In the past year or so, some of my best moviegoing experiences have been: Jaws, Blade Runner, Poltergeist, The Terminator, Back to the Future, The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended), and even Madagascar 1. Every one of them had a BEAUTIFUL 35mm print.
I do my best to document rep screenings at my blog, with the hope that they will become more popular, more succsessful, and more common. Get out and see a great film Back on the Big Screen!
Short version: I have seen two films in the remodeled auditorium, and I was very pleased. In my opinion, they have done an excellent job. I’d love to hear other opinions.
Tickets are on sale for Madagascar 2 on the Giant Screen starting 11/07/08. (Fandango listings specify the “Giant Screen.”) Quantum of Solace is also booked for the big screen according to Theatre Staff.
The entrance to the main auditorium is temporarily dry-walled closed (like in Dawn of the Dead!) but there is a large display behind the box office with photos of the remodel progress. The display is titled “Preserving the Giant Screen” or something similar. The screen is covered with plastic in some of the photos.
It looks like the new stadium configuration doesn’t slope all that much more than it used to except for the back quarter of the auditorium.
Those are my notes from a less-than-perfect visit to see The Jerk on 10/22. (Details at my blog)
I’m as frustrated as the next guy about the current state of cinema exhibition…
But there’s a lot of crazy speculation in this thread.
I was at the Continental in July (for a Back to the Future Flashback Screening) and there were custom posters on display about the renovation. The posters touted the preservation of the giant screen.
The Continental put on an outstanding show for Back to the Future in one of the smaller auditoriums, and also did a phenomenal job with Wall-E in the main house in June.
I’m guardedly optimistic that this renovation will be a good thing at best, neutral at worse.
Do far, they’ve kept the big screen operating while all the other giant screen theatres in Denver have been torn down. If they screw this up, I’ll be the loudest critic of them all. But for now, how about a little benefit-of-the-doubt? Save the hate for the places that actually ARE being screwed up.
I don’t know how things looked in ‘99 or '02, but in '08 the image did not appear to be cropped at all for Wall-E. (And I’ve seen plenty of cropped presentations.) I’m sure I’m not the pickiest moviegoer to ever post here, but I’m am on the picky side, and I found the sound and projection to be excellent.
Regal’s current operations at the Contintal are not perfect, but I think they are a far cry from a “sad end.” For a sad end, see the Cooper or Century 21 on CO BLVD, or any other giant screen theatre anywhere that has been torn down or twinned. I look forward to seeing more films at the Continental when the big screen re-opens, and promise to complain to mgmt if I notice any problems. :)
I had a part time job at Malco’s Winchester Court Cinemas in Memphis at the time. The print came with a letter (I wish I’d kept) from McTiernan. It went something like this:
“Die Hard starts out loud. It’s supposed to be loud. Please don’t turn it down.”
It’s a shame Die Hard isn’t playing in more theatres this year. Every film is better on the big screen, but some benefit more than others. Die Hard really benefits.
I’ve already stated that I don’t think the renovation is necessary, BUT…
I also think that Regal has done and is doing an outstanding job with the Continental.
They could have easily chopped the main house into a bunch of smaller auditoriums instead of adding onto the building.
During the upcoming renovation, they are preserving the giant screen, and even have a poster up about it.
They book almost all of the biggest blockbusters on the giant screen, and they clearly advertise which films are on playing there.
AND, you can catch classic films on the giant screen on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings (sometimes) through their Flashback Features program.
I caught Wall-E there recently and found the presentation to be spectactular, and I’m looking forward to Back to the Future later in July.
When I spoke w/ an employee about the renovations recently, the impression I got was that they wanted the auditorium to feel more “modern.” Even though I don’t agree with that assessment, I can see how it would be important to the bottom line, because of the perceptions of the average movie-goer who walks in off the street, and never visits a site like Cinematreasures.
I may change my tune after the renovations (hopefully not!), but for now, I’m optimistic, and thrilled to see movies at the Continental.
I understand that the large auditorium will be closed for renovation in August, with a scheduled re-opening in November. The carpet and wall coverings will be updated, and the seating will be re-structured to become “stadium” seating somehow.
It is my understanding that the screen will not be altered in any way.
I don’t quite understand the need to change the seating. I'v never been in a theatre with better sight-lines or row spacing. Hopefully the changes will all be postive and minimal.
I caught Blade Runner and The Terminator at the Castro (S.F.) earlier this year and had a blast at both – more fun than any new release in a long time. (Both had good crowds too.)
For The Terminator, they had a new 35mm print based on the remastering efforts for the DVD release a few years back. (It was 5.1 instead of the original 1.0 and had a few credit tweaks.)
The Continental (/theaters/13718/) in Denver is another (rare) success story of a giant D150 auditorium that was saved by a bunch of mini-plex auditoriums built along-side it.
My blog links to almost every theatre in the US that shows older movies. Check out the “Back on the Big Screen” links on the lower right. Hopefully you can get in touch with someone who can help you out.
I always try to visit the Continental any time I’m in Denver. The original auditorium with its giant 78' D-150 screen is still in operation, but to remain viable in today’s booking environment, new auditoriums have been built alongside it.
It’s my favorite place to catch a larger-than-life blockbuster, OR an older favorite as part of their Flashback Series.
Any re-release to theatres is a good thing. Even Avatar.
Hopefully it will make lots of money and Hollywood will dig deeper for other re-releases.
Hopefully some of them will be available in 2D.
:)
1982
:)
So did anyone make it to any of these screenings? How were the prints? How were the crowds? I’d love to hear a full report.
Jonesy
blog.onthebigscreen.net
Great looking 70MM series December 2008:
http://www.laemmle.com/viewmovie.php?mid=4615
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
In the past year or so, some of my best moviegoing experiences have been: Jaws, Blade Runner, Poltergeist, The Terminator, Back to the Future, The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended), and even Madagascar 1. Every one of them had a BEAUTIFUL 35mm print.
I do my best to document rep screenings at my blog, with the hope that they will become more popular, more succsessful, and more common. Get out and see a great film Back on the Big Screen!
Listings:
View link
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
Short version: I have seen two films in the remodeled auditorium, and I was very pleased. In my opinion, they have done an excellent job. I’d love to hear other opinions.
Long version: www.OnTheBigScreen.net
Jonesy
As part of their re-opening, they are showing a few past hits on the Giant Screen this week. Details here:
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
Jonesy
As part of their re-opening, they are showing a few past hits on the Giant Screen this week. Details here:
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
Jonesy
Tickets are on sale for Madagascar 2 on the Giant Screen starting 11/07/08. (Fandango listings specify the “Giant Screen.”) Quantum of Solace is also booked for the big screen according to Theatre Staff.
The entrance to the main auditorium is temporarily dry-walled closed (like in Dawn of the Dead!) but there is a large display behind the box office with photos of the remodel progress. The display is titled “Preserving the Giant Screen” or something similar. The screen is covered with plastic in some of the photos.
It looks like the new stadium configuration doesn’t slope all that much more than it used to except for the back quarter of the auditorium.
Those are my notes from a less-than-perfect visit to see The Jerk on 10/22. (Details at my blog)
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
I have a page on my blog where I list the largest, operational feature film screens. The info is hard to come by, but here’s what I have:
View link
1) 86' Arclight Cinerama Dome
2) 85' Ontario Palace “Grand Palace” (Screen 11)
3) 80' Edwards Big Newport 6 (screen 1)
4) 78' Continental
5) 70' Ontario Palace “Hollywood” (Screen 1)
5) 70' Ontario Palace “Chinese” (Screen 22)
5) 70' Uptown Theatre, Washington DC
8) 68' Seattle Cinerama
I welcome any corrections!
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
I’m as frustrated as the next guy about the current state of cinema exhibition…
But there’s a lot of crazy speculation in this thread.
I was at the Continental in July (for a Back to the Future Flashback Screening) and there were custom posters on display about the renovation. The posters touted the preservation of the giant screen.
The Continental put on an outstanding show for Back to the Future in one of the smaller auditoriums, and also did a phenomenal job with Wall-E in the main house in June.
I’m guardedly optimistic that this renovation will be a good thing at best, neutral at worse.
Do far, they’ve kept the big screen operating while all the other giant screen theatres in Denver have been torn down. If they screw this up, I’ll be the loudest critic of them all. But for now, how about a little benefit-of-the-doubt? Save the hate for the places that actually ARE being screwed up.
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
To the best of my knowledge, the renovation is still in process. It was expected to take a couple of months, and they only started a few weeks ago.
According to Fandango (where the Giant Screen showtimes are listed regularly), it looks like they are only using 9 screens at the moment.
I’m just as eager as you are to find out how it turns out. Hopefully it will be done in time for something like Quantum of Solace or Australia.
Cheers,
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
I don’t know how things looked in ‘99 or '02, but in '08 the image did not appear to be cropped at all for Wall-E. (And I’ve seen plenty of cropped presentations.) I’m sure I’m not the pickiest moviegoer to ever post here, but I’m am on the picky side, and I found the sound and projection to be excellent.
Regal’s current operations at the Contintal are not perfect, but I think they are a far cry from a “sad end.” For a sad end, see the Cooper or Century 21 on CO BLVD, or any other giant screen theatre anywhere that has been torn down or twinned. I look forward to seeing more films at the Continental when the big screen re-opens, and promise to complain to mgmt if I notice any problems. :)
Cheers,
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
I just found out that they AREN’T showing their Flashback series on the big screen. I guess TDK is too big a draw right now. Bummer. :(
Crap – that’s www.OnTheBigScreen.NET
Sorry – long day.
MPol –
There are screenings of West Side Story coming up in CT, KY, and several in CA, including a new 70MM print in S.F.
Find listings at: www.OnTheBigScreen.com
Cheers,
Jonesy
I had a part time job at Malco’s Winchester Court Cinemas in Memphis at the time. The print came with a letter (I wish I’d kept) from McTiernan. It went something like this:
“Die Hard starts out loud. It’s supposed to be loud. Please don’t turn it down.”
It’s a shame Die Hard isn’t playing in more theatres this year. Every film is better on the big screen, but some benefit more than others. Die Hard really benefits.
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
I’ve already stated that I don’t think the renovation is necessary, BUT…
I also think that Regal has done and is doing an outstanding job with the Continental.
They could have easily chopped the main house into a bunch of smaller auditoriums instead of adding onto the building.
During the upcoming renovation, they are preserving the giant screen, and even have a poster up about it.
They book almost all of the biggest blockbusters on the giant screen, and they clearly advertise which films are on playing there.
AND, you can catch classic films on the giant screen on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings (sometimes) through their Flashback Features program.
I caught Wall-E there recently and found the presentation to be spectactular, and I’m looking forward to Back to the Future later in July.
When I spoke w/ an employee about the renovations recently, the impression I got was that they wanted the auditorium to feel more “modern.” Even though I don’t agree with that assessment, I can see how it would be important to the bottom line, because of the perceptions of the average movie-goer who walks in off the street, and never visits a site like Cinematreasures.
I may change my tune after the renovations (hopefully not!), but for now, I’m optimistic, and thrilled to see movies at the Continental.
Cheers,
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
I understand that the large auditorium will be closed for renovation in August, with a scheduled re-opening in November. The carpet and wall coverings will be updated, and the seating will be re-structured to become “stadium” seating somehow.
It is my understanding that the screen will not be altered in any way.
I don’t quite understand the need to change the seating. I'v never been in a theatre with better sight-lines or row spacing. Hopefully the changes will all be postive and minimal.
Jurassic Park has been playing in a number of cinemas this year. Try to find a screening near you and see it Back on the Big Screen!
View link
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
I caught Blade Runner and The Terminator at the Castro (S.F.) earlier this year and had a blast at both – more fun than any new release in a long time. (Both had good crowds too.)
For The Terminator, they had a new 35mm print based on the remastering efforts for the DVD release a few years back. (It was 5.1 instead of the original 1.0 and had a few credit tweaks.)
Cheers,
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
I don’t know of any 40th Anniversary screenings, but it IS possible to see 2001 Back on the Big Screen.
I list screenings of 2001 (and other films) at my blog. Find one near you, and get out and see it!
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY Back on the Big Screen
Cheers,
Jonesy
www.OnTheBigScreen.net
The Continental (/theaters/13718/) in Denver is another (rare) success story of a giant D150 auditorium that was saved by a bunch of mini-plex auditoriums built along-side it.
Jonesy
http://movietheatrereviews.blogspot.com/
My blog links to almost every theatre in the US that shows older movies. Check out the “Back on the Big Screen” links on the lower right. Hopefully you can get in touch with someone who can help you out.
http://movietheatrereviews.blogspot.com/
Jonesy
Terrific story!
I always try to visit the Continental any time I’m in Denver. The original auditorium with its giant 78' D-150 screen is still in operation, but to remain viable in today’s booking environment, new auditoriums have been built alongside it.
It’s my favorite place to catch a larger-than-life blockbuster, OR an older favorite as part of their Flashback Series.
Jonesy
www.MovieTheatreReviews.blogspot.com