Philadelphia Film Center

Upgrades are coming to the PFC. The two-screen movie theater at 1412 Chestnut St. will undergo a massive renovation in 2025. The upgrades include a new box office and enhancements to the lobby. They will begin in May and are expected to finish in early September.

The lobby, meanwhile, will be redesigned to pay “homage to various past eras of film.” The concessions stand will be expanded and bar area will be remodeled to make the space more comfortable.

https://www.phillyvoice.com/philadelphia-film-center-upgrades-renovations-box-office-lobby-bar/

This year, the theater will turn 100 years old.

Would love to see the red design marquee converted back to the Midtown marquee.

That red design marquee is covering the marquee that William Goldman Theatres put up when the renovated the Karlton into the Midtown.

Tonight & next Tuesday eve, “Apocalypse Now Final Cut” here. Digital. The theater has 2k projection, 7.1 surround sound. My notes are that the “Redux” version was here 7-31-01.

That’s interesting. I’m kind of glad they are keeping the main auditorium intact as it may be large by today’s standards but it is still under 500 seats. That being said, IMO, with all the upgrades in sound and projection (and the addition of 70mm capability) I really do hope they put in a new permanent screen that can take advantage of most of the width of that stage. At 32' wide the current flying screen is smaller than the screens in the big rooms at Riverview Plaza. No question that width stage and size auditorium should have at least a 50' wide screen (if not wider) especially if they want to do justice to any future 70mm screenings. I’m not sure, but I am guessing that if they are going to be installing Dolby Atmos Sound, a new permanent screen would be a must considering the number of speakers behind the screen.

Thanks for the update. Apparently the main auditorium will be getting Dolby Atmos Sound, 4K, 35mm and 70mm projection (and I hope a new permanent screen with side masking). The dividing of the main auditorium appears to be the same configuration as what was done to good effect at the Ambler. I’m not familiar with the Ballroom Auditorium at the Prince. I wonder if that would just become another small screening room or a somewhat larger 100-150 seat room. No matter, this is great news for Philadelphia area film goers. The idea of being able to see 70mm again is going to be a real treat.

Not many new movies in main auditorium but Solo: A Star Wars Story starts May 24 for a one week run in the main auditorium.

I wish that the Prince could survive as a film only venue with a 60' wide permanent stage width screen instead of the present 32' flying screen. It is pretty sad that in a city as large as Philadelphia that there are so few screens in Center City. At least with the Prince showing movies there is a decent venue for more mainstream films. I have read of a possible small multiplex in the Gallery renovation but I’ll believe that when I’m actually sitting in one of the theaters waiting for the show to begin.

According to the Prince website they are showing Dunkirk in both Digital Projection and 35mm. Apparently it was erroneously noted in an article in the Sunday Inquire that the Prince was showing it in 70mm.

PPDDSS I remember the painting when it was new. I have seen it since is has become a ‘ghost’. Not a fitting tribute to a once great movie theater.

Jack K mentions seeing Around the World in 80 Days there. As of now, 2015, there is still the ghost of a painted sign on the rear Sansom Street wall advertising that film.