Here is another shining example of how the “righteous” will discriminate against a love story if it doesn’t conform to their codes of decency, yet allow allow gratuitous violence and mayhem to be shown without a problem. Is violence and killing more acceptable in today’s society? Megaplex Theatres seems to think so. They pull “Brokeback Mountain” from their theatre (clearly not a “business decision” evidenced by it’s stellar per-screen average around the country INCLUDING Salt Lake City) and yet have no problem showing “Hostel” which, according to the MPAA, features: “Brutal Scenes of Torture and Violence, Strong Sexual Content, Language and Drug Use”. What would you rather show your kids? If Jesus stepped up to the Box Office, which film would he rather see? It is not just this theatre. The MPAA has clearly been more lenient toward violence than sexual content for years. We can watch human beings be mowed down in bloody mayhem in an R-Rated (or even PG13-rated film) and yet “Henry and June” received an NC17 rating. Looking at the state of the world today, isn’t it better that the public be allowed to see a love story (albeit different and unconventional) rather than a grisly film whose sole purpose is to show carnage for a thrill? Personally, I think both should get screen time, I am just tired of the hypocrisy.
The second screen is just west of the original Guild. They both sandwich a pizza place. (or pizza a sandwich place). The second screen has about 200 seats with steep stadium seating. This must have been a really original idea in 1983. The design accomodates the lobby under the auditorium to make up for the lack of depth in the building. Although the old Guild is still a great place to see a film, one usually hopes it is in the smaller, newer Guild. It has the most comfortable high-backed seats I have ever sat in at a theatre. Landmark actually installed 70MM capacity in BOTH of the Guild Theatres and actually had 2 70MM engagements at once in 1993. (Remains of the Day and Short Cuts). I saw Short Cuts in the smaller Guild in 70MM and the presentaion was superb!
Too bad this theatre wasn’t as lucky as the nearby Cinerama. At least it didn’t suffer the fate of the UA 150 & 70 across the street. Does anyone have pictures of the King?
Does anyone have photos of the Old Renton Village I, II, III, inside or out? I would love to see one of those old General Cinema sunken screens (or one of their divided ones for thst matter!)
I went to WSU back in the ‘90’s and this was a great place to see a movie (Along with the nearby Audian). Does anyone have any pictures inside or out of this theatre?
I used to frequent this theatre as a teen in the ‘80’s when it was known as the Bijou. It had seen better days and the presentation quality was lacking, but it was a wonderful friendly neighborhood sort of place to see a double feature. I am glad to hear that it has been fixed up and is in good hands (with stereo sound to boot!). I hope to visit next time I am in Tacoma. Does anyone have any pictures of the interior before and after the restoration?
Saw a double feature of “Raiders of the Los Ark” and “Airplane!” here for $1 three weekends in a row when I was a kid. A company called Galaxy Theatres ran it and several other old single screeners around Tacoma until they went under in 1984. Then a company called Star Cinemas ran it until the late 1980’s.
I never saw any 70MM engagements here, but I do recall that Cineplex Odeon moved the restored “Lawrence of Arabia” here in 1989 after its initial run at the now-refurbished Cinerama. New surround speakers were installed for “Independence Day” (the Northgate used DTS as its digital sound format). This was probably the last upgrade at the theatre befoe its demise. The old multiple small speaker surrounds could still be seen high up lining the side and back walls. Great pictures at: http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=2585
Never thought this site would get so political!
Here is another shining example of how the “righteous” will discriminate against a love story if it doesn’t conform to their codes of decency, yet allow allow gratuitous violence and mayhem to be shown without a problem. Is violence and killing more acceptable in today’s society? Megaplex Theatres seems to think so. They pull “Brokeback Mountain” from their theatre (clearly not a “business decision” evidenced by it’s stellar per-screen average around the country INCLUDING Salt Lake City) and yet have no problem showing “Hostel” which, according to the MPAA, features: “Brutal Scenes of Torture and Violence, Strong Sexual Content, Language and Drug Use”. What would you rather show your kids? If Jesus stepped up to the Box Office, which film would he rather see? It is not just this theatre. The MPAA has clearly been more lenient toward violence than sexual content for years. We can watch human beings be mowed down in bloody mayhem in an R-Rated (or even PG13-rated film) and yet “Henry and June” received an NC17 rating. Looking at the state of the world today, isn’t it better that the public be allowed to see a love story (albeit different and unconventional) rather than a grisly film whose sole purpose is to show carnage for a thrill? Personally, I think both should get screen time, I am just tired of the hypocrisy.
It was torn down a month or two ago. Pacific did not pick those 2 screens up when they took over operations from AMC.
Why couldn’t they have split one of the upper theatres. Such a shame…
Sorry, I have no before photos. But here are some closing weekend pictures:
http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=2112
Some pictures at:
http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=7239
Some pictures posted at:
http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=2114
Check out the screen size in relation to the exit door…
Just flew over it 2 days ago and it is still standing.
Just flew over it 2 days ago and it is still standing.
Any news on what is happening to the theatre?
Does anyone have pictures of the Guild 45th theatres, inside or out?
The second screen is just west of the original Guild. They both sandwich a pizza place. (or pizza a sandwich place). The second screen has about 200 seats with steep stadium seating. This must have been a really original idea in 1983. The design accomodates the lobby under the auditorium to make up for the lack of depth in the building. Although the old Guild is still a great place to see a film, one usually hopes it is in the smaller, newer Guild. It has the most comfortable high-backed seats I have ever sat in at a theatre. Landmark actually installed 70MM capacity in BOTH of the Guild Theatres and actually had 2 70MM engagements at once in 1993. (Remains of the Day and Short Cuts). I saw Short Cuts in the smaller Guild in 70MM and the presentaion was superb!
Too bad this theatre wasn’t as lucky as the nearby Cinerama. At least it didn’t suffer the fate of the UA 150 & 70 across the street. Does anyone have pictures of the King?
Does anyone have photos of the Old Renton Village I, II, III, inside or out? I would love to see one of those old General Cinema sunken screens (or one of their divided ones for thst matter!)
I went to WSU back in the ‘90’s and this was a great place to see a movie (Along with the nearby Audian). Does anyone have any pictures inside or out of this theatre?
Thanks Colin. Great Photos (but also sad) photos!
Does anyone have any pictures of the Villa Plaza?
I used to frequent this theatre as a teen in the ‘80’s when it was known as the Bijou. It had seen better days and the presentation quality was lacking, but it was a wonderful friendly neighborhood sort of place to see a double feature. I am glad to hear that it has been fixed up and is in good hands (with stereo sound to boot!). I hope to visit next time I am in Tacoma. Does anyone have any pictures of the interior before and after the restoration?
Does anyone have pictures of this theatre when it had its D-150 screen installed?
Does anyone have pictures of the interior of this theatre?
Does anyone have pictures of this theatre inside and out?
Does anyone have Photos of the Rialto interior before, during or after the restoration?
Saw a double feature of “Raiders of the Los Ark” and “Airplane!” here for $1 three weekends in a row when I was a kid. A company called Galaxy Theatres ran it and several other old single screeners around Tacoma until they went under in 1984. Then a company called Star Cinemas ran it until the late 1980’s.
Great pictures at: http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=2592
I never saw any 70MM engagements here, but I do recall that Cineplex Odeon moved the restored “Lawrence of Arabia” here in 1989 after its initial run at the now-refurbished Cinerama. New surround speakers were installed for “Independence Day” (the Northgate used DTS as its digital sound format). This was probably the last upgrade at the theatre befoe its demise. The old multiple small speaker surrounds could still be seen high up lining the side and back walls. Great pictures at:
http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=2585