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The latest movie theater news and updates
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January 12, 2012
The brand Ster Century Cinemas to be reactivated
By Ing. Juraj Misun, PhD. – Ing. Ivana Misunova Hudakova, PhD.
This fall the Israeli cinema operator Cinema City International rebranded all three Slovak multiplexes AuPark, Eurovea and Polus) from Palace Cinemas into its own brand Cinema City. A small Slovak chain, owned by the local film distributor Tatrafilm, experienced a problem as its miniplexes were similarly named (City Cinemas). To avoid customer irritation, even both companies do not have any theater in the same cities, the brand had to be changed.
To the surprise of many marketing experts, Tatrafilm revived the since 2005 inactive brand Ster Century Cinemas. The miniplexes in Kosice and Zilina will be rebranded soon and two new three-screen theaters in Prievidza (Korzo) and Spisska Nova Ves (Madaras) will have the new brand from its opening later this year.
Ster Century Cinemas was originally a subsidiary of Ster Kinekor (currently the largest cinema operator in South Africa), with operations in Ireland, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, the UK, Spain, Greece and Slovakia.
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New life for old theater in Cedar City
CEDAR CITY, UT — According to The Spectrum, the Cedar City Twin is making a return after seven years in the dark. With the community itching for some more affordable entertainment, it will reopen as a second-run house and even provide digital projection. Hopefully, it will fill in the downtown nightlife gap like they expect it to.
(Thanks to RonP for providing the photo.)
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January 11, 2012
Hiway Theatre celebrates its new neon tower
JENKINTOWN, PA — The Hiway Theatre in Philadelphia’s suburbs, installed its new Neon Tower on December 27, 2011. An official lighting ceremony will be free to the public on Sunday January 22, 2011 at 5PM. Tickets to the catered reception inside the theater following the lighting ceremony will be for sale from January 4 here.
The nineteen foot tall Neon Tower was manufactured by Bartush Signs. Replacing the original vertical sign that was in place from 1940 until the 1980s, the new sign is in the same Art Moderne style and has the same dimensions. The new sign is burgundy with yellow letters, antique gold neon, and aluminum trim.
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Theater purchase stirs local memories
BOONE, NC — The Watauga Democrat discusses the enthusiasm from longtime residents with the news of the city purchasing the Appalachian 2 last month. It’s still not completely clear what’s going to happen to it but there will be a planning meeting next week to talk about the possibilities.
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January 10, 2012
Movie star prints' futures not set in cement
HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Los Angeles Times takes a look at the growing number of handprint ceremonies at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. This past year, there were the most ceremonies since the theatre’s opening year as its new owners try to draw more awareness as well as business to the building.
(Thanks to William for providing the photo.)
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Mason movie theater closing
MASON, OH — The RC Kings Island 12 abruptly closed two weeks ago. Rave will still operate its other local theaters.
Read more in the Dayton Daily News.
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January 9, 2012
Live music to return to a storied theater
PORT CHESTER, NY — One of rock and roll’s most illustrious venues will soon breathe new life, as music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro has announced plans to reopen the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, for live performances by some of the biggest names in music.
In its distinguished history, the 1,835-capacity theatre has hosted concerts by the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Derek The Dominos, Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Santana, and many more. With state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment in-house, and bookings by Shapiro, in partnership with concert promoter The Bowery Presents, the 85-year-old theatre is poised to emerge as the East Coast’s premier concert destination. Current plans have the Theatre re-opening in mid-2012.
“The Capitol Theatre is a rock and roll icon and we are going to treat her as such,” says Shapiro. “We are going to spoil her and give her the best of everything – the best sound, the best lights, and the best video projection technology of any theatre anywhere. Our plan is to turn the knob to 11 in every way possible.”
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New caretakers sought for Cochranton movie theater
COCHRANTON, PA — What started out with an ownership focused on Christian film but eventually developed into a cinema for family films, the Iris Theatre has been a local treasure for decades. Jack and Grace Motzing are now both in their 80s and someone new needs to come and save the theatre.
Read more in The Republic.
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January 6, 2012
Volunteer caretakers prevent the Uptown Theatre from crumbling
CHICAGO, IL — With 30 years in darkness, a volunteer looks back at the efforts to save the Uptown Theater. With no clear solution in site, they continue to look towards the future with hope.
Read more at Time Out Chicago.
(Thanks to jeterga for providing the photo.)
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Iconic Old Town Theater to close doors for good this weekend
ALEXANDRIA, VA — After many ups and downs, it appears to be the end for the Old Town Theater. The owner has struggled to keep it open and blames poor product and a new trolley ushering people away from his neighborhood as the major factors for its declining revenue. It’s functioned as a cinema for almost 100 years but retail may be the next chapter for the space.
Read more in the Alexandria Times.
(Thanks to JackCoursey for providing the photo.)