SIFF Cinema Downtown

I was mulling over a trip to Seattle, including a visit to the Martin – but I’d really love to experience a true three-strip Cinerama presentation at some point in my lifetime. Are such occurences at this theatre far and few between? I imagine that three-strip prints are in short supply – especially for “How the West Was Won” – but I don’t really have much knowledge in that area. Is there an archival print (or set of prints as it were) of HTWWW and maybe “This is Cinerama” in good condition that are still allowed to be screened here or in L.A.?

As a side note, I’m curious about the website advertisement for the upcoming 70MM film festival noting that “2001: A Space Odyssey” is an “original B print.” Do I understand that correctly to mean the print is not in “A” condition – or is there some other meaning that escapes me?

D Roben: Tron was shot in Super Panavision 70.

Some corrections and comments are in order to some of the posts starting in September, 2007.

First, the theater no longer has a digital projection system. It was taken out a few years ago. I don’t know what the system was, and I have no idea if they plan to install a new one. Though AMC has announced that all their theaters will be going digital, I’m not sure if the Cinerama will be one of them since AMC only manages it for owner Paul Allen.

Second, the Cinerama screen is not “folded up.” It is permanently installed behind the second screen used for everyday showings. The second screen is dismantled (a job that takes 10 to 12 hours) so that Cinerama films can be projected on the proper screen.

Third, the rumor involving the improper installation of the screen is totally false. I was able to inspect the screen close up and the slats were always aligned correctly. There was an initial problem in that the slats were not anchored correctly so that the breezes from the air conditioning system did cause a somewhat minor rippling effect, but this has been corrected.

Fourth, neeb’s posting contains several factual errors in the first and second paragraphs. I know it is not his or her fault since the erroneous information came from the theater’s website. Contrary to what the website states, Top Gun, Ghostbusters and Titanic are simply 70mm blowups from 35mm stock. 2001 and Lawrence of Arabia were shot on 65mm stock (not sure about Tron) and the difference between those two and 70mm blowups is like night and day. And, as all of you should know, these films can be shown in any theater equipped with 70mm capabilities.

If any of you are planning a visit to Seattle, I would recommend that you plan on seeing either 200l or Lawrence of Arabia. Tron certainly has my interest for its rarity, though I wasn’t a big fan when it first came out. When I saw Ghostbusters in 70mm a couple of years ago at the Cinerama, the print was very grainy. Top Gun is already gone and you couldn’t pay me enough money to see Titanic again.

there is a rumor on the internet that the louvered screen was incorrectly installed, ie, the edges were lined up end to end instead of overlapped and pointed toward the back of the auditorium. Can anyone verify/refute this rumor?

Thanks

We’re lucky the Cinerama screen is still on site, although presently folded up.

Was in Seattle recently and made it a point to visit the Cinerama to see THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. What a wonderful trip back to the Sixties. Comfortable auditorium, huge screen, and absolute pleasure seeing a movie there. I hope someday to see a genuine Cinerama film there as well.

Dose anyone know this history? movie house called Kellie’s in Seattle Washington
Family History says that Minnie (Miller) Haas opened the first movie house in Tucson AZ. The first in Tucson was The Lyric “it was the first grind house in Arizona” it was called a grind house because they showed movies over and over again on a daily basis.
The reason I think Minnie was the owner of the Old Pima was because it operated between 1916 and 1920. Minnie and her brother came into some money around that time. Her brother Louis Clair Miller opened a movie house called Kellie’s in Seattle Washington. The AZ chain was operated under the Diamos umbrella or the Diamos Brothers’ Lyric Amusement chain of theatres throughout Southern Arizona, the Fox West Coast theatre chain this some how all ties together.

I am curious as to why this venue couldn’t show regular films on the curved screen. We have a curved 70' screen at DC’s Uptown where they show regular films all the time. They don’t look distorted or unviewable at all.

Going to Seattle for the first time tomorrow…and watching “Narnia” here on Saturday. I can’t wait!!!

I recently visted this theater and had an excellent experience. The renovation was superb; the lobby reminded me a bit of the United Nations/JFK Airport International Style, bland but clean, with blue tile thoughout.

I was happy to see a lovely pale purple curtain covering the screen, rather than pre-show advertising. The curtain opened to reveal a tremendous screen, which seemed to go from floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall. The manager later told me that the Cinerama screen is folded up behind this screen, and is ready to be reassembled whenever a Cinerama feature is presented, such as How the West Was Won, which screened a while back.

The auditorium seems to be done in a post-modern atmospheric style, including twinkling lights that go out when the feature starts. The orchestra level seats were comfortable rocking ones. I sat in the balcony (because I could!) where the seats didn’t rock, except, oddly, in the front row, which thus provided a good view of the ceiling and a not-so-great view of the screen.

Needless to say, the presentation was first-rate, with a bright, clear picture and crystal clear sound.

The locals really seem to love this theatre, especially since it was recently spared from the wrecking ball. I join them in their support.

(While in Seattle I also visted and have commented upon the Paramount, the 5th Avenue, the Egyptian, the Colisuem and the Meridian.)

I am in Seattle now and hope to make a report when I return!

FYI: The Seattle Cinerama falls under the AMC chain now, not General Cinemas.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokeystik/15216927/

A recent pic