Interesting! thanks, neeb. I’m tired of seeing that sad empty lot with a lump in my throat over 8 years now! I wish they would hurry up and build something already! That was, after all the original plan for tearing the theater down!
This week I met with several of my co-workers from the Neptune when Landmark first took it over in 1982. We have an annual Holiday Lunch every year and still keep in touch! (See the 4th posting from the top). We definitely agree while sad it will no longer operate as a movie theater, at least the building will be saved, not torn down and used as an entertianment venue. With the current manager’s blessing, we are hoping to have a private “Neptune Adieu” party before the handoff to STG.
more on the sound, I think it’s a new system, but honestly it didn’t sound any different to me. The surround speakers looked the same…and sounded the same as the ones from the major remodel 10 years ago. And that’s not a complaint at all!
Giles, I attended “HP7” on Thanksgiving. And I have to admit…(sigh)…the Digital projection looks quite amazing! I hope others will chime in too, but I was very impressed! The image had a nice warm ‘grain’ similar to 35/70mm. NO pixalization at all. Another thing I noticed, it wasn’t a perfectly steady “powerpoint” projection-like image. It had just a touch of movement like film does if you know what I mean, visable during credits especially. The only thing missing was that occasional speck of dust and cue marks every 20 minutes! The sound was just amazing, it’s been the last 10 years since the first remodel.
What a nice photo (#39)! You know, I’m amazed at how well the exterior of the building has held up over the years. Even today it looks quite sharp over all.
Hello kryten, They didn’t mention 35mm in the e-mail I received from them (I should have asked that specifically too). But, I would assume since their projector is a “35/70”, they would retain both capabilities. As for normal engagements though, it could very well be all Digital.
Ok, good news… The theater told me they are indeed retaining it’s 70mm & 3-panel Cinerama capabilities! And will continue it’s occasional screenings of such in the future! Wheew!
Hmmm…3D at the Cinerama? Wonder how much THOSE tickets will cost? As far as digital projection, it was bound to happen as technology improved. At other theaters DP does look impressive. I just hope they don’t completely get rid of the 35/70mm equipment; It would still be nice to see a (real) movie on film there once and a while!
“Just this morning I saw ‘Toy Story 3’ here and it was a great presentation and the curtain presentation was near spot on”.
Well, that is good to hear…At least once and a while they get it right. I have not had good luck when I attend. Ron, Agreed. A theater like the Cinerama should have a seasoned (older) projectionist! “No kids allowed” in the booth!
What GREAT photos from cinematreasures!! I had almost forgotten what that main auditorium and those murals looked like! It was huge! I actually saw my first R-rated movie there, “Blazing Saddles” in the mid-70’s. And for a period in the late 70’s they ran “Rocky Horror” at midnight on Fridays & Sats in Auditorum 3.
“There was a problem when they started it up. Lights went down, curtain parted, and…nothing”.
Actually that alone, is a common problem at the Cinerama. Happened with Iron Man 2, and every movie I see there. Great theatre, but I don’t think the current projection staff knows how to use the curtain properly. The curtain opens, then you wait, and wait, and wait for the film to start. They SHOULD NOT open the curtian until the first frames hit the screen and the lights begin to dim for dramatic effect. At least that’s how it was done traditionally! They are practically the only theater left in Seattle with a screen curtian. They should use them correctly!
Thanks Michael. Yes, as much as I would’ve loved for the film to have played round-the-clock, it just wasn’t the case back then. My best friend and I ALWAYS had to wait until 1:20, and later, 1:45pm. But “Jedi” or “Empire” however, may have played 24/7 when released?
And you’re right, there was an adjustment in showtimes in August when they upgraded to a 70mm print. I had forgotten about that! (I still have the ad “Now in 70mm” with new showtimes). I was never sure why. Perhaps to allow more time between shows to handle the ever-growing crowds?
Another thing I remember about this auditorium was the small curtains that covered the projection booth window during intermissions. You can see them in the color photo Lost Memory posted. You always knew the film was about to start when the booth curtian opened first! I’ve never seen that in any other theater. Was Very classy!
Also for A. Alexander…There is a nice interior photo on display at the Seattle Architecture Society under the Rainier Bank Plaza downtown, 3rd level. It’s a photo of the auditorium before it was twinned, probably just as you remembered it. A part of the ceiling and full mural on the wall are visable. It may be what you are looking for (if they can provide you a reprint of it)!
Good Josh, I spaced out above and thought that “neeb” requesting a link to the calendars was you also (didn’t look at the name). What the heck, I’ll scan a few and send them your way soon, and you can do with them what you please. Take care! “neeb”? – U 2 if you post an e-mail address!
Josh, Ok “Singin' in the Rain” played the Neptune on the following dates with:
Jan 13th ‘82 (with “An American in Paris”)
Oct 10th '82 (with “Wizard of Oz”)
Sept 18th '83 (with “Top Hat”)
June 30th '85 (with “An American in Paris”)
Dec 21st '87 (with “The Band Wagon”)
Nov 6th '88 (with “Wizard of Oz”)
July 16th '89 (with “An American in Paris”)
Do any of those ring a bell? Obviously our programmers liked “American in Paris” as the co-feature! Is was fun to look through those calendars again. As far as posting a link to them, I really don’t have the time/ability to do that. But, if you like contact me and I’d be glad to scan you a pdf. of some. -Colin.
Hey Josh! My Neptune film calendars are in storage, and I will grab them this weekend and let you know exactly what played with “SITR”. From memory, we definitely had “musical” double-bills, I think they were on Sundays or Wednesdays. Stay tuned..
Interesting! thanks, neeb. I’m tired of seeing that sad empty lot with a lump in my throat over 8 years now! I wish they would hurry up and build something already! That was, after all the original plan for tearing the theater down!
This week I met with several of my co-workers from the Neptune when Landmark first took it over in 1982. We have an annual Holiday Lunch every year and still keep in touch! (See the 4th posting from the top). We definitely agree while sad it will no longer operate as a movie theater, at least the building will be saved, not torn down and used as an entertianment venue. With the current manager’s blessing, we are hoping to have a private “Neptune Adieu” party before the handoff to STG.
more on the sound, I think it’s a new system, but honestly it didn’t sound any different to me. The surround speakers looked the same…and sounded the same as the ones from the major remodel 10 years ago. And that’s not a complaint at all!
Giles, I attended “HP7” on Thanksgiving. And I have to admit…(sigh)…the Digital projection looks quite amazing! I hope others will chime in too, but I was very impressed! The image had a nice warm ‘grain’ similar to 35/70mm. NO pixalization at all. Another thing I noticed, it wasn’t a perfectly steady “powerpoint” projection-like image. It had just a touch of movement like film does if you know what I mean, visable during credits especially. The only thing missing was that occasional speck of dust and cue marks every 20 minutes! The sound was just amazing, it’s been the last 10 years since the first remodel.
What a nice photo (#39)! You know, I’m amazed at how well the exterior of the building has held up over the years. Even today it looks quite sharp over all.
Oops, my bad the drawing is there… you just need to scroll to photo #32.
CWalczak, that is a photo of the Admiral Twin Theater in West Seattle, not an Architect’s drawing of the UA Cinema.
Hello kryten, They didn’t mention 35mm in the e-mail I received from them (I should have asked that specifically too). But, I would assume since their projector is a “35/70”, they would retain both capabilities. As for normal engagements though, it could very well be all Digital.
Ok, good news… The theater told me they are indeed retaining it’s 70mm & 3-panel Cinerama capabilities! And will continue it’s occasional screenings of such in the future! Wheew!
Thanks Geepers, for that photo! I took my dad to see “2001” at that time. It was the last movie we saw together.
Hmmm…3D at the Cinerama? Wonder how much THOSE tickets will cost? As far as digital projection, it was bound to happen as technology improved. At other theaters DP does look impressive. I just hope they don’t completely get rid of the 35/70mm equipment; It would still be nice to see a (real) movie on film there once and a while!
“Just this morning I saw ‘Toy Story 3’ here and it was a great presentation and the curtain presentation was near spot on”.
Well, that is good to hear…At least once and a while they get it right. I have not had good luck when I attend. Ron, Agreed. A theater like the Cinerama should have a seasoned (older) projectionist! “No kids allowed” in the booth!
Oops, I meant “What great photos from CinemaTOUR”!
What GREAT photos from cinematreasures!! I had almost forgotten what that main auditorium and those murals looked like! It was huge! I actually saw my first R-rated movie there, “Blazing Saddles” in the mid-70’s. And for a period in the late 70’s they ran “Rocky Horror” at midnight on Fridays & Sats in Auditorum 3.
Yes Mark, even so today!!
“There was a problem when they started it up. Lights went down, curtain parted, and…nothing”.
Actually that alone, is a common problem at the Cinerama. Happened with Iron Man 2, and every movie I see there. Great theatre, but I don’t think the current projection staff knows how to use the curtain properly. The curtain opens, then you wait, and wait, and wait for the film to start. They SHOULD NOT open the curtian until the first frames hit the screen and the lights begin to dim for dramatic effect. At least that’s how it was done traditionally! They are practically the only theater left in Seattle with a screen curtian. They should use them correctly!
Thanks Michael. Yes, as much as I would’ve loved for the film to have played round-the-clock, it just wasn’t the case back then. My best friend and I ALWAYS had to wait until 1:20, and later, 1:45pm. But “Jedi” or “Empire” however, may have played 24/7 when released?
And you’re right, there was an adjustment in showtimes in August when they upgraded to a 70mm print. I had forgotten about that! (I still have the ad “Now in 70mm” with new showtimes). I was never sure why. Perhaps to allow more time between shows to handle the ever-growing crowds?
Another thing I remember about this auditorium was the small curtains that covered the projection booth window during intermissions. You can see them in the color photo Lost Memory posted. You always knew the film was about to start when the booth curtian opened first! I’ve never seen that in any other theater. Was Very classy!
Thanks for posting those! That very well could be me in the box office in photo 1!
Great 1982 photo! Note the parking sign with arrows. Back when there was PLENTY of FREE parking across the street, instead of condos and retail now.
Also for A. Alexander…There is a nice interior photo on display at the Seattle Architecture Society under the Rainier Bank Plaza downtown, 3rd level. It’s a photo of the auditorium before it was twinned, probably just as you remembered it. A part of the ceiling and full mural on the wall are visable. It may be what you are looking for (if they can provide you a reprint of it)!
Good Josh, I spaced out above and thought that “neeb” requesting a link to the calendars was you also (didn’t look at the name). What the heck, I’ll scan a few and send them your way soon, and you can do with them what you please. Take care! “neeb”? – U 2 if you post an e-mail address!
Josh, Ok “Singin' in the Rain” played the Neptune on the following dates with:
Jan 13th ‘82 (with “An American in Paris”)
Oct 10th '82 (with “Wizard of Oz”)
Sept 18th '83 (with “Top Hat”)
June 30th '85 (with “An American in Paris”)
Dec 21st '87 (with “The Band Wagon”)
Nov 6th '88 (with “Wizard of Oz”)
July 16th '89 (with “An American in Paris”)
Do any of those ring a bell? Obviously our programmers liked “American in Paris” as the co-feature! Is was fun to look through those calendars again. As far as posting a link to them, I really don’t have the time/ability to do that. But, if you like contact me and I’d be glad to scan you a pdf. of some. -Colin.
I will try, Josh, maybe a couple..we are talking a lot of calendars! I’ve actually excited to look at them again myself, it’s been a few years!
Hey Josh! My Neptune film calendars are in storage, and I will grab them this weekend and let you know exactly what played with “SITR”. From memory, we definitely had “musical” double-bills, I think they were on Sundays or Wednesdays. Stay tuned..