I remember in the 80’s, that the owner of the adult movie theatre I worked at in New Jersey, also owned (or leased) the Earle, the Polk, and also the Globe in the Bronx, as well as a few others. (Cinema Kings Highway, and Mayfair? come to mind) I hope these two can be saved from the fate that the Polk recently saw.
I certainly must say, outafocus has hit the nail right on the head. As a projectionist for the past 34 years, I have worked for both independants and major chains alike. I hate what the business is today, even compared to just 25 years ago. The indy owner I work for now, a very decent gentlemen, still is like everyone else. He says he has to do it to stay afloat. If the theatre 3 towns over raises prices, he has too, if they run a movie on 2 or 3 screens, we run it on 2 or 3 screens. And if I ever do mention how I would love to be involved with an old theatre showing movies reel to reel with maybe even carbon arcs, I get a look like what planet are you on. Its just the sad truth , but society doesnt know the difference, and doesnt even care.
Awesome work on the research. And how I pine for the day to see this on the big screen in a true movie palace again, perhaps with me as the projectionist.
I’m interested to know who is doing your film projection? Not many of us left who know your equipment, if it is the same equipment that was there in 1983.
No news yet?? I saw the other day someone posted photos of the old Fabian. It now looks to be in worse shape than the Kings in Brooklyn. Most of the seats have been stripped out.
The multiplex that National had here in New Jersey was reel-to-reel thru several additions, starting with the original 6-plex up till it was a 10 screener. When it went to 12, then platters were installed. Use to run one print in 2 houses starting every hour. THAT was fun.
This is great news LuisV. I do hope the Kings is next. Now if only a management company or some group would buy the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth N.J. (for sale $3.8 million), then another treasure could start doing shows, concerts, classic films etc.
Not to be nit-picking, but um…it would only make sense that the theatre probably killed amc opening weekend. I mean come on, use your brain. The new kid on the block ALWAYS creates a buzz, and everyone will go there, if for no other reason, just to be nosey.
So according to this article, this is going to be the 3rd winter that the auditorium is going to be snowed on again? Not to mention the past few springs and summers that have rained on it. I’m surprised the exposed interiors haven’t been compromised by all the weather.
According to someone I know who was at the theatre last week, only 1 screen has digital projection, and only 2 screens are stadium. 35MM is installed in each screen. Need to get our facts right before posting. I know everyone wants to see digital rule, but believe me, it will be a long time before that happens.
Hi Peter Apruzzese. Its nice to see you and Nelson back here at this great place. I wish you both well. As for my dream place, the Ritz in Elizabeth N.J., its now for sale for $3.8 million, and I just hope its taken over by a group of people where I can some day show classic 35MM films there as well.
Nice idea, but years too late. Anytime I mention to someone about old films, or cartoons, or something like your suggesting, all I get is, no one would come, cant find prints, film companies dont care. Its really sad, todays world.
I can feel his pain. As a union projectionist for over 34 years, I have to wonder if I’ll still have a job in a few years. And even as I try to break into stagecraft, its mostly a waiting game right now because of the economy. Very scary indeed.
This sounds so incredibly close to what happened to the Loews Route 18 theatre in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Opened in 1970, it to was twinned in 1973. It ended up with 2 nice 700 seat auditoriums, and large scope side masking screens, but the 2 Century JJ2 35/70MM projectors were removed, and 2 old Super Simplexes put in their place, along with 2 Christie platters. Sound was mono right up till the day it closed in Dec 1997.
I know the Fords Theatre quite well. As a child I went there often when my father was a projectionist. A few years ago when my wifes foot doctor leased space in one of the stores, I managed a peek inside. Construction items filled the auditorium space. And the shop keepers had told me that at that time (about 3 years ago) that the entire projection room had been stripped and everything trashed. As it sits right now, it looks nothing like a theatre, and I live in Woodbridge, so I wish them well. I hate to say it, but I think its just a pipe dream.
Wow Norelco, there actually is another person besides me who still does projection. Curious as to how long you have been doing it?? I’m currently in my 34th year. And I agree with you 100% on this whole digital thing, and the remakes too. Problem today is too many number crunchers work in the big chains, and hollywood has morons who cant think up anything original. Add to that that there are no more sub-run or dollar houses, everything today is push it out, 2 or 3 weeks, then off to DVD land.
I remember in the 80’s, that the owner of the adult movie theatre I worked at in New Jersey, also owned (or leased) the Earle, the Polk, and also the Globe in the Bronx, as well as a few others. (Cinema Kings Highway, and Mayfair? come to mind) I hope these two can be saved from the fate that the Polk recently saw.
I certainly must say, outafocus has hit the nail right on the head. As a projectionist for the past 34 years, I have worked for both independants and major chains alike. I hate what the business is today, even compared to just 25 years ago. The indy owner I work for now, a very decent gentlemen, still is like everyone else. He says he has to do it to stay afloat. If the theatre 3 towns over raises prices, he has too, if they run a movie on 2 or 3 screens, we run it on 2 or 3 screens. And if I ever do mention how I would love to be involved with an old theatre showing movies reel to reel with maybe even carbon arcs, I get a look like what planet are you on. Its just the sad truth , but society doesnt know the difference, and doesnt even care.
In all the theatres I’ve worked at Real D and Imax always charge a premium.
Awesome work on the research. And how I pine for the day to see this on the big screen in a true movie palace again, perhaps with me as the projectionist.
I’m interested to know who is doing your film projection? Not many of us left who know your equipment, if it is the same equipment that was there in 1983.
No news yet?? I saw the other day someone posted photos of the old Fabian. It now looks to be in worse shape than the Kings in Brooklyn. Most of the seats have been stripped out.
The multiplex that National had here in New Jersey was reel-to-reel thru several additions, starting with the original 6-plex up till it was a 10 screener. When it went to 12, then platters were installed. Use to run one print in 2 houses starting every hour. THAT was fun.
This is great news LuisV. I do hope the Kings is next. Now if only a management company or some group would buy the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth N.J. (for sale $3.8 million), then another treasure could start doing shows, concerts, classic films etc.
Not to be nit-picking, but um…it would only make sense that the theatre probably killed amc opening weekend. I mean come on, use your brain. The new kid on the block ALWAYS creates a buzz, and everyone will go there, if for no other reason, just to be nosey.
So according to this article, this is going to be the 3rd winter that the auditorium is going to be snowed on again? Not to mention the past few springs and summers that have rained on it. I’m surprised the exposed interiors haven’t been compromised by all the weather.
According to someone I know who was at the theatre last week, only 1 screen has digital projection, and only 2 screens are stadium. 35MM is installed in each screen. Need to get our facts right before posting. I know everyone wants to see digital rule, but believe me, it will be a long time before that happens.
Its the same thing for the theatre in Brooklyn N.Y. Everyone still refers to it as Loew’s Kings, and will continue to if it ever comes back to life.
Hi Peter Apruzzese. Its nice to see you and Nelson back here at this great place. I wish you both well. As for my dream place, the Ritz in Elizabeth N.J., its now for sale for $3.8 million, and I just hope its taken over by a group of people where I can some day show classic 35MM films there as well.
Another beauty bites the dust, 1 year shy of its 60th birthday.
Nice idea, but years too late. Anytime I mention to someone about old films, or cartoons, or something like your suggesting, all I get is, no one would come, cant find prints, film companies dont care. Its really sad, todays world.
I can feel his pain. As a union projectionist for over 34 years, I have to wonder if I’ll still have a job in a few years. And even as I try to break into stagecraft, its mostly a waiting game right now because of the economy. Very scary indeed.
Number of seats for this theatre was 1500 as a single, and after twinning each theatre had 600.
This sounds so incredibly close to what happened to the Loews Route 18 theatre in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Opened in 1970, it to was twinned in 1973. It ended up with 2 nice 700 seat auditoriums, and large scope side masking screens, but the 2 Century JJ2 35/70MM projectors were removed, and 2 old Super Simplexes put in their place, along with 2 Christie platters. Sound was mono right up till the day it closed in Dec 1997.
Hope it gets sold soon, so perhaps then it can take off with shows and classic films.
I know the Fords Theatre quite well. As a child I went there often when my father was a projectionist. A few years ago when my wifes foot doctor leased space in one of the stores, I managed a peek inside. Construction items filled the auditorium space. And the shop keepers had told me that at that time (about 3 years ago) that the entire projection room had been stripped and everything trashed. As it sits right now, it looks nothing like a theatre, and I live in Woodbridge, so I wish them well. I hate to say it, but I think its just a pipe dream.
Same old boring crap. Digital, digital, digital, ra, ra, ra, big deal.
THIS, I like.
Wow Norelco, there actually is another person besides me who still does projection. Curious as to how long you have been doing it?? I’m currently in my 34th year. And I agree with you 100% on this whole digital thing, and the remakes too. Problem today is too many number crunchers work in the big chains, and hollywood has morons who cant think up anything original. Add to that that there are no more sub-run or dollar houses, everything today is push it out, 2 or 3 weeks, then off to DVD land.
If it were up to me, I say 35MM is the way they should be shown, but I know its fighting a losing battle, so why bother anymore.
Hello, RCDTJ, do you know if the load in includes wardrobe?? My wife works there as one of the setdressers.