Comments from Al Alvarez

Showing 51 - 75 of 3,432 comments

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Carib Theatre on Aug 4, 2022 at 9:06 pm

vindanpar, it did not run many Roadshows because Wometco was not a big fan of those after the failure of “SPARTACUS” at their 163rd Street theatre. It did host many World Premieres if the stars were in town for winter performances at local hotels. It did run exclusive area runs of PLANET OF THE APES, VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, DIARY OF A MAD HOUSEWIFE, CARNAL KNOWLEDGE and CABARET among others in a town where non-roadshow exclusives were rare.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Cinema 1, 2 & 3 by Angelika on Jul 21, 2022 at 4:51 pm

By the way, bigjoe, the documentary “SEARCHING FOR MR. RUGOFF” is a ‘must-watch’ for Cinema Treasures fans.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Cinema 1, 2 & 3 by Angelika on Jul 21, 2022 at 4:48 pm

I think they are not investing in a property they plan to re-purpose as soon as it becomes feasible. Although a theatre incorporated into the new project may be possible, it is also not likely.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Cinema 1, 2 & 3 by Angelika on Jul 21, 2022 at 3:25 pm

Bigjoe, I found this on the internet from Reading International;

We own, through our 75% managing member interest, the fee interest in our Cinemas 1,2,3 property in Manhattan. While we are evaluating the potential to redevelop this property as a mixed-use property, these endeavors have been deferred as we deal with the challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic. However, located on 3rd avenue, across from Bloomingdales on Manhattan’s Upper Eastside, this property is a prime long-term hold-for-development asset of our Company.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about 34th Street East Theatre on Jul 17, 2022 at 7:07 pm

bigjoe, this small drop may have resulted from some duplicate entries of old Bowery theatres from the early days of cinema being combined. For example the M & S New Delancey was listed as both the M & S as well as the New Delancey.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Loew's American Theatre on Jul 17, 2022 at 8:32 am

That’s actually the Proskauer/Microsoft Building on that corner, Vindanpar. The newspaper of record is between 40th and 41st.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Loew's Capitol Theatre on Jul 12, 2022 at 4:56 pm

These have been around since the American with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990. Maybe there are more showings now with an aging population.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Loew's Capitol Theatre on Jul 12, 2022 at 3:02 pm

bigjoe, you probably attended a showing aimed at the hearing impaired. I recently saw “TOP GUN: MAVERICK” at the Empire and there were no subtitles.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about St. Marks Cinema on Jul 2, 2022 at 5:30 pm

Ed, on December 24 and 25, 1978 the Cinema Village was showing two other made for TV Beatles movies (“BEATLES AROUND THE WORLD” and “WHAT’S HAPPENING! THE BEATLES IN THE USA”) at 2:55pm only.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Belmore Theatre on Jun 17, 2022 at 5:05 pm

This was operating as the Belmore from 1927 to 1930.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Anderson Theatre on May 12, 2022 at 12:09 pm

Yes, it was. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/98/Satz_Moshiach_Kumt.jpg

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about RKO Warner Twin Theatre on Apr 26, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Although there are some ‘race’ issues in “PORGY”, they are no worse than many other older films such as “SOUTH PACIFIC”, “GONE WITH THE WIND” and “BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S”.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about RKO Warner Twin Theatre on Apr 26, 2022 at 5:22 pm

A PAL version from Spain is available but perhaps US rights are not. I know that in some cases the music and the film rights are owned by different companies who can’t agree on terms.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about RKO Warner Twin Theatre on Apr 26, 2022 at 3:27 pm

I saw “PORGY” at the Ziegfeld in 2007 and the print was fine. https://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/porgy-and-bess-film-to-be-screened-at-nycs-ziegfel_11640.html

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Angelika New York on Apr 23, 2022 at 10:17 am

Still advertised this way.

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/1068/photos/369194

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Angelika New York on Apr 21, 2022 at 8:54 pm

Their ad in the New York Times Says FILM CENTER. Stop it.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Embassy 1,2,3 Theatre on Apr 4, 2022 at 5:22 pm

Thanks, bigjoe. From what I can tell, the most likely reason was a soft opening in NY or LA and/or poor reviews. The available venues were also a factor. Some cities had limited theatres that were practical for Roadshow use. For example, a prized booking at RADIO CITY was guarantee that the film would not Roadshow in NY since the place has so many seats plus a live show and a super-extended run was not practical. Some films went on to have successful runs even after poor advanced sales, so they proved to not be good Roadshow prospects after the first major markets failed to generate significant advanced sales. Near the end of the Roadshow era, studios had to re-evaluate the marketing costs and extended profit delays of Roadshow runs for films like “KRAKATOA”, “ROMEO & JULIET”, “THE LOVES OF ISADORA”, “CABARET” and “PATTON” since core movie-going audiences were getting younger and less likely to plan movie night in advance.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Embassy 1,2,3 Theatre on Mar 28, 2022 at 8:41 pm

Since no one else chimed in, I should mention that “MAGNIFICENT MEN” indeed did have a Philly Road Show run at the Trans-Lux.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Embassy 1,2,3 Theatre on Mar 23, 2022 at 4:53 pm

I think Vindapar was referring to this billboard. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/216313588321883894/

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Embassy 1,2,3 Theatre on Mar 22, 2022 at 9:42 pm

Also to note on Ed Solero’s eloquent post. Theatres have lives. Sometime many lives, and even better ones later than expected. And they are rich and memorable.
And so did movies, once. Especially Road Show movies that had long lives, many releases and then re-releases and revivals. I for one, am happy to include what happens to home versions of these film’s lives from bigjoe59 in our discussion.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Embassy 1,2,3 Theatre on Mar 22, 2022 at 4:41 pm

According to Variety “HAWAII” grossed $13.4 million first-run, so with auxiliary sales I am sure it eventually made a profit.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Loew's Capitol Theatre on Feb 24, 2022 at 9:50 pm

Thank you for this PeterApruzzese.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Loew's Georgetowne Twins on Feb 20, 2022 at 8:38 pm

Thank you, Decoman. The last one worked as well. That brought back many happy memories.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about Movieland on Feb 20, 2022 at 2:48 pm

bigjoe, “Show Boat” opened at the Globe.

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/2924

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez commented about West End Theatre on Feb 19, 2022 at 12:54 pm

New Plaza programming;

https://newplazacinema.org/