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The latest movie theater news and updates
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October 12, 2010
Sam Coston, 1923-2010. Theatre Operator, Chicago. October 8th, 2010.
Sam Coston, retired Warner Brothers Manager, Coston Enterprises Executive, World War II Marine, Mason, long time south side Chicago resident, died suddenly while traveling with his wife, Demetra, in Europe. Sam was 87, and he was the nephew of theatre pioneer James E. (Jimmy) Coston. Sam was also the Operations Manager for Plitt Theatres in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. His son Nick is an advertising executive and filmmaker, and his eldest son, Jim, is an attorney and transportation specialist in Chicago. Funeral arrangements will be announce in The Chicago Tribune later this week.
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Vue Dale Drive-in in Wenatchee closes
WENATCHEE, WA — Sun Basin Theaters has permanently closed the twin Vue Dale Drive-in after fifty-seven years. The closing leaves only six remaining drive-ins in a state that once had over eighty. The property will be sold for redevelopment.
The two-screen, 650-car outdoor facility — a relic from the 1950s age of motoring — has become a victim of advancing technology, dramatic shifts in movie-going habits and rising property values, he said.
Closure of the drive-in also figures into Sun Basin’s plans for construction of a new 14-screen multiplex, the Gateway Cinema 14 in north Wenatchee’s Olds Station. Financing of the new $8 million multiplex could be partially funded by the eventual sale of the 11-acre Vue Dale property, although long-term plans call for use of the property by light industry or development of condos or apartments.
There is more in Wenatchee World.
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Northfield, NJ’s Tilton 9 presents October schedule
Northfield, NJ’s Tilton 9 presents October schedule
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Garner Towne Square 10 closes
GARNER, NC — Citing poor attendance, competition from other theaters, and a dispute with the landlord over rent, Carolina Cinemas closed the Garner Towne Square 10 on October 1. The theater had been open for about a decade and was previously managed by Regal.
The story is in the News Observer.
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October 11, 2010
Moonshine Theatre up for auction
SCRANTON, PA — For Full Details & Photos see: Auction Page
Immediate Sale Ordered
Prime Location in Heart of Downtown, Tax-Free Business Location
Liquor License Additionally Available in Conjunction w/ Building or Individually
Photo Galleries [+]
Documents [+]
Moonshine Theatre – Past, Present & Future PotentialLive On-Site Auction
Begins: Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 1:00 PM EST
Location: 335-337-339 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503Immediate Sale Ordered via Public Auction
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Theatre management company for hire
Reel Motion Picture Cinema Management was formed to answer the needs of theater owners, who asked for a theatre operating company to manage theater assets from their perspective and become aligned with each owner. We believe that a third party management company should be aligned with each owner, keeping in a mind that no one owner is less important than the next. Reel Motion Picture Cinema Management was created in 2005. Today, the company manages a portfolio of large and small theaters.
Reel Motion Picture Cinema Management is more than a theater management company. We’re partners. For each of the theaters we service, we work with the owners to create memorable experiences that draw thousands of guests each year and keep them coming back again and again.
Our theatre products include full-service theatre management: Sales and Marketing, Box Office/Ticketing, Concession, Hospitality and Guest Services, Human Resources and Staffing, and all financial/accounting management and reporting.
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Regal to build megaplex at Albemarle Place
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — The Regal Entertainment Group has announced plans to build a fourteen-screen megaplex at Albemarle Place at the junction of Seminole Trail and Hydraulic Road. The new complex will include a digital IMAX screen.
The new Regal Cinemas will be part of the first phase of a new town center by Edens & Avant that will feature a pedestrian-friendly environment with a mix of national and local retailers, an eclectic collection of restaurants, a leading grocer, and a hotel. The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved zoning and proffer changes on August 4, 2010, allowing Edens & Avant to begin work on the first phase of the development.
“We believe our loyal patrons in Charlottesville will be impressed with this first-class cinema including the immersive IMAX premium experience,” said Dick Westerling, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising for Regal Entertainment Group. “Regal is confident that the Seminole Trail intersection with Hydraulic Road is the very best location for an entertainment destination that will attract patrons from across the region. We couldn’t be more pleased to be part of Albemarle Place. Regal has invested in the Charlottesville community for years, first with construction of the Downtown Mall 6 and continuing through our partnership with the prestigious Virginia Film Festival also located in the heart of the city.”
The full press release is here and an article showing the proposed floorplan is here.
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October 8, 2010
Final curtain for the Majestic in Wills Point
WILLS POINT, TX — The last film was shown at the Majestic Theatre on October 3. Opened in 1926, it was one of the oldest operating movie houses in Texas; its struggle to survive was was reported earlier this year.
Despite the comedy playing on the screen, few were in the mood to laugh, knowing.. they were watching the end of one of the state’s oldest movie theaters.
“I know it’s coming for a couple of years, but you’re not ready for it,” said Majestic employee John Allen. “It’s still real tough.”
The full story, with a video, is at WFAA.com.
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Aksarben Cinema to open at site of former race track
OMAHA, NB — The ten-screen Aksarben Cinema is scheduled to open around the first of December as part of a development which is located on the site of the former Ak-Sar-Ben racetrack and arena which were demolished in 2005. (It was built, by the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, an Omaha philanthropic organization founded in 1895, to turn the fortunes of Omaha and Nebraska around; hence, Ak-Sar-Ben is Nebraska spelled backwards).
The multiplex will feature Dolby Digital and surround sound technologies, stadium seating and — if the Omaha City Council agrees — booze.
Unlike Midtown Crossing’s CineDine at Marcus Midtown Cinema, Aksarben Cinema won’t offer a dinner-during-the-movie experience. Instead, alcoholic drinks would be sold at the regular concession stands, said theater owner Bill Barstow.
There is more at Omaha.com.
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Theater seats for sale
I’ve obtained all the seats to a closed down theater. I’m selling all the seats for cheap
There are over 1500 of them and I’m selling each for $5 if moved by a certain time. No individual purchase of one seat at a time. Minimum sale of 50.Thank you