The Sony SRX-R110 4k projector is the top of the line digital projector but it sells for about $80,000 (plus $15,000 for the lens A more expensive model for screens up to 25 feet is also available for $60,000. I did not realise it had duel lamps but that would explain, along with the increased pixel count,the incredable quality of the presentation. I could see in time this projector making film versions of IMAX obsolete.
Michael, I have not been able to find anyone who knows of any theatres using two projectors to improve light output. All of the locations I know off have NEC, Christie or Barco projectors and are using one projector. Perhaps you are refering to a duel Xenon bulb type of installation. IMAX 3-D has a 70mm duel projector in one,
left eye-right eye) and has two bulbs, and while I know of no digital applications doing so, perhaps some experimentaion is going with that idea. If any location would need a duel lamp projection it would be the Ziegfeld, if they are using a single bulb projector one would imagine every other location is doing so as well. Hopefully some one from the Ziegeld can confirm the projector at the Ziegfeld is a single lamp type. Perhaps this duel lamp theroy will help you get to the bottom of this.
Michael, I have not been able to find anyone who knows of any theatres using two projectors to improve light output. All of the locations I know off have NEC, Christie or Barco projectors and are using one projector. Perhaps you are refering to a duel Xenon bulb type of installation. IMAX 3-D has one film projector (70mm) but uses two bulbs to improve light output, and while I know of no digital applications doing so, perhaps some experimentaion is going with that idea. If any location would need a duel lamp projection it would be the Ziegfeld, if they are using a single bulb projector one would imagine every other location is doing so as well. Hopefully some one from the Ziegeld can confirm the projector at the Ziegfeld is a single lamp type. Perhaps this duel lamp theroy will help you get to the bottom of this.
I also thought the 3-D was rather good. Aside from the usual image coming at you from the screen I thought the images coming from behind you and going towards the screen was fun. For those of you who are unfamiliar with how it works, the image on the screen is actually two images overlapping each other that are recorded at just slightly different angles. The glasses ensure that one eye sees only one of the images while the other eye sees the other image. Then your brain takes these conflicting images and decides what you are seeing must be 3D.
Actually, “Meet the Robinsons” is tricking your brain even further because instead of overlapping two pieces of film, the digital projector cuts between the two images at an incredibly fast rate. Your brain reads it as seeing two images at the same time, when in fact you are only seeing one.
As to the opening weekend grosses, the studio is looking for about 35-40 million, but based on the Friday opening of 8 million, (“Blades of Glory” did 12 million)it appears to be heading for more in the 25-30 million range.
“Chicken Little” did 42 Million on its opening week with a total gross so far at 135 million.
Jodar, I am Sorry you decided to see the movie at Bowtie instead of Fairfax, because no one beats National Amusements when it comes to an outstanding movie going experience :)
Peter, Chicken Little was also shown in the Real-D format so you may not see any improvement. I saw no diference with Robinsons, but then I liked the 3-D in Chicken little :) I haven’t spoken to any technical folks as yet about the process and what improvemnets they have or plan on having. I will let you know when I do. Perhaps Michael knows more.
Sorry Peter, of course you are right, traditional 3-D is, as it was in the 50s,polorized. I far as I know anaglyph is today only used in print copy (comics etc) and some tv experimentation.
By the way, I saw the movie on Tuesday and I must say, silly as the movie is, the 3-D is just fantastic. I prefer it over IMAX 3-D, which if you sit too close can be a bit distractiung in 3-D due to the huge screen in a relativly small auditorium.
My old bosses at National Amusements are leading the way in the digital installations. They have announced an agreement with REAL D, the leader in the delivery of premier 3-D experiences, to roll-out 20 additional digital 3-D projection systems in select theatres (see list). Currently, National Amusements circuit features 24 locations with 25 screens and brings the total of National Amusements 3D 2K projection systems to 44 locations on 45 screens. The installations will be completed for the opening of Disney’s animated feature film, MEET THE ROBINSONS in REAL D on March 30, 2007 and will bring over 50% of National’s locations into the realm of Digital 3D, the highest percent of any major USA circuit.
This great 3-D technology allows National Amusements to bring patrons a broader range of unique film and entertainment programming options such as live sports and concert performances, building on our goal to make our theatres a community entertainment destination.â€
The REAL D 3-D installations complement National Amusements efforts to bring state-of-the art digital cinema to their patrons. The company is participating in Technicolor Digital Cinema’s beta test of state-of-the-art digital projection equipment in 14 National Amusements sites, reaching 120 screens in select locations. This will bring National’s total Digital Cinema presentation capability to a total of 165 Screens in it’s U.S. locations. They have also recently signed a multiyear agreement with Screenvision to install its digital pre-show system on more than 1,000 of National Amusements’ domestic screens.
Disney’s MEET THE ROBINSONS in 3-D will be released in the REAL D Cinema format. REAL D’s seamless perception of depth causes viewers to forget about the screen and opens up a world of perspective and detail so rich and lifelike they want to reach out and touch it.
For the digital 3D presentation of MEET THE ROBINSONS, audience members will receive comfortable, lightweight glasses enabling them to view the film in the REAL D Cinema format. REAL D Cinema glasses for MEET THE ROBINSONS are styled like classic sunglasses and are included with a movie ticket purchase. Unlike traditional anaglyph 3D, REAL D Cinema uses state-of-the-art digital cinema technology to eliminate eye fatigue and ensure that moviegoers enjoy the most comfortable 3D viewing experience possible.
CaptRon, The news is there is no news.
The on again-off again project is still well….on again-off again.
No date has ben established for the start of the new construction.
Its' a bit complicated with many variables still yet to be put in to place. But most agree it will happen….eventually.
The changeover to managers in the booth is spreading all over the country. IATSE Local 640 of Nassau and Suffolk counties has been able to keep the wolves from the door until now, but it has been common in New Jersey and Westchester for a while now. Only NY Local 306 is able to prevent this, due in part to the requirement by NYC law of an operator’s license. Although I suppose one could argue it’s only a matter of time before managers get licenses or the license is done away with. Optioning a license requires only a written exam; the practical booth exam has been done away with, and costs only$60 every two years. I retired in 2005 but still plan on renewing my license every two years.
Of course the quality of the projection goes down hill with ushers running the booth, but managers in some circuits are receiving projectionist training prior to going into the booth and as a result seem to be doing a fair job. The problems come about when managers are required to perform other duties simultaneous to their booth work, or when union operators are required to operate two locations at a time. I believe the projectionist should never leave the booth.
As for cost, of course it’s cheaper for the exhibitor to employ managers, and they are of the mindset if they lose a show or two it’s still cheaper than having a pro in the booth full time.
So the sad truth is, expect less and less professionals running the show and more and more mishaps on the screen. I do however believe it will be quite a while before you see that in city theatres, I hate to see that change anytime soon.
How appropriate, “The Greatest Show On Earth” playing at
the greatest theatre on earth, and the perfect picture for RCMH.
As a big Betty Hutton fan, that had to be one of my favorities, along with “The Stork Club” and “Annie Get Your Gun”, which Betty was born to play. I loved Judy Garland, but her getting fired from Annie, and the role going to Betty turned out quite well.
I was interested in the opening of “Meet the Robinsons”. We know the Ziegfeld is capable of showing Digital format, however it is my understanding that Disney Digital 3-D is not compatable for showing on a conventional Digital projector. It is also my understanding that conventional Digital media can be projected on the 3-D projector. My question, to the folks in the booth is, what changes in projection equipment are being planned for this engagement.
As a matter of fact, although we have had this question answered in previous posts, I would appreciate an update on just what equipment both Digital and film is currently in use at the theatre. Even though I have retired, I still enjoy communicating with others in the buisness, and I love keeping up with the changes going on in the movie biz as I enjoy retirement.
Long live the Ziegfeld and RCMH!
Vincent, I must strongly onject to the ranting and raving in your earlier post. There are a multitude of websites, blogs and the like for those types of comments, Cinema Tresures is NOT one of them.
I apologize to the other members for taking up space with this comment, however I always assumed this forum would be exempt from that sort of political self indulgence.
Perhaps some of you have not heard the sad news of Betty Hutton’s passing. Having been out of town all of last week I had not heard the news until this weekend.
I understand from my friend Warren that TCM did a tribute to Betty, I am sorry that I missed that.
Since many of her movies, including her first, “The Fleet’s In, opened at the Paramount, I decided to post something here to be sure all of her fans heard the news. Betty left the business to early, I am sure she could have continued to entertain for many more years, but she was happy with her decision to quit entertaining and that’s all that matters.
Thanks Kong, Thanks for that info, I would not want to see the theatre in it’s current condition. You sound like someone who is saddened by what has happened there, who knows maybe there will be a miracle and the folks who restored RCMH will be back some day to bring the paramount back.
So is anyone planning on attending the show next month and perhaps take photos?
I for one would be more than just a little interested in hearing about it.
I am afraid the ads are deceiving, some may be expecting to see the movie palace in all it’s original glory and may not know what the theatre looks like now. Sort of a cruel April Fools joke if you ask me. Lets hope the shows are a major hit, encouraging a restoration of the grand ole gal.
Ah yes, that rings a bell, Mary was the manager when we triplexed the place back in, what was it, late 1984?. I think she had someone named Carol working with her, gosh the memories come flooding back.
Do you remember the full time projectionist named Tom?, I worked his Sundays off for quite a while.
Sorry Ron, I have lost track of all the old managers and projectionist from back then. My last day at Syosset was
25 years ago back in November 1982. In those last days I bounced between the D-150 and Syosset, but I lived in Woodbury which made an easy commute. But of course my favotite Syosset/D-150 times were in the 60s working Roadshows at both theatres. I’m glad you never got caught in the back row :)
In all the years I attended (1955-1972) there were no Roadshows presented at the Hall. I believe it is one of the reasons 70mm was not installed there until “Airport” Perhaps REndres will give us more information.
If I might be allowed to go off the topic of Syosset, I wondered, speaking of sneak previews, what happened to the comment cards given to patrons viewing the movie. I recall the studio folks gathering nervously in the managers office after the preview to look over the cards.I haven’t seen that in many years and wondered if any areas like LA still do that. I retired in 2005 after 50 years in the buisness of show, I saw a lot of changes some good and some not, but I thought the patrons enjoyed being given a chance to express their opinion after a screening and wondered if it still happens anywhere.
Bill, the year was 2005 and the picture was “King Kong”. I don’t know about the teat of time but it did do very well at the box-office.
Just to keep on-topic I want to share one of my treasured memories of the Syosset, which was working opening weekend of “Sound of Music”, I believe it was early summer of 1965, with my parents in the audience and then giving them a tour of the booth
CaptRonLI, I am told, perhaps you would agree, that the main reason for mislabling today has a lot to do with piracy, keeping people from knowing what treaure is in those cans. I remember just before I retired we had a preview of a rather important picture, the print was delivered a couple of hours before the showing by a private courier who stayed in the booth with the print until the show was over,and then took the print away.The idea of course to reduce the risk of piracy. I don’t know how much good all that does, from what I hear you can, if you know the right people, easily obtain DVD copies of recent and unreleased movies.I find that disturbing.
I too miss those two great theatres, I often did relief work at both of them, Syosset as a single screen and tripex. But we can’t
“let' em go”, folks like us have to keep them alive in spirt here at Cinema Treasures.
Regarding the surprise preview of “Oklahoma”, in those days the title of the movie was often kept secret from the public, you did not know what you were going to see until the movie started. In fact we in the booth did not know which picture it was until the print arrived, and even then we were fooled by the title on the film cans which were sometimes mislabeled and did not represent which picture was actually inside.
All very hush-hush and rather mysterious and fun, and they were indeed “sneak previewsâ€
The Sony SRX-R110 4k projector is the top of the line digital projector but it sells for about $80,000 (plus $15,000 for the lens A more expensive model for screens up to 25 feet is also available for $60,000. I did not realise it had duel lamps but that would explain, along with the increased pixel count,the incredable quality of the presentation. I could see in time this projector making film versions of IMAX obsolete.
sorry for the double post, I wanted to clarify how the IMAX 3-D works and somehow both posts went thru.
Michael, I have not been able to find anyone who knows of any theatres using two projectors to improve light output. All of the locations I know off have NEC, Christie or Barco projectors and are using one projector. Perhaps you are refering to a duel Xenon bulb type of installation. IMAX 3-D has a 70mm duel projector in one,
left eye-right eye) and has two bulbs, and while I know of no digital applications doing so, perhaps some experimentaion is going with that idea. If any location would need a duel lamp projection it would be the Ziegfeld, if they are using a single bulb projector one would imagine every other location is doing so as well. Hopefully some one from the Ziegeld can confirm the projector at the Ziegfeld is a single lamp type. Perhaps this duel lamp theroy will help you get to the bottom of this.
Michael, I have not been able to find anyone who knows of any theatres using two projectors to improve light output. All of the locations I know off have NEC, Christie or Barco projectors and are using one projector. Perhaps you are refering to a duel Xenon bulb type of installation. IMAX 3-D has one film projector (70mm) but uses two bulbs to improve light output, and while I know of no digital applications doing so, perhaps some experimentaion is going with that idea. If any location would need a duel lamp projection it would be the Ziegfeld, if they are using a single bulb projector one would imagine every other location is doing so as well. Hopefully some one from the Ziegeld can confirm the projector at the Ziegfeld is a single lamp type. Perhaps this duel lamp theroy will help you get to the bottom of this.
I also thought the 3-D was rather good. Aside from the usual image coming at you from the screen I thought the images coming from behind you and going towards the screen was fun. For those of you who are unfamiliar with how it works, the image on the screen is actually two images overlapping each other that are recorded at just slightly different angles. The glasses ensure that one eye sees only one of the images while the other eye sees the other image. Then your brain takes these conflicting images and decides what you are seeing must be 3D.
Actually, “Meet the Robinsons” is tricking your brain even further because instead of overlapping two pieces of film, the digital projector cuts between the two images at an incredibly fast rate. Your brain reads it as seeing two images at the same time, when in fact you are only seeing one.
As to the opening weekend grosses, the studio is looking for about 35-40 million, but based on the Friday opening of 8 million, (“Blades of Glory” did 12 million)it appears to be heading for more in the 25-30 million range.
“Chicken Little” did 42 Million on its opening week with a total gross so far at 135 million.
Jodar, I am Sorry you decided to see the movie at Bowtie instead of Fairfax, because no one beats National Amusements when it comes to an outstanding movie going experience :)
Peter, Chicken Little was also shown in the Real-D format so you may not see any improvement. I saw no diference with Robinsons, but then I liked the 3-D in Chicken little :) I haven’t spoken to any technical folks as yet about the process and what improvemnets they have or plan on having. I will let you know when I do. Perhaps Michael knows more.
Sorry Peter, of course you are right, traditional 3-D is, as it was in the 50s,polorized. I far as I know anaglyph is today only used in print copy (comics etc) and some tv experimentation.
By the way, I saw the movie on Tuesday and I must say, silly as the movie is, the 3-D is just fantastic. I prefer it over IMAX 3-D, which if you sit too close can be a bit distractiung in 3-D due to the huge screen in a relativly small auditorium.
My old bosses at National Amusements are leading the way in the digital installations. They have announced an agreement with REAL D, the leader in the delivery of premier 3-D experiences, to roll-out 20 additional digital 3-D projection systems in select theatres (see list). Currently, National Amusements circuit features 24 locations with 25 screens and brings the total of National Amusements 3D 2K projection systems to 44 locations on 45 screens. The installations will be completed for the opening of Disney’s animated feature film, MEET THE ROBINSONS in REAL D on March 30, 2007 and will bring over 50% of National’s locations into the realm of Digital 3D, the highest percent of any major USA circuit.
This great 3-D technology allows National Amusements to bring patrons a broader range of unique film and entertainment programming options such as live sports and concert performances, building on our goal to make our theatres a community entertainment destination.â€
The REAL D 3-D installations complement National Amusements efforts to bring state-of-the art digital cinema to their patrons. The company is participating in Technicolor Digital Cinema’s beta test of state-of-the-art digital projection equipment in 14 National Amusements sites, reaching 120 screens in select locations. This will bring National’s total Digital Cinema presentation capability to a total of 165 Screens in it’s U.S. locations. They have also recently signed a multiyear agreement with Screenvision to install its digital pre-show system on more than 1,000 of National Amusements’ domestic screens.
Disney’s MEET THE ROBINSONS in 3-D will be released in the REAL D Cinema format. REAL D’s seamless perception of depth causes viewers to forget about the screen and opens up a world of perspective and detail so rich and lifelike they want to reach out and touch it.
For the digital 3D presentation of MEET THE ROBINSONS, audience members will receive comfortable, lightweight glasses enabling them to view the film in the REAL D Cinema format. REAL D Cinema glasses for MEET THE ROBINSONS are styled like classic sunglasses and are included with a movie ticket purchase. Unlike traditional anaglyph 3D, REAL D Cinema uses state-of-the-art digital cinema technology to eliminate eye fatigue and ensure that moviegoers enjoy the most comfortable 3D viewing experience possible.
CaptRon, The news is there is no news.
The on again-off again project is still well….on again-off again.
No date has ben established for the start of the new construction.
Its' a bit complicated with many variables still yet to be put in to place. But most agree it will happen….eventually.
The changeover to managers in the booth is spreading all over the country. IATSE Local 640 of Nassau and Suffolk counties has been able to keep the wolves from the door until now, but it has been common in New Jersey and Westchester for a while now. Only NY Local 306 is able to prevent this, due in part to the requirement by NYC law of an operator’s license. Although I suppose one could argue it’s only a matter of time before managers get licenses or the license is done away with. Optioning a license requires only a written exam; the practical booth exam has been done away with, and costs only$60 every two years. I retired in 2005 but still plan on renewing my license every two years.
Of course the quality of the projection goes down hill with ushers running the booth, but managers in some circuits are receiving projectionist training prior to going into the booth and as a result seem to be doing a fair job. The problems come about when managers are required to perform other duties simultaneous to their booth work, or when union operators are required to operate two locations at a time. I believe the projectionist should never leave the booth.
As for cost, of course it’s cheaper for the exhibitor to employ managers, and they are of the mindset if they lose a show or two it’s still cheaper than having a pro in the booth full time.
So the sad truth is, expect less and less professionals running the show and more and more mishaps on the screen. I do however believe it will be quite a while before you see that in city theatres, I hate to see that change anytime soon.
So they are going to watch a concert in a gym.
No theatres left to support the event. What a crime!
How appropriate, “The Greatest Show On Earth” playing at
the greatest theatre on earth, and the perfect picture for RCMH.
As a big Betty Hutton fan, that had to be one of my favorities, along with “The Stork Club” and “Annie Get Your Gun”, which Betty was born to play. I loved Judy Garland, but her getting fired from Annie, and the role going to Betty turned out quite well.
I was interested in the opening of “Meet the Robinsons”. We know the Ziegfeld is capable of showing Digital format, however it is my understanding that Disney Digital 3-D is not compatable for showing on a conventional Digital projector. It is also my understanding that conventional Digital media can be projected on the 3-D projector. My question, to the folks in the booth is, what changes in projection equipment are being planned for this engagement.
As a matter of fact, although we have had this question answered in previous posts, I would appreciate an update on just what equipment both Digital and film is currently in use at the theatre. Even though I have retired, I still enjoy communicating with others in the buisness, and I love keeping up with the changes going on in the movie biz as I enjoy retirement.
Long live the Ziegfeld and RCMH!
Vincent, I must strongly onject to the ranting and raving in your earlier post. There are a multitude of websites, blogs and the like for those types of comments, Cinema Tresures is NOT one of them.
I apologize to the other members for taking up space with this comment, however I always assumed this forum would be exempt from that sort of political self indulgence.
Perhaps some of you have not heard the sad news of Betty Hutton’s passing. Having been out of town all of last week I had not heard the news until this weekend.
I understand from my friend Warren that TCM did a tribute to Betty, I am sorry that I missed that.
Since many of her movies, including her first, “The Fleet’s In, opened at the Paramount, I decided to post something here to be sure all of her fans heard the news. Betty left the business to early, I am sure she could have continued to entertain for many more years, but she was happy with her decision to quit entertaining and that’s all that matters.
Thanks Kong, Thanks for that info, I would not want to see the theatre in it’s current condition. You sound like someone who is saddened by what has happened there, who knows maybe there will be a miracle and the folks who restored RCMH will be back some day to bring the paramount back.
So is anyone planning on attending the show next month and perhaps take photos?
I for one would be more than just a little interested in hearing about it.
I am afraid the ads are deceiving, some may be expecting to see the movie palace in all it’s original glory and may not know what the theatre looks like now. Sort of a cruel April Fools joke if you ask me. Lets hope the shows are a major hit, encouraging a restoration of the grand ole gal.
Ah yes, that rings a bell, Mary was the manager when we triplexed the place back in, what was it, late 1984?. I think she had someone named Carol working with her, gosh the memories come flooding back.
Do you remember the full time projectionist named Tom?, I worked his Sundays off for quite a while.
Correction: My last shift at Syosset was in November 1987,
which is when I joined National Amusements where I stayed until retiring in 2005
Sorry Ron, I have lost track of all the old managers and projectionist from back then. My last day at Syosset was
25 years ago back in November 1982. In those last days I bounced between the D-150 and Syosset, but I lived in Woodbury which made an easy commute. But of course my favotite Syosset/D-150 times were in the 60s working Roadshows at both theatres. I’m glad you never got caught in the back row :)
In all the years I attended (1955-1972) there were no Roadshows presented at the Hall. I believe it is one of the reasons 70mm was not installed there until “Airport” Perhaps REndres will give us more information.
If I might be allowed to go off the topic of Syosset, I wondered, speaking of sneak previews, what happened to the comment cards given to patrons viewing the movie. I recall the studio folks gathering nervously in the managers office after the preview to look over the cards.I haven’t seen that in many years and wondered if any areas like LA still do that. I retired in 2005 after 50 years in the buisness of show, I saw a lot of changes some good and some not, but I thought the patrons enjoyed being given a chance to express their opinion after a screening and wondered if it still happens anywhere.
Bill, the year was 2005 and the picture was “King Kong”. I don’t know about the teat of time but it did do very well at the box-office.
Just to keep on-topic I want to share one of my treasured memories of the Syosset, which was working opening weekend of “Sound of Music”, I believe it was early summer of 1965, with my parents in the audience and then giving them a tour of the booth
CaptRonLI, I am told, perhaps you would agree, that the main reason for mislabling today has a lot to do with piracy, keeping people from knowing what treaure is in those cans. I remember just before I retired we had a preview of a rather important picture, the print was delivered a couple of hours before the showing by a private courier who stayed in the booth with the print until the show was over,and then took the print away.The idea of course to reduce the risk of piracy. I don’t know how much good all that does, from what I hear you can, if you know the right people, easily obtain DVD copies of recent and unreleased movies.I find that disturbing.
I too miss those two great theatres, I often did relief work at both of them, Syosset as a single screen and tripex. But we can’t
“let' em go”, folks like us have to keep them alive in spirt here at Cinema Treasures.
Regarding the surprise preview of “Oklahoma”, in those days the title of the movie was often kept secret from the public, you did not know what you were going to see until the movie started. In fact we in the booth did not know which picture it was until the print arrived, and even then we were fooled by the title on the film cans which were sometimes mislabeled and did not represent which picture was actually inside.
All very hush-hush and rather mysterious and fun, and they were indeed “sneak previewsâ€