Loew's Jersey Theatre

54 Journal Square,
Jersey City, NJ 07306

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Alto
Alto on May 8, 2007 at 2:37 am

Regarding my post of May 3, 2007:

Correction: “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” is NOT based directly on the Japanese film “Yojimbo” (according to IMDb, that distinction actually belongs to another “spaghetti western” – 1964â€\s “A Fistful of Dollars” – upon which this film is based). “Inspired in part by” or “loosely derived from” would be better terms to describe the relationship.

Clarification: special reduced admission is available ONLY for the 2:00 p.m. screening of “THE SEVEN SAMURAI” on Saturday, May 12th â€" tickets for all other events are at regular cost. Patrons must present a Japan Society membership card OR a copy of this Web page to qualify for the discount (however, please note that the JS Web page indicates a regular adult ticket price of $6 and NOT the discount price of $4 shown on this FOTL flyer â€" yet another error?!?).

Perhaps it would be best to call the LJ Theatre directly at (201) 798-6055, contact them at , or even send a fax to (201) 798-4020 to clarify or correct any information that is questionable. If you do, kindly post and share any updates here AND on this CT news page .

Please pardon any misunderstanding or confusion that may have resulted from the above post
(ALL information presented was obtained from Web pages and publicity materials authored by Friends of the Loewâ€\s and Japan Society).

gabedellafave
gabedellafave on May 6, 2007 at 3:15 pm

Does anyone know if there is even a “ballpark” date for the Robert Morton organ being playable again? It seems as though GSTOS made such great progress recently (up until 2003 or so) and then everything came to a standstill.

On my wish list is to have just a small section of the lobby walls fully restored. It would knock peoples' socks off and might spur donations for a complete restoration of the interior. The exterior (terra cotta facade) looks fantastic.

I used to visit this theatre very frequently when I was a teenager and lived in Jersey City. I used to ask for a ticket to “Theatre 2” no matter what movie was playing, because that was the “balcony theatre” and one had a truly grand view of the huge auditorium.

I’ve also been to many of the new classic film screenings here. They are a unique experience not to be missed.

“The Loweys” has always been and always will be the most important theatre in my life. The first movie I saw here was “The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t” when I was 5 years old. You can only imagine the impression this place left on a 5 year old—changed my life forever. I dearly, dearly love this place.

PeterApruzzese
PeterApruzzese on May 5, 2007 at 9:21 am

It wasn’t Rich Little, it was an actor by the name of Simon Prescott who did the missing dialog for Lee Van Cleef.

As far as I know, the only print that MGM circulates is the extended 187 minute version from 2003. We screened it at the Lafayette in 2003 and it’s a beauty.

baraf
baraf on May 4, 2007 at 8:37 pm

In recent years there have been restorations of classic films. It is unclear from the e-mails whether
the May screening of “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly” is of the original U.S. release version or the restored version that includes footage that was recently redubbed with the voices of Eastwood, Wallach and Rich Little (subbing for Lee Van Cleef). This version was screened at the Film Forum and I believe that it is included on the recent DVD. Perhaps sometone at the theatre can clarify which version is being exhibited.

Alto
Alto on May 3, 2007 at 10:05 am

Perhaps it’s an, ahem, “stretch” … but this movie follows 1965’s “A Few Dollars More” (“Per qualche dollaro in più”) which follows 1964’s “A Fistful of Dollars” (“Per un pugno di dollari”) and THAT was a remake of “Yojimbo”, hence the reference.

Even more confusing: although this is an American-style western, it is actually an Italian movie (“Il Buono, il brutto, il cattivo”) where only the three main characters speak English (the rest speak in their native languages of Italian and Spanish, but in later versions all parts are dubbed into English) … filmed in the Spanish desert … and connected to a Japanese movie – talk about multiculturalism!

njmoviefan
njmoviefan on May 3, 2007 at 7:23 am

They should fix that flyer – “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” isn’t based on “Yojimbo”.

“A Fistful of Dollars” was the one based on “Yojimbo” (uncredited).

Alto
Alto on May 3, 2007 at 7:07 am

May is officially “Asian/Pacific-American Heritage Month” – and the Jersey Theatre has all kinds of extra goodies in store for its movie patrons…

May 11-12…”East Meets West[ern] Film Series: Foreign Films and Their American Remakes”

Fri: “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” (1966) (based on Kurosawa’s “Yojimbo”)
Sat: “The Seven Samurai” (1954) â€"– “The Magnificent Seven” (1960)

The Friends of the Loew’s has partnered with the Japan Society for a unique presentation of cinema combined with educational outreach featuring live performances, demonstrations and discussions. Japan Society members can even receive special reduced admission ($4.00 per show) by presenting their membership cards at the ticket desk!

This is an excellent example of non-profit organizations combining their specialized skills and resources through creative collaboration, programming and outreach to create a powerful presence, build public awareness and reach new and diverse audiences.

FOL even posted the series’ print flyer of events (bilingual â€" in English and Japanese!) on their Web site for everyone’s convenience â€" view it here [in PDF format – Adobe Acrobat Reader required].

Thank you FOL for making this information easily accessible to all!

P.S. Any news about June’s movies? Late last year, they were toying with the idea of a “James Bond” film series (listed under “coming attractions” in the “Holiday Shows” print program from Dec. 8-9th, 2006) – I would love to attend that!

moviebuff82
moviebuff82 on April 11, 2007 at 4:55 pm

that sounds cool, seeing old surviving hollywood actors and actresses at an old movie theater.

Theaterat
Theaterat on April 11, 2007 at 4:41 pm

Id say there were closer to 450 people for Sunset Boulevard. Although I have seen this masterpiece many times on TV, experiencing it on the Jerseys big screen was like being in movie heaven. Great intro and QA session by Mr. Hirsch too. The print was scratchy at times, but in the light of this remarkable experience at the Jersey that night, it was easily overlooked. Miss Desmond is exactly right when she asserts that the “pictures have become smaller”. Show me just about any of the current releases playing at the `plexes and she made her point!

swampdevil
swampdevil on April 5, 2007 at 4:24 pm

Great post Alto!Yes,it was a wonderful night.There were 250 people for DOUBLE INDEMNITY,about 175 for OUT OF THE PAST and just over 300 for SUNSET BOULEVARD.
How about the announcement of STRANGERS ON A TRAIN coming with Farley Granger in attendance!! Very exciting!!

BarryMonush
BarryMonush on April 2, 2007 at 8:27 am

It was indeed a magnificent experience seeing SUNSET BLVD in such a grand movie palace as the Loew’s this past Saturday night. As stated by others, the print was mostly in good shape except for the scene at the New Year’s party, which lost some dialogue because of jumps and splices. It was so exciting to see all those people there, that I wish I had a few million to put towards finishing the complete and total restoration of this gem, buy up the shabby stores in the vicinity and turn them into decent restaurants or something useful, and make this into a destination for every movie lover.

BarryMonush
BarryMonush on April 2, 2007 at 8:26 am

It was indeed a magnificent experience seeing SUNSET BLVD in such a grand movie palace as the Loew’s this past Saturday night. As stated by others, the print was mostly in good shape except for the scene at the New Year’s party, which lost some dialogue because of jumps and splices. It was so exciting to see all those people there, that I wish I had a few million to put towards finishing the complete and total restoration of this gem, buy up the shabby stores in the vicinity and turn them into decent restaurants or something useful, and make this into a destination for every movie lover.

Alto
Alto on April 2, 2007 at 8:14 am

“They took the idols and smashed them…the Fairbankses, the Gilberts, the Valentinos! And who’ve we got now? Some nobodies!” — Norma Desmond

Help save and protect our old movie palaces!

Alto
Alto on April 2, 2007 at 7:41 am

On March 31st, 2007, I just may have experienced an epiphany at the Jersey Theatre.

If ever there was a movie that could exploit and showcase this movie palace’s musty charm and character, it is “Sunset Boulevard”. Normally, when I view a movie here, I am completely captivated by what is on the screen and my surroundings disappear. But on Saturday night, something remarkable happened – for the FIRST time, I felt drawn in to this theatre’s fabric, noticing every subtle nuance and detail in ornament and structure around me â€" the movie show and theatre became one and the same.

When Norma Desmond quips “I am big…it’s the pictures that got small”, she might as well be describing the modern theater-going experience.

And the scene where her mansion’s living room becomes her private movie theatre â€" I was transported back in time – I felt like I was there â€" she could have been sitting next to me! I have never experienced anything like this at any movie theatre…ever.

Oh yes, the print they used was gorgeous (despite some short little pops and skips in the middle) – the picture’s presentation looked smooth and brilliant on that huge screen.

This movie should be shown every year without fail â€" I can think of no better way to introduce newcomers to this theatre and the classic movie-going experience.

Take some romance…drama…betrayal…tragedy…throw in a little bitchiness for good measure…shake and stir well, then serve at the Loew’s Jersey Theatre.

Fabulous.

frankie
frankie on April 2, 2007 at 5:32 am

Finally took my sister from London to see this theater. We came to the well-attended “Sunset Boulevard” screening. Except for a few jumps in the print in one scene, it was s thrilling experience. We got the goose-flesh when Norma says: “…and all those wonderful people out there in the dark !!!” Best-kept secret: the scruffy bar next door has a nice little inexpensive Italian restaurant downstairs, but it shuts down at 7 PM (???) They haad a nice crowd before the film. By all means, check them out: Parmigiana House 201-792-9565. LONG LIVE LOEW’S !!!

YMike
YMike on March 27, 2007 at 9:41 am

Tough decision this Friday. “Double Indemnity” at the Jersey or the start of the B' Musicals series at the Film Forum. Wish the Noir weekend had been one week earlier.

Alto
Alto on March 11, 2007 at 6:36 pm

“All About Eve” screening is being rescheduled (was originally March 23rd)…
new date and time to be determined (monitor the LJ Web site for updates).

Vito
Vito on March 2, 2007 at 7:29 am

11th COMMANDMENT

Thou shall not hold conversation
or wrinkle cellophane in a movie palace
So let it be written, so let it be done

Theaterat
Theaterat on March 1, 2007 at 6:28 am

Saps…. you are so right! I really dont care if the show starts a few minutes late. Big deal!Not everybody who comes drives in. Many are at the mercy {if this word can be used} of public transportation. The more time I spend here only gives me more time to study this magnificent theater in detail.Then again, it also gives me some more time to talk with the patrons that Im getting to know. God forbid if anybody does this during the show!That`s why the Jersey experience is unique.

Mike (saps)
Mike (saps) on February 27, 2007 at 10:18 am

Alto, you’re preaching to the choir. I guess that most people reading this website come on time.

And you can’t bring a case about what “might” happen to others — but you can if you have personally missed a bus or train connection.

Anyway, I like the late starting shows. It gives me the chance to wander around a bit, or to sit in my seat and soak up the atmosphere.

Alto
Alto on February 27, 2007 at 8:26 am

One more ongoing gripe: the LJ website needs to be updated more often (they updated it just before I wrote this). It seems that in order to get advance notice about upcoming shows, you have no choice but to go to the theater (or attempt to contact them) and find out for yourself â€" it’s as if this is some type of “insider information” reserved only for those who are able to attend events at the theater on a regular basis. This info is always mentioned in programs and flyers distributed exclusively at the shows – based on these (and the updated website), I can tell you what future films they have planned (as of the time of this writing):

March 23…Special Showing:
“All About Eve” (1950) – with live appearance by Celeste Holm

March 30-31…Film Noir:
“Double Indemnity” (1944) — “Out of the Past” (1947) — “Sunset Boulevard” (1950)

April 27-28…Timeless Romances / Fantasy Romance:
“Portrait of Jennie” (1948) — “Wuthering Heights” (1939) — “Somewhere in Time” (1980)

May 11-12…Foreign Films and Their American Remakes:
“The Seven Samurai” (1954) — “The Magnificent Seven” (1960) — other titles TBA

June…TBA

In addition, on March 18th at 4:00 PM, the Girl Scouts of Greater Essex & Hudson Counties will be hosting and presenting a special screening of “Annie: The Movie Musical” (1982).

Alto
Alto on February 27, 2007 at 8:16 am

I attended the “Casablanca” screening on Saturday (Feb. 24th) and the presentation was well done (even though the print shown was scratchy at times and had some minor dropouts). As usual, the technical crew was on top of things, and this time the audio was at what I consider to be perfect volume level â€" pronounced and easy to hear (I usually find it to be on the soft side from where I normally sit – about midway back). The FOTL volunteer staff was cordial and attentive, making everyone feel welcome. There was also a nice audience turnout, with many in attendance appearing to be newcomers (they did not seem to be “regulars” such as myself) and while that’s good, there is also a downside.

I don’t want to sound like an old crab (which I’m not), but whatever happened to punctuality and manners? An annoying trend seems to be developing as of late at this theater. For the last few shows, the show times are largely being ignored, and the movies are starting much later that they should (Saturday night’s screening started almost 25 minutes late!). I am not sure why this is, but I consider this phenomenon to be a shared fault of both theater management and the audience. I understand that this theater is in need of an audience and always goes out of its way to accommodate the public, but if patrons are so rude as to come sauntering into the theater 25 minutes after the appointed show time, then quite frankly they DESERVE to miss the beginning of the film, and its start time should NOT be delayed to accommodate the few at the expense of the majority. I arrived 10 minutes early (pin a gold star on me) and did not appreciate sitting there for over 20 minutes staring at a blank screen when I made the effort to be on time. Management’s action of starting shows late, in effect, encourages and gives tacit approval to this annoying and distracting behavior. Even after the film started 25 minutes late, patrons were STILL walking in.

Folks, you need to realize that this is NOT some garden-variety multiplex theater where they show at least 30 minutes of commercials and previews prior to the main feature (I realize that many of you INTENTIONALLY arrive late to avoid sitting through these, but you need to drop your multiplex audience mentality and break this bad habit). When a feature film is presented at Loew’s Jersey, you see nothing BUT the movie, so BE SEATED ON TIME!

I particularly say all of this out of sympathy for those patrons who rely solely on mass transit to travel to and from the theater – they are beholden to fixed schedules and time constraints and have to plan accordingly. Late starts result in late endings – the idea of missing a crucial bus or train connection late at night due to an unnecessary delay is not an appealing proposition! Placing fellow patrons in the unsavory and precarious position of having to choose whether to miss the end of a movie or miss their ride is inconsiderate and unfair!

Theaterat
Theaterat on February 20, 2007 at 8:55 am

Kind of dissapointed that GWTW is going to be the afternoon show at the Jersey, with Cassablanca the evening show.Should have been the other way! GWTW is definately a “Saturday Night” movie. I quess that kills my chances of seeing it, but I`m sure the hard core Jersey goers will post their thoughts and comments on it.

VincentParisi
VincentParisi on February 12, 2007 at 2:58 am

I’m so amazed that people liked O'Neal’s performance. I felt it really need a fine charismatic young British actor in the role and just figured Kubrick needed some star for insurance.
I still feel outside of his very good looks and slight charm O'Neal couldn’t act his way out of a paper bag. I have never seen him give a halfway decent performance. Even in What’s up Doc what wouldn’t I have given for a young Cary Grant.

Ed Solero
Ed Solero on February 10, 2007 at 2:56 pm

Surely, no director fretted over such exacting standards of presentation as did Kubrick. And I agree that “Barry Lyndon” is an unsung masterpiece with O'Neal perfectly cast in the title role. What I wouldn’t give for a screening of a restored and freshly struck print of that film!