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The latest movie theater news and updates
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May 14, 2011
We’re relaunching Cinema Treasures next week
We’re excited to announce we’re launching a new version of Cinema Treasures next week.
Over the weekend, we’ll be importing data from the existing website. To insure the import is successful, we’re turning off the ability to post new comments until next week.
See you next week!
Cheers,
Patrick and RossPS: Wouldn’t it be cool if you could add photos to Cinema Treasures? ;)
25 comments -
May 13, 2011
Charlie Chaplin Weekend at Somerville Theatre
SOMERVILLE, MA — CHARLIE CHAPLIN WEEKEND —– May 13-14-15!
The historic Somerville Theatre is hosting three of Charlie Chaplin’s films this upcoming weekend, all in the classic setting of the theater’s main auditorium. This is a rare opportunity for Boston area classic film fans to experience Chaplin as he was intended to be seen.
All features on the BIG screen —– in glorious 35mm, with all proper formats and aspect ratios!
Admisson for each screening: Adults: $10, Seniors 62+ & Children 12 and under: $7
CITY LIGHTS (1931)
Friday May 13 at 8pm,
Saturday May 14 at 4:30pm,
Sunday May 15 at 2pm -
Fortunes change for Egyptian
COOS BAY, OR — After recently reopening, following a grassroots effort to bring it back, the Egyptian Theatre has been shuttered and cannot open without significant repairs. This is a huge blow to downtown Coos Bay as the unique theater had brought in crowds, especially on weekends.
It’s also unsafe to occupy, according to an engineer’s report commissioned by the theater’s owner, the city of Coos Bay, and the Egyptian Theatre Preservation Association. A staggering $3.7 million in estimated repairs is needed before it can be reopened. And that’s the latest blow to a theater that only five years ago found itself closed for an altogether different reason: obsolescence.
Read more in the Register-Guard.
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Indy’s College Park 14 reopens as the Movie Buff
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Closed since 2009, the former AMC/Loew’s College Park 14 was reopened May 6 by a Florida resident and renamed the Movie Buff. The new owner is contemplating offering a mix of new and old films, religious films, and special cinematic events.
Tickets are $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends.
“I know I can build it back up,” Friedman said. “It’s going to take a little time. People need to know I am here.”
The story is in the Indianapolis Star.
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May 12, 2011
Towson Commons 8 closing on May 15
TOWSON, MD — Once one of the most prestigious theaters in the greater Baltimore area, the AMC Towson Commons 8 will close on May 15. Opened in 1992 by General Cinema, the theater’s fortunes have declined along with the retail area of which it is a part.
For years the three-story shopping center at York Road and Pennsylvania Avenue has been vacant but for the movie theater, which has struggled since theaters with stadium seating opened at Hunt Valley and White Marsh. The center once housed a Borders Books & Music, a craft gallery and several restaurants.
Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, said she hoped the decision by the owner, a subsidiary of New York-based Capmark Finance Inc., would be good news for the future. While new restaurants and apartments have been opening all around Towson Commons, Hafford said, the large empty space has drained some of the life out of the center of town.
The announcement of the closing appeared in the Baltimore Sun.
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Big Mo Drive-in adds third screen.
MONETTA, SC — Last week, under decent weather, the Big Mo Drive-in in opened its third screen. After a successful Summer in 2010, it was time for a third screen in this very rural town that pulls moviegoers from Augusta, GA and Columbia, SC. The first two features on that screen are “Soul Surfer” and “Rio”. A far cry from when it closed in the 80’s running X-rated movies.
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May 11, 2011
1920’s New England movie theater photos up for auction
A collection of thirty- three 1920s signed photographs of New England movie theaters are currently open for online bidding until May 20 at Philip Weiss Auctions
The group of matte mounted 11 inch by 9 inch sepia toned prints are pencil signed by Paul J. Weber adjacent to each photo. The sale also features seven unmounted, unsigned prints.
Images are of seven New England movie theaters that, judging by the visual references to the introduction of sound to movies and various movie poster displayed, date from the late 1920s. Each group of prints features a photo of the theater front plus interior views.
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Independent theaters close in Detroit and Seattle
DETROIT, MI — Unable to come to terms with their landlord over the rent, the operators of the independent Burton Theatre which opened in 2009 abruptly closed the cinema down on May 2. The small art and independent theater had operated in the auditorium of a former Detroit school building. The owners hope to reopen a facility elsewhere There are stories here and here.
SEATTLE, WA — The owner of the Columbia City Cinema has abandoned any further efforts to keep the triplex open and closed it as of May 5. Over the last year or so, a number of ventures to raise additional funds were advanced to keep the cinema open. The City of Seattle had demanded that a sprinkler system be installed and other improvements made to bring the theater, located in a former Masonic Hall, into compliance with building code requirements. There is more in the Seattle Times.
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Looking to build or lease a theater in Denver area
Hello,
I have a solid business plan that can generate a profitable income within 2 years. I am willing to take a long term lease or invest a share if anyone is interested to build, to own a theater, or willing to sell the existing theater in Denver. I am willing to share details for interested parties. Please let me know soon.
Thanks
-Mog -
May 10, 2011
Studio Movie Grill expected to open in Scottsdale, AZ this autumn
SCOTTSDALE, AZ — The newest addition to the Texas-based chain of Studio Movie Grills is expected to open here in the fall. The location is within the former UA/Regal Sonora Village 10 which closed in 2010. The conversion will result in the loss of one screen and in a reduction of over one thousand seats
Wider seats and more rise between rows will reduce the overall seating capacity to 1,165 in nine auditoriums, she said.
United Artists opened the Sonora Village theater in 1996. Regal Entertainment Group operated it after Regal merged with United Artists about a decade ago.
The full story appeared in the online AZCentral.