Loew's Jersey Theatre

54 Journal Square,
Jersey City, NJ 07306

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Theaterat
Theaterat on June 15, 2007 at 10:04 pm

Regardless of whatever print was screened, it WAS a good show, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I remember seeing it on a rented video a few years ago. It was on two tapes. The color and quality of tape 1 was good, but it looked like all the color was bleached out on tape 2.I intend to buy it on DVD. I just hope the transfer is good, and it has a lot of “extras” like interviews with the cast, shooting scenes and other “bling”.

PeterApruzzese
PeterApruzzese on June 15, 2007 at 9:53 pm

No, the “Cinerama” (single panel, no 3-panel prints were ever made) prints of Mad Mad World would have been in 70mm format and no longer exist. It was a 35mm print that just ran at the Loews.

christopher667
christopher667 on June 15, 2007 at 9:31 pm

I may be wrong, but I thought the speaker at the screening said it was a cinerama print. He said that they’d purchased a new print of the film from MGM, but that they felt like the color was off so instead showed an older cinerama print. It was somewhat scratched, but only really noticeable against shots with a lot of pale colored sky in the background. He warned that due to the print’s age, the image may go soft from time to time due to the film being warped, but they’d be closely monitoring it to fix any focus problems. I only noticed this happening once or twice.

This was my first visit to the Loew’s Jersey, although I’ve been meaning to go for a long time now, and I’ll definately be looking forward next season. We’re really lucky to have this place.

Theaterat
Theaterat on June 10, 2007 at 5:19 am

Saw “Its A Mad Mad Mad Mad World at the Jersey 6-9. Although the print was not the Cinerama version, it was pretty decent anyway. After it was announced that there might be some minor sound and color problems, they never materialized and it turned out to be a fine show all around. Truly an epic comedy in every sense of the world. I never realized how funny it was until I saw it on the big screen again- after more than 40 years since the times I saw it as a pre-teen in the 60s. As usual, the audience was well behaved. About 200 people showed up. noticed many younger people, who were probably not born when the film was new, but judging by the laughter from the audience, they seemed to be having a great time with it. I enjoyed it so much that I did not even realise the air conditioning was not working. A great way for the Jersey to end the season. Wonder whats in store for September?

Bill Huelbig
Bill Huelbig on June 9, 2007 at 12:47 pm

Huge crowd last night for “Strangers on a Train” and Farley Granger. The most people I’ve seen there since “Forbidden Planet”.

xfrql
xfrql on June 9, 2007 at 5:59 am

Any news on print quality of Mad World would be greatly appreciated!

Alto
Alto on June 4, 2007 at 10:01 am

Also concluding the 2006-2007 film season at the Jersey â€" on Saturday, June 9th…

3:00 PM: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)
7:00 PM: “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World” (1963)

Bill Huelbig
Bill Huelbig on May 23, 2007 at 1:57 pm

From the Loew’s Jersey’s website:

Fri., June 8 & Sat., June 9

Our final screenings for this film season will include Alfred Hitchcock’s “Strangers On A Train” on Friday evening with live appearance by film star Farley Granger.

Alto
Alto on May 8, 2007 at 4:07 pm

In response to an e-mail inquiry (from me), Japan Society quickly corrected the price discrepancy on its Web site – it is indeed $4 admission for their cardholding members, and it is only valid for the screening of “The Seven Samurai” (which I agree can be clearly understood from wording contained on their site as well as in FOTL publicity).

I also received a prompt, detailed and informative response from a FOTL staff member regarding some points posed to them:

“Thanks for bringing these points to my attention.

The intended discount price was — and is — $4 for adults (down from our usual $6) with a Japan Society membership card.

The intention was that the discount be for the Seven Samurai screening only, and in fairness, I think that is reasonably clear on the Japan Society website.

I was frankly unaware of the Japan Society membership card alternate of the printed web page, and I will enquire about the genesis of that.

As to the reference to Yojimbo, you are of course correct. The flyer with that reference was not made up by our usual graphics person, but rather was designed, along with a Japanese language version, specifically for distribution at the Japan Society and its immediate environs. (A few may have gone elsewhere.) I did see this flyer before distribution, but must have only been checking dates and times and do not remember noticing the Yojimbo reference at all — so in the end, the fault is mine. I just checked our main flyers and posters, and re-read the press materials I prepared, and none describe TG,B&U as based on Yojimbo. Here’s what I said in my press kit: ‘Following in the footsteps of John Sturges and the Magnificent Seven, Sergio Leone remade one of Akira Kurosawa’s samurai films, Yojimbo, as A Fistful of Dollars…The movie…prompt(ed) two sequels; the final and, by most critical accounts, best of this “Dollars” trilogy being The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.’

Thanks again for your interest, and your support of the Loew’s."

…And THANK YOU, Loew’s Jersey and FOTL, for your concern and tireless efforts in presenting creative and quality classic movie programming to your patrons. It is most appreciated!

Anyone that can attend SHOULD attend and show their support!

Alto
Alto on May 8, 2007 at 10:37 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 11:15 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 5:21 pm

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 5, 2007 at 4:37 am

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 6:05 pm

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 3:23 pm

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 3:07 pm

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 12, 2007 at 12:55 am

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

Theaterat
Theaterat on April 12, 2007 at 12:41 am

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 6, 2007 at 12:24 am

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 4:27 pm

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 4:26 pm

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 4:14 pm

“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 3:41 pm

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 1:32 pm

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 5:41 pm

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.