialized films, and can be credited with introducing renowned foreign language films to an American audience including Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet, which ran for almost an entire year from 1968-1969; Claude Lelouch’s A Man And A Woman; and Marcello Mastroianni’s comedy Divorce Italian Style, which played for over a year. The theater closed in August 2019 after a successful run of Ron Howard’s Pavarotti.
Tickets for Marriage Story at the Paris Theatre are currently on sale and can be purchased at the box office, or at www.marriagestorymovie.com.
Photos for download [please do not link out]: All courtesy of Netflix, by Marion Curtis: (see press release)
About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with over 158 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
I wrote “sort of” Not identical to. That seemed to be the intent, with the music before, and at intermission, and after the movie, and a special super wide aspect ratio, and 70mm, and a souvenir movie book.
No intermission. I posted at the Belasco page at this website my comments about my seeing the film there. For decades, new movies no matter how long, don’t get an intermission.
Another article says “Marriage Story” will get an additional 2 weeks at the Paris, which means, I think,after this week. The movie will likely be nominated for Best Picture.
Numerous articles today are reporting that Netflix has announced a long term lease on the Paris! Hurrah! One article indicates “The Irishman” may move here after its Belasco Theatre run.
FYI, digital also uses projectors, but digital projectors, not film projectors. After City Cinemas switched regular screenings to digital, the 35/70mm projectors remained in the booth & are likely still there.
There is no website yet at this time for the Paris Theatre. Sites like Fandango have tickets for “Marriage Story” as does the theater’s ticket booth.
In response to another’s question, Netflix is very good at making selections that people wish to watch. I expect that if we are lucky enough, and Netflix secures a lease, rather than our witnessing the Paris being destroyed in the absence of a movie tenant, Netflix will screen films that are worthy of being seen on the big screen. I will be happy to attend!
I did not ask. I was never a projectionist & don’t claim to be an expert, but I believe it was shown in digital at the Paris. It looked fine. I’d prefer 35mm, but since the Paris began showing in digital under the previous operator (City Cinemas), I have found the quality of the digital presentation there to be excellent.
As I had time yesterday before seeing “The Irishman” at the Belasco, another Netflix presentation, I returned to the Paris & photographed the graphics in the windows above the marquee & posted them here. I don’t recall ever seeing graphics in person in those windows. Showmanship!
Thanks to Netflix for bringing glamour back to moviegoing by reopening the Paris Theatre for “Marriage Story” and for showcasing the 3.5 hour all star epic, thriller movie “The Irishman” at the beautiful Belasco Theatre! After having enjoyed “Marriage Story” earlier in the week at the Paris, yesterday at the 1 PM matinee, I enjoyed “The Irishman” at the Belasco. The red curtain rose and 2 trailers played of Netflix movies: “Marriage Story” and “The Two Popes” followed by the movie (which has no intermission). I sat in the second row (B) of the Mezzanine, which provided a perfect sightline for the large screen, with excellent 4k projection. The 7.1 surround sound was very good, too. The Belasco is gorgeous, with murals, Tiffany light fixtures, and plenty of ornamentation. The experience was like how people used to see movies, except that over time, the original grandeur of most movie palaces had faded, whereas the Belasco was properly restored in 2010.
Width the image takes up on the screen. Nothing to do with digital or film (35mm). 1.66 is less wide on the movie screen or TV screen, than “flat” (1.85) or “scope” (2.35 or 2.4). On our flat, HD TVs, the movie would be letterboxed on the left & right (unless the TV owner sets the TV to always fill the screen no matter what). Fortunately, the Paris did not need to letterbox it. For decades, many art films from Europe have been in 1.66.
I attended 4 PM yesterday Marriage Story (a Netflix movie). I was overjoyed to see another movie at the Paris after this summer’s closure, and I hope Netfix will continue at the Paris! Well attended. Trailers: Exits, Dolby Surround, Irishman movie, The Two Popes (both Netflix movies). Curtain used, as always (thankfully). The movie being 1.66 aspect ratio, it was properly matted/masked (I think the curtain closed in to properly matt). Open, not reserved seating. I heard women coming into the auditorium saying “I love this theater” and “I am glad the theater was not destroyed” In lobby, at right, large horizontal poster case filled with movie stills rather than same graphic as marquee which in recent years was most often there (& often in recent years there rather than the movie were graphics of the city of Paris). Theater’s front doors postered over with Marriage Story poster, something not done before. Because daytime there was a truck in front, I didn’t realize the windows above the marquee had Marriage Story graphics/promotion which I don’t think has been done in decades- can someone please photo the theater’s front with those window graphics? Being from Philadelphia, I may not get back to the Paris while Marriage Story is still playing.
The Phoenix, exterior though with current look including Phoenix sign, and the auditorium wonderfully features several times in TV' The Durrells in Coru season 4 episode 4 which is set in 1939.
Actually, I think from what I’ve read, the landlord liked the Paris as a movie theater. He’s now about 90 though, and whether him or his son, likely wanted “market rent” than what City Cinemas likely was paying. Netflix might be willing to pay more than the prior movie operator, to obtain a topnotch movie theater in a great location to showcase their movies.
I subscribed to Netflix last year because of the many great TV shows to stream. I prefer to see movies in theaters, and have been seeing Netflix movies in theaters including El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, Roma, and the Ballard of Buster Scruggs. I will be overjoyed next month to see “Marriage Story” at the Paris, one of my favorite movie theaters. Thank you, Netflix! I hope Netflix obtains a regular lease of the Paris so the theater can continue to show movies rather than become something else!
I am in Philadelphia. The Irishman will play here, but the opportunity to see the epic movie in a great historic, beautiful theater is too much to resist! Is there a website selling tickets?
Friends, Ron & Roberta emailed me this about yesterday- The Garden State Theater Society had a luncheon, open console, and a mini concert by Candi Carley Roth at the Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown on Sunday. We had never heard the United States Organ, which was originally installed in the Lansdale Theater.
In my opinion, it is very exciting to have a movie showcased at a gorgeous, historic theater like this one! And, a movie by an extremely well acclaimed director who rightfully points out the lack of proper venues since the Ziegfeld and Paris closed.
Also, you may be interested in knowing that ‘scope 70mm aspect ratio traditionally is 2.2 wide rather than usual scope (2.35 or 2.39) to accommodate the surround sound that used to be on the film itself. And, “The Joker” was filmed with digital cameras, not 65mm cameras, or 35mm cameras (for blow up to 70mm).
Netflix 25 Nov 2019 press release (entitled Netflix Proud to Preserve New York’s Iconic Paris Theatre) https://media.netflix.com/en/press-releases/netflix-proud-to-preserve-new-yorks-iconic-paris-theatre New York’s iconic Paris Theatre is back! The Paris, one of the oldest art houses in the United States, and the last single-screen theater in New York, was shuttered earlier this year and was re-opened earlier this month to a successful run of Marriage Story, by acclaimed New York filmmaker Noah Baumbach. Today Netflix announced a lease agreement to keep the theater open and save the beloved institution. The company plans to use the theater for special events, screenings, and theatrical releases of its films. Terms of the lease were not disclosed.
“After 71 years, the Paris Theatre has an enduring legacy, and remains the destination for a one-of-a kind movie-going experience,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer. “We are incredibly proud to preserve this historic New York institution so it can continue to be a cinematic home for film lovers.”
The Paris Theatre has charmed film aficionados since it first opened in 1948, when actress Marlene Dietrich cut the ribbon to commemorate the occasion. The theater, opened by Pathé Cinema, originally showed French titles, the first of which was La Symphonie Pastorale, which ran for eight months.
The Paris became a symbol of prestige cinema, known for showcasing specialized films, and can be credited with introducing renowned foreign language films to an American audience including Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet, which ran for almost an entire year from 1968-1969; Claude Lelouch’s A Man And A Woman; and Marcello Mastroianni’s comedy Divorce Italian Style, which played for over a year. The theater closed in August 2019 after a successful run of Ron Howard’s Pavarotti.
Tickets for Marriage Story at the Paris Theatre are currently on sale and can be purchased at the box office, or at www.marriagestorymovie.com.
Photos for download [please do not link out]: All courtesy of Netflix, by Marion Curtis: (see press release) About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with over 158 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
I wrote “sort of” Not identical to. That seemed to be the intent, with the music before, and at intermission, and after the movie, and a special super wide aspect ratio, and 70mm, and a souvenir movie book.
Thanks, there’s an exception to every rule. The Hateful Eight was a roadshow, sort of. And, it was great, including the free souvenir program books!
No intermission. I posted at the Belasco page at this website my comments about my seeing the film there. For decades, new movies no matter how long, don’t get an intermission.
Another article says “Marriage Story” will get an additional 2 weeks at the Paris, which means, I think,after this week. The movie will likely be nominated for Best Picture.
Numerous articles today are reporting that Netflix has announced a long term lease on the Paris! Hurrah! One article indicates “The Irishman” may move here after its Belasco Theatre run.
I quickly glimpsed at the lower lounge concession area. It looked like the same refreshments that theaters offer at live shows. There was no popcorn.
FYI, digital also uses projectors, but digital projectors, not film projectors. After City Cinemas switched regular screenings to digital, the 35/70mm projectors remained in the booth & are likely still there.
There is no website yet at this time for the Paris Theatre. Sites like Fandango have tickets for “Marriage Story” as does the theater’s ticket booth.
In response to another’s question, Netflix is very good at making selections that people wish to watch. I expect that if we are lucky enough, and Netflix secures a lease, rather than our witnessing the Paris being destroyed in the absence of a movie tenant, Netflix will screen films that are worthy of being seen on the big screen. I will be happy to attend!
I did not ask. I was never a projectionist & don’t claim to be an expert, but I believe it was shown in digital at the Paris. It looked fine. I’d prefer 35mm, but since the Paris began showing in digital under the previous operator (City Cinemas), I have found the quality of the digital presentation there to be excellent.
As I had time yesterday before seeing “The Irishman” at the Belasco, another Netflix presentation, I returned to the Paris & photographed the graphics in the windows above the marquee & posted them here. I don’t recall ever seeing graphics in person in those windows. Showmanship!
Thanks to Netflix for bringing glamour back to moviegoing by reopening the Paris Theatre for “Marriage Story” and for showcasing the 3.5 hour all star epic, thriller movie “The Irishman” at the beautiful Belasco Theatre! After having enjoyed “Marriage Story” earlier in the week at the Paris, yesterday at the 1 PM matinee, I enjoyed “The Irishman” at the Belasco. The red curtain rose and 2 trailers played of Netflix movies: “Marriage Story” and “The Two Popes” followed by the movie (which has no intermission). I sat in the second row (B) of the Mezzanine, which provided a perfect sightline for the large screen, with excellent 4k projection. The 7.1 surround sound was very good, too. The Belasco is gorgeous, with murals, Tiffany light fixtures, and plenty of ornamentation. The experience was like how people used to see movies, except that over time, the original grandeur of most movie palaces had faded, whereas the Belasco was properly restored in 2010.
Width the image takes up on the screen. Nothing to do with digital or film (35mm). 1.66 is less wide on the movie screen or TV screen, than “flat” (1.85) or “scope” (2.35 or 2.4). On our flat, HD TVs, the movie would be letterboxed on the left & right (unless the TV owner sets the TV to always fill the screen no matter what). Fortunately, the Paris did not need to letterbox it. For decades, many art films from Europe have been in 1.66.
I attended 4 PM yesterday Marriage Story (a Netflix movie). I was overjoyed to see another movie at the Paris after this summer’s closure, and I hope Netfix will continue at the Paris! Well attended. Trailers: Exits, Dolby Surround, Irishman movie, The Two Popes (both Netflix movies). Curtain used, as always (thankfully). The movie being 1.66 aspect ratio, it was properly matted/masked (I think the curtain closed in to properly matt). Open, not reserved seating. I heard women coming into the auditorium saying “I love this theater” and “I am glad the theater was not destroyed” In lobby, at right, large horizontal poster case filled with movie stills rather than same graphic as marquee which in recent years was most often there (& often in recent years there rather than the movie were graphics of the city of Paris). Theater’s front doors postered over with Marriage Story poster, something not done before. Because daytime there was a truck in front, I didn’t realize the windows above the marquee had Marriage Story graphics/promotion which I don’t think has been done in decades- can someone please photo the theater’s front with those window graphics? Being from Philadelphia, I may not get back to the Paris while Marriage Story is still playing.
I will comment after my visit later this month.
The Phoenix, exterior though with current look including Phoenix sign, and the auditorium wonderfully features several times in TV' The Durrells in Coru season 4 episode 4 which is set in 1939.
Thank you Mike. I just purchased my ticket. Is there a website yet for the Paris for same studio, Netflix, presentation of Marriage Story?
The one listing in Telecharge.com for Belasco Theatre that appears does not mention the Irishman.
Actually, I think from what I’ve read, the landlord liked the Paris as a movie theater. He’s now about 90 though, and whether him or his son, likely wanted “market rent” than what City Cinemas likely was paying. Netflix might be willing to pay more than the prior movie operator, to obtain a topnotch movie theater in a great location to showcase their movies.
I subscribed to Netflix last year because of the many great TV shows to stream. I prefer to see movies in theaters, and have been seeing Netflix movies in theaters including El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, Roma, and the Ballard of Buster Scruggs. I will be overjoyed next month to see “Marriage Story” at the Paris, one of my favorite movie theaters. Thank you, Netflix! I hope Netflix obtains a regular lease of the Paris so the theater can continue to show movies rather than become something else!
I am in Philadelphia. The Irishman will play here, but the opportunity to see the epic movie in a great historic, beautiful theater is too much to resist! Is there a website selling tickets?
Photo by Seth Gaines,Oct 2019
Friends, Ron & Roberta emailed me this about yesterday- The Garden State Theater Society had a luncheon, open console, and a mini concert by Candi Carley Roth at the Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown on Sunday. We had never heard the United States Organ, which was originally installed in the Lansdale Theater.
In my opinion, it is very exciting to have a movie showcased at a gorgeous, historic theater like this one! And, a movie by an extremely well acclaimed director who rightfully points out the lack of proper venues since the Ziegfeld and Paris closed.
Also, you may be interested in knowing that ‘scope 70mm aspect ratio traditionally is 2.2 wide rather than usual scope (2.35 or 2.39) to accommodate the surround sound that used to be on the film itself. And, “The Joker” was filmed with digital cameras, not 65mm cameras, or 35mm cameras (for blow up to 70mm).
All 70mm films are NOT scope! The Joker is flat, as was for example, The Master.