Josieclaws, I don’t suppose you have any pictures? I realize it’s not something we ever thought of, working at movie theaters. A shame we took it for granted. I wish I’d taken more of Harbor IX and Annapolis Mall myself.
I just went back to visit MD and I went to a movie at Marley Station for old time’s sake. I’m happy to report that it is mostly the same as I remember: the long hallway to the theaters, the tile in the concession area and even the bathroom are frozen in time. I got a peak in the big theater (now #4) at the end of the hall and it looks identical, although rather empty even for a 7PM show of Captain America: Civil War since the mall seems to be dying and not attracting customers. I think theater 3, the only one that takes a turn before seating, is still the same, but I can’t be sure.
All the other theaters on the side have been redone by Horizon (unless UA did it before). For some reason they’ve opted with a layout with all the seats in the center. I recall those side theaters each having an aisle down the center and rows of seats on either side. Again, I could be wrong because it had been 20 years, but those are my recollections.
There is a wall up in the lobby to cover up some of the cleaning areas behind the concession stand. It used to be an L shaped counter but there’s probably no need for four cashiers at the theater anymore. I took a bunch of pictures I’ll try to post soon.
My old stomping grounds, where I worked in high school. It was a much celebrated improvement over the then-4 screen Annapolis mall theater. I remember each of the screens intimately, including the problematic #5. Seems it’s been fixed with the switch to digital in 2010?
They never went to stadium seating, did that? If it’s still sloped auditorium style I’ll have to go back and visit.
I don’t know why, but I always loved this theater, growing up in Annapolis in the ‘80s and '90s. Maybe it’s the classic two house quality, and it was the last of its kind standing. I remember before Apex bought the theater, Eastport was the only theater in Annapolis to get Universal movies. That includes Jurassic Park and Schindler’s list. However, Apex ultimately took over the location so Universal had to work with them.
Even as a “Dollar theater” or indie venue, I enjoyed the location. I was last home in October 2015 and discovered the theater still standing. I am pleasantly surprised they did not gut it to try to open up the space. I wish I could call the owner and get a tour, but at least I was able to get some great pictures of the theater as it was.
My old childhood movie theater. I remember in the early ‘80s they used to have family movies on weekends. I remember when the big theater first got DTS sound, it was incredible. Always had a soft spot for that one tiny theater, first door on the right.
I’m going back to Ocean City this summer! Anyone know if they kept the theaters the same inside or if they’ve upgraded to stadium seating, etc.? Hoping it’s the way I remember. :)
I probably have not been to this theater in 20 years since I moved out of MD. The last movie I saw there may have Jerry Maguire. And when I visit, if we’re seeing a movie, it’s usually at a newer theater.
I am so happy to hear they’ve kept the layout basically the same. So many great memories. In the early 90s I used to wake up on Saturday mornings and go to the 10AM first showings, usually of a movie nobody wanted to see with me. Things like No Escape (Ray Liotta) or even D2: The Mighty Ducks.
I sure remember the big theater, the old #5 it seems. Seeing Mrs. Doubtfire, Wayne’s World, The Addams Family, Nightmare on Elm Street 4 and Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare. Smaller theaters too for movies like The People Under the Stairs, Baby’s Day Out, The Net, Getting Even with Dad. Not all classics, but I saw everything back then.
I’d heard the mall became a rather dangerous place with gang activity. Has that been curbed with the new restrictions? It’s amazing they still show Rocky Horror. Wonder if that’s still on 35mm or a DCP now. Thank you all for sharing this information, and that photo of the lobby makes me wistful.
Desperate for photos of this theater. I don’t even think the building is the same. They renovated it for the restaurants.
Josieclaws, I don’t suppose you have any pictures? I realize it’s not something we ever thought of, working at movie theaters. A shame we took it for granted. I wish I’d taken more of Harbor IX and Annapolis Mall myself.
I just went back to visit MD and I went to a movie at Marley Station for old time’s sake. I’m happy to report that it is mostly the same as I remember: the long hallway to the theaters, the tile in the concession area and even the bathroom are frozen in time. I got a peak in the big theater (now #4) at the end of the hall and it looks identical, although rather empty even for a 7PM show of Captain America: Civil War since the mall seems to be dying and not attracting customers. I think theater 3, the only one that takes a turn before seating, is still the same, but I can’t be sure.
All the other theaters on the side have been redone by Horizon (unless UA did it before). For some reason they’ve opted with a layout with all the seats in the center. I recall those side theaters each having an aisle down the center and rows of seats on either side. Again, I could be wrong because it had been 20 years, but those are my recollections.
There is a wall up in the lobby to cover up some of the cleaning areas behind the concession stand. It used to be an L shaped counter but there’s probably no need for four cashiers at the theater anymore. I took a bunch of pictures I’ll try to post soon.
Amazing! Wonder what movie… :)
My old stomping grounds, where I worked in high school. It was a much celebrated improvement over the then-4 screen Annapolis mall theater. I remember each of the screens intimately, including the problematic #5. Seems it’s been fixed with the switch to digital in 2010?
They never went to stadium seating, did that? If it’s still sloped auditorium style I’ll have to go back and visit.
Sorry, it’s theater 1 on the left.
Oops, mislabeled. This is theater 2, the smaller one on the right.
Oops, I got them backwards. This is theater 2.
I don’t know why, but I always loved this theater, growing up in Annapolis in the ‘80s and '90s. Maybe it’s the classic two house quality, and it was the last of its kind standing. I remember before Apex bought the theater, Eastport was the only theater in Annapolis to get Universal movies. That includes Jurassic Park and Schindler’s list. However, Apex ultimately took over the location so Universal had to work with them.
Even as a “Dollar theater” or indie venue, I enjoyed the location. I was last home in October 2015 and discovered the theater still standing. I am pleasantly surprised they did not gut it to try to open up the space. I wish I could call the owner and get a tour, but at least I was able to get some great pictures of the theater as it was.
My old childhood movie theater. I remember in the early ‘80s they used to have family movies on weekends. I remember when the big theater first got DTS sound, it was incredible. Always had a soft spot for that one tiny theater, first door on the right.
Anyone have pics of this one?
Wow, this looks the same on the outside from my family vacations to OC in the ‘80s. Anyone know if they’ve kept the insides the same or remodeled?
I’m going back to Ocean City this summer! Anyone know if they kept the theaters the same inside or if they’ve upgraded to stadium seating, etc.? Hoping it’s the way I remember. :)
I probably have not been to this theater in 20 years since I moved out of MD. The last movie I saw there may have Jerry Maguire. And when I visit, if we’re seeing a movie, it’s usually at a newer theater.
I am so happy to hear they’ve kept the layout basically the same. So many great memories. In the early 90s I used to wake up on Saturday mornings and go to the 10AM first showings, usually of a movie nobody wanted to see with me. Things like No Escape (Ray Liotta) or even D2: The Mighty Ducks.
I sure remember the big theater, the old #5 it seems. Seeing Mrs. Doubtfire, Wayne’s World, The Addams Family, Nightmare on Elm Street 4 and Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare. Smaller theaters too for movies like The People Under the Stairs, Baby’s Day Out, The Net, Getting Even with Dad. Not all classics, but I saw everything back then.
I’d heard the mall became a rather dangerous place with gang activity. Has that been curbed with the new restrictions? It’s amazing they still show Rocky Horror. Wonder if that’s still on 35mm or a DCP now. Thank you all for sharing this information, and that photo of the lobby makes me wistful.