Jsittig70mm I understand the Dome screen is a single sheet. As original 3 strip Cinerama utilised vertical strip screens to avoid shadowing, can the Dome seriously advertise true Cinerama presentation?
davidcoppock “Goldfinger” never played at the Albany although some early Bond films “Dr. No” and “From Russia With Love” did on re-issue. Perhaps the Albany’s greatest claim to fame was in November 1967 when, following a refurbishment, premiered the cult classic “Cool Hand Luke”.
Not favorited, not surprised. How ridiculous does this screen look placed in front of original proscenium with no attempt to hide the detailed architecture? Would appear any screen masking has suffered as well.
Don’t worry Seth. I’m sure the modern day version of ‘refurbishment" will be nothing more than side wall drapery or bare brick/bessamer walls, reduced seating to accommodate reclining seats (to put you to sleep) or even day beds to ensure you enjoy a good sleep for a few hours (Bugger the movie!) while you pay inflated admission prices and are embarrassed into paying 4 x times the price for a fraction of the serve size at a local chippy. Same will apply for a beer or wine, but hey! you’re a special patron.
If you manage to stay awake, well, you have the pleasure of a bare screen as you enter the black box auditorium, deathly silence (apart from your fellow audience on their mobile, as no off-synch music is provided from the manager’s office who hopefully will remember to press the start function in your auditorium at the required time.
So glad I paid this admission price to sit through 30 minutes of advertisements and trailers that I constantly see on my free-to-air television. Finally, the movie that you’ve actually paid to see begins! But this isn’t a scope print, so why has no masking been employed, or worse still, this is a pseudo 'Scope print being projected onto a 1.85 screen with a huge white strip not being “masked” as the powers-that-be consider masking unnecessary with digital projection. I sometimes wonder why I can’t be bothered going to the movies anymore, and then I remember all of the above.
So hard to believe (but not disputing) that a truly “B” grade feature was the following feature into NY’s still remaining Premiere theatre. I don’t know why I’m surprised as we saw the same sort of programming in all our beloved 70mm premiere cinemas in Melbourne before they were closed/demolished.
Surely this can’t be possible. After a lifetime of wanting to visit NYC this was my favourite cinema. Friendly staff, a balcony, beautiful presentation – screen tabs that were used. Please NY'ers, don’t let this gem close. The Ziegfeld closure was sad, but I much preferred this beautiful cinema.
Hi David Rayner, what a wonderful piece of history. BTW, what is happening about the two new cinemas at this site to appease us for the loss of modern history in London? Surely the new building is now complete, but no news of the promised screens.
martinC, I share your frustration. It would appear Odeon really have lost the plot in cinema presentation. Your experience with the organ playing (or not) defies belief. If the house manager has no idea what is happening, what hope is there of the staff being informed? Of course, one would hope that at least one cinema employee would have the interest and pride of working in one of the most famous cinemas in the world to be informed, but apparently I’m living in a dream world. I’m also astounded that after the money and time spent on this “so called” restoration that screen tabs were not included. IMHO, walking into a cinema and being confronted with a blank screen is the most un-inspiring atmospheres one can experience. Sadly, this trend has established itself here in Australia. Even the few remaining cinemas with screen curtains has become a “hit and miss” situation. Sometimes they’re used, but more often not, and definitely not on cue. Luckily, the older screens mainly still use masking for different ratio’s, but I’ve found found newer installations not even bothering with this masking of the screen. And don’t even start me on ‘scope films. Remember when 2:31 ratio had side masking opening up to fit the image??? My cinema going has hit rock-bottom.
So exciting to learn that ACMI will be transferring all cinema presentations to the about to re-open Capitol Theatre following a major renovation while the 2 auditoriums at ACMI will undergo a 12 month renovation.
Greater Union Chairmam, Sir Norman Rydge and his wife were keen travellers and consequently new cinemas were named after favourite travel destinations. The Majestic, after major renovations, was named The Chelsea in honour of the Chelsea Flower Show in London. Following the twinning of the State Theatre the name Forum was a tribute to his love of Italy and Rapallo was named after the famous seaside resort in Italy. Bercy was also a favourite resort in France.
Hi bigjoe59, my guess would be the opportunity to advertise “Now At Popular Prices”. Here in Australia I can’t recall any “Roadshow” film hitting the suburbs (what you call neighborhood theatres) while still in its premiere release. To the best of my knowledge, no film was tweaked here for suburban release, the major difference being a 35mm print as opposed to 70mm. Indeed, the term “as originally presented” was a popular appendix to “now at popular prices”. The one exception was the drive-in circuit which dropped overtures, intermissions, ent'racte and playout for obvious reasons. The typical drive-in patron expected a double feature no matter how late.
Terry, I agree. If AMC had intended to install screen tabs they had many months to have them ready for installation before opening to the public. As this is their flagship cinema, it’s a sad sign of the times that “showmanship” is dead and buried. Sorry, but a blank screen just doesn’t do it for me.
CF 100, having worked in the cinema industry for so many years I am fortunate enough to receive complimentary tickets to movies nation-wide, however, complimentary tickets can not be pre-booked and collected from a vending machine in a cinema foyer. Whist grateful for this privilege, it does not preclude me for sympathising with cinema patrons who are either treated like sheep at the concessions counter to purchase a ticket, or indeed, are charged an additional service fee for booking on line. I refer you to Lionel’s post re. the drawback of leather/pleather or leatherette (take your choice) as suggested by a sound engineer. As previously stated, here in Australia, the majority of cinema seating is upholstered in woollen or polyster blend fabric that does not lend itself to a quick clean with a disinfectant wipe. Unlike programming policies of the UK, up until the 1980’s, continuous performances were extremely unusual in this country. Separate performances were always the norm and all major circuits as well as popular independents had a roster of full time (covering 3 shifts daily) day cleaners, late afternoon and night cleaners. After every session the day cleaners would do a quick “pick-up” between audiences as well as supervising toilet and foyer cleanliness. Night cleaners would arrive after the last performance and clean throughout the night including pick-up, vacuuming, seat inspections, mopping all hard surfaces, glass cleaning, cleaning of accessible light fittings, regular carpet shampooing etc. I know, as I undertook a second job as a night cleaner for a short while and it nearly killed me! The current cleaning regime here is pathetic. No employed cleaners anymore, all cleaning contracted out to firms that are in and out as quickly as possible with no attention to detail. Despite air-conditioning, I ask you to consider the discomfort of leather or vinyl in this climate. By all means enjoy your recliner or high backed cinema seats, but for me, I’ll prefer to visit cinemas where my head will not be touching a surface of whom some great unshowered person may have been sharing their greasy hair nasties.
CF 100, with greatest respect, are you seriously suggesting apart from queuing at the concession counter to purchase a ticket while previous patrons take their time choosing what flavour ice-cream/size popcorn/soda/lolly-pack or best of all various coffee orders/ asked for a seat preference with no knowledge of what screen my movie of choice is screening in, along with maybe 3 other patrons/reserved seating with no ushering staff/paying outrageous price for ticket/bare screen/no masking/sitting through 25 minutes of paid advertising and THEN supply my own disinfectant wipe reasonable? As a cinema worker for may years I can assure you that many seats are still upholstered in woollen and polyester fabrics, and that if viewed under the glare of cleaners lights you would be appalled at the putrid state of these seats, particularly where in-dining is supplied (another intrusion to patrons), more so as greasy fried food is the chosen menu choice.
CF100, I can’t speak for British cinemas, but here in Australia ALL reclining cinema seats have high head rests which proves impossible not to have your head rest against, other than leaning forward for the entire duration of the cinema programme.
What a tragedy. Am wondering if any West End cinemas now use screen curtains? CF100 I personally hate the new trend in cinemas. Dolby Atmos, laser projection and the myriad of new cinema technology will never replicate the thrill of true 70mm 6-track on a huge curved screen revealed to the audience upon opening of the screen tabs following a rousing Overture and the house lighting dimming dramatically to the expectation of what is to come. As for reclining seats, I really don’t want to rest my head against some putrid patron’s filthy dandruff (or worse), along with the disruption of the order of, and delivery, of foul smelling fried food that would make a McDonalds burger and fries seem like a gourmet meal.
With respect popcorn-pete The former Bercy had a new second storey installed length wise after closing with a second floor installed to become a world-renowned Chinese restaurant ( The Flower Drum") that still operates. The lower half of the auditorium became a Centrelink office for while before being converted to a popular gaming venue-still operating as a 24hour venue named “Welcome Stranger” Was never a hotel (I assume you meant an accommodation)hotel.
Just checked the Paris web-site. Nothing listed under “coming soon”.
Jsittig70mm I understand the Dome screen is a single sheet. As original 3 strip Cinerama utilised vertical strip screens to avoid shadowing, can the Dome seriously advertise true Cinerama presentation?
How inspiring … Not!
davidcoppock “Goldfinger” never played at the Albany although some early Bond films “Dr. No” and “From Russia With Love” did on re-issue. Perhaps the Albany’s greatest claim to fame was in November 1967 when, following a refurbishment, premiered the cult classic “Cool Hand Luke”.
Not favorited, not surprised. How ridiculous does this screen look placed in front of original proscenium with no attempt to hide the detailed architecture? Would appear any screen masking has suffered as well.
How wonderful to see a new cinema build with screen curtains.
Don’t worry Seth. I’m sure the modern day version of ‘refurbishment" will be nothing more than side wall drapery or bare brick/bessamer walls, reduced seating to accommodate reclining seats (to put you to sleep) or even day beds to ensure you enjoy a good sleep for a few hours (Bugger the movie!) while you pay inflated admission prices and are embarrassed into paying 4 x times the price for a fraction of the serve size at a local chippy. Same will apply for a beer or wine, but hey! you’re a special patron. If you manage to stay awake, well, you have the pleasure of a bare screen as you enter the black box auditorium, deathly silence (apart from your fellow audience on their mobile, as no off-synch music is provided from the manager’s office who hopefully will remember to press the start function in your auditorium at the required time. So glad I paid this admission price to sit through 30 minutes of advertisements and trailers that I constantly see on my free-to-air television. Finally, the movie that you’ve actually paid to see begins! But this isn’t a scope print, so why has no masking been employed, or worse still, this is a pseudo 'Scope print being projected onto a 1.85 screen with a huge white strip not being “masked” as the powers-that-be consider masking unnecessary with digital projection. I sometimes wonder why I can’t be bothered going to the movies anymore, and then I remember all of the above.
So hard to believe (but not disputing) that a truly “B” grade feature was the following feature into NY’s still remaining Premiere theatre. I don’t know why I’m surprised as we saw the same sort of programming in all our beloved 70mm premiere cinemas in Melbourne before they were closed/demolished.
Surely this can’t be possible. After a lifetime of wanting to visit NYC this was my favourite cinema. Friendly staff, a balcony, beautiful presentation – screen tabs that were used. Please NY'ers, don’t let this gem close. The Ziegfeld closure was sad, but I much preferred this beautiful cinema.
Hi David Rayner, what a wonderful piece of history. BTW, what is happening about the two new cinemas at this site to appease us for the loss of modern history in London? Surely the new building is now complete, but no news of the promised screens.
martinC, I share your frustration. It would appear Odeon really have lost the plot in cinema presentation. Your experience with the organ playing (or not) defies belief. If the house manager has no idea what is happening, what hope is there of the staff being informed? Of course, one would hope that at least one cinema employee would have the interest and pride of working in one of the most famous cinemas in the world to be informed, but apparently I’m living in a dream world. I’m also astounded that after the money and time spent on this “so called” restoration that screen tabs were not included. IMHO, walking into a cinema and being confronted with a blank screen is the most un-inspiring atmospheres one can experience. Sadly, this trend has established itself here in Australia. Even the few remaining cinemas with screen curtains has become a “hit and miss” situation. Sometimes they’re used, but more often not, and definitely not on cue. Luckily, the older screens mainly still use masking for different ratio’s, but I’ve found found newer installations not even bothering with this masking of the screen. And don’t even start me on ‘scope films. Remember when 2:31 ratio had side masking opening up to fit the image??? My cinema going has hit rock-bottom.
I can’t believe audiences are so stupid to accept such bad presentation. Demand a refund!!
So exciting to learn that ACMI will be transferring all cinema presentations to the about to re-open Capitol Theatre following a major renovation while the 2 auditoriums at ACMI will undergo a 12 month renovation.
Greater Union Chairmam, Sir Norman Rydge and his wife were keen travellers and consequently new cinemas were named after favourite travel destinations. The Majestic, after major renovations, was named The Chelsea in honour of the Chelsea Flower Show in London. Following the twinning of the State Theatre the name Forum was a tribute to his love of Italy and Rapallo was named after the famous seaside resort in Italy. Bercy was also a favourite resort in France.
Hi bigjoe59, my guess would be the opportunity to advertise “Now At Popular Prices”. Here in Australia I can’t recall any “Roadshow” film hitting the suburbs (what you call neighborhood theatres) while still in its premiere release. To the best of my knowledge, no film was tweaked here for suburban release, the major difference being a 35mm print as opposed to 70mm. Indeed, the term “as originally presented” was a popular appendix to “now at popular prices”. The one exception was the drive-in circuit which dropped overtures, intermissions, ent'racte and playout for obvious reasons. The typical drive-in patron expected a double feature no matter how late.
Terry, I agree. If AMC had intended to install screen tabs they had many months to have them ready for installation before opening to the public. As this is their flagship cinema, it’s a sad sign of the times that “showmanship” is dead and buried. Sorry, but a blank screen just doesn’t do it for me.
CF 100, having worked in the cinema industry for so many years I am fortunate enough to receive complimentary tickets to movies nation-wide, however, complimentary tickets can not be pre-booked and collected from a vending machine in a cinema foyer. Whist grateful for this privilege, it does not preclude me for sympathising with cinema patrons who are either treated like sheep at the concessions counter to purchase a ticket, or indeed, are charged an additional service fee for booking on line. I refer you to Lionel’s post re. the drawback of leather/pleather or leatherette (take your choice) as suggested by a sound engineer. As previously stated, here in Australia, the majority of cinema seating is upholstered in woollen or polyster blend fabric that does not lend itself to a quick clean with a disinfectant wipe. Unlike programming policies of the UK, up until the 1980’s, continuous performances were extremely unusual in this country. Separate performances were always the norm and all major circuits as well as popular independents had a roster of full time (covering 3 shifts daily) day cleaners, late afternoon and night cleaners. After every session the day cleaners would do a quick “pick-up” between audiences as well as supervising toilet and foyer cleanliness. Night cleaners would arrive after the last performance and clean throughout the night including pick-up, vacuuming, seat inspections, mopping all hard surfaces, glass cleaning, cleaning of accessible light fittings, regular carpet shampooing etc. I know, as I undertook a second job as a night cleaner for a short while and it nearly killed me! The current cleaning regime here is pathetic. No employed cleaners anymore, all cleaning contracted out to firms that are in and out as quickly as possible with no attention to detail. Despite air-conditioning, I ask you to consider the discomfort of leather or vinyl in this climate. By all means enjoy your recliner or high backed cinema seats, but for me, I’ll prefer to visit cinemas where my head will not be touching a surface of whom some great unshowered person may have been sharing their greasy hair nasties.
CF 100, with greatest respect, are you seriously suggesting apart from queuing at the concession counter to purchase a ticket while previous patrons take their time choosing what flavour ice-cream/size popcorn/soda/lolly-pack or best of all various coffee orders/ asked for a seat preference with no knowledge of what screen my movie of choice is screening in, along with maybe 3 other patrons/reserved seating with no ushering staff/paying outrageous price for ticket/bare screen/no masking/sitting through 25 minutes of paid advertising and THEN supply my own disinfectant wipe reasonable? As a cinema worker for may years I can assure you that many seats are still upholstered in woollen and polyester fabrics, and that if viewed under the glare of cleaners lights you would be appalled at the putrid state of these seats, particularly where in-dining is supplied (another intrusion to patrons), more so as greasy fried food is the chosen menu choice.
CF100, I can’t speak for British cinemas, but here in Australia ALL reclining cinema seats have high head rests which proves impossible not to have your head rest against, other than leaning forward for the entire duration of the cinema programme.
Sadly, when viewing JoeBGSU’s photo’s it seems demolition of this once fine building was merciful following the uninspired tripling of the ‘70’s.
What a tragedy. Am wondering if any West End cinemas now use screen curtains? CF100 I personally hate the new trend in cinemas. Dolby Atmos, laser projection and the myriad of new cinema technology will never replicate the thrill of true 70mm 6-track on a huge curved screen revealed to the audience upon opening of the screen tabs following a rousing Overture and the house lighting dimming dramatically to the expectation of what is to come. As for reclining seats, I really don’t want to rest my head against some putrid patron’s filthy dandruff (or worse), along with the disruption of the order of, and delivery, of foul smelling fried food that would make a McDonalds burger and fries seem like a gourmet meal.
Apart from the Paris, does any Manhattan cinema still have screen curtains?
I agree vindanpar, that false proscenium within the original proscenium just looks tacky and cheap. Clearly, the glory days are over.
With respect popcorn-pete The former Bercy had a new second storey installed length wise after closing with a second floor installed to become a world-renowned Chinese restaurant ( The Flower Drum") that still operates. The lower half of the auditorium became a Centrelink office for while before being converted to a popular gaming venue-still operating as a 24hour venue named “Welcome Stranger” Was never a hotel (I assume you meant an accommodation)hotel.
Now housing what appears to be an Asian educational centre. An elevator has also been installed.