Astra Theatre
57 Macquarie Street,
Sydney,
NSW
2150
57 Macquarie Street,
Sydney,
NSW
2150
2 people
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Info incorrect - ‘Back to the Future’ actually opened the old Astra when it was bought by GU in 1985. GU painted and dressed it up until they demolished it to make way for the GU 3. Last movie at the GU Astra was ‘Top Gun’
I worked there 1967/68 there abouts as assistant operator.70mm films I remember My Fair Lady,The great race&Battle of the bulge [Cinerama print from the Plaza in Sydney] which was a real poor presentation as the Astra only had Todd lenses. It looked like c/scope running w/screen lenses.The other weird thing was a film Ithink it was called ‘Across the top’ came from the Palace in pitt st city,a 16mm print complete with 16mm RCA projector & corbon arc.Kel Ball was on hand to set it up.[real poor presentation].Half way thru the first spool the take up shaft failed and there was film all over the floor and a half hour break with house lights half up while we made atemp fix to finish the session.The milk bar a couple of doors up made great burgers.
I worked at the Astra as a “trayboy” for about 2 years in the early 60’s. The Astra was one of only 2 cinemas in Sydney to have the “TODD-AO” projection system with the massive curved screen & 6 track stereophonic sound.
We screened “Cleopatra” after it’s “roadshow” run at the Mayfair theatre in Castlereagh street in the city. We had reserved seating & phone reservations (how things have changed) & the film ran for several months.
I remember how exciting it was to hear the overture played with the beautiful gold cutrains still closed & then they opened to show that massive screen. Such wonderful memories for a teenager in those days.
Hoyts accidently sold the property to an agent for Greater Union and they built a triple in the 80s which still stands and some screens converted to a Health Centre.