The video about what Loew’s volunteers do to present a movie has been taken down for additional editing. A post will be made when a new video is ready.
1) A short video showing the work volunteers perform “behind the scenes” to present movies at the Loew’s, including a rare glimpse at a reel changeover using the classic carbon arc projectors.
2) A Filmography listing of all of the movies Friends of the Loew’s have presented since 2002 through Feb 2011 (it will be updated as new presentations occur)
The engineering is underway for restoring the air conditioning and the heating system is now in the hands of a talented professional who is donating his time to do essential maintenance.
The Loew’s Jersey is very lucky to have volunteers like that. The same holds true for the projection crew.
It’s probably too much to ask but please, if you get the chance at your next visit, shake the hand of the ticket taker or usher. I have suggested, more times than I can remember, to the Director of the Loew’s Jersey and to the Friends of the Loew’s to print the names of volunteers that have contributed during the season in the final program of the season. Unfortunately, the response has been less then receptive. But that is just a single opinion.
Everyone there, from the top of the organization to the smallest volunteers, does their best out of a love and generosity that deserves nothing but praise.
I’ll even throw a “thanks” to Jersey City. The City might be a difficult force for the Loew’s to deal with but Jersey City does pay the utility bills.
I realize that this post is a bit off topic for Cinema Treasures but it is appropriate for attendees of events at the Loew’s Jersey.
If you are to visit the Loew’s Jersey for a movie or event, I strongly suggest that you visit “The Blue Ribbon” restaurant. It can be found on the map on the Dining page of www.loewsjersey.org
The restaurant is located within the oldest existing structure in Jersey City and offers a wonderful atmosphere (exposed wooden beams, working fireplace, etc), a friendly staff and a great menu of American favorites with a full bar.
I think it is the perfect combination for a Loew’s Jersey experience – a delightful pre or post show meal in a historic building and a great film in a classic movie palace.
FYI for anyone headed to The Loew’s Jersey for the Orson Wells Weekend.
There is a new listing of restaurants and eateries near the theatre on their website.
As a resident of the area in question, here are a few factiods…
1) the new towers will go in where the McDonald’s restaurant currently exists (the article mistakenly places them across the street from the PATH station)
2) Harwood currently owns and operates the Square Ramp parking deck behind The Loew’s Jersey
3) Originally, the plans called for in-ground parking but they were changed after testing revealed hard dolomite rock and the expense would have been too great.
4) There are two other large condo projects in the Journal Square/Heights area: Canco Lofts and The Beacon. Canco Lofts is a conversion of the 1929 American Can complex next to the Pulaski Skyway and The Beacon is the former Jersey City Medical Center (17 buildings!) Sales figures are not readily available but recently, two new large buildings downtown – Grove Pointe and 50 Columbus – near the Grove Street station began offering rental units in addition to condo units.
What theatres in the NYC area are 70mm reel to reel capable?
Radio City?
Ziegfield?
Film Forum?
The theatre in Suffern? (Does Suffern count as NYC area)?
I am wondering how “unique” the Loew’s Jersey will be once the 35mm/70mm Norelcos are installed.
Film Forum is a strong competitor (along with cable channels such as TMC & AMC) and with the organ back playing and 70mm projection ability soon, how should the Loew’s position itself?
70mm projectors and rectifiers were hauled up from the lobby to the booth this summer (2007). Thank you to all who came out on those hot days and helped move those monsters!
I do not know the timetable for their installation.
Thanks for that insight Bob – it solves a minor mystery of mine.
The onstage lightboard has a controller panel for the organ lift with “up”, “down” and “picture” positions but the GSTOS team tells me it was never actually connected. I guess since there was no need for the organist to be in position to see and accompany the film, the 1928/29 installers saw no need to connect the panel.
The GSTOS team currently raises, rotates and lowers the organ “by eye” with a handheld controller. They are installing the necessary limit switches and position indicators so that when everything is all done, the organ will have the three positions but that is an event yet to come.
Unfortunately, there will be an organ sing-along only on Friday, December 14 with the screening of MIRACLE ON 34th STREET. This is due to the availability of the organist.
Santa will be in the Loew’s on Saturday afternoon and the theatre is decorated for the holidays.
This year has a little extra treat with the sing-along – many “thank yous” to the Garden State Theatre Organ Society!
In the future, as the organ is fully finished (the GSTOS team is still tweaking and tuning) and it becomes fully integrated into the Loew’s programming, I look forward to seeing a show and hearing the Wonder Morton as a regular joy in my life.
The best way to find out if the organ is being played is to contact the Loew’s Jersey box office.
They have a phone number posted on their website and they are good about returning calls.
Also, keep checking the website as your call might prompt them to post a notice regarding the organ.
As you may know, the organ is a joint effort between The Friends of Loew’s (who operate the theatre) and The Garden State Theatre Organ Society (who own, restored and play the organ). It’s operation currently requires 2 GSTOS members at each performance (one to play and the other to operate the lift mechanism).
I hope this helps and that you and your friends will be able to enjoy both the theatre and the organ.
The Loew’s Jersey is always ready to welcome anyone who is passionate about old movie palaces and interested in helping to preserve/restore them.
The range of volunteer duties is very wide and there is no age limits – at the last film there was Toni, a wonderful lady of years (I’ll be discreet about her age) welcoming guests and youngsters helping at the concessions. Whether your special skill is folding programs or restoring faux surfaces, it’s a very rewarding experience.
And the best bonus is being able to poke and peek at all the great places that there is just not enough time for during a film exhibition or a group tour to see.
There are open house volunteer work calls nearly every Saturday (and, of course, when there are films) from 10am to 6pm. You can call the Loew’s box office during the week to confirm or just drop by, press the brass doorbell button next to the classic ticket booth and join on in. Friends of the Loew’s provides insurance coverage for all volunteers plus drinks and lunch.
The Loew’s Jersey theatre is in possession of most, if not all, of the original blueprints for the theatre which list Rapp & Rapp as the architects. Though it would require inspecting the blueprints for the date of the draft and the designer of record for that plate, it is not inconceivable to reason that C.W. Rapp was involved in the design the theatre, even if he was not alive to see it completed. The theatre certainly bears the style of firm.
The video about what Loew’s volunteers do to present a movie has been taken down for additional editing. A post will be made when a new video is ready.
Hi Everyone,
Two new features on the Loew’s Jersey website.
1) A short video showing the work volunteers perform “behind the scenes” to present movies at the Loew’s, including a rare glimpse at a reel changeover using the classic carbon arc projectors.
View link
2) A Filmography listing of all of the movies Friends of the Loew’s have presented since 2002 through Feb 2011 (it will be updated as new presentations occur)
View link
The engineering is underway for restoring the air conditioning and the heating system is now in the hands of a talented professional who is donating his time to do essential maintenance.
The Loew’s Jersey is very lucky to have volunteers like that. The same holds true for the projection crew.
It’s probably too much to ask but please, if you get the chance at your next visit, shake the hand of the ticket taker or usher. I have suggested, more times than I can remember, to the Director of the Loew’s Jersey and to the Friends of the Loew’s to print the names of volunteers that have contributed during the season in the final program of the season. Unfortunately, the response has been less then receptive. But that is just a single opinion.
Everyone there, from the top of the organization to the smallest volunteers, does their best out of a love and generosity that deserves nothing but praise.
I’ll even throw a “thanks” to Jersey City. The City might be a difficult force for the Loew’s to deal with but Jersey City does pay the utility bills.
I realize that this post is a bit off topic for Cinema Treasures but it is appropriate for attendees of events at the Loew’s Jersey.
If you are to visit the Loew’s Jersey for a movie or event, I strongly suggest that you visit “The Blue Ribbon” restaurant. It can be found on the map on the Dining page of www.loewsjersey.org
The restaurant is located within the oldest existing structure in Jersey City and offers a wonderful atmosphere (exposed wooden beams, working fireplace, etc), a friendly staff and a great menu of American favorites with a full bar.
I think it is the perfect combination for a Loew’s Jersey experience – a delightful pre or post show meal in a historic building and a great film in a classic movie palace.
What could be better?
GabeDF,
Thanks again for mentioning that video – I have gone ahead and incorporated it into the www.loewsjersey.org website.
Susan S., another volunteer, and I worked hard over the Christmas holiday to launch the new site.
Have you had a chance to explore it?
FYI for anyone headed to The Loew’s Jersey for the Orson Wells Weekend.
There is a new listing of restaurants and eateries near the theatre on their website.
Visitor Information –> Dining
www.loewsjersey.org
No apologies necessary.
I was just trying to prevent a pebble drop from turning into an avalanche.
As you probably know, the FOL org is open to talking and answering questions, so save them up and ask them when you next drop by the theatre.
This is not the appropriate forum to discuss the inner working or details of FOL or the City of Jersey City’s plans and relationships.
The Loew’s Jersey theatre is a landmarked structure and is owned by the City of Jersey City.
Friends of the Loew’s, Inc. is a non-profit 503© corporation that has been awarded a lease for the facility.
Any rumors about the theatre being in danger of demolition or profiteering are just that.
Further details are best obtained from Friends of the Loew’s themselves.
Here is the link…
Bargain prices, new development stir interest in Jersey City’s Journal Square
As a resident of the area in question, here are a few factiods…
1) the new towers will go in where the McDonald’s restaurant currently exists (the article mistakenly places them across the street from the PATH station)
2) Harwood currently owns and operates the Square Ramp parking deck behind The Loew’s Jersey
3) Originally, the plans called for in-ground parking but they were changed after testing revealed hard dolomite rock and the expense would have been too great.
4) There are two other large condo projects in the Journal Square/Heights area: Canco Lofts and The Beacon. Canco Lofts is a conversion of the 1929 American Can complex next to the Pulaski Skyway and The Beacon is the former Jersey City Medical Center (17 buildings!) Sales figures are not readily available but recently, two new large buildings downtown – Grove Pointe and 50 Columbus – near the Grove Street station began offering rental units in addition to condo units.
What theatres in the NYC area are 70mm reel to reel capable?
Radio City?
Ziegfield?
Film Forum?
The theatre in Suffern? (Does Suffern count as NYC area)?
I am wondering how “unique” the Loew’s Jersey will be once the 35mm/70mm Norelcos are installed.
Film Forum is a strong competitor (along with cable channels such as TMC & AMC) and with the organ back playing and 70mm projection ability soon, how should the Loew’s position itself?
Bill,
Accurate dimensions and aspect ratio is available on the Loew’s Jersey Wikipedia entry:
View link
(Robert, a member of the Projection crew, reviewed the entry.)
70mm projectors and rectifiers were hauled up from the lobby to the booth this summer (2007). Thank you to all who came out on those hot days and helped move those monsters!
I do not know the timetable for their installation.
Thanks for that insight Bob – it solves a minor mystery of mine.
The onstage lightboard has a controller panel for the organ lift with “up”, “down” and “picture” positions but the GSTOS team tells me it was never actually connected. I guess since there was no need for the organist to be in position to see and accompany the film, the 1928/29 installers saw no need to connect the panel.
The GSTOS team currently raises, rotates and lowers the organ “by eye” with a handheld controller. They are installing the necessary limit switches and position indicators so that when everything is all done, the organ will have the three positions but that is an event yet to come.
And to clarify…
At this moment, there will not be any organ sing-along or performance on Saturday, Dec. 15.
But please keep your eye on the Loew’s Jersey website or call the theatre, as things sometimes change at the last minute.
Unfortunately, there will be an organ sing-along only on Friday, December 14 with the screening of MIRACLE ON 34th STREET. This is due to the availability of the organist.
Santa will be in the Loew’s on Saturday afternoon and the theatre is decorated for the holidays.
This year has a little extra treat with the sing-along – many “thank yous” to the Garden State Theatre Organ Society!
In the future, as the organ is fully finished (the GSTOS team is still tweaking and tuning) and it becomes fully integrated into the Loew’s programming, I look forward to seeing a show and hearing the Wonder Morton as a regular joy in my life.
GabeDF,
The best way to find out if the organ is being played is to contact the Loew’s Jersey box office.
They have a phone number posted on their website and they are good about returning calls.
Also, keep checking the website as your call might prompt them to post a notice regarding the organ.
As you may know, the organ is a joint effort between The Friends of Loew’s (who operate the theatre) and The Garden State Theatre Organ Society (who own, restored and play the organ). It’s operation currently requires 2 GSTOS members at each performance (one to play and the other to operate the lift mechanism).
I hope this helps and that you and your friends will be able to enjoy both the theatre and the organ.
Here is a special treat for everyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDmjTlwsE6M
It is also on the Loew’s Jersey home page http://www.loewsjersey.org (at the bottom)
Enjoy!
Dear GabeDF and any other interested folk,
The Loew’s Jersey is always ready to welcome anyone who is passionate about old movie palaces and interested in helping to preserve/restore them.
The range of volunteer duties is very wide and there is no age limits – at the last film there was Toni, a wonderful lady of years (I’ll be discreet about her age) welcoming guests and youngsters helping at the concessions. Whether your special skill is folding programs or restoring faux surfaces, it’s a very rewarding experience.
And the best bonus is being able to poke and peek at all the great places that there is just not enough time for during a film exhibition or a group tour to see.
There are open house volunteer work calls nearly every Saturday (and, of course, when there are films) from 10am to 6pm. You can call the Loew’s box office during the week to confirm or just drop by, press the brass doorbell button next to the classic ticket booth and join on in. Friends of the Loew’s provides insurance coverage for all volunteers plus drinks and lunch.
The Loew’s Jersey theatre is in possession of most, if not all, of the original blueprints for the theatre which list Rapp & Rapp as the architects. Though it would require inspecting the blueprints for the date of the draft and the designer of record for that plate, it is not inconceivable to reason that C.W. Rapp was involved in the design the theatre, even if he was not alive to see it completed. The theatre certainly bears the style of firm.