No projector, the screen is made up of LED diodes.
from Wikipedia:
“Upon its completion, the Sphere will be 366 feet (112 m) high and 516 feet (157 m) wide at its broadest point.[25] It will be the largest spherical building in the world at 875,000 sq ft (81,300 m2).[27] It will include seating for 18,600 people,[63][59] and all seats will have high speed internet access.[64] Haptic technology is incorporated in 10,000 of the venue’s seats.[63] Seating does not wrap around the entire sphere, instead covering approximately two-thirds of the interior while the stage takes up the remainder.[65] The venue can accommodate 20,000 people in standing capacity.[38] The sphere has nine levels, including the basement, where a VIP club will be located. A total of 23 suites will be included, across the third and fifth floors.[53]
The Sphere’s interior will be equipped with a 16K resolution wraparound LED screen, measuring 160,000 sq ft (15,000 m2).[66][63] It will be the largest and highest-resolution LED screen in the world.[46] The exterior of the venue will feature 580,000 sq ft (54,000 m2) of programmable lighting,[11][67] which can feature holiday themes, with the Sphere depicting a Halloween jack-o'-lantern or a Christmas snow globe, for instance.[5] Both the Interior and Exterior screens were manufactured by SACO Technologies, a Canadian company and world leader in LED video displays and lighting.[68] The Sphere will feature a spatial audio system based on Holoplot’s X1 speaker module, which uses beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies and is equipped with 96 drivers each.[69][70] The sound system will comprise 1,600 X1 speakers that will be installed behind the LED panels, along with 300 mobile modules, for a total of 167,000 speaker drivers.[71][72][73] The sound system will also deliver sound through the floorboards.[67] 4D features, including scent and wind, will also be used.[5]"
Reopened by Fridley Theatres on September 8th, 2023
“The Fleur Cinema & Café and Fridley Theatres Announce Plans to Reopen
Des Moines, IA (July 14th , 2023) – The Fleur Cinema & Café and Fridley Theatres have signed an agreement to reopen the iconic southside movie theatre. “We are excited to operate and partner with The Fleur in its reopening. Our goal is to have the facility open prior to October 1st,” said Russell Vannorsdel, President of Fridley Theatres.
Fridley Theatres operates 17 locations and 95 screens across the state of Iowa. Robert “Bob” Fridley, its founder, had long been a presence in the Des Moines movie landscape, owning several theatres in the metro. “We love The Fleur’s history and atmosphere,” said Vannorsdel, “and we look forward to honoring its legacy and rich tradition of moviegoing.”
The Fleur Cinema & Café was opened and founded by Michael Coppola in 2001, who also previously operated the cinema. It has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic. “I cannot think of a better company to be the steward of this theatre into the future,” said Coppola. “I knew Bob Fridley, and he was one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. A true gentleman who loved the movies and embodied the business.”
The Fleur Cinema & Café will reopen in time for the fall Oscar season, when it will showcase various Academy Award contenders. It will continue to provide the highest quality pictures, exceptional service, and unmatched experience that has made it a staple in the Des Moines area for nearly two decades."
Deleted the 1964 grand opening ad and reposted a sharper version of it.
Grand opening ad posted.
Grand opening ad posted.
Grand opening ad:
Grand opening ad:
Fox Cinemaland opening 10 Apr 1968, Wed Santa Ana Register (Santa Ana, California) Newspapers.com
No projector, the screen is made up of LED diodes.
from Wikipedia: “Upon its completion, the Sphere will be 366 feet (112 m) high and 516 feet (157 m) wide at its broadest point.[25] It will be the largest spherical building in the world at 875,000 sq ft (81,300 m2).[27] It will include seating for 18,600 people,[63][59] and all seats will have high speed internet access.[64] Haptic technology is incorporated in 10,000 of the venue’s seats.[63] Seating does not wrap around the entire sphere, instead covering approximately two-thirds of the interior while the stage takes up the remainder.[65] The venue can accommodate 20,000 people in standing capacity.[38] The sphere has nine levels, including the basement, where a VIP club will be located. A total of 23 suites will be included, across the third and fifth floors.[53]
The Sphere’s interior will be equipped with a 16K resolution wraparound LED screen, measuring 160,000 sq ft (15,000 m2).[66][63] It will be the largest and highest-resolution LED screen in the world.[46] The exterior of the venue will feature 580,000 sq ft (54,000 m2) of programmable lighting,[11][67] which can feature holiday themes, with the Sphere depicting a Halloween jack-o'-lantern or a Christmas snow globe, for instance.[5] Both the Interior and Exterior screens were manufactured by SACO Technologies, a Canadian company and world leader in LED video displays and lighting.[68] The Sphere will feature a spatial audio system based on Holoplot’s X1 speaker module, which uses beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies and is equipped with 96 drivers each.[69][70] The sound system will comprise 1,600 X1 speakers that will be installed behind the LED panels, along with 300 mobile modules, for a total of 167,000 speaker drivers.[71][72][73] The sound system will also deliver sound through the floorboards.[67] 4D features, including scent and wind, will also be used.[5]"
Here’s the video of the screen showing its massive size.
Pre-construction photo
Seats 18,600, the largest cinema ever. Also features an outdoor screen.
Live video at:
Godzilla sits atop the cinema. Street view posted.
LA Times ad
The only discount screening of Return of the Jedi in 70/6 started on December 21st, 1983 for 4 weeks. Admission: $1.00
Heater policy promo:
Two screens as of February 1st, 1980
Opened January 31st, 1940
It opened on November 18th, 2005, replacing an older 3-plex cinema.
Closed July 4th, 1959 for an retail store.
Lafayette theatre closing 28 Dec 1959, Mon The Daily Progress (Charlottesville, Virginia) Newspapers.com
I uploaded and 2023 satellite photo. A lake developed in the lobby.
Demolished in Early February 2021.
Marquee cinemas demolished 08 Feb 2021, Mon Statesville Record And Landmark (Statesville, North Carolina) Newspapers.com
Opened on February 25th, 2005.
Marquee Cinemas opening 25 Feb 2005, Fri Statesville Record And Landmark (Statesville, North Carolina) Newspapers.com
Just had an look at the Sentinel on the date that you provided, No mention of THX on the ad.
Carmike closed it on September 14th, 2000.
For rent: https://socalcommercialforlease.com/56401-29-palms-hwy $12,000 a month.
Reopened by Fridley Theatres on September 8th, 2023
“The Fleur Cinema & Café and Fridley Theatres Announce Plans to Reopen Des Moines, IA (July 14th , 2023) – The Fleur Cinema & Café and Fridley Theatres have signed an agreement to reopen the iconic southside movie theatre. “We are excited to operate and partner with The Fleur in its reopening. Our goal is to have the facility open prior to October 1st,” said Russell Vannorsdel, President of Fridley Theatres.
Fridley Theatres operates 17 locations and 95 screens across the state of Iowa. Robert “Bob” Fridley, its founder, had long been a presence in the Des Moines movie landscape, owning several theatres in the metro. “We love The Fleur’s history and atmosphere,” said Vannorsdel, “and we look forward to honoring its legacy and rich tradition of moviegoing.”
The Fleur Cinema & Café was opened and founded by Michael Coppola in 2001, who also previously operated the cinema. It has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic. “I cannot think of a better company to be the steward of this theatre into the future,” said Coppola. “I knew Bob Fridley, and he was one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. A true gentleman who loved the movies and embodied the business.”
The Fleur Cinema & Café will reopen in time for the fall Oscar season, when it will showcase various Academy Award contenders. It will continue to provide the highest quality pictures, exceptional service, and unmatched experience that has made it a staple in the Des Moines area for nearly two decades."
Last season: 1986.