Woodfield Mall started out with four sceens located in two free standing buildings. Theaters 1 and 2 were the two biggest screens and these typically received the newest and most-anticipated films, many times in 70mm. I saw all three of the original “Star Wars” trilogy among countless other films here. Theater 1 had a gaudy yellow, orange, red and purple curtain. Theater 2 might have been the same size (probably was) but if anything it was smaller. The seats were red fabric with a rocking chair mobility. When no one was sitting in them, the seat would flip up against the back.
Theaters 3 and 4 were located in a smaller building to the north of theaters 1 and 2. Again, the more popular films were shown here.
The theaters inside were built in the early 80s in place of the skating rink. A hamburger joint called “John’s Garage” used to have windows overlooking the rink. They were boarded up when the theater went in. Sadly, John’s Garage was recently forced out of Woodfield. I believe there were between 5 and 6 screens on the inner multiplex. This was where the lesser known films would play, and older first run films that were moved from the outdoor theaters.
It’s also worth noting that where the “Streets of Woodfield” are located today was once known as One Schaumburg Place, another mall that had first run theaters. These served as something of a missing link between the classic Woodfield Theaters that were destroyed to what stands today at the Streets of Woodfield.
Woodfield Mall started out with four sceens located in two free standing buildings. Theaters 1 and 2 were the two biggest screens and these typically received the newest and most-anticipated films, many times in 70mm. I saw all three of the original “Star Wars” trilogy among countless other films here. Theater 1 had a gaudy yellow, orange, red and purple curtain. Theater 2 might have been the same size (probably was) but if anything it was smaller. The seats were red fabric with a rocking chair mobility. When no one was sitting in them, the seat would flip up against the back.
Theaters 3 and 4 were located in a smaller building to the north of theaters 1 and 2. Again, the more popular films were shown here.
The theaters inside were built in the early 80s in place of the skating rink. A hamburger joint called “John’s Garage” used to have windows overlooking the rink. They were boarded up when the theater went in. Sadly, John’s Garage was recently forced out of Woodfield. I believe there were between 5 and 6 screens on the inner multiplex. This was where the lesser known films would play, and older first run films that were moved from the outdoor theaters.
It’s also worth noting that where the “Streets of Woodfield” are located today was once known as One Schaumburg Place, another mall that had first run theaters. These served as something of a missing link between the classic Woodfield Theaters that were destroyed to what stands today at the Streets of Woodfield.