I"m planning on being there. Already took the day off from work. One of the very first movies I ever saw on the big screen, and years later I ran it in my early days as a projectionist.
The Boyd would be excellent. Another one would be the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth New Jersey. Although it has been about 85% renovated by a real estate person who owns it, he only books the occasional spanish show. The theatre is 2 blocks from a train station, in the center of town, and can serve many different types of shows.
jojo, yes I am. Mark Pus…. should be enough for you to find me. My profile picture is of me threading a projector, mostly upper magazine. I see the paramount and the adams and proctors in Newark when I work at the new arena.
jojo, nice to hear about old union guys from the good old days. Although I am only 54, and have been a projectionist for the past 37 years, I enjoy reading about the days when my father was involved. I joined local 379, Perth Amboy, later 534, and most recently we merged with 21 in Newark. I am in my final days as a projectionist due to all the digital conversions. Its on to stagehand work for me. I will still get occasional reel to reel work at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Some of the more notable theatres I worked at were the Menlo Park Twin, Woodbridge Twin, Sayrewoods Theatre, Amboys Multiplex, Old Rahway Theatee, Linden Theatre and the Ritz in Elizabeth. Good old days indeed.
On my way to New York City this morning just after sunrise, the Turnpike was void of any traffic so I slowed to look at this theatre. It appears from the road that all of the roof top air condition units have been stripped of useable parts/copper, etc. All panels are removed and you can clearly see empty spaces within the units. No doubt rain water must pour in during storms. There is also a banner on the building “For Sale”
projectionist1, dying??? Its dead. I am a projectionist in New Jersey of 37 years. My deceased father was also a projectionist for over 55 years. Although our work was mostly indoor theatres, I have many fond memories too. Today I work in the last 6 plex still running 35mm until later this year when it goes all digital. Then I will only get work once a month or so in theatres doing film festivals and such. My main work these days is as a stagehand. The union up here tries to keep me busy. Its very sad how our profession has been destroyed over the years.
Just curious why the top header has it listed as 1 screen but the last photo in the photo section shows a picture that says A Walter Reade Twin Theatre. When was it twinned and how? Down the middle etc??
Tinseltoes, no need to be sorry. You are one of the more knowledgeable people on this site. I enjoy all your postings about things that happened 40, 50, 60 years ago. I only know this from working there. Otherwise, I would have thought the same like you did.
DARCYDT, having been in the industry for over 35 years, as a projectionist, with some management expierience, I can tell you that while you are frustrated, and you have a right to be, there is something either about the theatre or its film grosses on newer movies that AMC sees and just doesnt justify putting in new releases there. This is what we use to call a dump off or move over house. UA had them. GCC had them. Heck even Loews had them. I even worked a few of them here in Jersey. And judging from your posts, the only NEW movies they get are ones that are sure to bomb. In the end AMC’s bean counters will look one day and say, “enough” and just shut it down. I’ve seen it happen, even after a company would spend big bucks to renovate. A year later the doors were padlocked.
Tinseltoes, I usually dont differ with people here on CT, but I work here on occassion as a stagehand. The actual number of fixed seats in the building is probably correct at the top, because only the balcony has fixed seats. The entire orchestra is flat concrete used mostly for standing room. If a show comes in requiring seats, they set up portable chairs.
Tonight, Monday Jan 7 and tom'w Jan 8, I am screening 2 films, both in 35mm. I will be there after 2 pm to begin inspecting them. I believe tonights movie is “West of Memphis” and tom'w is “Neil Youngs Journey.” Hope to see you all there.
saps, I’m sure the curtain works just fine and dandy. The bigger problem today is that no one at the theatre cares about showmanship. I can almost bet that the managers are a tad older than the kids selling concession. Gone are the days of managers in their 40’s and 50’s and projectionists like myself and my father who really truely cared about the presentation. Today, its get em in, get em out and how much is our per cap. I’m sure no one at Clearview (or any other chain who may end up with this theatre) gives a hoot about us old timers who are passionate about things like curtains and intermissions. Its really very sad.
I wish I could get copies of those pictures to add to my collection. This projectionist of 37 years only has memories left now that theatres have gone digital. All i have left is a gig in the Count Basie theatre in red bank NJ. Simplex XL’s reel to reel. (20 min.)
rcdt55b, some people have way too much time on their hands. I loved your booth photos. I still wish someday I could get up there to see it, but I know its next to impossible. Christmas show ends next weekend so my wife will be finished there till probably next year.
I would just like to add to what LuisV said. I work as a stagehand at the prudential center. Most times I get parking in the deck next door. But there are times, as was the case a week ago after the Stones concert, that I had to park blocks away on the street. The first time a year or so ago I was nervous about doing this, but now, even at 4 am I felt safe and ok. As far as the Paramount, as well as the Adams and the Proctors, it is truely a shame they are just rotting away. Its too bad years ago when they were building the NJPac that someone didnt just think about saving these structures, which still have more beauty than anything new built today.
I have been a projectionist for almost 37 years now. I am down to 4 days a month in a 6-plex art house in New Jersey with platters. However, I am also the house projectionist at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank NJ which runs film the way it should be, reel to reel.
Hi moviebuff. That jaggy grid like picture your describing is probably the first of what will be many complaints in the years to come. Its probably the digital projection, and more than likely something is starting to go, a component or something. As far as 48 fps, you know my feeling as a long time projectionist, if it aint broke, dont fix it. But then again I said the same thing about 35mm and no one listened or cared. Just another in a long list of reasons im glad Im almost out of the business. 4 days a month now is too much for me. Im enjoying stagework at the Prudential Center so much more.
Does anyone know how this theatre made out after Hurricane Sandy? Any damage? And are they going to be able to convert to Digital projection, or will they fall victim to this senseless transformation.
C SWalczak, Im sure that in the coming months, we are going to see more amd more stories like this, and I can almost guarentee you its all due to the cost of digital projection.
As much as it pains me to say this, but I, along with my booth partner that worked here till the end was the one who dismantled the boxoffice in the photo, along with the entire theatre. You dont know what a sick feeling I had for those 4 weeks in December 1991.
I remember once in the late 1970’s I had to go get supplies from this theatre and it had a huge chandelier that hung in the lobby and could be seen from rte. 46. The front of the building was all glass.
Went to see “Skyfall” last night. I must say the place has changed since it was first built, and I was installing the original screens there. My only complaint was how I could hear the movie from theatre 6 so well. (We were in theatre 5). There were 6 other people in the theatre. Of course we did go to the 5:00 show.
I"m planning on being there. Already took the day off from work. One of the very first movies I ever saw on the big screen, and years later I ran it in my early days as a projectionist.
moviebuff82, your weekly update of comments have fallen off dramatically. Everything ok?
The Boyd would be excellent. Another one would be the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth New Jersey. Although it has been about 85% renovated by a real estate person who owns it, he only books the occasional spanish show. The theatre is 2 blocks from a train station, in the center of town, and can serve many different types of shows.
jojo, yes I am. Mark Pus…. should be enough for you to find me. My profile picture is of me threading a projector, mostly upper magazine. I see the paramount and the adams and proctors in Newark when I work at the new arena.
jojo, nice to hear about old union guys from the good old days. Although I am only 54, and have been a projectionist for the past 37 years, I enjoy reading about the days when my father was involved. I joined local 379, Perth Amboy, later 534, and most recently we merged with 21 in Newark. I am in my final days as a projectionist due to all the digital conversions. Its on to stagehand work for me. I will still get occasional reel to reel work at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Some of the more notable theatres I worked at were the Menlo Park Twin, Woodbridge Twin, Sayrewoods Theatre, Amboys Multiplex, Old Rahway Theatee, Linden Theatre and the Ritz in Elizabeth. Good old days indeed.
On my way to New York City this morning just after sunrise, the Turnpike was void of any traffic so I slowed to look at this theatre. It appears from the road that all of the roof top air condition units have been stripped of useable parts/copper, etc. All panels are removed and you can clearly see empty spaces within the units. No doubt rain water must pour in during storms. There is also a banner on the building “For Sale”
projectionist1, dying??? Its dead. I am a projectionist in New Jersey of 37 years. My deceased father was also a projectionist for over 55 years. Although our work was mostly indoor theatres, I have many fond memories too. Today I work in the last 6 plex still running 35mm until later this year when it goes all digital. Then I will only get work once a month or so in theatres doing film festivals and such. My main work these days is as a stagehand. The union up here tries to keep me busy. Its very sad how our profession has been destroyed over the years.
Just curious why the top header has it listed as 1 screen but the last photo in the photo section shows a picture that says A Walter Reade Twin Theatre. When was it twinned and how? Down the middle etc??
Tinseltoes, no need to be sorry. You are one of the more knowledgeable people on this site. I enjoy all your postings about things that happened 40, 50, 60 years ago. I only know this from working there. Otherwise, I would have thought the same like you did.
DARCYDT, having been in the industry for over 35 years, as a projectionist, with some management expierience, I can tell you that while you are frustrated, and you have a right to be, there is something either about the theatre or its film grosses on newer movies that AMC sees and just doesnt justify putting in new releases there. This is what we use to call a dump off or move over house. UA had them. GCC had them. Heck even Loews had them. I even worked a few of them here in Jersey. And judging from your posts, the only NEW movies they get are ones that are sure to bomb. In the end AMC’s bean counters will look one day and say, “enough” and just shut it down. I’ve seen it happen, even after a company would spend big bucks to renovate. A year later the doors were padlocked.
Tinseltoes, I usually dont differ with people here on CT, but I work here on occassion as a stagehand. The actual number of fixed seats in the building is probably correct at the top, because only the balcony has fixed seats. The entire orchestra is flat concrete used mostly for standing room. If a show comes in requiring seats, they set up portable chairs.
Tonight, Monday Jan 7 and tom'w Jan 8, I am screening 2 films, both in 35mm. I will be there after 2 pm to begin inspecting them. I believe tonights movie is “West of Memphis” and tom'w is “Neil Youngs Journey.” Hope to see you all there.
My man Vito just summed it all up with the last sentence. Enough said.
saps, I’m sure the curtain works just fine and dandy. The bigger problem today is that no one at the theatre cares about showmanship. I can almost bet that the managers are a tad older than the kids selling concession. Gone are the days of managers in their 40’s and 50’s and projectionists like myself and my father who really truely cared about the presentation. Today, its get em in, get em out and how much is our per cap. I’m sure no one at Clearview (or any other chain who may end up with this theatre) gives a hoot about us old timers who are passionate about things like curtains and intermissions. Its really very sad.
I wish I could get copies of those pictures to add to my collection. This projectionist of 37 years only has memories left now that theatres have gone digital. All i have left is a gig in the Count Basie theatre in red bank NJ. Simplex XL’s reel to reel. (20 min.)
rcdt55b, some people have way too much time on their hands. I loved your booth photos. I still wish someday I could get up there to see it, but I know its next to impossible. Christmas show ends next weekend so my wife will be finished there till probably next year.
I would just like to add to what LuisV said. I work as a stagehand at the prudential center. Most times I get parking in the deck next door. But there are times, as was the case a week ago after the Stones concert, that I had to park blocks away on the street. The first time a year or so ago I was nervous about doing this, but now, even at 4 am I felt safe and ok. As far as the Paramount, as well as the Adams and the Proctors, it is truely a shame they are just rotting away. Its too bad years ago when they were building the NJPac that someone didnt just think about saving these structures, which still have more beauty than anything new built today.
Yes heather, there is a sinkhole in the lobby in the area of the concession stand. Last time I was in there was in 2006.
I have been a projectionist for almost 37 years now. I am down to 4 days a month in a 6-plex art house in New Jersey with platters. However, I am also the house projectionist at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank NJ which runs film the way it should be, reel to reel.
Hi moviebuff. That jaggy grid like picture your describing is probably the first of what will be many complaints in the years to come. Its probably the digital projection, and more than likely something is starting to go, a component or something. As far as 48 fps, you know my feeling as a long time projectionist, if it aint broke, dont fix it. But then again I said the same thing about 35mm and no one listened or cared. Just another in a long list of reasons im glad Im almost out of the business. 4 days a month now is too much for me. Im enjoying stagework at the Prudential Center so much more.
Does anyone know how this theatre made out after Hurricane Sandy? Any damage? And are they going to be able to convert to Digital projection, or will they fall victim to this senseless transformation.
C SWalczak, Im sure that in the coming months, we are going to see more amd more stories like this, and I can almost guarentee you its all due to the cost of digital projection.
As much as it pains me to say this, but I, along with my booth partner that worked here till the end was the one who dismantled the boxoffice in the photo, along with the entire theatre. You dont know what a sick feeling I had for those 4 weeks in December 1991.
I remember once in the late 1970’s I had to go get supplies from this theatre and it had a huge chandelier that hung in the lobby and could be seen from rte. 46. The front of the building was all glass.
Went to see “Skyfall” last night. I must say the place has changed since it was first built, and I was installing the original screens there. My only complaint was how I could hear the movie from theatre 6 so well. (We were in theatre 5). There were 6 other people in the theatre. Of course we did go to the 5:00 show.