Cinema Treasures

Trans-Lux sells entertainment division

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:55:40 GMT

The company responsible for a small chain of southwest theaters has sold its entertainment assets.

Trans-Lux Corporation, a leading supplier of programmable electronic information displays and operator of cinemas, announced today that the company has sold its Entertainment division as planned to private equity firm Marwit Capital of Newport Beach, CA effective July 15th. Jesup & Lamont Securities Corporation acted as exclusive financial advisor for the Company in connection with this transaction. It is anticipated that Stephen J. DeGroat, former Chairman and CEO of Jesup & Lamont will continue advising on a non-exclusive basis on certain financial matters to assist in the Company's future growth plan for the Display Division.

Read the full story at Market Watch.

Dark Knight promotion at Orpheum

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:50:07 GMT

HILLSBORO, IL --Showmanship is alive and well at the Orpheum Theatre. This is the newspaper coverage of the Dark Knight promo which took place this past weekend.

The bat call could be seen lighting up the sky in downtown Hillsboro as the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight, opened at midnight on Friday morning, July 18, at the Orpheum Theatre. Theatre owner Jeff Eisentraut said the show was sold out for the midnight showing, as well as the regular show on Friday evening. Movie patrons were delighted when both Batman and the Joker made an appearance prior to each of those two shows.

Work continues on Magic City

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:45:25 GMT

MURDO, SD -- Following the initial report, a local youth group continues to work on restoring the Magic City Theater.

Walking into the gloomy, hollow shell of the Magic City Theater, it is hard to imagine a big screen and rows of theater seats filled with movie fans contentedly munching popcorn. "It's hard to visualize," said Carson Moore, 16, admitting that the transformation won't happen overnight. Carson is a member of a group of local teens and adults for whom that vision is alive. Every time they roll up their shirt sleeves to tackle another project in the theater, they inch closer to their goal of restoring something the town lost when the theater closed decades ago.

Read the full story in the Rapid City Journal.

Campus Theatre's auditorium lost - exterior restored

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:00:09 GMT

MILLEDGEVILLE, GA -- The Campus Theatre opened in 1935. It was designed in the popular Art Deco style of the day. The theatre closed 1983 and ownership of the theatre changed hands several times over the years. Talks of reopening the theatre never materialized. In 2006 plans to convert the theatre into a "mixed use" building were discussed. In February 2008 then current owner Randall Hattaway sold the theatre to the Georgia College & State University for approximately $800,000. ] Plans were approved in May of 2008 for a "conversion" of the theater which began in June. The finalized plans restore the exterior of the theatre, including the marquee and box office, to its original design. The lobby, a portion of the first floor and added basement space will be converted to a book store. The current auditorium will be replaced with a literal black box that will contain a theatre for mixed use presentations. The balcony will be converted into office space along with the current offices already located on the second floor.

Art Theatre re-opening August 15th

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:00:03 GMT

LONG BEACH, CA -- After being sold and closed in March of this year, the Art Theatre is scheduled to re-open on August 15th. The facade will be restored, a replica of the 1934 marquee will be installed, and maybe best of all, a new proscenium arch and curtains will be installed in front of the screen!

Long Beach's venerable Art Theatre is scheduled to re-open Aug. 15, pushed back by owners two weeks later than the date previously posted on the theater's Web site. The 84-year-old Fourth Street institution, which has been closed since March, will showcase some of its past glamour with more than

$1 million in restorations and renovations, courtesy of the theater's new owners, V Squared. See this link for the full article in the Press Telegram.

AMC opening Northwest's first all-digital cineplex

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:40:57 GMT

TUKWILA, WA -- The new AMC Westfield Southcenter not only provides Seattle-area moviegoers with luxurious accommodations but also the Northwest's first all digital cinema.

It's not being billed as such, but the opening Friday of AMC's luxurious 16-screen multiplex at Westfield Southcenter in Tukwila is a milestone event in local movie history. It's the first large-scale cinema in the Northwest in which every projector is digital. The 2,900-seat complex is one of 10 nonfilm theaters AMC is introducing into the hard-pressed movie market this year, and the prototype for a movie-theater future that industry experts predict could be all-digital in less than a decade. Will this transition affect the average moviegoer?

Read the full story in the Seattle PI.

The Dark Knight Beats Estimates

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:15:54 GMT

The Dark Knight beat its Sunday estimate and scored $158.3 million over the three-day weekend. The figure is the "best-ever 3-day non-holiday weekend," according to Deadline Hollywood Daily. "The new industry record made mincemeat of conventional wisdom," The Hollywood Reporter adds, "that a mid-July session could never pack such a punch." To get a sense of the excitement at theaters across the country, IMAX president Greg Forster notes: "We sold out every single ticket in the country at every show. We're certainly sold out throughout (the weekend), and the majority of our theaters have sell-outs into next weekend and beyond. Our Web site has shut down multiple times.""

Port Theater's rebirth in Corona del Mar

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:55:19 GMT

CORONA DEL MAR CA -- The Port Theater was built in 1950 in a distinct 50's style. It remained opened as a single screen theater until 1998 when a combination of newly built multiplexes nearby and a lack of public parking on a busy thoroughfare finally proved fatal. The theater has remained closed for a decade and suffered both the threat of city approved demolition permits and a later proposed remodel for use as offices and shops. The present owner has surprisingly reversed his original plans for the remodel and has announced he will revive the theater. An article about the Port Theater's rebirth can be found at the OC Register.

70mm in Missouri

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:45:03 GMT

I am trying to research 70mm engagements in my home state, but there is not many things out there. I am far from any microfilm for the St. Louis and Kansas City areas and cannot research the papers from those areas from Springfield. Any help is definitely appreciated. I am researching the St. Louis and Kansas City areas (other areas are definitely acceptable). And here is what I have so far (special thanks to Michael Coate and Bill Kallay's from www.in70mm.com and www.fromscripttodvd.com contributions and aparofan's flickr page for the found items).

80 theatre seats for sale

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:30:40 GMT

I have 80 blue theatre seats for sale. They are in good condition. I have some photos if you want to see them. I am selling them because my theatre needs funds. If you are interested please email me. Thanks

The Dark Knight Breaks Weekend Box Office Record

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:25:39 GMT

The Dark Knight has reportedly broken the three-day box office record with $155.3 million, compared to Spider-Man 3's $151.1 million, according to USA Today and the Associated Press. Scott Bowles writes in USA Today:

There were few records left standing in Batman's wake by the end of the weekend. With the death of Heath Ledger, who played the Joker, glowing early reviews and director Christopher Nolan's standing with the comic-book community, it was clear that the second installment of the revitalized franchise was headed for the history books one minute into its opening weekend.

The IMAX screenings have already earned $6.2 million on 94 screens, easily beating Spider-Man 3's record of $4.7 million. Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily is reporting the same numbers, but she notes that some rival studios are questioning the projected weekend total ... stay tuned.

The Dark Knight Sets Single Day Box Office Record

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:32:24 GMT

The Dark Knight has set a new single day box office record with $66.4 million (a figure that includes the also record-breaking midnight to 3 am screenings across the country that earned $18.5 million). The film opened in a record-setting 4,366 theaters according to Deadline Hollywood Daily's Nikki Finke. Read more from the Associated Press.

Whiteside Theatre in Oregon seeks volunteers for restoration

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:50:49 GMT

CORVALLIS OR -- The Whiteside Theatre is reaching out to volunteers who would like to participate in the restoration of what was once the second biggest theatre in Oregon. The theatre opened in 1922 and functioned as a single screen movie palace until its closure in 2002. Owner Regal Entertainment Corporation entertained an attempt in 2006 to convert the theatre to a retail complex, leaving only the exterior intact. In February 2007 the city council approved the plan. The Whiteside Theatre Foundation successfully fended off the proposal and eventually convinced Regal Entertainment to donate the theatre to the foundation. Although the theatre has suffered the ravages of time, most of the original features remain intact. The tile and wood floors of the theatre have been covered with carpet but little else has changed. A complete description of the theatre's present state can be found at the Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society.

Dark Knight presales exceed expectations

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:50:11 GMT

It might not be quite breaking records, but the "Dark Knight" online presales have been exceptional.

Here is the most up-to-date sales info regarding Batman: The Dark Knight: 7PM: With two hours still to go until the clock strikes midnight ET, Dark Knight has reached MovieTickets.com's Top-5 Pre-sale List of All-Time: 1. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith 2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 4. Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert 5. The Dark Knight

Read the full story at Deadline Hollywood Daily.

Big 3D opening weekend

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:45:59 GMT

"Journey to the Center of the Earth" performed big in its opening weekend in 3D. How will this affect a future rollout?

The success of Warner Bros' Journey to the Center of the Earth will likely pressure exhibitors and distributors to find ways to roll out digital presentation systems more quickly. Journey delivered an opening weekend gross of $20.58M, with 57 percent of the gross coming from theatres equipped to show the film in Real D 3D. This Brendan Fraser family action film is the first live action, narrative Digital 3D film, and the movie performed 3.1 times better in 3D than it did in traditional 2D presentation. I spoke with Real D Chairman/CEO and Co-Founder Michael V. Lewis on Sunday, and he says that Journey delivered an estimated Per Theatre Average of $12,000 in Digital 3D this weekend compared to just $4,000 in 2D. Given the success of 2007's Beowulf (Dreamworks/Paramount) and the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour Movie (Disney) early this year, it is fair to question why only 1,400 Real D 3D systems have been deployed.

Read the full story at Hollywood.com.

Theatre equipment wanted

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:35:01 GMT

American Entertainment Products, LLC is buying used theatre equipment, vintage and current. Vintage speakers, ampflifiers, horns and drivers like Western Electric, ERPI, Motiograph, Altec and Jensen. Current equipment including projectors, amplifiers, processors, platters and speakers. Will come to you, provide labor and equipment for removal. Call or email for an evaluation of your inventory. Tel: 503.998.3200 or email: aep30@comcast.net

iPhone theater search

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:36:42 GMT

There are new Apple iPhone applications that help you find local theaters.

Movies.app is a comprehensive movie searching application giving you Theaters in your area, movies that are in those theaters, trailers of movies, maps to the theaters, Box Office info about movies and even movies that are Opening Soon.

New release shelf life

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:50:23 GMT

Not really news but Reuters takes a look at the state of staying power for summer flicks.

We live in a culture of instant gratification: instant-on appliances, fast food and, in some states, even day-of-registration voting. Hollywood is not immune, especially during the summer months, when moviegoers descend each weekend on the newest movie at the multiplex like a swarm of hungry locusts. Audiences make their likes or dislikes known instantly. The result is that hit or miss, no movie stays on theater screens for very long.

Where can I find a 35mm print of "Plan 9 from Outer Space"?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:45:49 GMT

I'm looking to rent classic z grade film prints but am unable to locate any. Please respond back with any leads

High quality/low price seats from China

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:30:44 GMT

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More classics at the Michigan

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:45:59 GMT

ANN ARBOR, MI -- The summer film series at the Michigan Theater is continuing with "M".

The Michigan Theater's Summer Classics Film Series rolls on this week with Fritz Lang's "M." This influential 1931 German movie stars Peter Lorre as a child killer who meets a sort of justice at the hands of the Berlin underworld. The movie screens today at 3 p.m. and Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Michigan, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Regular admission applies. More Information.

Former Harper Woods movie theater gets new life

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:40:16 GMT

HARPER WOODS, MI -- The Wayne County Community College is renovating the Beacon East Cinemas for student use.

Workers are turning the former Beacon East Cinemas in Harper Woods into a center of learning. The Detroit News reports Monday that Wayne County Community College is turning the shuttered 1970s movie theater into University Square. The facility will be shared with four-year schools that want to offer courses locally.

The full story is in the Associated Press.

Overland Park success

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:40:03 GMT

BOISE, ID -- This article raves about how the Overland Park Cinema is the best in Boise.

For a mere $4 you can get a bag of popcorn and a soda and sit down to enjoy a second-run, but first-class flick. Families can enjoy a real movie night-out for minor coin. Skip the popcorn, and a kid gets in for just $2. The theater also boasts $1 Tuesday movies and daily matinees. The movie house, with its three cinemas, is practically hidden in the middle of the Overland Park Shopping Center. But plenty of nearby parking makes up for the lack of a huge marquee. Theater owners upgraded seating and sound in recent years. Owner Mike Lehosit credits the theater's success to low profit margins and a family orientation.

Remembering "Die Hard"

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:09:01 GMT

Twenty years ago today, the classic action flick "Die Hard" was released. REMEMBERING DIE HARD Compiled by Michael Coate CAST: John McClane ... Bruce Willis Holly Gennaro-McClane ... Bonnie Bedelia Sgt. Al Powell ... Reginald Veljohnson Dwayne T. Robinson ... Paul Gleason Argyle ... De'voreaux White Thornburg ... William Atherton Ellis ... Hart Bochner Hans Gruber ... Alan Rickman Karl ... Alexander Godunov Theo ... Clarence Gilyard, Jr. DIRECTOR: John McTiernan SCREENPLAY: Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza (screenplay), Roderick Thorp (novel) RELEASE DATE: Friday, July 15, 1988 (70mm limited release); Wednesday, July 20, 1988 (general release)

Circle Cinema turns 80

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:54:02 GMT

TULSA, OK -- It has had its ups and downs but 80 years later, the Circle Cinema is still going strong.

Sitting on 12th and Lewis, Circle Cinema celebrates its 80th birthday today and the staff looks forward to renovating the theater for the future while also appreciating its history. "We are the only remaining historic movie theater left in Tulsa - everything has become a parking lot," said Stephanie LaFevers, executive director of Circle Cinema Foundation. Circle Cinema opened its doors on July 15, 1928, and is in Tulsa's first suburban shopping center, according to information compiled by Leigh Ann Zielger, executive director for the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. The theater went through an evolution of showing serial films in the 1950s to even venturing into adult films in the late 1970s. But from the 1990s to early 2000s the theater sat nearly empty and vacant.

Read the full story in the Journal Record.