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The latest movie theater news and updates
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October 23, 2013
IMAX upgrades explained
First Showing featured a neat video that shows how one IMAX theater upgraded its equipment. They describe the difference between IMAX film vs. digital and even show their screen installation.
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Bijou by the Bay officially opened October 18.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — The Bijou by the Bay officially opened on October 18 with the classic 1939 film “Gone With The Wind.” Admission for the weekend shows are $5 and a community celebration is planned for November 21. A schedule of films at the theater can be found at their official website.
Additional details are in the Traverse City Record-Eagle and the Ticker.
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October 22, 2013
“The Show Must Go On” Digital Conversion Fundraiser at the Academy Theater
PORTLAND, OR — ‘The Show Must Go On’ at the historic Academy Theater
- Montavilla landmark will roll out the red carpet to raise funds for digital projection upgrades –
WHAT: Attention all hip chicks and cool cats: The Academy Theater’s indiegogo campaign may just have ended, but the show (and the fundraising) must go on! So muster up some mid-century mojo and travel back in time to the Swinging ‘60s! Sample some of Portland’s finest food and drink while enjoying live theater, local fashion, and the Rat-Pack-tastic musical stylings of Portland’s own Tony Starlight! And if you play your cards right, luck may be your lady at our silent auction and raffle!
Mid-century attire is encouraged, but not required.
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October 21, 2013
Observer salutes NY theater rennaissance
NEW YORK, NY — A detailed piece in the Observer celebrates a recent trend, interest in new independent theaters in New York City. They not only take you through a history of moviegoing but also discuss how new cinema formats are actually welcomed nowadays.
Could this apply to other markets? What else can new theaters do to make you want to go to the movies more?
(Thanks to Ed Solero for providing the photo.)
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Middle TN movie theaters adapt to changing times
NASHVILLE, TN — There hasn’t been a new theater built in Nashville in 13 years but a new multiplex is in the works for nearby Spring Hill. The Tennessean describes how viewing patterns have shifted and at least in this market, cinemas are better fit for the suburbs.
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October 18, 2013
Portland ranked No. 1 best city for movie lovers
PORTLAND, OR — Movoto Real Estate has named Portland the top cinema city in the country for its film festivals and independent theaters. Its film museum and drive-in pushed it over the edge as well as heaping praise for the Kennedy School Movie Theater.
Read more in the Oregonian.
(Thanks to Gary Parks for providing the photo.)
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Santa Monica Place plans for new movie theater
SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica has been lacking modern theaters for awhile with the need only heightening in the wake of the Criterion closing. AMC was going to build a new theater nearby but plans fell through. The city is still cleaning up after that missed opportunity but plans should be able to move forward with this new cinema on the mall’s Dining Deck.
Read more in the Santa Monica Lookout.
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October 17, 2013
Vacaville Theater to reopen as live venue
VACAVILLE, CA — The Vacaville Theater has been sitting vacant for 25 years but it’s about to make a comeback. Developers are pouring millions of dollars into the project to test out a new format, Theatre DeVille. They’ll focus mainly on music acts but plan to provide a variety of live events. If the concept works and brings significant business to the downtown area, they plan to renovate similar buildings elsewhere.
Read more in the Reporter.
(Thanks to John Whyte for providing the photo.)
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World’s oldest cinema reopens
LA CIOTAT, FRANCE — Home of the first presentations of early films by the Lumiere Brtohers, the Eden Theatre has reopened following extensive renovations. Opening in 1889, the building hasn’t had consistent usage in over thirty years. The theatre will now house a permanent exhibition to these pioneers of film along with regular film screenings.
Read more in the Guardian.
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October 16, 2013
Lebowsky Center rebuilding progress report
OWOSSO, MI — Rebuilding of the fire damaged Lebowsky Center has reached its midway point. The $6 million project to rebuild the theater, which was almost destroyed in a 2007 arson fire, will offer several improvements which include a larger lobby and bigger seats which reduces the seating capacity of the theater. Because of the extent of the damage and cost, the theater’s original interior details could not be restored. But the Owosso Community Players, which own the theater, says that you will not be disappointed because of all the state of the art improvements made to the theater which includes a state of the art fire suppression system. Reopening of the theater is planned for next year.
Further info, including video, can be found from WJRT.