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The latest movie theater news and updates
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March 27, 2006
Ridgewood Theater to close?
NEW YORK, NY — On Sunday, the New York Daily News published a report about the future of the Ridgewood Theatre.
Preservationists fear the opening of a Glendale multiplex could force the historic Ridgewood Theatre to close its doors for good – about a decade shy of its 100th birthday.
The Ridgewood, designed by architect Thomas Lamb and first opened in December 1916, is believed to be one of the oldest continuously operated theaters in the country, having never closed for renovations during its 89-year run.
But residents think the upcoming opening of a Regal Cinemas multiplex in the Shops at Atlas Park, an office/retail complex on Cooper Ave. between 80th and 83rd Sts., will bring too much competition for the Ridgewood.
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Cinemart Theater To Undergo Partial Restoration: Search for vintage photos
FOREST HILLS, NY — My name is Michael Perlman, and I am a Forest Hills preservationist who is assisting the owner of the Cinemart Theater with the restoration of an ornate coffered ceiling from 1925.
The ceiling is located in the entryway/lobby, & is concealed with lackluster, industry-standard paneling. The theater was formerly known as the Metropolis and the Inwood. This is one of the many activities I hope to accomplish in honor of Forest Hills' 100th anniversary this year.
I would appreciate it if anyone can share photos of the interior/exterior prior to the 2002 renovation (1925-2001), since this will assist us in the restoration. If you don’t have any photos, I would appreciate any bit of advice as to where I can find some. Also, if you can provide some restoration tips, that would be of great help too. Please e-mail me at Thank you!
Please read the following March 15th Daily News article by reporter Nicholas Hirshon, which documents our effort and the history of the Cinemart:
www.nydailynews.com/boroughs/story/399660p-338622c.html
The Cinemart website is as follows: www.cinemartcinemas.com/chc/cc/about_us.asp
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Theater Equipment for sale
We recently purchased a theater located in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. We have acquired numerous theater equipment such as: Art Deco theater seats, light bars, projector equipment, 45' screen, curtains, Marquis Letter’s, etc.
If anyone is interested in purchasing these items, please contact Mike.
Thanks and as always have a great day!
Mike A.
608-637-3291
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March 24, 2006
Sundance Cinemas Returns
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Sundance Cinemas, the on again, off again project from Robert Redford’s Sundance Group, seems ready for its close-up after nine long years. The group, led by former Landmark Theatres executives Paul Richardson and Bert Manzari, has announced the purchase of the Kabuki 8 Theatres from AMC.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the theater is scheduled to reopen in late summer and early fall—just in time for the bulk of independent and art house film releases.
Sundance Cinemas was first announced in 1997 as a joint partnership with General Cinemas, but never opened a single theater. The project was put on further hiatus whne General Cinemas filed for bankruptcy protection and was eventually sold to AMC.
News surfaced last year that under Manzari and Richardson’s guidance (they departed Landmark with its acquisition by Mark Cuban), Sundance Cinemas would be relaunched.
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March 23, 2006
Belmont World Film Presents “Extraordinary Journeys” at Studio Cinema
BELMONT, MA — The Studio Cinema is the home for Belmont World Film’s “Extraordinary Journeys” film series, which runs March 19-May 8, and includes international feature films and documentaries:
3/26: In Casablanca Angels Don’t Fly (Morocco, New England premiere)
4/2: Moon of Avellaneda (Argentina, New England premiere)
4/9: Kilmetre Zero (Iraq, New England premiere)
4/10: Liberace of Baghdad (documentary about Iraq, New England premiere)
4/23: Aaltra (Belgium, New England Premiere)
4/30: Windhorse (filmed in Tibet)
5/8: Le Grand Voyage (France/Morocco)For more info visit www.belmontworldfilm.org or call 617-484-3980.
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Theaters Wanted
Hello everyone, we are Chalet Theaters LLC and we specialize in acquiring theaters from people or companies that are closing or in need of restoration. We currently lease and have purchased 9 theaters from Cinema Treasures (private people and companies) and are in need of a few more. We specialize in leasing/buying ones that are suffering and need repairs and the owners cannot afford to do so.
If it is a non-profit theater, we will lease it, renovate it, restore and then return it to the non-profit. We have many creative ideals and would like to talk further with anyone that has a theater for sale or lease. Thanks for your time!
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March 22, 2006
Master Plan Complete for Historic Michigan Theatre
JACKSON, MI — Press Release: Theatre Rehabilitation Master Plan Complete for Historic Michigan Theatre in Jackson; Design Team is Led by GunnLevine Architects with Consulting Architects, SmithGroup, Inc.
Detroit-based GunnLevine Architects and consulting architect SmithGroup, Inc., completed rehabilitation master planning services for the Michigan Theatre in Jackson.
Since the theatre’s completion in 1930, the city of Jackson has experienced significant cultural changes, transitioning from a manufacturing base to a community that values itself as a leader in arts and educational programming. The current leadership plans to update the theatre’s programming to include movies, concerts, Community Theatre, children’s film festivals, special events and more.
Edward D. Francis, FAIA, lead architect and Principal for GunnLevine comments, “The interior, while smaller than the fabulous FOX in Detroit, is its equal in terms of decorative plaster, elaborate moldings, decorative tile, wood paneling, and ornamental ironwork. It’s the only theatre of its kind in mid-Michigan.”
The Michigan Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Historic Register and is located in a designated Historic District of Jackson, MI. The master plan completion is targeted for April of 2006.
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March 21, 2006
Trylon Theater Preservation Event/JPCA Meeting
FOREST HILLS, NY — On THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2006, The Juniper Park Civic Association will hold a public meeting in support of landmarking the Trylon Theater, a prominent Art Deco theater in Forest Hills, bearing strong significance to the nearby 1939 World’s Fair. In addition, zoning issues and advocacy for other potential Queens landmarks (i.e. St. Savior’s 1847 Church in Maspeth) will be addressed.
TIME: 7:45pm
ADDRESS: Our Lady of Hope auditorium on Eliot Avenue & 71 St, Middle Village.
ATTENDEES: A few hundred expected; Queens civic groups, Mayor Bloomberg, local councilmembers, community residents and preservationists, and members of The Committee To Save The Trylon Theater, including its founder & chair, Michael PerlmanFor more info, contact: Christina Wilkinson of the Juniper Park Civic at and Michael Perlman of The Committee To Save The Trylon Theater at
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Newby Needs Help
Hi, I am getting ready to open a theater and need lots of advice. I am in an artsy area and plan on showing art films and independent films. There is currently no projection equipment or a functional screen in the theater. Can someone please give me an idea of what type to buy, a good place to buy, and the typical cost of the projection equipment as well as the cost to run the movies?
I really appreciate any help I can get.
Thanks again
Melissa -
March 20, 2006
2 Theatre Cinema For Sale
ANDREWS, TX — Andrews Cinema is a newly upgraded theare. Upgraded in Fall of 2005. Health issues are causing me to sell. All new sound system in both theatres. Updated seating with cup holders in each theatre. Open 5 months and have made money each month. Full access to books. New popcorn machine and nice gameroom. Great community backing. Email me at for more information.