“World premieres of famous 35 mm films at the Strand”
Sure, there might have been several hundred films showing on an exclusive basis at the Strand, for their 1st run. Not all had their World Premieres there. And, not as many are famous, still recalled and watched with great fondness today. A list could be edited down to 20 or 30 such films for the introduction. If there is such a list for the Strand, I’m willing to edit it down myself (though you and others have the real expertise).
I checked, but wasn’t at “2001” on the same day in November that you reported seeing it at the Uptown. I was there on another day.
Under the relatively new AMC operation, the DC Uptown isn’t showing classics, 35 or 70mm. They’d likely need to bring back the union projectionists for presentation of classics. In addition to the platter that the union projectionist hated to see arrive in the booth during the prior Loews tenure, the Uptown has the projectors. I believe AMC operates the Seatle venue, so maybe they should learn from Seattle!
For that matter, the two side projection booths are still there, though sealed up. The original Cinerama screen has been replaced, but if the current screen isn’t suitable, a new Cinerama screen….and Cinerama could return to the Uptown if an operator was willing.
I agree with Bill’s comments.Seeing a gorgeous 70 mm 6 track print of “2001” at the Uptown in Washington DC with its huge curved Cinerama sized screen was one of the best moviegoing experiences I’ve ever had! On a huge curved screen, “2001” is an incredible experience.
People like on this website to recall where they first saw movies. For example, “Porgy and Bess” recently played again at the Ziegfeld. It was originally at this theater. Often, there’s too many comments for people to read them all, so people new or old to this site can quickly find some highlights in the Intro.
In providing the revision, I didn’t see the seating capacity of Cine Orleans.
Though there’s a website which lists 70mm films that played in New York, there isn’t one for 35mm films. World Premieres of famous 35mm films at the Strand would be interesting to add to the introduction.
For the record,the last 4 paragraphs in the Introduction above replaced this:
Again dropping stage shows in 1951, the Strand was renamed the Warner Theatre, and a few years later, when Cinerama films moved from the Broadway Theatre to the Warner, renamed the Warner Cinerama. During the 60s, the Warner was twinned, the Cinerama theater occupying the main floor, and the former balcony becoming the Penthouse Theatre. A third theater, built in the old Strand’s stagehouse, was also opened, called the Cine Orleans, which had its own entrance on 47th Street. In the early 80s, the Cinerama and Penthouse were remodeled and renamed the Warner Twin.
Unfortunately, in 1987, after a long and eventful life, one of the greatest movie palaces of New York City was demolished.
JodarMovieFan, I have seen the Bee trailer. I will add the AMC Hoffman tomorrow to this website after I doublecheck, because I don’t think it is here. I visit NYC & DC from Philly. For awhile, lived in DC, back when Circle & KB still were movie operators.
ok, let’s hear from others who might want to comment on their favorite Sound trailers at the Ziegfeld.
A week and a half ago, I saw “The Rape of Europa.” Don’t miss! It is a great film. You learn much, but it is also more entertaining than many current commercial feature films!
Ed, I asked about “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” Staff told me it isn’t going to happen despite earlier expectations or hopes. Hmmm…that film had its World Premiere at the Ziegfeld…..
I still don’t recall it. My favorite was the Train which I recall in Washington D.C. at the Uptown, perhaps with the start of Digital sound, DTS, I think, and for the surround effects as well as the image.
JordarMovieFan, thanks for your account of your experience!
I’ve only been attending movies at the Ziegfeld for a decade, and don’t recall the Dolby trailer.
Thanks, Ed. Unless there’s any any objections (remember, I’m a lawyer), that issue is settled. Eventually, a correction will be made to the Introduction, but let’s wait a while and see if other nuggets turn up like major vaudeville stars who appeared at the Loew’s State, and WOLRD premieres of major 35mm films.
Warren, unlike the prior introduction which I posted above for the record, the current introduction does at least mention vaudeville. A short list of famous vaudeville acts appearing at the Loew’s State would be appreciated.
Also, I used an online list of 70mm WORLD premieres to post them in the introduction. If there’s a list of WORLD premieres of famous 35mm films at the Loew’s State, that would be appreciated, too.
And, I didn’t read how the theater was further divided up from being a twin. That, too, would be appreciated.
Saps, done! For the record, here are the now out of dated opening remarks since replaced:
Originally a single screen theater, the State was twinned in the early 1960’s.
During the late 1990’s, as part of a massive redevelopment of Times Square, the theater was gutted to make way for one of the first US locations of the Virgin Megastore.
Today, movies are still shown at the State, but the theater survives in name only. Some sixty feet below street level, in the basement of the Virgin store, there is a four-screen multiplex, also known as the State.
William, I’ve been in all the Westwood Village theaters, but I don’t know the Village’s stage size or whether it could be expanded. If you or others know, please comment directly on the Village page rather than here, on the Bruin page.
In 3 years the leases are up on the Village & Bruin. I’ve heard they are both in the red (despite premieres) & won’t still be operated by Mann. Both exteriors are legally protected, but interiors could become retail, restaurant, etc. In my opinion, “saving” the Village for continued entertainment including some movies (perhaps like the Warner Grand in San Pedro and the Alex in Glendale but also with some premieres) is very important, more so than the National which appears doomed altogether. Don’t expect Mann to plex around them like the Dome. Look for somebody else!
In 3 years the leases are up on the Village & Bruin. I’ve heard they are both in the red (despite premieres) & won’t still be operated by Mann. Both exteriors are legally protected, but interiors could become retail, restaurant, etc. In my opinion, “saving” the Village for continued entertainment including some movies (perhaps like the Warner Grand in San Pedro and the Alex in Glendale but also with some premieres) is very important, more so than the National which appears doomed altogether. Don’t expect Mann to plex around them like the Dome. Look for somebody else!
In 3 years the leases are up on the Village & Bruin. I’ve heard they are both in the red (despite premieres) & won’t still be operated by Mann. Both exteriors are legally protected, but interiors could become retail, restaurant, etc. In my opinion, “saving” the Village for continued entertainment including some movies (perhaps like the Warner Grand in San Pedro and the Alex in Glendale but also with some premieres) is very important, more so than the National which appears doomed altogether. Don’t expect Mann to plex around them like the Dome. Look for somebody else!
Saps! Now nobody will answer my question, now that you are stirring up all the current and former union projectionists! I will take them anytime over the usher/managers.
What I did do Saturday was get to a moviehouse I hadn’t been to before, and described the experience here at United Artists East 85th Street: /theaters/10487/
While there, I thought to myself “Movieguy ought to find the sound here adequate enough!” I didn’t expect Regal to still be showing slides, as Clearview & AMC have digital preshows. Not many single screens left in Manhattan- Ziegfeld, Paris, Tower East (72nd Street),Clearview’s 62nd & Broadway, and UA East 85th. Does United Artists have any other single screens anywhere?
Curtains, yes, and the features should be reasonably loud. Audiences these days expect a real show, at a good volume, in surround sound. I didn’t attend when Movieguy said NOT loud enough. My ticket purchase went elsewhere Saturday.
Warren, please lighten up!
I was more specific:
“World premieres of famous 35 mm films at the Strand”
Sure, there might have been several hundred films showing on an exclusive basis at the Strand, for their 1st run. Not all had their World Premieres there. And, not as many are famous, still recalled and watched with great fondness today. A list could be edited down to 20 or 30 such films for the introduction. If there is such a list for the Strand, I’m willing to edit it down myself (though you and others have the real expertise).
Bill,
I checked, but wasn’t at “2001” on the same day in November that you reported seeing it at the Uptown. I was there on another day.
Under the relatively new AMC operation, the DC Uptown isn’t showing classics, 35 or 70mm. They’d likely need to bring back the union projectionists for presentation of classics. In addition to the platter that the union projectionist hated to see arrive in the booth during the prior Loews tenure, the Uptown has the projectors. I believe AMC operates the Seatle venue, so maybe they should learn from Seattle!
For that matter, the two side projection booths are still there, though sealed up. The original Cinerama screen has been replaced, but if the current screen isn’t suitable, a new Cinerama screen….and Cinerama could return to the Uptown if an operator was willing.
I agree with Bill’s comments.Seeing a gorgeous 70 mm 6 track print of “2001” at the Uptown in Washington DC with its huge curved Cinerama sized screen was one of the best moviegoing experiences I’ve ever had! On a huge curved screen, “2001” is an incredible experience.
People like on this website to recall where they first saw movies. For example, “Porgy and Bess” recently played again at the Ziegfeld. It was originally at this theater. Often, there’s too many comments for people to read them all, so people new or old to this site can quickly find some highlights in the Intro.
In providing the revision, I didn’t see the seating capacity of Cine Orleans.
Though there’s a website which lists 70mm films that played in New York, there isn’t one for 35mm films. World Premieres of famous 35mm films at the Strand would be interesting to add to the introduction.
For the record,the last 4 paragraphs in the Introduction above replaced this:
Again dropping stage shows in 1951, the Strand was renamed the Warner Theatre, and a few years later, when Cinerama films moved from the Broadway Theatre to the Warner, renamed the Warner Cinerama. During the 60s, the Warner was twinned, the Cinerama theater occupying the main floor, and the former balcony becoming the Penthouse Theatre. A third theater, built in the old Strand’s stagehouse, was also opened, called the Cine Orleans, which had its own entrance on 47th Street. In the early 80s, the Cinerama and Penthouse were remodeled and renamed the Warner Twin.
Unfortunately, in 1987, after a long and eventful life, one of the greatest movie palaces of New York City was demolished.
JodarMovieFan, I have seen the Bee trailer. I will add the AMC Hoffman tomorrow to this website after I doublecheck, because I don’t think it is here. I visit NYC & DC from Philly. For awhile, lived in DC, back when Circle & KB still were movie operators.
ok, let’s hear from others who might want to comment on their favorite Sound trailers at the Ziegfeld.
A week and a half ago, I saw “The Rape of Europa.” Don’t miss! It is a great film. You learn much, but it is also more entertaining than many current commercial feature films!
Ed, I asked about “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” Staff told me it isn’t going to happen despite earlier expectations or hopes. Hmmm…that film had its World Premiere at the Ziegfeld…..
I still don’t recall it. My favorite was the Train which I recall in Washington D.C. at the Uptown, perhaps with the start of Digital sound, DTS, I think, and for the surround effects as well as the image.
JordarMovieFan, thanks for your account of your experience!
I’ve only been attending movies at the Ziegfeld for a decade, and don’t recall the Dolby trailer.
Thanks, Ed. Unless there’s any any objections (remember, I’m a lawyer), that issue is settled. Eventually, a correction will be made to the Introduction, but let’s wait a while and see if other nuggets turn up like major vaudeville stars who appeared at the Loew’s State, and WOLRD premieres of major 35mm films.
William,
Warren’s post of Feb 3, 2004 said the theater was more sub-divided.
Warren, unlike the prior introduction which I posted above for the record, the current introduction does at least mention vaudeville. A short list of famous vaudeville acts appearing at the Loew’s State would be appreciated.
Also, I used an online list of 70mm WORLD premieres to post them in the introduction. If there’s a list of WORLD premieres of famous 35mm films at the Loew’s State, that would be appreciated, too.
And, I didn’t read how the theater was further divided up from being a twin. That, too, would be appreciated.
Saps, done! For the record, here are the now out of dated opening remarks since replaced:
Originally a single screen theater, the State was twinned in the early 1960’s.
During the late 1990’s, as part of a massive redevelopment of Times Square, the theater was gutted to make way for one of the first US locations of the Virgin Megastore.
Today, movies are still shown at the State, but the theater survives in name only. Some sixty feet below street level, in the basement of the Virgin store, there is a four-screen multiplex, also known as the State.
William, I’ve been in all the Westwood Village theaters, but I don’t know the Village’s stage size or whether it could be expanded. If you or others know, please comment directly on the Village page rather than here, on the Bruin page.
Robert, letterboxed like we see on TV, so the entire Ziegfeld movie screen isn’t being used? Is that what you mean?
In 3 years the leases are up on the Village & Bruin. I’ve heard they are both in the red (despite premieres) & won’t still be operated by Mann. Both exteriors are legally protected, but interiors could become retail, restaurant, etc. In my opinion, “saving” the Village for continued entertainment including some movies (perhaps like the Warner Grand in San Pedro and the Alex in Glendale but also with some premieres) is very important, more so than the National which appears doomed altogether. Don’t expect Mann to plex around them like the Dome. Look for somebody else!
Who cares about the Avco? The Crest is wonderful.
In 3 years the leases are up on the Village & Bruin. I’ve heard they are both in the red (despite premieres) & won’t still be operated by Mann. Both exteriors are legally protected, but interiors could become retail, restaurant, etc. In my opinion, “saving” the Village for continued entertainment including some movies (perhaps like the Warner Grand in San Pedro and the Alex in Glendale but also with some premieres) is very important, more so than the National which appears doomed altogether. Don’t expect Mann to plex around them like the Dome. Look for somebody else!
In 3 years the leases are up on the Village & Bruin. I’ve heard they are both in the red (despite premieres) & won’t still be operated by Mann. Both exteriors are legally protected, but interiors could become retail, restaurant, etc. In my opinion, “saving” the Village for continued entertainment including some movies (perhaps like the Warner Grand in San Pedro and the Alex in Glendale but also with some premieres) is very important, more so than the National which appears doomed altogether. Don’t expect Mann to plex around them like the Dome. Look for somebody else!
Let’s hope the Senator survives, despite this new competitor!
Were films shown in 35mm on the ships?
But,you had to go all the way to China to find one, and an IMAX, yet!
Saps! Now nobody will answer my question, now that you are stirring up all the current and former union projectionists! I will take them anytime over the usher/managers.
What I did do Saturday was get to a moviehouse I hadn’t been to before, and described the experience here at United Artists East 85th Street:
/theaters/10487/
While there, I thought to myself “Movieguy ought to find the sound here adequate enough!” I didn’t expect Regal to still be showing slides, as Clearview & AMC have digital preshows. Not many single screens left in Manhattan- Ziegfeld, Paris, Tower East (72nd Street),Clearview’s 62nd & Broadway, and UA East 85th. Does United Artists have any other single screens anywhere?
Curtains, yes, and the features should be reasonably loud. Audiences these days expect a real show, at a good volume, in surround sound. I didn’t attend when Movieguy said NOT loud enough. My ticket purchase went elsewhere Saturday.
William, those plans are in the past.