Justin, Have you noticed the start of any construction on the IMAX system? We are now a little over 5 weeks away from the scheduled installation. I just don’t see how they could meet the January 23rd date, especially if it means removing a wall, installing a screen, rearranging the projection booth and seating, training on the new system, etc., but I hope I’m wrong. Keep us posted. You are our best source since you’re there a lot. Thanks.
Thanks, but I failed to mention that I have already been checking AMC’s website. That’s where I got the date of January 23rd. There’s an asterisk next to it which indicates it could change. I thought you might have had some connection at the theater since you are there a lot. Hey, we can only hope.
Justin, While at the theater yesterday I asked two employees if the IMAX was on schedule for January 23rd. They didn’t know (perhaps they were not at liberty to say). One of them pointed to two auditoriums and said if it were to be installed they would probably remove the wall between them. WE’RE TWO MONTHS AWAY AND THE WALL AIN’T EVEN DOWN YET!!! I then asked how one screen would be able to handle all the 3D movies coming out (almost two dozen next year and dozens beyond that; check out the MarketSaw Blogspot for the list.) I also asked if they would be supplementing the IMAX with some REALD digital 3D. The answer was “there might not be enough money”. I came away discouraged that 3D was probably not in Rockaway’s future any time soon. If you have a credible source, can you share what you know and offer us some hope? Thanks.
While waiting for my movie to start I approached an employee who looked like he might be able to answer my question about…what else…digital 3D capability. I asked if it would be coming to this theater anytime soon. I sensed a softening of the “not very likely” answer I got several months ago. I mentioned the surge of new 3D movies coming out, “Beowulf”, “Journey 3D”, “Avatar”, “Monsters vs. Aliens”, “U23D”, re-release of “Nightmare Before Christmas”, and ALL of Dreamworks' animated offerings by 2009. I also mentioned the push by Real D to equip 5000 screens by (end of?) 2008. Hence, the pressure will be on for Rockaway 16 to “keep up with the Joneses”. Digital 3D is the future!!! He understood all that and did not disagree. The problem right now is the cost. I asked how Clifton Commons managed to get two screens equipped and was told they have a higher volume of patrons. Hmnn! I thought Rockaway was doing rather well and certainly ideally located for volume and, while digital installation is expensive, it would bring in additional revenue. Anyway, he was very courteous and appeared to suggest that “someday” they hope to go digital but it wouldn’t be anytime soon. Frustrating! Now I know how the Clearview chain got its name. With regard to, at least, this subject, their view of the future is clear.
Thanks again, Michael D. Appreciate your quick response. By the way, anyone at AMC with “vision” should already be reading up on this stuff and preparing for what’s coming, with or without our letters. One final comment: I agree outfitting one theater may not resolve the problem but waiting until all theaters can be outfitted will probably take forever. Maybe something in between.
Michael D, Thank you for addressing our questions. Please bear with me as I have a lot to say. 1)In general, Rockaway can’t be that unique that it can’t manage to solve the 3D problem, as others have done. Certainly, it could consult with other AMC theaters within its family (like Clifton Commons) to see how they addressed and resolved the financial challenge. 2)I’ll pass on the interlock discussion since I’m not sure what’s involved. But again, is Rockaway the only one with this problem? 3)Regarding paying for both 2D and 3D versions, hey, you gotta spend money to make money (it’s called “investmentâ€) and the 3D versions MAKE money. Between the added volume of customers and increased ticket prices, it would pay for itself. 4)If you’re showing both 3D and 2D versions, the 3D version could actually help the sales of the 2D version. I read somewhere that 2D version sales increased when the 3D sold out. 5)Training booth people to maintain both systems would be part of the “investment†for the future. Successful companies train all the time to keep up with new technologies. Using the training argument to avoid moving forward is short sighted. 6)Assuming the expense is the same to outfit a large or small theater for 3D, a large theater should be equipped to accommodate the crowds on opening day. This would translate to more ticket sales. When sales drop off significantly, discontinue the movie. Unless you show both versions in the first place, moving it to a smaller theater in 2D is not going to significantly add to revenue at that point. The argument that a “small theater is too small and big theater is too big†makes no sense. It’s self-defeating. 7)I disagree that most people don’t care which version they see. That’s not what I’ve been reading. Studies were done that show people are interested in 3D and will pay extra to see what they can’t currently get at home. Otherwise why have the 3D versions been doing three times the business? 8) The ability to show IMAX films?…another plus!!! There are NO IMAX theaters in our area. You have to travel to West Nyack or Lincoln Center in NY, or Atlantic City to see an IMAX movie. I wrote to IMAX Corporation, AMC, Simon Management and the Mayor of Rockaway to get them to add an IMAX theater to the mall, with no success. Well, thanks again for your response. I’m glad we have someone like you working at the theater who asks questions, addresses our concerns, and is learning the business. Please feel free to respond to my comments. And please pass them on to anyone at the theater who will listen. I’m no expert in theater management but I’ve been reading a lot about the new 3D and what’s ahead. 3D is here to stay, finally, and Rockaway is going to have to come around eventually. It just makes good business sense!!!
Michael D, Please help me understand why Rockaway 16 needs to have the same projection equipment across the whole theater. Why is it not possible to outfit at least one screen with the Real D digital 3D system as other theaters have done (like Clifton Commons, Clearview Parsippany & Succasunna, etc.). This would bring in about 3 times the revenue as the 2D versions as reported with “Chicken Little”, “Monster House”, and “Meet the Robinsons”. With all the buzz about the flood of new 3D movies coming out and the support of many top directors, the system would pay for itself in no time. The good news is Rockaway 16 is Number 2!!! Hopefully, that will translate to “digital” sooner than later. Thanks in advance. JJD
Justin, you’re gonna love this. I just called the theater. After confirming that they were NOT showing “Meet The Robinsons” in digital 3D, I asked when Rockaway would get the system. The customer rep replied that they won’t be getting it. I said “ever?” and she replied yes. I said that was unfortunate since the 3D version of these upcoming movies is where the money is (and apparently what the people want.) It continues to baffle me that AMC could construct a brand new theater with the latest “this and that” and not install the digital 3D system from the getgo (or at least soon thereafter)…especially since AMC is one of the major chains that has contracted with Real D. I’m hoping they will have a change of heart as the market becomes flooded with all the upcoming 3D movies I’m reading about. Thanks to Clearview, we at least have Parsippany and Succasunna. Their auditoriums and screens aren’t as impressive as Rockaway’s but at least they have the technology. Saw “Meet the Robinsons” last friday and it definitely delivered the goods!!!
Justin, please tell us more about the digital pre-show. What exactly was it? Was there any mention of installing digital projectors? When I contacted AMC some weeks ago they told me the theatre would not “open” with digital projectors but that they were committed to the technology, or something like that. As a 3D enthusiast, I found that disappointing. Digital 3D is doing well and will only get better. Let us know. I strolled through several of the theatres while waiting for “Happy Feet” to start (great movie!). All had stadium seating and large screens (slightly curved). Capacity is posted with the theatre number at the entrance. All in all, I’m very impressed with complex but we need those digital projectors!!!
David, If you go to their website (www.amctheatres.com), click on “Contact Us”, then scroll down to “Send us a Letter”, you’ll find their address (AMC Theatres, P.O. Box 725489, Atlanta, GA 31139-9923). I don’t know about you but I’m interested not only in the quality that digital provides, but also (and specifically) the 3D capability that goes with it. I drove down to Jersey Gardens (from Denville) just to see the 3D version of “Chicken Little”, but swore I would not do it again for “Monster House”. If you contact AMC Theatres, please make the bid for 3D as well. Thanks. JJD P.S. I also tried to get an IMAX added to the site…with no luck. I was tired of driving to W. Nyack, NY. I wrote to IMAX, Simon, and the Mayor of Rockaway. All graciously responded. My suggestion has been forwarded to somebody’s “Planning Department”.
Justin and David, I contacted AMC directly and they told me the new theatres in Rockaway will not “open” with digital projectors but that they are committed to expanding their digital technology plans. They also said they would forward my suggestion to install digital projectors to the Planning Department. I wrote back and told them I was “shocked” that they could build a new complex and not include the latest technology. It will be everyone’s loss since digital 3D is the future and, so far, has done better than the 2D versions. Doesn’t the Planning Department already know this? What’s wrong with this picture? Answer: It won’t be in 3D.
Justin, Have you noticed the start of any construction on the IMAX system? We are now a little over 5 weeks away from the scheduled installation. I just don’t see how they could meet the January 23rd date, especially if it means removing a wall, installing a screen, rearranging the projection booth and seating, training on the new system, etc., but I hope I’m wrong. Keep us posted. You are our best source since you’re there a lot. Thanks.
Thanks, but I failed to mention that I have already been checking AMC’s website. That’s where I got the date of January 23rd. There’s an asterisk next to it which indicates it could change. I thought you might have had some connection at the theater since you are there a lot. Hey, we can only hope.
Justin, While at the theater yesterday I asked two employees if the IMAX was on schedule for January 23rd. They didn’t know (perhaps they were not at liberty to say). One of them pointed to two auditoriums and said if it were to be installed they would probably remove the wall between them. WE’RE TWO MONTHS AWAY AND THE WALL AIN’T EVEN DOWN YET!!! I then asked how one screen would be able to handle all the 3D movies coming out (almost two dozen next year and dozens beyond that; check out the MarketSaw Blogspot for the list.) I also asked if they would be supplementing the IMAX with some REALD digital 3D. The answer was “there might not be enough money”. I came away discouraged that 3D was probably not in Rockaway’s future any time soon. If you have a credible source, can you share what you know and offer us some hope? Thanks.
While waiting for my movie to start I approached an employee who looked like he might be able to answer my question about…what else…digital 3D capability. I asked if it would be coming to this theater anytime soon. I sensed a softening of the “not very likely” answer I got several months ago. I mentioned the surge of new 3D movies coming out, “Beowulf”, “Journey 3D”, “Avatar”, “Monsters vs. Aliens”, “U23D”, re-release of “Nightmare Before Christmas”, and ALL of Dreamworks' animated offerings by 2009. I also mentioned the push by Real D to equip 5000 screens by (end of?) 2008. Hence, the pressure will be on for Rockaway 16 to “keep up with the Joneses”. Digital 3D is the future!!! He understood all that and did not disagree. The problem right now is the cost. I asked how Clifton Commons managed to get two screens equipped and was told they have a higher volume of patrons. Hmnn! I thought Rockaway was doing rather well and certainly ideally located for volume and, while digital installation is expensive, it would bring in additional revenue. Anyway, he was very courteous and appeared to suggest that “someday” they hope to go digital but it wouldn’t be anytime soon. Frustrating! Now I know how the Clearview chain got its name. With regard to, at least, this subject, their view of the future is clear.
Thanks again, Michael D. Appreciate your quick response. By the way, anyone at AMC with “vision” should already be reading up on this stuff and preparing for what’s coming, with or without our letters. One final comment: I agree outfitting one theater may not resolve the problem but waiting until all theaters can be outfitted will probably take forever. Maybe something in between.
Michael D, Thank you for addressing our questions. Please bear with me as I have a lot to say. 1)In general, Rockaway can’t be that unique that it can’t manage to solve the 3D problem, as others have done. Certainly, it could consult with other AMC theaters within its family (like Clifton Commons) to see how they addressed and resolved the financial challenge. 2)I’ll pass on the interlock discussion since I’m not sure what’s involved. But again, is Rockaway the only one with this problem? 3)Regarding paying for both 2D and 3D versions, hey, you gotta spend money to make money (it’s called “investmentâ€) and the 3D versions MAKE money. Between the added volume of customers and increased ticket prices, it would pay for itself. 4)If you’re showing both 3D and 2D versions, the 3D version could actually help the sales of the 2D version. I read somewhere that 2D version sales increased when the 3D sold out. 5)Training booth people to maintain both systems would be part of the “investment†for the future. Successful companies train all the time to keep up with new technologies. Using the training argument to avoid moving forward is short sighted. 6)Assuming the expense is the same to outfit a large or small theater for 3D, a large theater should be equipped to accommodate the crowds on opening day. This would translate to more ticket sales. When sales drop off significantly, discontinue the movie. Unless you show both versions in the first place, moving it to a smaller theater in 2D is not going to significantly add to revenue at that point. The argument that a “small theater is too small and big theater is too big†makes no sense. It’s self-defeating. 7)I disagree that most people don’t care which version they see. That’s not what I’ve been reading. Studies were done that show people are interested in 3D and will pay extra to see what they can’t currently get at home. Otherwise why have the 3D versions been doing three times the business? 8) The ability to show IMAX films?…another plus!!! There are NO IMAX theaters in our area. You have to travel to West Nyack or Lincoln Center in NY, or Atlantic City to see an IMAX movie. I wrote to IMAX Corporation, AMC, Simon Management and the Mayor of Rockaway to get them to add an IMAX theater to the mall, with no success. Well, thanks again for your response. I’m glad we have someone like you working at the theater who asks questions, addresses our concerns, and is learning the business. Please feel free to respond to my comments. And please pass them on to anyone at the theater who will listen. I’m no expert in theater management but I’ve been reading a lot about the new 3D and what’s ahead. 3D is here to stay, finally, and Rockaway is going to have to come around eventually. It just makes good business sense!!!
Michael D, Please help me understand why Rockaway 16 needs to have the same projection equipment across the whole theater. Why is it not possible to outfit at least one screen with the Real D digital 3D system as other theaters have done (like Clifton Commons, Clearview Parsippany & Succasunna, etc.). This would bring in about 3 times the revenue as the 2D versions as reported with “Chicken Little”, “Monster House”, and “Meet the Robinsons”. With all the buzz about the flood of new 3D movies coming out and the support of many top directors, the system would pay for itself in no time. The good news is Rockaway 16 is Number 2!!! Hopefully, that will translate to “digital” sooner than later. Thanks in advance. JJD
Justin, you’re gonna love this. I just called the theater. After confirming that they were NOT showing “Meet The Robinsons” in digital 3D, I asked when Rockaway would get the system. The customer rep replied that they won’t be getting it. I said “ever?” and she replied yes. I said that was unfortunate since the 3D version of these upcoming movies is where the money is (and apparently what the people want.) It continues to baffle me that AMC could construct a brand new theater with the latest “this and that” and not install the digital 3D system from the getgo (or at least soon thereafter)…especially since AMC is one of the major chains that has contracted with Real D. I’m hoping they will have a change of heart as the market becomes flooded with all the upcoming 3D movies I’m reading about. Thanks to Clearview, we at least have Parsippany and Succasunna. Their auditoriums and screens aren’t as impressive as Rockaway’s but at least they have the technology. Saw “Meet the Robinsons” last friday and it definitely delivered the goods!!!
Justin, please tell us more about the digital pre-show. What exactly was it? Was there any mention of installing digital projectors? When I contacted AMC some weeks ago they told me the theatre would not “open” with digital projectors but that they were committed to the technology, or something like that. As a 3D enthusiast, I found that disappointing. Digital 3D is doing well and will only get better. Let us know. I strolled through several of the theatres while waiting for “Happy Feet” to start (great movie!). All had stadium seating and large screens (slightly curved). Capacity is posted with the theatre number at the entrance. All in all, I’m very impressed with complex but we need those digital projectors!!!
David, If you go to their website (www.amctheatres.com), click on “Contact Us”, then scroll down to “Send us a Letter”, you’ll find their address (AMC Theatres, P.O. Box 725489, Atlanta, GA 31139-9923). I don’t know about you but I’m interested not only in the quality that digital provides, but also (and specifically) the 3D capability that goes with it. I drove down to Jersey Gardens (from Denville) just to see the 3D version of “Chicken Little”, but swore I would not do it again for “Monster House”. If you contact AMC Theatres, please make the bid for 3D as well. Thanks. JJD P.S. I also tried to get an IMAX added to the site…with no luck. I was tired of driving to W. Nyack, NY. I wrote to IMAX, Simon, and the Mayor of Rockaway. All graciously responded. My suggestion has been forwarded to somebody’s “Planning Department”.
Justin and David, I contacted AMC directly and they told me the new theatres in Rockaway will not “open” with digital projectors but that they are committed to expanding their digital technology plans. They also said they would forward my suggestion to install digital projectors to the Planning Department. I wrote back and told them I was “shocked” that they could build a new complex and not include the latest technology. It will be everyone’s loss since digital 3D is the future and, so far, has done better than the 2D versions. Doesn’t the Planning Department already know this? What’s wrong with this picture? Answer: It won’t be in 3D.