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The latest movie theater news and updates
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August 24, 2005
Theaters Closing in Olympia
OLYMPIA, WA — Regal Entertainment is closing two movie theaters in Olympia, Wash., as it opens a new 16-screen megaplex in nearby Lacey, Wash.
Closing are the Lacey Cinemas (eight screens) and the Capital Mall 4. Both will close Thursday, Aug. 25. A local church will acquire the Lacey Cinemas space this year. The fate of the Capital Mall space (which is actually inside the mall) is not decided. Century Theaters, however, has announced plans to build a 14-screen theater on the mall campus.
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August 23, 2005
Beverly Theater Demolition Begins Today
BEVERLY HILLS, CA — According to the Friends of the Boyd Weekly Update: “Demolition is starting today on the famed Beverly Theater in Beverly Hills. Opened in 1925 with Indo-Chinese design, the movie palace’s conversion to a retail store in the 1970’s retained its ornate landmark exterior & ornate interior. Preservationists objected unsuccessfully to the loss of this Los Angeles landmark.”
Cinema Treasures users weigh in as well on the theater’s page on this site.
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How You Can Help the Uptown Theatre
CHICAGO, IL — The following email was sent by “UptownAdviser”:
“HOW YOU CAN HELP (worth reading!)
Donations and memberships are needed at this time
Help share the cost of publicity, communications and events Further the Friends missionJoin us.
The concept and function of “Friends of the Uptown” has been an active force in maintaining and promoting the UPTOWN THEATRE, Chicago, since the mid-to-late 1970s. That’s when volunteers began petitioning the ownership at the time (Plitt Theatres) to find additional rental income for the building, including special events and rock concerts. Volunteers also provided after-hours cleaning and maintenance that kept the UPTOWN from complete ruin. When the building closed in 1981, volunteer work continued.
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Vintage Film Projectors for Sale
The Elks National Home (established in 1903) has two original Vintage Film projectors for sale. They were used to show original films in our theatre in the 20s, 30s and 40s. For more information contact Kim Snow at 540-425-9305. These would be great film props for a movie about early film making or to go in a restored theatre.
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August 22, 2005
Balaban and Katz Historical Foundation has been formed!
The Balaban and Katz Historical Foundation has been formed to collect and preserve historical data pertaining to the Balaban and Katz theater corporation. We have a new website and blog at www.balabanandkatzfoundation.com. The foundation’s first project, a book entitled,“ The Chicago Movie Palaces of Balaban and Katz.” is scheduled for release from Arcadia Publishing in December of 2005.
We are working on an extremely detailed Balaban and Katz television documentary featuring Hollywood personalities, former Balaban and Katz employees and family members … to be released soon.
Please visit our site and share any Balaban and Katz memories or wisdom. Contact David Balaban at Stay tuned for details.
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More Movie Theatre Stories Emerge
The national coverage of moviegoing continues with new articles from New York Times and Time Magazine. Both articles examine the recent trend towards “luxury” moviegoing and the amenities offered by circuits such as Muvico, Pacific (Arclight), and National Amusements (Cinema de Lux).
Where is moviegoing and theater construction headed? Can older theaters remain viable? Is the “crisis” at the box office another bit of media hype? What does the future hold for the movie theater?
Sound off in our comments section.
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August 21, 2005
Raymond Theatre Hearing Monday Night
The following email was sent by the Friends of the Raymond Theatre:
“FRIENDS OF THE RAYMOND THEATRE
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
Dear Friends of the Raymond Theatre:
We were just notified that 50% Design Review of the Raymond Theatre project will be conducted this Monday, August 22, 2005. We need speakers and supporters to attend this important hearing.
If you are going to speak at the hearing or attend, please call or e-mail us immediately to let us know.
If anyone would like talking points for the hearing, preferably we need to know before
Monday.HEARING DATE:
DATE: Monday, August 22, 2005
START TIME: 6:30 pm
PLACE: Pasadena Conference Center Building
(next to Pasadena Civic Auditorium)
300 East Green Street, Room 211, PasadenaSTAFF REPORT:
To see the City Staff Report, see Design Review for 8/22/05. Property location 121-129 North Raymond Avenue.
Please e-mail your comments to the Design Commission at:
(Include your name and address and request your letter be placed in the legal record for the Raymond Theatre)
If the public wants the Raymond Theatre to be preserved, it is imperative to have your support at this hearing. We can’t save the Raymond Theatre if the public is not there to show support. A few hours of your time, WILL make a difference. We hope to see you there.
For more information:
Friends of the Raymond Theatre
Office: (818) 541-9522 – Fax: (818) 541-9523
Website: www.raymondtheatre.com" -
August 19, 2005
The Neon At Night Is Big And Bright…
WELLINGTON, TX — Deep in the heart of West Texas, big and bright doesn’t describe just the stars anymore.
On Aug. 5, Historic Wellington, Inc. in the Panhandle town of Wellington, Texas had residents dancing in the streets under the neon glow of the newly restored facade of the Ritz Theatre.
Restoration of the 1928 mission-style theater began in 2003 with the removal of tons of debris from the ruined interior and the reconstruction of a new roof.
Local preservationists couldn’t wait until the project was finished before seeing the neon lights glow again. In 2004, Historic Wellington hired Wellborn Sign Co. of Amarillo, Texas to restore the blade sign and marquee. The sign was relit that same year, but it wasn’t until Aug. 5 of this year that the marquee and sign were lit together for the first time at an annual street dance in front of the theater.
Historic Wellington now has funding to complete the entire building restoration, thanks to support from a local family foundation, and final plans are being drawn now. The group credits the Southwest Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for jumpstarting the project with an intervention grant in 2002.
When the reconstruction is complete, Historic Wellington hopes to offer live performances as well as classic and first-run films at the Ritz.
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Fairyland And Dreamland Theatres
LONG BEACH, CA — I’m looking for information on the Fairyland and Dreamland theatres.
I own the pipe organ from the Fairyland. Any info would be appreciated.
John ()
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August 18, 2005
Visit the Uptown Theatre in Chicago This Saturday!
CHICAGO, IL — Don’t forget! Uptown neighbors and fans of the Uptown entertainment district are encouraged to help make history by posing for a classic photograph in front of the neighborhood’s namesake historic theater at noon Saturday, Aug. 20, at Broadway and Lawrence.
Marc Smith, internationally acclaimed poet and creator of the Uptown Poetry Slam at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, will emcee the event. Actors from the Quest Theatre Ensemble and the Annoyance Theatre Company are scheduled to entertain passersby on the street.
The free, rain-or-shine “Uptown Community Portrait 2005” event celebrates the community and the 80th anniversary of the historic Uptown Theatre, 4816 N. Broadway. The theater has been closed since 1981 and is in serious need of significant private investment for it to be renovated as an entertainment venue.
The goal of the “Uptown Community Portrait 2005” is to create a high-quality color photograph of the event, duplicating historical views of the theater’s opening day in 1925 and the “Uptown Community Portrait 2000.” More than 300 neighbors and fans turned out for the event in 2000. Sponsored by the Uptown Chicago Commission, the Uptown Community Development Corporation, Friends of the Uptown, and Compass Rose Cultural Crossroads, the 2005 community portrait will be used in publications and advertisements to represent the people and buildings of the now-ascendant district. Noted Chicago architectural photographer Bob Nick will capture the picture from a perch on a scaffold across the street from the theater.