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The latest movie theater news and updates
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July 24, 2006
New Book Out About The Rise of Mexican Cinema
A new book was just released, “Mexican Movies in the United States: A History of the Films, Theaters and Audiences, 1920-1960.”
It’s by Rogelio Agrasanchez and it discusses the films and venues around the country where Mexican Cinema was prevalent.
For more information, read the Amazon page for this book.
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750 Theater Seats for Sale
For sale are 750 vintage theater seats, originally built by the American Desk company, now called Seating Concepts.
The seats are maroon in color and will be ready for pick-up in August. Perfect seating for anybody restoring an old movie house. Asking $11.00 per seat, or best offer.
Also for sale are some old cinema platters. Please call Dan at 215-983-0987 or e-mail me at .
Location is in Northern New Jersey.
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July 21, 2006
Pensacola Saenger Theater Expansion Approved
PENSACOLA, FL — In March 2006, the citizens of Pensacola and Escambia County voted to extend the local option sales tax for a renovation and expansion of the Pensacola Saenger Theatre. The City of Pensacola will contribute $6 million to the project and Escambia County will contribute $2 million with the remaining $1 million coming from fundraisers and private donations.
Included in the renovation:
The entire main floor will be re-seated
Balcony seats will be refurbished
New air conditioning for the theater will be installed
New lobby space will be added
Additional restrooms will be added
New refreshment stands
New meeting roooms
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Central NY Theater Memories
AUBURN, NY — A column in the Auburn Citizen discusses the former theaters of that region:
In my last column, I stated that the Burtis Grand on North Street, which had been closed, reopened as a movie theater and was renamed the Capitol. In became Auburn’s fourth motion picture theater, all of which were in the downtown area. It was not a Schine theater as were the other three – Strand, Jefferson and Palace.
A friend of mine, Frank (Chich) Locastro, was a projectionist at the Capitol, and I would occasionally visit him in the projection booth where we would chat between reel changes.
Please visit, the Auburn Citizen site for the rest of the story.
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Oscars Strikes Back at DVD’s
According to this report, the Academy is considering issuing new rules to drive distribution back into theaters:
Many industry analysts predict that it’s just a matter of time before movies are released simultaneously to theaters, home video and/or pay-per-view TV.
But perhaps not, if the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has anything to say about it.
AMPAS is considering a rules change that would make films released simultaneously on the big and little screen ineligible for Oscar consideration.
For the full report, visit the Mercury News Article.
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July 20, 2006
West Chicago Movie Theater Recollections
The Riverside Brookfield Landmark just published an insightful piece on the history of movie theaters in the West Chicago Suburbs:
Brookfield’s first movie theater opened in 1907, when the Ideal Entertainment Company began showing “Moving pictures — more and better than ever before,” at 25 cents for adults, and 15 cents for children. This first theater was at Melville Hall, 8865 Burlington Blvd.
Eight years later, in 1915, the Brookfield Theater, later known as the Strand, was showing movies and live vaudeville acts at around the same price. When the theater, located in the 3700 block of Grand Boulevard, closed during the winter of 1952-53, the quarter-dollar admission price still stood firm.
For the full story, please visit the Riverside Brookfield Landmark.
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King Kong Theater Cameo?
In the latest King Kong film, there was an interior shot of a theater where King Kong was chained to the stage and he eventually broke free. Was this a movie set or a real theater used for the film?
If so would anyone know the name of the theater and its whereabouts?
Regards
Paul
South Australia
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Massive Art Deco Theater Fixture For Sale On Ebay
Massive art deco stainless steel theater fixture for sale on e-bay. If you are looking for an original deco fixture, this is it. It’s from the Presidio Theater in San Francisco, CA. The theater was built in 1936, opened July 1, 1937. To find out more go to the E-bay Item Listing.
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July 19, 2006
Chicago’s Esquire Theater May Soon Fall
According to a report in today’s Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago’s famed Esquire theater may be threatened for replacement by retail stores. The theater has faced similar threats several times before under earlier ownership, but this time it may be for real- especially with Alderman Burton Natarus' support and the increased competition from the nearby River East 21, now both operated by AMC. The theaters are increasingly dated and poorly maintained, and the 1989 alterations that removed the spectacular 1,400 seat art deco auditorium and added the six small screens also altered the lobby, although it retains much of its original charm. Chicagoist offers an editorial.
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Looking for East Texas Theater!
Looking for open or closed theater to buy in the East Texas area ONLY! Condition should be fair to good . Email me at . Serious and ready to buy by August 2006. No larger than a quad.