Columbia won’t allow it. Its the same at the joint I work at here in New Jersey. I think after 4 weeks they will allow bargain days, but by then the movie is dead anyway.
Oh I know my friend Vito will run circles around me. Still its nice for me to be able to say I ran a single screen, a multiplex and I ran them with pride. Even today, as times change, I still try my best, with what I am given to put on a 100% perfect presentation.
7 years. Think of how I feel after 34 years. I started with 20 min reels, then 60 min reels, then platters, next IMAX, now digital. AND I’m only 50 years old. Think of what else I may see in my lifetime.
I know you’re not blaming me Bob, and believe me I’m not taking it that way. I can only tell them what to do, how to do, and hope they do. Beyond that, Oh well…
As I said elsewhere here on CT, if the Ritz in Elizabeth ever gets going, and I have a say in the projection, well I will bring in anyone who wants to help do it right. From start to finish.
Again Bob, this venues main fare is stage. And I don’t think they have a bonafide film programmer. They are given a very small budget to work with, and try to make it work. I know part of the problem is the cost of shipping the films. And I agree with you about Zhivago. I remember running it when I first became a projectionist in ‘76. What I did with that intermission, and curtains , it was remarkable. And I know the Union County Arts Center also ran it a few years back, and had a decent print. But I am just the house projectionist, and do what I can, with what I have.
Exactly 5 years ago this weekend, March 7, Clearview kicked the union projectionists out of this theatre and Edison, and with it, the best presentations they would ever have. I can only imagine what it must be like now, 5 years later.
Unfortunately Bob, I had no choice but to show it in 1.85 because I do not have the lens selection to do 1.33 or 1.37. It makes me sick as well, but you must remember, this is a stage venue, that only does this once a year, and even that, all the movies are not 35mm, some are DVD. I just ran ‘Robin Hood’ from 1938 and ‘Dial M for Murder’ 1954 yesterday. I made it look as good as I could. I tried using the back-up from the ‘scope’ lens with the scope aperture, but I ended up with picture all over the place. I even tried the scope aperture with the flat lens, but to no avail. So I went with what fit the screen. But I will say this, not to toot my own horn, but man my changeovers were crisp.
Sad to see. Lets hope it gets a new lease on life. It may take a ‘miracle’. (no pun intended) We dont need more condos office buildings and shopping centers. And as far as NA starting out only in the drive-in business, the way things are going over there, they might be in the theatre business much longer.
Good for you Denny Pine, I wish I could do the same. Unfortunately, the union has me working in 2 of those multi’s, but you know, the mortgage has to be paid. But I agree, give me the good old days, like last night when I ran a 35MM print of “Citizen Kane” in a restored 1500 seat theatre. 20 min reels and changeovers, now thats movies.
Yes I do remember (and miss) those double features. And the one you saw in 1974 was typical of that era, where a new movie would be doubled with one from 6 months to a year earlier. (sometimes even 2 or 3 years earlier) Some other classic ‘double features’ from that time include, “The Graduate” & “Carnal Knowledge”, “The French Connection” & “MAS*H”, and “Bullitt” & “Bonnie and Clyde”. When the theatres were short on films to run, they could always count on these, and others to get them thru.
No pun intended, but lets hope a “miracle” happens before cash strapped Sumner sells the land to some developer who’s going to put up more useless condos or another unnecesary shopping plaza. Todays kids look at you like youre from outer space when you say ‘drive-in movies’ or even ‘single screen theatres’. All they know are these damn 18 and 24 plexes.
It is something to think that a festival like Woodstock could never happen again, not in todays world. And yes the promoters had no idea what was coming because that festival had been going on for a few years with maybe a few thousand people showing up over the 3 days. But in 1969, it was like all the planets aligned and we all know the result from the great movie that was to follow. What I wouldn’t give to see it on the big screen again in 35MM stereo.
Its funny how this theatre was an RKO from the start, and yet was built similar to many Jery Lewis theatres from the early 70’s. I remember the twin my late father worked at in Carteret N.J. The left theatre was blue and the right theatre was red. The concession stand was built right across the lobby, so there was no way to cross from one side to the other. This was helpful later in the decade after JL was out of the business and the theatre started showing soft porn in the blue theatre (which they called the adult side, the other theatre was the family side.) It finally closed in 1984, but man that place was fun, alot like your sounded like.
I couldn’t agree with you more on BOTH statements Peter. Only one thing however. Having worked for them for almost 8 years, Clearview is HARDLY a major chain. They are a major chain wanna be, who unfortunately sucked up a lot of the beautifully run independent theatres you speak of. I know people are going to say former union projectionist with a grudge, but I have been in the business for over 33 years and I have seen what works and what doesn’t. And these big megaplexes have ruined the whole industry.
Isn’t that the case most of the time pamajestic? And I totally agree with you about film. Its going to take a LONG time for them to totally get rid of it, if they ever do.
Hi joni. I am a projectionist from here in central New Jersey. I hope you guys make it. I have been sick of late, but if I get time I would like to come visit. After working so many booths the past 33 years, I still like to see new ones. Maybe I’ll try the trek in a few weeks.
I know it was a long time ago, and I scanned thru all the above posts, perhaps I missed it, but isn’t this theatre one the few that Loew’s walked away from after the great blackout of 1977? As I remember reading, they just never showed up again after the power returned.
Nice to see this place still around. I know that over the past 15 to 20 years its been under numerous ownerships and closed for long periods of time. Good Luck. It will be nice for someone to say ‘see you can make money with a twin’.
You are right Ken. The independant theatre owner I work for had to put out a boat load of money for the hearing inpaired system (10 screens) and in the 5+ years I’ve worked there, I can recall about maybe 10 people requsting it. Do the math, that’s 2 people a year. A most expensive outlay. Now he is faced with putting in at least one digital projector, so as to keep up with everyone else.
Does anyone have any photo’s so we could see how bad the damage is?
Columbia won’t allow it. Its the same at the joint I work at here in New Jersey. I think after 4 weeks they will allow bargain days, but by then the movie is dead anyway.
Oh I know my friend Vito will run circles around me. Still its nice for me to be able to say I ran a single screen, a multiplex and I ran them with pride. Even today, as times change, I still try my best, with what I am given to put on a 100% perfect presentation.
7 years. Think of how I feel after 34 years. I started with 20 min reels, then 60 min reels, then platters, next IMAX, now digital. AND I’m only 50 years old. Think of what else I may see in my lifetime.
Now this is an idea I like. I’d like to see more theatres do this.
I know you’re not blaming me Bob, and believe me I’m not taking it that way. I can only tell them what to do, how to do, and hope they do. Beyond that, Oh well…
As I said elsewhere here on CT, if the Ritz in Elizabeth ever gets going, and I have a say in the projection, well I will bring in anyone who wants to help do it right. From start to finish.
I was just informed this morning that “Titanic” will now be a DVD and not 35MM. Sorry folks.
Again Bob, this venues main fare is stage. And I don’t think they have a bonafide film programmer. They are given a very small budget to work with, and try to make it work. I know part of the problem is the cost of shipping the films. And I agree with you about Zhivago. I remember running it when I first became a projectionist in ‘76. What I did with that intermission, and curtains , it was remarkable. And I know the Union County Arts Center also ran it a few years back, and had a decent print. But I am just the house projectionist, and do what I can, with what I have.
Exactly 5 years ago this weekend, March 7, Clearview kicked the union projectionists out of this theatre and Edison, and with it, the best presentations they would ever have. I can only imagine what it must be like now, 5 years later.
Unfortunately Bob, I had no choice but to show it in 1.85 because I do not have the lens selection to do 1.33 or 1.37. It makes me sick as well, but you must remember, this is a stage venue, that only does this once a year, and even that, all the movies are not 35mm, some are DVD. I just ran ‘Robin Hood’ from 1938 and ‘Dial M for Murder’ 1954 yesterday. I made it look as good as I could. I tried using the back-up from the ‘scope’ lens with the scope aperture, but I ended up with picture all over the place. I even tried the scope aperture with the flat lens, but to no avail. So I went with what fit the screen. But I will say this, not to toot my own horn, but man my changeovers were crisp.
Sad to see. Lets hope it gets a new lease on life. It may take a ‘miracle’. (no pun intended) We dont need more condos office buildings and shopping centers. And as far as NA starting out only in the drive-in business, the way things are going over there, they might be in the theatre business much longer.
Good for you Denny Pine, I wish I could do the same. Unfortunately, the union has me working in 2 of those multi’s, but you know, the mortgage has to be paid. But I agree, give me the good old days, like last night when I ran a 35MM print of “Citizen Kane” in a restored 1500 seat theatre. 20 min reels and changeovers, now thats movies.
Looks to be one of those ‘automaticket’ machines that were popular in the 60’s and 70’s.
Yes I do remember (and miss) those double features. And the one you saw in 1974 was typical of that era, where a new movie would be doubled with one from 6 months to a year earlier. (sometimes even 2 or 3 years earlier) Some other classic ‘double features’ from that time include, “The Graduate” & “Carnal Knowledge”, “The French Connection” & “MAS*H”, and “Bullitt” & “Bonnie and Clyde”. When the theatres were short on films to run, they could always count on these, and others to get them thru.
No pun intended, but lets hope a “miracle” happens before cash strapped Sumner sells the land to some developer who’s going to put up more useless condos or another unnecesary shopping plaza. Todays kids look at you like youre from outer space when you say ‘drive-in movies’ or even ‘single screen theatres’. All they know are these damn 18 and 24 plexes.
It is something to think that a festival like Woodstock could never happen again, not in todays world. And yes the promoters had no idea what was coming because that festival had been going on for a few years with maybe a few thousand people showing up over the 3 days. But in 1969, it was like all the planets aligned and we all know the result from the great movie that was to follow. What I wouldn’t give to see it on the big screen again in 35MM stereo.
Its funny how this theatre was an RKO from the start, and yet was built similar to many Jery Lewis theatres from the early 70’s. I remember the twin my late father worked at in Carteret N.J. The left theatre was blue and the right theatre was red. The concession stand was built right across the lobby, so there was no way to cross from one side to the other. This was helpful later in the decade after JL was out of the business and the theatre started showing soft porn in the blue theatre (which they called the adult side, the other theatre was the family side.) It finally closed in 1984, but man that place was fun, alot like your sounded like.
I couldn’t agree with you more on BOTH statements Peter. Only one thing however. Having worked for them for almost 8 years, Clearview is HARDLY a major chain. They are a major chain wanna be, who unfortunately sucked up a lot of the beautifully run independent theatres you speak of. I know people are going to say former union projectionist with a grudge, but I have been in the business for over 33 years and I have seen what works and what doesn’t. And these big megaplexes have ruined the whole industry.
This theatre, I believe, was almost identical in size and style to the Loew’s Route 18 (which also was twinned in 1973) in East Brunswick, N.J.
Isn’t that the case most of the time pamajestic? And I totally agree with you about film. Its going to take a LONG time for them to totally get rid of it, if they ever do.
Hi joni. I am a projectionist from here in central New Jersey. I hope you guys make it. I have been sick of late, but if I get time I would like to come visit. After working so many booths the past 33 years, I still like to see new ones. Maybe I’ll try the trek in a few weeks.
We need more of these around the country!!
I know it was a long time ago, and I scanned thru all the above posts, perhaps I missed it, but isn’t this theatre one the few that Loew’s walked away from after the great blackout of 1977? As I remember reading, they just never showed up again after the power returned.
Nice to see this place still around. I know that over the past 15 to 20 years its been under numerous ownerships and closed for long periods of time. Good Luck. It will be nice for someone to say ‘see you can make money with a twin’.
You are right Ken. The independant theatre owner I work for had to put out a boat load of money for the hearing inpaired system (10 screens) and in the 5+ years I’ve worked there, I can recall about maybe 10 people requsting it. Do the math, that’s 2 people a year. A most expensive outlay. Now he is faced with putting in at least one digital projector, so as to keep up with everyone else.