I saw movies when it was a single screener sitting in both stalls & balcony/circle, and agree with Lionel as to his commments. I preferred the sightlines from the balcony. I’ve since seen more movies in the main floor auditorium, finding the rows I like most there. There are still 70mm presentations including currently 2001 and Die Hard.
article about conversion to office space. The rendering show 2 statues on the exterior will reappear.https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/construction-work-begins-on-40m-redevelopment-of-leeds-city-centre-landmark-1-9006462
another article about the great news!
https://www.savebritainsheritage.org/campaigns/item/526/Listing-success-Historic-cinema-in-Londons-West-End-is-celebrated-and-protected-through-listing
For some months, there’s been a once a week evening classic. I’m told by a friend who attended that last night’s Young Frankenstein was packed, the large auditorium # 1 filled except 1st 3 rows. These are shown as theatrical quality 2 k.
Yes, I’d see First Man in 70mm Imax somewhere, but since only digital Imax, I doubt I will spend the extra ticket cost. More likely I will see it in a movie theater in scope, not in an Imax.
There is a “locked” article today at Phila. Business Journal where renderings (free to see) indicate plan to change name to Philadelphia Film Center (with wording on the main facade as Midtown wording used to be) & to change raised upper section of main auditorium into 2 more auditoriums with screens, so that together with ex ballroom auditorium, the building will have 4 screens.
yep, retail sounds sad for this space! article –
Stillman Development will be responsible for the $100 million project, and has signed a 73-year lease for the space, which will be reconceived as a multi-floor retail space.
The extensive renovation plan is set to incorporate elements of the theatre’s original design, and will preserve the original proscenium, dome, and boxes.
The plans also include restoration of architectural features and will lift the property façade by five feet, which will result in higher ceilings on the ground floor. Developers have also planned to construct a two story glass box and outdoor space on the property.
According to reports, the developers hope to appeal to “entertainment-focused retailers”.
The property has changed hands a number of times over the years, most recently having been leased to an entertainment and multimedia company based in Singapore. In 2014, a deal fell through for the much-discussed Broadway 4D project.
Developers estimate that the project will take at least two years to complete.
short article with the relevant parts sounding way better than the wrecking ball mentioned as a possibility in recent comment:
sources told The Post, the theater with 100 feet of sidewalk frontage has been leased to Oracle Projects International, a Singapore-based producer and designer of technology-driven entertainment and multimedia events.
Oracle Special Projects says it specializes in “delivering complete customized turnkey solutions for world-class special events, permanent installations and landmark attractions around the world.” It says its “proprietary 360-degree Video Project Dome venues” have “revolutionized the events and entertainment sphere.”
Ah, the 4th paragraph here says the 2.89 is letterboxed http://www.in70mm.com/news/2008/west_digital/index.htm
I’m no expert on Cinerama so can’t say for sure.
The Dome is only showing ONE film in Cinerama style, How the West was Won though in digital. Some footage is shown that was actually filmed (not showing gigolos). Again, the 70mm versions regarding the other films are different than 3 strip Cinerama. What I don’t understand is the reference to no good prints of Mad World because today Seattle Cinerama was showing 70mm of such though possible from a private collector?
The Ultra-Panavision 70, which is not exactly the same as Cinerama, and its aspect ratio is 2.76. The digital How the Was Won has more image than originally projected. I applaud Mr. Sittig’s professionalism & dedication to correct presentations! Of course, many of us would prefer film to digital, but unfortunately, I don’t think there’s decent 70mm prints of Grand Prix or Battle of the Bulge, so restored digital is what will be shown- and enjoyed!
I liked Cineplex Odeon. They overspent on acquiring & furnishing theaters & could not sustain that business model but they gave theatergoers curtained screens, marble floors, custom carpets, etc, at least in the DC & NYC theaters I attended regularly.
I’ve noticed just about everything here seems to be shown these days in digital, with the rare exceptions of the 70mm screenings. That’s disappointing!
I wouldn’t put much credence in a theater chat site unless there was more specific information. Unless somebody asked the theater staff they would not know if it was a blu ray or 2k or 4k whether downloaded from satellite as typical or harddrive. As to colors, it was a digital version & such scans do not always resemble what the film had. As stated, in my experience, the Fathom TCM screenings are NOT blu rays- I’ve asked. But, at one of those screenings, the colors looked ridiculous & when checked online that was the criticism of the digitization of that film.
Vindanpar, are you sure it was a showing of the Blu ray rather than a 2k or 4k version (even if not the roadshow)? In 2012, I saw a beautiful 70mm print of the roadshow at AFI Silver, so there’s a roadshow available to digitize if not already done. When I’ve attended Fathom screenings- which this was, they usually are 2k or so.
I saw movies when it was a single screener sitting in both stalls & balcony/circle, and agree with Lionel as to his commments. I preferred the sightlines from the balcony. I’ve since seen more movies in the main floor auditorium, finding the rows I like most there. There are still 70mm presentations including currently 2001 and Die Hard.
article about conversion to office space. The rendering show 2 statues on the exterior will reappear.https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/construction-work-begins-on-40m-redevelopment-of-leeds-city-centre-landmark-1-9006462
article about name change https://www.redbankgreen.com/2018/10/red-bank-basie-marquee/
I only think of movies as “letterboxed” if they are not matted/masked, in which case I won’t return!
The decorated Loews auditorium’s screen dimensions are in the intro above.
another article about the great news! https://www.savebritainsheritage.org/campaigns/item/526/Listing-success-Historic-cinema-in-Londons-West-End-is-celebrated-and-protected-through-listing
So that’s where those Trust scenes were filmed! Thank you.
For some months, there’s been a once a week evening classic. I’m told by a friend who attended that last night’s Young Frankenstein was packed, the large auditorium # 1 filled except 1st 3 rows. These are shown as theatrical quality 2 k.
Yes, I’d see First Man in 70mm Imax somewhere, but since only digital Imax, I doubt I will spend the extra ticket cost. More likely I will see it in a movie theater in scope, not in an Imax.
MarkP, I hope they put the Newark letters back on after the film shoot!
There is a “locked” article today at Phila. Business Journal where renderings (free to see) indicate plan to change name to Philadelphia Film Center (with wording on the main facade as Midtown wording used to be) & to change raised upper section of main auditorium into 2 more auditoriums with screens, so that together with ex ballroom auditorium, the building will have 4 screens.
the marquee pictured in the linked article looks beautiful!
yep, retail sounds sad for this space! article – Stillman Development will be responsible for the $100 million project, and has signed a 73-year lease for the space, which will be reconceived as a multi-floor retail space.
The extensive renovation plan is set to incorporate elements of the theatre’s original design, and will preserve the original proscenium, dome, and boxes.
The plans also include restoration of architectural features and will lift the property façade by five feet, which will result in higher ceilings on the ground floor. Developers have also planned to construct a two story glass box and outdoor space on the property.
According to reports, the developers hope to appeal to “entertainment-focused retailers”.
The property has changed hands a number of times over the years, most recently having been leased to an entertainment and multimedia company based in Singapore. In 2014, a deal fell through for the much-discussed Broadway 4D project.
Developers estimate that the project will take at least two years to complete.
short article with the relevant parts sounding way better than the wrecking ball mentioned as a possibility in recent comment:
sources told The Post, the theater with 100 feet of sidewalk frontage has been leased to Oracle Projects International, a Singapore-based producer and designer of technology-driven entertainment and multimedia events. Oracle Special Projects says it specializes in “delivering complete customized turnkey solutions for world-class special events, permanent installations and landmark attractions around the world.” It says its “proprietary 360-degree Video Project Dome venues” have “revolutionized the events and entertainment sphere.”
Ah, the 4th paragraph here says the 2.89 is letterboxed http://www.in70mm.com/news/2008/west_digital/index.htm I’m no expert on Cinerama so can’t say for sure.
both sides at the far ends? see Restoration https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_the_West_Was_Won_(film)#Restoration
The Dome is only showing ONE film in Cinerama style, How the West was Won though in digital. Some footage is shown that was actually filmed (not showing gigolos). Again, the 70mm versions regarding the other films are different than 3 strip Cinerama. What I don’t understand is the reference to no good prints of Mad World because today Seattle Cinerama was showing 70mm of such though possible from a private collector?
The Ultra-Panavision 70, which is not exactly the same as Cinerama, and its aspect ratio is 2.76. The digital How the Was Won has more image than originally projected. I applaud Mr. Sittig’s professionalism & dedication to correct presentations! Of course, many of us would prefer film to digital, but unfortunately, I don’t think there’s decent 70mm prints of Grand Prix or Battle of the Bulge, so restored digital is what will be shown- and enjoyed!
I liked Cineplex Odeon. They overspent on acquiring & furnishing theaters & could not sustain that business model but they gave theatergoers curtained screens, marble floors, custom carpets, etc, at least in the DC & NYC theaters I attended regularly.
Sold & demolition expected http://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-philly/south-kensington/fine-fare-building-girard-will-torn-soon
article re Roman era coins- https://www.cnn.com/style/article/roman-gold-coins-italy-cressoni-theater-trnd/index.html
I’ve noticed just about everything here seems to be shown these days in digital, with the rare exceptions of the 70mm screenings. That’s disappointing!
As to what I saw re South Pacific: http://www.in70mm.com/news/2006/south_pacific/index.htm
http://www.afi.com/silver/films/2012/v9i3/70mm.aspx
6 track meant 5 tracks behind screen, 1 surround. Usually remixed into the digital formats. Not identical.
I wouldn’t put much credence in a theater chat site unless there was more specific information. Unless somebody asked the theater staff they would not know if it was a blu ray or 2k or 4k whether downloaded from satellite as typical or harddrive. As to colors, it was a digital version & such scans do not always resemble what the film had. As stated, in my experience, the Fathom TCM screenings are NOT blu rays- I’ve asked. But, at one of those screenings, the colors looked ridiculous & when checked online that was the criticism of the digitization of that film.
Vindanpar, are you sure it was a showing of the Blu ray rather than a 2k or 4k version (even if not the roadshow)? In 2012, I saw a beautiful 70mm print of the roadshow at AFI Silver, so there’s a roadshow available to digitize if not already done. When I’ve attended Fathom screenings- which this was, they usually are 2k or so.