Have a news tip for us?
Just email . Ideas for stories, links to interesting articles, and press releases are welcome.
The latest movie theater news and updates
-
May 26, 2003
Closed For Memorial Day
Cinema Treasures is closed for the Memorial Day holiday, but will return tomorrow.
0 comments -
May 23, 2003
Coming to a theater near you… Easycinema?
LONDON, UK — According to Yahoo News, EasyInternetCafe and Easyjet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou has opened Easycinema, a new low-cost, no-frills movie theater.
How low-cost, you ask? Well, since Easycinema uses the same pricing technique first pioneered by its intercafe sibiling, EasyInternetCafe, ticket prices will be based on demand.
So, if you buy early, tickets will be as cheap as 33 cents. But as demand fluctuates, the price will be raised or lowered, depending on availability. If a movie becomes very popular, patrons will be charged a full-ticket price (approximately $8 in the UK).
In addition to the cheap tickets, Easycinema will do away with both box offices and concession stands…
“We’re keeping it as simple as possible,” said James Rothnie, an easyGroup spokesman, adding he believed it was the first such scheme in the world. “There’ll be no rip-off popcorn, no catering of any sort. If you want to eat and drink, bring your own.”
So far, not surprisingly, response from film distributors has been less than supportive, with some refusing to book blockbusters with Easycinema. But, regardless, the new company will certainly prove to be an interesting experiment for the exhibition industry.
-
Court Brings End to Adult Movies at the Garden Theater
PITTSBURGH, PA — Also according to Yahoo News, an appeals court has upheld a previous decision giving the city’s Urban Redevelopment Authority the right to seize and redevelop the Garden Theater as part of an urban renewal project.
The legal battle, ongoing since 1997, had pitted the First Amendment rights of owner George Androtsakis (who used the Garden to show adult movies) against the city’s right to use eminent domain (in pursuit of its $45 million urban renewal project).
-
Muslim Cleric Takes Aim At Movie Theaters
BAGHDAD, IRAQ — The Baltimore Sun is reporting that movie theaters in newly-liberated Baghdad, many of which reopened in the past few weeks, have been ordered to shutdown by Sheik Mohammed al-Fartusi, a local Muslim cleric.
While it appears that only some theaters have responded to the Sheik’s decree, many others are taking it seriously, cutting short advertising campaigns or reducing their visible street presence (by hiding posters and other signage).
-
May 22, 2003
Today’s Newsreel
Landmark Theater Symbol of Valley’s Rebirth
VALLEY, AL — Read the Tuscaloosa News
$1.3M Park Renovation Promises Return of Live Entertainment
EDGEWOOD, RI — Read the Cranston Herald
Venerable Downtown Arcade Celebrates 100th Birthday
NASHVILLE, TN — Read the Tennessean
Roseville Theatre Renovates
ROSEVILLE, MI — Read the South End article -
May 21, 2003
Today’s Newsreel
Kon-Tiki Theater Heads For Oblivion
TROTWOOD, OH — Read the Dayton Daily News
Northgate May Finally Be Coming Down
SEATTLE, WA — Read the Seattle Times story
Movies' New Allure In Iraq
BAGHDAD, IRAQ — Read the Salt Lake Tribune piece
The Other Grand Ol' Theater
EUREKA, CA — Read the The Times-Standard story
Senator Owner Evicts Theater Foundation
CHICO, CA — Read the Enterprise-Record story
Is AOL Reeling as Cinemas Defect?
NEW YORK, NY — Read the CNET/Businessweek article -
May 20, 2003
Today’s Newsreel
New Group Will Raise Money for the Cla-Zel Historic Theater
BOWLING GREEN, OH — Read the Toledo Blade
More Stories Regarding The Chicago Theatre Purchase
CHICAGO, IL — Read the NEPA News
Read the NBC-5 story
Center Cinema Closing on June 1
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — Read the City News article
Embassy Future Rests in Hands of the Young
FORT WAYNE, IN — Read the News-Sentinel -
May 19, 2003
Today’s Newsreel
Narrow Focus Propels Theater Renovation
PULASKI, VA — Read the Roanoke Times
The Closing Of Glorious Old Theaters
ILLINOIS & INDIANA — Read the Southern IllinoisanThanks to Don Weber for these articles.
Skowhegan Cinema to Reopen June 20; New Owner Plans More Screens
SKOWHEGAN, ME — Read the Kennebec Journal article
Seattle International Film Festival Schedule Announced
SEATTLE, WA — Read the Seattle Post-Intelligencer article
York Theatre to Add Two More Auditoriums
ELMHURST, IL — Read the Daily Herald storyThanks to Bryan Krefft for the news.
-
May 16, 2003
Today’s Newsreel
Movie Fans Make Last Visit To Varsity Theatre
CARBONDALE, IL — Read first Southern story
Read second Southern story
Curtain Call for Norwich Cinema
NORWICH, CT — Read the Norwich Bulletin article
Coming Attractions for Former Theater in Downtown Lowell
LOWELL, MA — Read the Lowell Sun
Council: Fate of Rivoli won’t be up to voters
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Read the Sun News
Highlandtown Wins Status as Special Arts District
HIGHLANDTOWN, MD — Read the Baltimore Business Journal
Joy Theater Brims With Plays, Games, Worship
KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC — Read the Shelby Star
New Efforts To Revive The Alhambra Theater
EVANSVILLE, IN — -
Community Action Award Awarded To “Save the Sameric”
PHILADELPHIA, PA —
The following was sent in by “Save The Sameric”:
At a luncheon ceremony attended by Mayor Street of Philadelphia, the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia presented the Community Action Award to The Committee to Save the Sameric, Howard B. Haas, Chairman.
The Committee to Save the Sameric was formed in June 2002 following the issuance of a demolition permit for historic Boyd Theater in Philadelphia. Dedicated members of the film community, film buffs, and preservationists were brought together by Howard B. Haas, a Center City lawyer, to create a grass-roots campaign to preserve the theater. Media support and petitions signed by 5000 individuals eventually led to Mayor Street’s endorsement for preservation.
Although the future of the theater is still in question, the efforts of hundreds of volunteers-coordinated by a leadership group consisting of Haas, Shawn Evans, AIA, Michael Norris, Jay Farrell, Rob Bender, Andrew Repasky McElhinney, Adrian Scott Fine, and John Andrew Gallery-have demonstrated the effectiveness of grass-roots preservation action and given hope that the Boyd will be returned to its Art Deco splendor.
Haas accepted the award and pointed out in particular the heroic volunteer assistance of architect Shawn Evans, but noted that Philadelphia’s last movie palace has not been saved yet and asked the 300 people in the audience to help.
Congratulations to Howard Haas and Shawn Evans and all of the supporters of Save The Sameric for a job incredibly well done!