Boulder Theatre

The Curran Opera House was listed in the 1914-1915 American Motion Picture Directory. The August 29 issue of moving Picture World that year ran this item: “Thursdays will be Mary Pickford days at the Curran theater in Boulder, Colo.”

The last 35mm film to play at The Boulder was “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Friday, October 17th, 2014. Doors opened at 7:30pm, live preshow entertainment/activities typical of RHPS screenings occurred between 8:00 and 8:45pm and film hit the screen at 8:45pm. Projectionists were Mr. John Templeton (a union projectionist/stage hand/audio engineer since December 11th, 1973 and projectionist at The Boulder since March of 1973) and myself, Mr. Anthony L. Vazquez-Hernandez (projectionist for over 15 years and union projectionist since 2007, projectionist at The Boulder since March of 2007). Theater was sold out. I literally just tore out the booth with Mr. Templeton less than an hour ago (Monday, October 20th, 2014 9:45am-12:30pm). The booth will be used in the foreseeable future for spotlights and a DCP system will also be brought in occasionally for film festivals and special screenings. All other cinema screenings will be presented on a non-permanent, small digital projector and Bluray/DVD player mounted downstairs at the sound rack.

Historical views of the the theater’s interior can be seen on its history page, both in its first incarnation as an opera house and then later as a movie theater. Click on the “Official” link in the headnote, then on “Venue Info,” and then on “History.”

A photo of the concessions counter, at least a few years ago: View link

There is a contemporary view here: View link

Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/ycbqxar

From 1987, a view of the Boulder and from 2009, three additional images. One, Two and Three.

The Boulder Theater is a wonderful venue. I am a projectionist there and have been involved with the theater for 3 years. The theater still has most of its historic features intact including two very large and beautiful murals, one on each wall. It also plays host to a very fun and creative staff. There are no traditional theater seats in the main auditorium. Instead, there is a large bar as well as versatile seating that sometimes includes tables. The balcony still has its vintage theater seats. The theater plays host to many events including concerts, plays, film festivals, and a weekly film series. The theater just got a brand new sound system for its films in January of 2009. The booth has two Ballantyne Pro-35 projectors equipped for 6 thousand foot reel changeover. Occasionally, a film will be shown digitally via a DLP projector downstairs on the soundrack.
The head Union projectionist, John Templeton is an expert technician who has been involved in every end of the entertainment business including tech work for concerts, plays, political events, camera crews, athletic events and has projected at many theaters and drive-ins in the area. He has around 35 years experience and has been projecting at the Boulder Theater for 30 years.

A big round of applause to Boulder and their foresight for preserving this wonderful art deco beauty!!

Don…

I grew up in Boulder and spent many hours at the Boulder Theatre. It has become a beloved landmark and its preservation has been lauded. There are, however, many changes which have happened to the theatre. First of all, the marquee was altered. The stylized script “Boulder” was originally in lower profile block letters. More significantly, the freestanding box-office was removed and the storefronts adjacent to the entrance were refaced with thin 1950s brick. No one, including Historic Boulder, the owner of the facade easement, seems to want to admit this.

Here is a 1985 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/fp9l2

Here is a photo of the theatre with the neon lit.

Visit the theater website for more info. http://www.bouldertheater.com/