Castle Theatre
209 E. Washington Street,
Bloomington,
IL
61704
209 E. Washington Street,
Bloomington,
IL
61704
6 people
favorited this theater
Showing 26 - 42 of 42 comments
I just attended my first movie at the Castle theater. It is GREAT!!!! I really don’t know where to begin. Very reasonable prices, beautiful theater, VERY comfortable couches, free refills on drinks – and they don’t cost $5 per drink, the bathroom has the sound of the movie playing, food tastes good and the server brings it to your seat / couch.
The sound seems to need some improvement and it was actually a little distracting at times but it certainly would not keep me away from enjoying another movie there soon. Most of the movies there seem to be targeted towards young kids and families. I hope they continue to show movies aimed at a little older audience.
I hope people continue to support this place. It REALLY is a local treasure!
Is there a formula for knowing what location could support a movie theater? With so many MegaPlex locations going up…I would like to bring cinema back to some smaller towns. I’m not sure how large a community would need to be to support a twin screen complex or how far away from another theater.
Here is another pre-restoration photo:
View link
Ben: Would like to talk to you about your restoration. We are getting ready to restore the Southtown in Springfield Illinois and would like to hear about problems/solutions. Looks like you have figured it all out as it looks great!
Jim
Ben: I just read your July 2001 post about being the current owner so would like to know how the cafe venue at the Castle is working out. I will say that I’m a purist, at heart, and enjoy seeing the theatres brought back to originality if at all possible.
TC: These restoration photos are very interesting. We have Bloomington Illinois friends so will have to ask them their Castle memories! Would love to see some current interior photos. Was the theatre returned to originality or a cafe/theatre venue?
Restoration photos:
http://www.wjbc.com/xwjbc-castletheater.htm
It’s funny but nobody has ever tried the Brew & Movie idea in New York. There are still loads of closed neighborhood houses to adapt. Anyone have any thoughts on why this never was tried here?
Chuck Parker: I can’t seem to bring up thecastletheater.com as I’d love to see the restoration photos!
William: If you have information about the Irving and your experience as an usher, please add it to the list under Add a Theatre…it’s easy.
Ben: Congratuations upon the purchase of this theatre. It’s too bad that the Corvette meet, Bloomington Gold doesn’t meet in Bloomington anymore as your theatre would have been a great night out for the Corvette owners! I see you are showing Polar Express and Ray…both great movies, but we recently saw Polar Express in 3D and, in my opinion, that is the ONLY way to see THAT movie!
They need something like that here in Detroit, it would be a hit!
What a grand theatre. it’s great that you are restoring it. Fomr the clips I rad and photos you are doing a great job, hats off to you.
I was an asst Mgr of the Castle Years49-50 It was owned by Balaba Katz Public Great States Inc. I was pleased to hear the old theater is back in action. To bad the Irving didnt make it. I was an Usher at the irving. Chalmers Dean was The city Mgr.
New website now running for this theater with updated photos on the restoration progress: http://www.thecastletheater.com/
Hey Ben, I don’t know if you remember me, but I went to High School with you. I now live in Texas and I’ve started a film production company. I wanted to know if the Castle theater would be finished anytime soon. We’re nearing completion of film and would like to set up a premiere in Bloomington. Let me know what you think and maybe we talk about it at a later date. Until then take care.
Dave Jackson
I’m the new owner of the Castle Theater here in Bloomington. I’m just starting my renovation and I’d love to provide you with any information you’d like.