So did a theatre need to install a 70MM projector in order to play OKLAHOMA while it was in roadshow release? Who paid for the install…the studio or theatre?
It’s fascinating to learn that Kansas City (my hometown) played OKLAHOMA in Todd AO but St. Louis didn’t. And little ol' Little Rock Arkansas and Corpis Christi Texas got it. But no Cleveland? Or Cincinnati? Or Atlanta? Weird.
I take it the theatre owner was on the hook for the install, as that might explain the theaters and cities chosen and the sequence of the OKLAHOMA bookings on the list.
I’m surprised no one mentioned this, but I think the REMEMBERING CINERAMA PART II: CHICAGO page posted right here on CinemaTreasures answers any questions pertaining to WINDJAMMER and CIVIC OPERA HOUSE vs CIVIC THEATRE?
What’s with all of these random references to the movies that played here? It’s great info, don’t get me wrong, but may I submit a suggestion: Please consider taking a cue from AlAlvarez, Michael Coate, neeb, Ron3853, and others, and compile a comprehensive and chronological list of the theater’s bookings history so readers can find this fascinating information in one place instead of needing to wade through literally hundreds of (often pointless) comments.
Cobalt
commented about
Cinemaon
Jul 29, 2010 at 10:05 am
According to Coate’s CLOSE ENCOUNTERS list posted here, the original Washington DC engagement was 35mm.
According to Coate’s EMPIRE STRIKES BACK list posted here, the original Washington DC engagement was indeed at the KB Cinema. The first STAR WARS played at Uptown (list posted here).
Wow, I never would have guessed that a major first run film would play at so many drive-ins. I didn’t count them but looking over the list I spotted a lot more than I expected, especially on the west coast and in Canada.
There also were a lot of theatres that showed JAWS in resorty/beach front type areas. I wonder if they were booked there on purpose due to the theme of the movie? That had to be a real kick seeing JAWS at one of those theaters on the coast and then come out of the movie and see the beach with people swimming. Me…I saw JAWS within the safe confines of landlocked Kansas City…and loved every minute of it.
I always have found it fascinating to read these lists of where films opened, and this EMPIRE list is no ecxeption. I find it odd that EMPIRE opened, in 70MM no less, in places I never would have expected like Dubuque, Iowa…and Peoria, Illinois…or Lexington, Kentucky.
I will never claim to know the inner workings of the business, but I can’t help but think how strange the business is if a major release like EMPIRE STRIKES BACK can open in 4 theaters in Pittsburgh and 2 in Lexington but none at all in well populated places like Cleveland…or Tampa/St. Pete…or even San Antonio?
I know you are really good with the details, but I have to call you on the claim that SOUND OF MUSIC was the 1st to reach $100 million. I am among those who have always thought it was JAWS that was the 1st to reach $100 million, and here’s why:
Give the JAWS DVD a spin and you’ll see right there in the documentary, plain as day, “JAWS is the first movie to top $100 million.” They even show the grosses of the other films it topped and listed SOUND OF MUSIC with like $80-something million.
tlsloews…Look over Mike’s list a bit harder. Nashville IS present (hint: it’s in the June 1965 section). And it didn’t play at Crescent, according to Mike’s research anyway; he cites Belle Meade as the theatre that had the Nashville roadshow.
Clifford…no offense, but your arguments are weak and irrational. That you disliked STAR WARS doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is that you seem to characterize STAR WARS (and Lucas & Spielberg) as scapegoats for everything you think is wrong with the film business. You come off like an old fart disenchanted with change (i.e. progress).
Whether you liked or disliked STAR WARS is simply a matter of taste…but you seem to confuse taste with objective criticism. If you believe STAR WARS is overrated, that’s an unscientific opinion you’re entitled to…but one millions of people would disagree with. You know, not everyone thinks CITIZEN KANE or 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY are masterworks; to the typical person, those works are boring and not very entertaining.
All I know is that STAR WARS put a LOT of butts in seats, making LOTS of film industry folks very wealthy and LOTS of moviegoers very happy.
You’re crazy, Clifford! To imply the industry stopped making good films because of STAR WARS is ridiculous. And why do you hate those who simply enjoyed what they thought was a good movie?
“Twilight” the first larger than life vampire flick? I don’t think so! There was a 70mm vampire movie in the ‘80s. I can’t remember the title, but it was something set in a Northern California coastal town and featuring the vampires as a motorcycle gang. Loud, obnoxious rock music soundtrack…
Mike’s JAWS anniversary article has this theatre listed as a twin.
Anyone remember if PATTON played here in original run?
In70mm.com has a list of theatres that showed APOCALYPSE NOW in 70mm in 1979. This Syosset Theatre is NOT on that list. Does this mean Syosset ran a 35mm, or is the list wrong?
Isn’t this theatre located in Moline Acres (rather than Saint Louis)?
So did a theatre need to install a 70MM projector in order to play OKLAHOMA while it was in roadshow release? Who paid for the install…the studio or theatre?
It’s fascinating to learn that Kansas City (my hometown) played OKLAHOMA in Todd AO but St. Louis didn’t. And little ol' Little Rock Arkansas and Corpis Christi Texas got it. But no Cleveland? Or Cincinnati? Or Atlanta? Weird.
I take it the theatre owner was on the hook for the install, as that might explain the theaters and cities chosen and the sequence of the OKLAHOMA bookings on the list.
I love these historical lists. Keep ‘em coming!
I’m surprised no one mentioned this, but I think the REMEMBERING CINERAMA PART II: CHICAGO page posted right here on CinemaTreasures answers any questions pertaining to WINDJAMMER and CIVIC OPERA HOUSE vs CIVIC THEATRE?
What’s with all of these random references to the movies that played here? It’s great info, don’t get me wrong, but may I submit a suggestion: Please consider taking a cue from AlAlvarez, Michael Coate, neeb, Ron3853, and others, and compile a comprehensive and chronological list of the theater’s bookings history so readers can find this fascinating information in one place instead of needing to wade through literally hundreds of (often pointless) comments.
Was this theater also known as NTI TYSONS CORNER 4? If so, then yes for INDIANA JONES 70MM.
Coate has INDIANA JONES 70mm lists!
http://www.in70mm.com/news/2010/raiders/index.htm
http://www.in70mm.com/news/2010/doom/index.htm
http://www.in70mm.com/news/2010/crusade/index.htm
According to Coate’s CLOSE ENCOUNTERS list posted here, the original Washington DC engagement was 35mm.
According to Coate’s EMPIRE STRIKES BACK list posted here, the original Washington DC engagement was indeed at the KB Cinema. The first STAR WARS played at Uptown (list posted here).
Yes, according to Coate’s 25th anniversary article that identifies all of RETURN OF THE JEDI’s 70mm locations.
Wow, I never would have guessed that a major first run film would play at so many drive-ins. I didn’t count them but looking over the list I spotted a lot more than I expected, especially on the west coast and in Canada.
There also were a lot of theatres that showed JAWS in resorty/beach front type areas. I wonder if they were booked there on purpose due to the theme of the movie? That had to be a real kick seeing JAWS at one of those theaters on the coast and then come out of the movie and see the beach with people swimming. Me…I saw JAWS within the safe confines of landlocked Kansas City…and loved every minute of it.
METEOR had 70MM prints?
Another great article, thanks!
I always have found it fascinating to read these lists of where films opened, and this EMPIRE list is no ecxeption. I find it odd that EMPIRE opened, in 70MM no less, in places I never would have expected like Dubuque, Iowa…and Peoria, Illinois…or Lexington, Kentucky.
I will never claim to know the inner workings of the business, but I can’t help but think how strange the business is if a major release like EMPIRE STRIKES BACK can open in 4 theaters in Pittsburgh and 2 in Lexington but none at all in well populated places like Cleveland…or Tampa/St. Pete…or even San Antonio?
Thanks, Mike, for another excellent article.
I know you are really good with the details, but I have to call you on the claim that SOUND OF MUSIC was the 1st to reach $100 million. I am among those who have always thought it was JAWS that was the 1st to reach $100 million, and here’s why:
Give the JAWS DVD a spin and you’ll see right there in the documentary, plain as day, “JAWS is the first movie to top $100 million.” They even show the grosses of the other films it topped and listed SOUND OF MUSIC with like $80-something million.
I bet Michael Coate knows. Did you see his spectacular SOUND OF MUSIC article?
Shadow Box and no curtains? Sure sounds like a General Cinema house to me.
tlsloews…Look over Mike’s list a bit harder. Nashville IS present (hint: it’s in the June 1965 section). And it didn’t play at Crescent, according to Mike’s research anyway; he cites Belle Meade as the theatre that had the Nashville roadshow.
Sublintial???
Wow! What the heck was FEELARAMA (re: the KRAKATOA rerelease)?
Clifford…no offense, but your arguments are weak and irrational. That you disliked STAR WARS doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is that you seem to characterize STAR WARS (and Lucas & Spielberg) as scapegoats for everything you think is wrong with the film business. You come off like an old fart disenchanted with change (i.e. progress).
Whether you liked or disliked STAR WARS is simply a matter of taste…but you seem to confuse taste with objective criticism. If you believe STAR WARS is overrated, that’s an unscientific opinion you’re entitled to…but one millions of people would disagree with. You know, not everyone thinks CITIZEN KANE or 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY are masterworks; to the typical person, those works are boring and not very entertaining.
All I know is that STAR WARS put a LOT of butts in seats, making LOTS of film industry folks very wealthy and LOTS of moviegoers very happy.
You’re crazy, Clifford! To imply the industry stopped making good films because of STAR WARS is ridiculous. And why do you hate those who simply enjoyed what they thought was a good movie?
What is it you think STAR WARS did to the industry, Clifford, that was so bad?
90' x 43'…wow! That must’ve been impressive, especially for something like 2001 or GRAND PRIX.
Am I correct to assume that when they ran non-Cinerama presentations a smaller portion of the screen was used?
“Twilight” the first larger than life vampire flick? I don’t think so! There was a 70mm vampire movie in the ‘80s. I can’t remember the title, but it was something set in a Northern California coastal town and featuring the vampires as a motorcycle gang. Loud, obnoxious rock music soundtrack…
I also found that Coate & Kallay cite a 70mm print of STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE screening in San Diego during a 1981 double-bill reissue.
[i]December 4 (1981):
Star Trek: The Motion Picture* / 2001: A Space Odyssey**
(Return Engagement Double Feature)
San Diego: Mann Loma
*Anamorphic Blow-Up / Six-Track Dolby Stereo
**Super Panavision 70 / Six-Track Stereo
Original 1979 release of “Star Trek” in 35mm – first San Diego 70mm engagement (and rare U.S. 70mm screening)[/i]