I saw HTWWW last November. For that particular show, attendance was not that great. I agree that they should put a few years between 3-strip Cinerama shows. In my opinion, a single-strip Cinerama retrospective is in order, if good prints are available. Hopefully not “Krakatoa: East of Java”!
I know this may be heresy to some, but what about the Egyptian? Granted, it is not the grand palace it used to be, but from time to time, their programming is quite good. Hollywood Blvd boasts the Chinese, El Capitan, Egyptian, Hollywood Pacific (closed for now) and Pantages, and all within a half-mile stretch.
I look forward to the day when the Norelcos are put to use at the Pantages!
Thank you Michael. Anyway, this topic is more appropriate for the Dome page, but the reason for my question was because I recall seeing “2001” at the Dome one Saturday afternoon in 1992. When we walked out of the theatre, there was a line for a sneak preview of “Far and Away” later in the evening. I’m not sure if my memory is playing tricks on me!
When I saw “2001†at the Cinerama Dome, they screened what I believe to be an “un-rectified†print. There were some minor, but noticeable image distortions. One scene had a major problem. On a long side shot of Discovery during the second act, the spaceship’s image was “bent”, and followed the contour of the Dome’s giant screen. Having said that, the overall presentation was very, very, impressive. I would go back in a second to the Dome if they screen “2001†in 70 mm, rectified or not!
Perhaps Michael Coate can shed some light as to the last time the Dome screened “2001â€â€¦
In my opinion, one of the most unusual movies screened at the Paramount was “The Song Remains the Same”, circa 1978 or 1979. The film chronicled a rock concert at Madison Square Garden by the British group Led Zeppelin. This was the last film I saw there before its conversion into a triplex. During the theater’s triplex years, I saw “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Clash of the Titans”, and “Rocky III”.
Correction to my post from 9/21/06:
The sentence “In comparison, the Cinerama Dome at Los Angeles is 86 feet wide…†should read “In comparison, the Cinerama Dome’s screen at Los Angeles is 86 feet wide…â€
Fred Waller’s “standard" Cinerama screen was approximately 75 feet wide by 26 feet high, with a 146-degree curve (Mr. Waller was the pioneer of Cinerama). Unfortunately I don’t know what the dimensions were for the Teatro Cinerama, but I do remember seeing a few films in that wonderful theatre. In comparison, the Cinerama Dome at Los Angeles is 86 feet wide by 32 feet high with a 126-degree curvature, and seats in the neighborhood of 800. As a side note, the Cinerama Dome at LA did not play 3-strip Cinerama features until recently. “This is Cinerama†and “How the West Was Won†have been screened at the Dome within the last 3 years, after the theatre underwent an extensive renovation. The Dome opened in 1963 with “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World†in single strip 70 mm Cinerama. In LA, the 3-strip Cinerama films were originally screened at the Warner Cinerama (presently closed to the public and also known as the Hollywood Pacific), which had the louvered screen with a 146-degree curve. Back to the Teatro Cinerama: the last film I saw there was the disastrous “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Bandâ€, certainly an unfitting “farewell†to that great cinema.
WSS is arguably the most influential and revolutionary musical of its time, if not all time. Just to see the words “WEST SIDE STORY” appear towards the end of the overture on the giant screen is pure magic. The aerial images of New York City during the opening sequence are spectacular, breathtaking and unforgettable.
For all this and more, among all places, NYC deserves to be THE site for the first public screening of a brand new WSS 70 mm print.
From Michael, a few posts above: “…I’ll take this opportunity to relay just how cool it was to see the new 70mm print of “Grand Prix” just a few weeks agoâ€â€¦
That film demands the big screen!!! Awesome! It’s on my Dome widescreen “wish listâ€! Someday…
Thanks Michael. Hopefully the Ziegfeld will take the necessary steps to demonstrate that they have the skills required to run this film. And hopefully it will find its way here in LA as well. Last time I saw it on the big screen was around the late 80’s at the Cinerama Dome.
Regarding Sony & MGM/UA, I believe Sony still owns a limited stake in MGM. In this era of corporate mergers, it’s very difficult to keep track or ascertain a major studio’s identity solely by the films they produce.
Here’s a list of a few classics screened between May and July of this year in the LA area:
Aero Theatre, Santa Monica:
Sunset Boulevard (May 17)
Cleopatra ( Jun 24, in 70 mm)
The Sound of Music (Jun 25, in 70 mm)
Vertigo (Jun 29, in 70 mm)
A Hard Day’s Night (Jul 15)
Wizard of Oz (Jul 22)
Arclight, Hollywood:
Lawrence of Arabia (Jun 7, in 70 mm DTS)
The King and I (Jun 7)
Bay Theatre, Seal Beach:
Frankenstein (Jun 9-12)
Taxi Driver (Jun 16-19)
To Kill a Mockingbird (Jun 25-28)
The Shining (Jul 7-10)
Bridge on the River Kwai (Jul 23-26)
Egyptian, Hollywood:
Around the World in 80 Days (May 5, in Todd-AO)
South Pacific (May 6, in 70 mm)
Patton (May 7, in 70 mm)
Brainstorm (May 10, in 70 mm)
Mad Max: The Road Warrior (May 11, in 70 mm)
The Guns of Navarone ( May 12)
Some Came Running (May 17)
Revenge of Frankenstein (Jun 8)
Horror of Dracula (Jun 9)
El Capitan, Hollywood:
Dumbo (May 26 – Jun 7)
Warner Grand, San Pedro:
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (May 7)
Mary Poppins (Jun 4)
Seems to me that this article should be re-titled “Promising News for Disney”. The only thing that can be inferred from this survey is that 89 % of the potential “Pirates” audience will flock to the theatres during the first weeks of release, given that the film is available in another medium at the same time. So there would be a relative low risk, and high financial incentive for Disney, if they decide to do that. This is good news to business strategists (not necessarily the “moviegoerâ€, unless you’re a “Pirates†fan), since it suggests that a theatrical saturation release for the third film can yield a big return early on, with a simultaneous DVD release.
Thanks William! It’s good to know that the theater has 70 mm capability. One can only hope that someday the general public may enjoy a few 70 mm presentations at the theatre.
Ron Newman brings up some very interesting – and dreadful – statistics. Probably his comment warrants an entire separate discussion thread. I would be kind of curious to see how this pattern manifests itself in other major cities.
From the moviegoer’s point of view, I don’t mind paying the premium and driving to Pacific’s Arclight/Dome or the Chinese, given that the picture gets my serious attention. I will get a far better presentation and service than at any of my local multiplexes. The Arclight has done, in my opinion, a fantastic job of integrating multiple screening rooms with their trademark Cinerama Dome. In addition, my experiences dealing with the Arclight’s employees have been very pleasant and have found them very courteous. There is also a very decent cafe, and their martinis are pretty good!
I wonder if the Ziegfeld will go digital for the roadshow engagement.
What an opportunity to show some class and get out some 70 MM prints out.
JSA
I wonder if the Ziegfeld will go digital for the roadshow engagement.
What an opportunity to show some class and get out some 70 MM prints out.
JSA
I saw HTWWW last November. For that particular show, attendance was not that great. I agree that they should put a few years between 3-strip Cinerama shows. In my opinion, a single-strip Cinerama retrospective is in order, if good prints are available. Hopefully not “Krakatoa: East of Java”!
Chris: My sentiments exactly…
JSA
William,
I know this may be heresy to some, but what about the Egyptian? Granted, it is not the grand palace it used to be, but from time to time, their programming is quite good. Hollywood Blvd boasts the Chinese, El Capitan, Egyptian, Hollywood Pacific (closed for now) and Pantages, and all within a half-mile stretch.
I look forward to the day when the Norelcos are put to use at the Pantages!
Regards,
JSA
Thank you Michael. Anyway, this topic is more appropriate for the Dome page, but the reason for my question was because I recall seeing “2001” at the Dome one Saturday afternoon in 1992. When we walked out of the theatre, there was a line for a sneak preview of “Far and Away” later in the evening. I’m not sure if my memory is playing tricks on me!
Once again, Thanks!
JSA
Ed,
When I saw “2001†at the Cinerama Dome, they screened what I believe to be an “un-rectified†print. There were some minor, but noticeable image distortions. One scene had a major problem. On a long side shot of Discovery during the second act, the spaceship’s image was “bent”, and followed the contour of the Dome’s giant screen. Having said that, the overall presentation was very, very, impressive. I would go back in a second to the Dome if they screen “2001†in 70 mm, rectified or not!
Perhaps Michael Coate can shed some light as to the last time the Dome screened “2001â€â€¦
JSA
In my opinion, one of the most unusual movies screened at the Paramount was “The Song Remains the Same”, circa 1978 or 1979. The film chronicled a rock concert at Madison Square Garden by the British group Led Zeppelin. This was the last film I saw there before its conversion into a triplex. During the theater’s triplex years, I saw “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Clash of the Titans”, and “Rocky III”.
Correction to my post from 9/21/06:
The sentence “In comparison, the Cinerama Dome at Los Angeles is 86 feet wide…†should read “In comparison, the Cinerama Dome’s screen at Los Angeles is 86 feet wide…â€
Fred Waller’s “standard" Cinerama screen was approximately 75 feet wide by 26 feet high, with a 146-degree curve (Mr. Waller was the pioneer of Cinerama). Unfortunately I don’t know what the dimensions were for the Teatro Cinerama, but I do remember seeing a few films in that wonderful theatre. In comparison, the Cinerama Dome at Los Angeles is 86 feet wide by 32 feet high with a 126-degree curvature, and seats in the neighborhood of 800. As a side note, the Cinerama Dome at LA did not play 3-strip Cinerama features until recently. “This is Cinerama†and “How the West Was Won†have been screened at the Dome within the last 3 years, after the theatre underwent an extensive renovation. The Dome opened in 1963 with “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World†in single strip 70 mm Cinerama. In LA, the 3-strip Cinerama films were originally screened at the Warner Cinerama (presently closed to the public and also known as the Hollywood Pacific), which had the louvered screen with a 146-degree curve. Back to the Teatro Cinerama: the last film I saw there was the disastrous “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Bandâ€, certainly an unfitting “farewell†to that great cinema.
Bill,
Regarding the Ziegfeld’s “special event”: As a consolation, Grauman’s Chinese is hosting the premiere of “Jackass 2” tonight!
JSA
We’re overdue for a proper theatrical re-release of the Bond films. At least the first 3 or 4.
JSA
If theatres are going to show commercials, they should provide patrons the main feature’s actual start time.
JSA
Bill,
Thanks for the posting! Ten sold out evening shows!
What really gets me is that “Cleopatra” was playing in Todd-AO less than a mile away at the Pantages !!
JSA
How about “American Cinematheque at the Ziegfeld presents…”?
WSS is arguably the most influential and revolutionary musical of its time, if not all time. Just to see the words “WEST SIDE STORY” appear towards the end of the overture on the giant screen is pure magic. The aerial images of New York City during the opening sequence are spectacular, breathtaking and unforgettable.
For all this and more, among all places, NYC deserves to be THE site for the first public screening of a brand new WSS 70 mm print.
From Michael, a few posts above: “…I’ll take this opportunity to relay just how cool it was to see the new 70mm print of “Grand Prix” just a few weeks agoâ€â€¦
That film demands the big screen!!! Awesome! It’s on my Dome widescreen “wish listâ€! Someday…
JSA
Thanks Michael. Hopefully the Ziegfeld will take the necessary steps to demonstrate that they have the skills required to run this film. And hopefully it will find its way here in LA as well. Last time I saw it on the big screen was around the late 80’s at the Cinerama Dome.
Regarding Sony & MGM/UA, I believe Sony still owns a limited stake in MGM. In this era of corporate mergers, it’s very difficult to keep track or ascertain a major studio’s identity solely by the films they produce.
JSA
Michael: WOW!! Wonderful news!!! Any information regarding sound format? Potential screenings?
Regards,
JSA
The Aero screened the restored print of Cleopatra. It was also shown at the Academy of Motion Picures.
Here’s a list of a few classics screened between May and July of this year in the LA area:
Aero Theatre, Santa Monica:
Sunset Boulevard (May 17)
Cleopatra ( Jun 24, in 70 mm)
The Sound of Music (Jun 25, in 70 mm)
Vertigo (Jun 29, in 70 mm)
A Hard Day’s Night (Jul 15)
Wizard of Oz (Jul 22)
Arclight, Hollywood:
Lawrence of Arabia (Jun 7, in 70 mm DTS)
The King and I (Jun 7)
Bay Theatre, Seal Beach:
Frankenstein (Jun 9-12)
Taxi Driver (Jun 16-19)
To Kill a Mockingbird (Jun 25-28)
The Shining (Jul 7-10)
Bridge on the River Kwai (Jul 23-26)
Egyptian, Hollywood:
Around the World in 80 Days (May 5, in Todd-AO)
South Pacific (May 6, in 70 mm)
Patton (May 7, in 70 mm)
Brainstorm (May 10, in 70 mm)
Mad Max: The Road Warrior (May 11, in 70 mm)
The Guns of Navarone ( May 12)
Some Came Running (May 17)
Revenge of Frankenstein (Jun 8)
Horror of Dracula (Jun 9)
El Capitan, Hollywood:
Dumbo (May 26 – Jun 7)
Warner Grand, San Pedro:
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (May 7)
Mary Poppins (Jun 4)
Seems to me that this article should be re-titled “Promising News for Disney”. The only thing that can be inferred from this survey is that 89 % of the potential “Pirates” audience will flock to the theatres during the first weeks of release, given that the film is available in another medium at the same time. So there would be a relative low risk, and high financial incentive for Disney, if they decide to do that. This is good news to business strategists (not necessarily the “moviegoerâ€, unless you’re a “Pirates†fan), since it suggests that a theatrical saturation release for the third film can yield a big return early on, with a simultaneous DVD release.
JSA
Thanks William! It’s good to know that the theater has 70 mm capability. One can only hope that someday the general public may enjoy a few 70 mm presentations at the theatre.
Regards,
JSA
Thank you Michael. Shortly after I posted my question, I searched in the “from script to dvd” site, and found my answer!
It is interesting to note that the Egyptian ran a 70 mm engagement of “Tora! Tora! Tora!” the following year (1971) as well.
JSA
William: When was the last time 70 mm was run at the Pantages?
Ron Newman brings up some very interesting – and dreadful – statistics. Probably his comment warrants an entire separate discussion thread. I would be kind of curious to see how this pattern manifests itself in other major cities.
From the moviegoer’s point of view, I don’t mind paying the premium and driving to Pacific’s Arclight/Dome or the Chinese, given that the picture gets my serious attention. I will get a far better presentation and service than at any of my local multiplexes. The Arclight has done, in my opinion, a fantastic job of integrating multiple screening rooms with their trademark Cinerama Dome. In addition, my experiences dealing with the Arclight’s employees have been very pleasant and have found them very courteous. There is also a very decent cafe, and their martinis are pretty good!
Good presentation, good screen, sound system, showmanship, service, facilities (i.e. café, bar, etc.) and yes, a curtain that works, need not be exclusive domain of a “luxury†or high-end theater/multiplex. These features come at a cost for sure, but they are necessary to make the theater-going experience worth the admission price for the audience, and eventually bring in business.
JSA
More bad news for me: They have to do that the week I’m out of town on a business trip…