Comments from bartman1

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bartman1
bartman1 commented about Regent Theatre on Jun 16, 2010 at 4:30 am

Almost but not quite…

Just for the record – other comments on the net are correct. Titanic actually was the final film to stop rolling, due to its longer running time and its late start of 30mins. [Don’t know how that happened:) ] Audiences for Casablanca and Sex and the City actually had exited the building whilst Titanic completed its final voyage at The Regent.

bartman1
bartman1 commented about Regent Theatre on Sep 2, 2007 at 4:03 am

OzMarky thanks for your thoughts.

For those of us in Brisbane and those of us who largely grew up with the Regent in its current form, it’s about the best that we have, so let’s not totally lose it. It is far better than the ‘supermarket’ cinemas that are the alternative. There are still many Regent devotees out there.

As for the even sadder Antique store, it now has support columns dotted around inside, one assumes this is to prevent the ceiling collapsing on the antique shoppers.

As for Hoyts…well not in Qld these days…

bartman1
bartman1 commented about Capitol Theatre on Aug 8, 2007 at 5:53 am

Over the last week, I have attended several sessions at the Capitol as part of the Melb Int'l Film Festival. It was great to see a world premiere of ‘September’, a new Aussie film.
The Capitol shows glimpses of its former glory. I had long wanted to see movies here and it was a pleasure to finally do so.
Regrettably, the Capitol is in a very poor way and needs a lot of TLC. Even the projectors and masking are in need of maintenance.

bartman1
bartman1 commented about Majestic Theatre on Aug 8, 2007 at 5:46 am

Latest update from the official web site and as widely shown on the news.
During 32 years of ownership by Ron West and his late wife Mandy, the Majestic Theatre gained world-wide recognition as an authentic Silent Movie house with Ron providing accompaniments on the pipe organ.

Since October 2006, the theatre has been in community hands and has been given a major refurbishment prior to a month-long reopening program which started on July 15 with a highly acclaimed live performance of Verdi’s much loved opera La traviata.

New owners Pomona Progress.Art.Tourism Inc run the building as an all-purpose entertainment venue, suitable also for corporate events, wedding celebrations and community functions.

The former “candy bar” has been refitted as a commercial kitchen to support the cafe and restaurant.

While facilities have been brought up to the standards required by 21st century patrons, the style of yesteryear has been retained. Ron West continues to make available his skills as organist, while his son Brendon, a professional theatrical technican, manages the theatre.

bartman1
bartman1 commented about Event Cinemas on Aug 8, 2007 at 5:42 am

Greater Union now is the sole operator. Village left first and now Hoyts operate from their Entertainment Quarter and Cinema Paris.

bartman1
bartman1 commented about Regent Theatre on Aug 8, 2007 at 5:36 am

Rumours once again abound about the demise of the Regent!!!!!!
Allegedly, the plan is to retain the heritage foyers (at this stage) and demolish the cinema complex in favour of a hotel complex. Interesting, when you consider it adjoins the site of the former Alberts/Metro.

Makes you think about the forward planning of the property owners. First the Hoyts/Greater Union Brisbane ‘merger’ places the Regent in the hands of the operators of the Albert cinemas. Which leisure/hospitality company/family runs both cinemas and hotel properties….
Moral of the story, enjoy the Regent now while it is still there.
Candy bar staff regularly recommend patrons go up the road to the Myer Centre :(