Cinema City 4

I was priveledged to have managed this theatre in 1979 under SBC.This was before the conversion to art and independent films. SBC was searching for an identity for this out-of-the-way house, and I was brought in after having converted the Providence Cinerama to art.

Sadly, I was promoted on to the company’s flagship before the conversion was complete. But we did enjoy many years of sucess before Hoyts purchase in the mid 80’s.

BTW, the seats in that house, American Rocker Recliners, cost about $100 each when that house was built in ‘73. Quite the investment in todays dollars!

Nick

Very happy that this theater is still around. Yes, the seats are the same, but they are quite comfy. Cupholders would be nice, but ah well. The ‘no advertisement’ policy before the movie starts is refreshing, though I’d be fine with ads if they were needed to keep the theater afloat. Concession prices are reasonable…we took advantage of the $10.00 large popcorn and soda combo (free refills at least on the popcorn). Free parking also makes it preferable to the West Hartford Blue Back Square location.

Went there this Friday to see “Milk”, as they were the only Hartford area theater showing it. Although the 10pm showing had ‘only’ 30-40 people, the 7:30pm showing looked like it was sold out! :)

Ive been to every Bow Tie cinemas in CT. All theater are clean and pleasure to attend.The staff are friendly.They care about their theaters

I hope they do convert an auxiliary snack bar (that are never used) into a coffee bar, tables and pleasant atmosphere. Part of the charm of Cinema City was the patron review board, so adding those touches will give it a sense of community. Ironic that a certain type of patron you wouldn’t mind loitering – whereas others…..well let’s not go there.

I haven’t been to either theater in about two years since I lived in CT but the rare art film that played at the Palace rarely was met with success – I think we were the only ones in the theater when we saw Bee Season there. I think the issue is the perception of the Palace, which attracts a certain kind of rowdy crowd no matter what Joe Masher might believe (it did last I was there). Upscaling part of it and making it into a unique art house would probably help them sell the idea of art pictures at the Palace – or better yet – show them at Blue Back Square. It makes sense since I think that end of town/West Hartford is a little over screened (although the Palace’s 7PM shows on Saturdays did too well – in fact we’d have to budget in a half hour just to buy tickets, other times it was less crazy).

I’m sad to see Cinema City go, it was out of date and really it just needed new seats and masking in the two smaller theaters (it didn’t under Crown, anyway). I have many a good memory from my undergrad years at Cinema City (many times virtually alone at the late show on a weekday night under Hoyts/Northeastern and Crown).

Drove by here over the weekend and the right half of the building has been razed.