That’s funny Sean, we probably did! It was a unique experience to be sure. I have great memories of working there and the funny characters that both worked at and frequented the theater. I also remember Steve, the projectionist, who was a great guy and a lot of laughs for us teenagers. I was there from early ‘92 till about late ‘93.
I wanted to see if Skyfall was going to be showing at the Ziegfeld, and I am shocked to find out that they won’t be. This marks the first time that a Bond film has not opened at a premiere single screen theater in New York City. The Astor Plaza was Bond central through 2002… Very sad.
Thanks Gary, I’ve spoken with Joe quite a few times myself and I echo your thoughts. He is indeed a professional and knows his business extremely well. I have spoken to him during many of the classic presentations as well and he’s always been very forthcoming with the ins and out of various projection issues, prints, etc… always an interesting conversation.
I’d like to know for sure as well, but if I see two beams of light (as opposed to one) coming from the projector on the 15th, I’ll unfortunately have my answer!
The issue with removing the 3D lens for 2D presentations only applies to certain makes of Sony projectors. Instead of installing new projectors, many Sony theaters opted to cut costs by retrofitting their existing digital projectors with 3D lenses…and thus creating the awkwardness of having to remove the lens for 2D showings. Unless the Ziegfeld uses this particular Sony projector (I am not sure they do), it’s a non issue since most modern projectors can handle both formats without the need to change lenses.
I have to give the Ziegfeld major props for choosing to show Harry Potter in both 2D and 3D. They will be alternating show times between the two formats (both digital), so movie goers can choose which version they wish to see. I of course went with the 2D version on the 15th for the 7 p.m. show… I was even able to select my own seats. So a big thank you to the management, looking forward to it!
Although I have no desire to see a film like Pirates 4, I am disappointed that the Ziegfeld is deferring to 3D presentations. I am really looking forward to the last Harry Potter film, I have seen every one on opening night at the Ziegfeld. Unfortunately, I fear I will have to break that tradition if the Ziegfeld is not going to be showing it in 3D. I know 3D gives them a little extra revenue, but since this is a theater for real film lovers, wouldn’t management acknowledge that their audience does not prefer 3D? I hope I’m wrong, but I fear I won’t be…
I have kept an eye on this thread for years and I am sad to see that inevitable news of an apartment complex. Is there any possible way a group of people can gain access to the theater to take some pictures before construction gets underway. I’m thinking probably not, but it would be great to be inside one last time.
I enjoy going to the Ziegfeld, whenever a new film that I’m interested in is released, I’m sure to check if it’s playing there. For me, it’s not the “event theater” that the Astor Plaza was, the seats are far too cramped… but it’s the best theater NYC has to offer.
However, I have noticed that when ever I see a digitally projected film there, there is very noticeable distortions in the top part of the screen. This is obvious with any blue or white backgrounds in a film… there is a kind of motion pattern that happens, and it’s very distracting. Has anyone else picked up on that?
I can’t imagine why anyone would go to this dump to see a movie. I moved to LI in 1986 when I was 13 and saw many movies there through the mid 90’s. Coming from Brooklyn I was used to local theaters with personality that add to the experience, the only theater that offered that was the US Syosset, certainly not this dump. It may have been a place to see a movie, but it was never a place to enjoy a movie. It may have been nice when it opened as a single screen, but it was never nice when I went and I can’t imagine what’s it’s like now. Outside of the two main screens (which are decent), the rest of the screens are awkwardly placed and rather small. Why go here when there is the UA Westbury 12?
I worked at this theater as an usher when I was in high school in the early 90’s. At the time, the theater was a twin and both screens while tall in height, were rather narrow. Overall, the theater was very small and a bit run down, so I can’t imagine how they managed to squeeze in an additional two screens. For some reason, this theater always did well, at least when I was there. It was the perfect template of a neighborhood theater… loyal patrons with near sold out crowds on weekends and a respectable showing on weekdays.
At the time, it was under the control of the “GG Theaters” chain, which owned by Mr. GG (I have no idea what GG was short for), who was a bit of a character. His main hub was the Port Washington theater and also ran a theater in Baldwin. He was Israeli with a strong accent and not much of a personality. He would call for the totals on most night and occasionally pop by to grace the theater with his presence.
The theater was managed by an eccentric older woman named Ruth (or Ruthy) and she was entertaining to say the least. She had a bit of a foul mouth and would have no problem insulting patrons of the theater if they somehow pissed her off (like complaining that the sound was too low or loud). If you were nice to her, she was nicer to you… but if you pissed her off in some way… watch out! Her daughter Joanie was an on and off assistant manager and she had a real sour disposition and unpleasant to work with. The rest of the crew was rounded out by teenagers mostly. We had some fun changing around words with the marquee on random late nights and would often change the answering machine to that of a gay porn theater… but only for a couple of hours at night.
Does anyone have pictures of the interior of the Guild? I never had the chance to see a film there, but I was always curious as to what it might be like inside.
I despise this theater, as it is responsible for the closing of many great Brooklyn theaters like the Kingsway. At the time it opened, I was 12 and thought it was the greatest thing… so many movies under one roof. What I didn’t realize at the time was just how cold and dull the multiplex was. There is no personality, and it’s just a place to go and watch a movie, and not a very good (or clean) one at that. I saw many films here between 1987 and 2004… but ask me if I have one solid memory or interesting experience and I couldn’t tell you. I can remember many experiences at theaters such as the Kingsway, The Nostrand, The Brook, etc… but at this place, they all blur together.
This is fantastic news. I hope to one day enter this gorgeous theater to see a movie with my family. I lived in Brooklyn throughout my childhood, but I was only 3 years old when it closed. I have been following it’s decline and reliving the memories of others throughout the years and I am so delighted that this gem is going to shine again.
I have to agree that it’s a miracle this theater has not faced a wrecking ball in the past 33 years, and make no mistake it is because of the undesirable location. Had the Kings been situated in Park Slope or another area that has been rejuvinated over the years, it would have been dust long ago.
That’s funny Sean, we probably did! It was a unique experience to be sure. I have great memories of working there and the funny characters that both worked at and frequented the theater. I also remember Steve, the projectionist, who was a great guy and a lot of laughs for us teenagers. I was there from early ‘92 till about late ‘93.
I wanted to see if Skyfall was going to be showing at the Ziegfeld, and I am shocked to find out that they won’t be. This marks the first time that a Bond film has not opened at a premiere single screen theater in New York City. The Astor Plaza was Bond central through 2002… Very sad.
Gary are you sure the first classic festival was the Fall of 2006? I seem to recall March of 2005, but maybe I’m mistaken.
Thanks Gary, I’ve spoken with Joe quite a few times myself and I echo your thoughts. He is indeed a professional and knows his business extremely well. I have spoken to him during many of the classic presentations as well and he’s always been very forthcoming with the ins and out of various projection issues, prints, etc… always an interesting conversation.
I’d like to know for sure as well, but if I see two beams of light (as opposed to one) coming from the projector on the 15th, I’ll unfortunately have my answer!
The issue with removing the 3D lens for 2D presentations only applies to certain makes of Sony projectors. Instead of installing new projectors, many Sony theaters opted to cut costs by retrofitting their existing digital projectors with 3D lenses…and thus creating the awkwardness of having to remove the lens for 2D showings. Unless the Ziegfeld uses this particular Sony projector (I am not sure they do), it’s a non issue since most modern projectors can handle both formats without the need to change lenses.
I have to give the Ziegfeld major props for choosing to show Harry Potter in both 2D and 3D. They will be alternating show times between the two formats (both digital), so movie goers can choose which version they wish to see. I of course went with the 2D version on the 15th for the 7 p.m. show… I was even able to select my own seats. So a big thank you to the management, looking forward to it!
Although I have no desire to see a film like Pirates 4, I am disappointed that the Ziegfeld is deferring to 3D presentations. I am really looking forward to the last Harry Potter film, I have seen every one on opening night at the Ziegfeld. Unfortunately, I fear I will have to break that tradition if the Ziegfeld is not going to be showing it in 3D. I know 3D gives them a little extra revenue, but since this is a theater for real film lovers, wouldn’t management acknowledge that their audience does not prefer 3D? I hope I’m wrong, but I fear I won’t be…
I have kept an eye on this thread for years and I am sad to see that inevitable news of an apartment complex. Is there any possible way a group of people can gain access to the theater to take some pictures before construction gets underway. I’m thinking probably not, but it would be great to be inside one last time.
I enjoy going to the Ziegfeld, whenever a new film that I’m interested in is released, I’m sure to check if it’s playing there. For me, it’s not the “event theater” that the Astor Plaza was, the seats are far too cramped… but it’s the best theater NYC has to offer.
However, I have noticed that when ever I see a digitally projected film there, there is very noticeable distortions in the top part of the screen. This is obvious with any blue or white backgrounds in a film… there is a kind of motion pattern that happens, and it’s very distracting. Has anyone else picked up on that?
Well if you ever find them, I would love to see them.
@William, thanks for the update… is there any possible way to get those photos elsewhere? Via email perhaps?
Those are amazing photos… I have dreamed of getting a look inside the Kings and photos like these are the next best thing. Do they ever let groups in?
Any chance of getting Mark W.’s 2004 interior photos re-posted somewhere? I would really love to see them.
Any chance of getting Mark W.’s 2004 interior photos re-posted somewhere? I would really love to see them.
I was thinking about Astor Plaza today… it was THE place to see event movies and ran circles around the Ziegfeld in my opinion. I really miss it.
I can’t imagine why anyone would go to this dump to see a movie. I moved to LI in 1986 when I was 13 and saw many movies there through the mid 90’s. Coming from Brooklyn I was used to local theaters with personality that add to the experience, the only theater that offered that was the US Syosset, certainly not this dump. It may have been a place to see a movie, but it was never a place to enjoy a movie. It may have been nice when it opened as a single screen, but it was never nice when I went and I can’t imagine what’s it’s like now. Outside of the two main screens (which are decent), the rest of the screens are awkwardly placed and rather small. Why go here when there is the UA Westbury 12?
I worked at this theater as an usher when I was in high school in the early 90’s. At the time, the theater was a twin and both screens while tall in height, were rather narrow. Overall, the theater was very small and a bit run down, so I can’t imagine how they managed to squeeze in an additional two screens. For some reason, this theater always did well, at least when I was there. It was the perfect template of a neighborhood theater… loyal patrons with near sold out crowds on weekends and a respectable showing on weekdays.
At the time, it was under the control of the “GG Theaters” chain, which owned by Mr. GG (I have no idea what GG was short for), who was a bit of a character. His main hub was the Port Washington theater and also ran a theater in Baldwin. He was Israeli with a strong accent and not much of a personality. He would call for the totals on most night and occasionally pop by to grace the theater with his presence.
The theater was managed by an eccentric older woman named Ruth (or Ruthy) and she was entertaining to say the least. She had a bit of a foul mouth and would have no problem insulting patrons of the theater if they somehow pissed her off (like complaining that the sound was too low or loud). If you were nice to her, she was nicer to you… but if you pissed her off in some way… watch out! Her daughter Joanie was an on and off assistant manager and she had a real sour disposition and unpleasant to work with. The rest of the crew was rounded out by teenagers mostly. We had some fun changing around words with the marquee on random late nights and would often change the answering machine to that of a gay porn theater… but only for a couple of hours at night.
Does anyone have pictures of the interior of the Guild? I never had the chance to see a film there, but I was always curious as to what it might be like inside.
I despise this theater, as it is responsible for the closing of many great Brooklyn theaters like the Kingsway. At the time it opened, I was 12 and thought it was the greatest thing… so many movies under one roof. What I didn’t realize at the time was just how cold and dull the multiplex was. There is no personality, and it’s just a place to go and watch a movie, and not a very good (or clean) one at that. I saw many films here between 1987 and 2004… but ask me if I have one solid memory or interesting experience and I couldn’t tell you. I can remember many experiences at theaters such as the Kingsway, The Nostrand, The Brook, etc… but at this place, they all blur together.
This is fantastic news. I hope to one day enter this gorgeous theater to see a movie with my family. I lived in Brooklyn throughout my childhood, but I was only 3 years old when it closed. I have been following it’s decline and reliving the memories of others throughout the years and I am so delighted that this gem is going to shine again.
I have to agree that it’s a miracle this theater has not faced a wrecking ball in the past 33 years, and make no mistake it is because of the undesirable location. Had the Kings been situated in Park Slope or another area that has been rejuvinated over the years, it would have been dust long ago.