Ziegfeld Theatre
141 W. 54th Street,
New York,
NY
10019
141 W. 54th Street,
New York,
NY
10019
131 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1,076 - 1,100 of 4,511 comments
The issue with removing the 3D lens for 2D presentations only applies to certain makes of Sony projectors. Instead of installing new projectors, many Sony theaters opted to cut costs by retrofitting their existing digital projectors with 3D lenses…and thus creating the awkwardness of having to remove the lens for 2D showings. Unless the Ziegfeld uses this particular Sony projector (I am not sure they do), it’s a non issue since most modern projectors can handle both formats without the need to change lenses.
Let me try again Ebert Article
Roger Ebert’s website has a lengthy article entitled The Dying of the Light Ebert article about 2D and 3D lenses and why not changing the 3D lens for 2D presentation really messes up the image and the moviegoing experience.
On Thursday, June 23rd, I attended a special gay pride screening of “Mommie Dearest” hosted by that fabulous drag queen, Hedda Lettuce! There were around 700 people in attendance. It was incredibly fun and, once again, kudos to The Ziegfeld for presentation. Oh, YES, they used the curtains. Many times as a matter of fact! I just love this theater.
It is my understanding that the 3D lens while capable of showing 2D, cuts down on the light output making the images darker than they should be. Some projectors have an easy change from one lens to another while others require mounting bolts and realignment. Basic rule seems to be do not use the 3D lens for 2D
Hi Kris:
Excellent question, I’ve heard about this issue-here’s the direct phone number to the Ziegfeld. You’ll be able to ask 212-307-1862. Let us know what they say ASAP.
Many Thanks,
Gary
If they’re showing both 2D and 3D, are they actually going to take the 3D lens off before 3D showings? (apparently many theaters do not) Deathly Hallows is going to be plenty dark without a misplaced 3D lens making it darker.
That’s impressive. When I suggested that to the management at the Cinerama Dome here in LA, they said the studio would never allow that. As I thought… they lied to me. Kudos to the Ziegfeld.
I have to give the Ziegfeld major props for choosing to show Harry Potter in both 2D and 3D. They will be alternating show times between the two formats (both digital), so movie goers can choose which version they wish to see. I of course went with the 2D version on the 15th for the 7 p.m. show… I was even able to select my own seats. So a big thank you to the management, looking forward to it!
Does anyone remember when they used a double traveler curtain here to open the show? This may have been a while back. They were slightly different colors. The only other theatre I remember a double traveler was for roadshow presentations at the Saxon Theatre in Boston. The Loew’s State in Times Sq. after the 1959 70mm install used a vertical draw curtain at the overture end, then a traveler to open on the feature. Can anyone remember any where else that went to this trouble?
Hi Everyone:
Nice to see some dialogue here again. James Cameron is re-releasing “Titanic” next April in 3-D to coincide with the anniversary of the actual event. I’ve written to Craig about bringing it yo the Ziegfeld. Do I have a second on the motion?
Best,
Gary
If you look closely it is a slide for Disney’s “SANTA CLAUS 2” (2002) and Pepsi probably sponsored the slide show.
Although it does not show the Ziegfeld at its best it is an interesting snap-shot of a short-lived part of movie history in the pre-digital age.
I too apologize. This is just one of my favorite theaters and would love to see an image of it that shows it in the best possible light. A Pepsi ad doesn’t do that. :–)
Saps: I’ve always loved the Ziegfeld, but I always thought an actual 146-degree curved Cinerama screen would fit perfectly in that space.
Thank you Howard, I am sorry you viewed the post as negative, although in retropspect I suppose it is, but I certanly apprrcate the photos and simply thought a full dressed stage as the first picture to pop up on his page would have been prefered. Please forgive the negative implication
I always thought of that walk up type of seating as a balcony. There were a couple theatres I grew up with; Cinema on the Mall (SM) and Plitt Century Plaza (Century City) that had that type of seating. I’m pretty sure they considered them balconies, but I guess I am wrong.
It’s not really a balcony. It is simply stadium seating in the back.
Great photos, glad to see the theatre still open and doing business. I remember seeing WHITE NIGHTS at the Ziegfield back in November 1985 and thought it was a great theatre then. I love walk up balconies like the Ziegfield has and the Plitt Century Plaza had. Most of the theatres I visited in my visits in ‘85, '86 and '87 in NYC are now sadly gone. Hopefully it will remain. L.A. has so few big screen single houses, but I guess I have no room to complain since NYC only has this screen remaining.
As much as I like to see curtains used, I’m not a fan of overly negative comments about other people’s photos. I may post more of my own photos later, but for now, I’ve posted photos you will like (including a duplicate that will be removed). Here’s the one you will like best: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/12/photos/2870 If enough people view it, then it in a day (or more), it will rotate to being the Profile photo. Enjoy.
Although I know it would mean reconfiguring the proscenium and curtains, I think that this movie sheet could stand a replacement expansion — there is so much room on either side of the present screen, a larger screen would really be eye-popping. Right now it looks a little old-fashioned and not quite state-of-the-art.
Vito, I wholeheartedly agree! The Showcase Photo above is atrocious; a screen with an ad! Ugh! It would be much better even with the screen empty and just showing the auditorium. Someone please fix this! There must be something better.
I just have to say the picture above showing the screen exposed with ads running and the curtains open is a horrable sight and one that depicts a situation about which many of us have been complaining about for years. I consider it an eyesore and would love to see it replaced with one of the stage area properly dressed.
Although I have no desire to see a film like Pirates 4, I am disappointed that the Ziegfeld is deferring to 3D presentations. I am really looking forward to the last Harry Potter film, I have seen every one on opening night at the Ziegfeld. Unfortunately, I fear I will have to break that tradition if the Ziegfeld is not going to be showing it in 3D. I know 3D gives them a little extra revenue, but since this is a theater for real film lovers, wouldn’t management acknowledge that their audience does not prefer 3D? I hope I’m wrong, but I fear I won’t be…
Just goes to show the drawing power of the classics on the big screen at the Ziegfeld, whether it’s classic movies or a classic Verdi opera. Give people real quality stuff and they will come out for it.
900 people at the Ziegfeld today !! 900 people at the Ziegfeld today! 900 people at the Ziegfeld today !! A near capacity crowd streaming up the stairs and escalator, through the lobby, nearly filling the theatre, an electric atmosphere of enthusiasm and delight, and for what, you ask—-something from 1853, “Il Trovatore” by Verdi.
Any thoughts?