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The latest movie theater news and updates
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March 11, 2011
Clark County residents soon to have more theater choices, including some classic ones
CLARK COUNTY, WA — These days, the opening of twenty-six screens might simply signify the opening of a new magaplex. But in Washington’s Clark county, the new options that will be available before the end of 2011 include the reopening of two classic theaters, the single screen Kiggins Theatre an Art Deco gem from 1936 in Vancouver, and the twin-screen Liberty Theatre in Camas which originally opened in 1927 as the Granada. And, yes, a new megaplex is in the mix, a deluxe twenty-three screener at the Vancouver Mall to be operated by Cinetopia.
“People seem to love this theater a lot. They’ve missed it,” said the new operator, Rand Thornsley of Rootstalk Capital Management LLC. “But small-town single-screen theaters, unless you can find a niche to make them happen, they’re tough to operate.”
Thornsley directs programming for the Bear Tooth Theatre in Anchorage, Alaska, and plans to borrow elements that have worked there. At first, Liberty Theatre will sell popcorn and other snacks, but it will eventually add beer, wine and hot food. Admission at Liberty, except for special engagements, will be $3.50. The theater, which has one large screen and one small, will offer a variety of movies at different times of the day and week in hopes of reaching people of all ages and interests.
There is more in the Columbian.
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Theater construction booming in China, but what does it mean for Hollywood?
LOS ANGELES, CA — The pace at which new, western-style cinemas are going up all over China is currently very rapid and accelerating. However the implications for films produced by U.S. studios and theater chains is unclear, as China currently has strict limits on the number of films that can be imported into the country and does not allow foreign cinema operators to have a majority interest in any theater ownership.
Still, the main drivers are practical. Unlike in the U.S., where DVD sales can account for as much as 40% of a film’s revenue, rampant piracy has forced studios here to depend almost exclusively on domestic box-office receipts. Bankrolling more pictures and boosting profits requires more screens.
Then there’s boredom. As Chinese workers grow richer and have more leisure time, they’re itching for something to do. The typical ticket costs about $5, slightly less than what many new college graduates earn per day. Still, Chinese movie fans have shown a willingness to pay a premium for better sound, a better picture and swanky venues to hang out with friends.
There is more in this article from the Los Angeles Times.
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Edwards Cinema coming to Houston’s West Oaks Mall threatens existing Drafthouse Cinema
HOUSTON, TX — The Regal Entertainment group plans to open a fourteen-screen megaplex at the West Oaks Mall under its Edwards brand in the fall of 2012. However, the advent of the new theater endangers the six-screen Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in the mall, but it will will remain open at least through the new theater’s construction period. There is a bit more in the Houston Business Journal and at CultureMap.com.
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March 10, 2011
San Jose tries throw ailing Camera 12 Theater a lifeline
SAN JOSE, CA — The Camera 12 is again on the ropes financially, but the city is hoping to assist it by using redevelopment agency funds to keep it going. However, the city itself is suffering financially and Governor Brown wants to shut down all of the state’s redevelopment agencies and recapture the funds to reduce the state’s massive deficit. The Camera 12 was opened as the UA Pavilion 8; UA closed the theater and removed all equipment very abruptly some years ago. The theater was remodeled and then reopened with city support.
“If they move out of that space, it will stay vacant for at least five years,” said Harry Mavrogenes, the redevelopment agency chief. “We can either have an active, live movie theater and forgo the rent or have a hole in the area and no rent.‘’
To save the city’s remaining redevelopment assets from a state grab, city officials also are moving to transfer agency land to the city or — in the case of land near Diridon Station — to a special joint powers authority. All of these issues will be decided at Tuesday’s council meeting.
There is more about the situation in this article from the San Jose Mercury News which includes a picture gallery.
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University Cinema to reopen
MOREHEAD, KY — The Chakeres University Cinema will re-open in April 2011 as a coffee shop and book store. The building was purchased last year by EDG Entertainment, LLC and has undergone renovation including new levels of flooring and all new lighting. The screen and stage remain intact, with plans for live entertainment and or movie screenings.
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March 9, 2011
AMC headquarters may be moving
KANSAS CITY, MO — National movie theatre chain AMC, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, may be jumping from Missouri to Kansas, in a heated battle that has involved Governors from both Kansas and Missouri.
The Downtown Council of business and property owners is joining the bid to keep AMC. The company has 400 employees at the 10 Main tower.
Mike Deggendorf, chairman of the Downtown Council, told the group at its board meeting Thursday that a delegation recently visited Lopez.
“We wanted to know if there was anything we could do to help out,” he said.
Read more in the Kansas City Star.
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Christchurch cinemas closed following earthquake
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND — All but one cinema are closed following the February earthquake. Only the Hornby cinema has managed to re-open.
The former Joyland cinema in the suburb of New Brighton has been demolished; while the Regent On Worcester Street in the city centre faces the wrecker’s ball.
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March 8, 2011
Memories of Cape May’s Beach Theatre linger even as demolition looms
CAPE MAY, NJ — As its demolition nears, residents look back at their beloved Beach Theatre.
Beach Theatre owner Frank Investments plans to demolish the theater to build condominiums. The proposal is bringing back childhood memories for area residents and visitors. Some memories date to the theater’s opening on June 29, 1950.
They are memories of movies played long ago, favorite candies at the concession stand, the Kiddie Land amusement park outside, the television room people crowded into when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and the big Christmas parties every year.
Read more in the Press of Atlantic City along with an additional article about its former owner William C. Hunt.
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A Chicago classic film series finds a new home
CHICAGO, IL — The film series previously known as the Bank of America Cinema that was housed in a B of A branch office on Irving Park Road has now found a very appropriate new home in Chicago’s Portage Theatre, not far from the bank. Built in 1920 and opened as the Portage Park Theatre, the Portage is also home to the showings of the Chicago Silent Film Society. The series is devoted to showing actual projected film, not digital images.
“Dennis was really happy when we approached him about it. He thought what we were doing was really cool and worthwhile, and he did everything within his power to make this happen,” Hall said.
The Portage, also home to Silent Film Society of Chicago, is an old-school movie palace built in 1920, which seats about 1300 – a far cry from the modest Bank cinema which topped out at a mere 300 seats.
There is more about the move in the Roosevelt Torch.
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Ten screen theater set for downtown Bremerton
BREMERTON, WA — After eight years of effort by developers, a ten-screen multiplex appears to be on track for a summer 2012 opening here. See-Film LLC of Seattle expects to begin construction this July.
Blissett said having 10 screens will allow the theater to keep movies that remain popular for weeks, showing them in smaller rooms rather than cycling them to make room for new blockbusters. Having more screens also makes it possible to offer art house films, he said.
For now the managing partners are considering an exterior look that imitates a ship’s hull or some other theme related to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, said Blissett, who has designed other movie theaters as an architect at The Design Collective in Seattle. The company also plans to have a film-themed coffee shop on the corner of Park and Burwell.
The final design has not been selected, but a possible exterior design sketch is included in this article from the Kitsap Sun.