There has been some internet traffic realtive to a possible Indy 70 MM print for Cannes (For instance, see the 70 MM Rumor Mill at the in70mm.com site). As to where to see it here in S. Cal, any of these will do for me: Chinese, Village, Cinerama Dome, or Big Newport. And in regards to the “Temple of Doom” it is my least favorite of them. I thought it was unnecessarily violent.
It may not be the exact name, but the Drive-In at Carolina was known to us locals as the “65 de Infanteria Drive-In”. I believe it was operated by Cobian Theatres. I remember watching “The Sound of Music” there, and was impressed by a huge poster they had for the James Bond flick “You Only Live Twice”.
It’s hard to believe that I saw “2001: A Space Odyssey†forty years ago. It grabbed my imagination like nothing else. It shaped how I view technology, philosophy, science fiction, and film. It challenged me intellectually and spiritually in many layers. Oddly, I have seen the film in theatres only a handful of times, but all in 70 MM, and twice on a Cinerama screen. Earlier this year, the AFI presented “2001†at the Cinerama Dome to a sell-out audience. Despite some issues with the print, the show was a knockout. I have watched it on TV a few times here and there. But I simply cannot see it on the small screen, no matter what size TV, or video format.
I don’t think “Samsara” is planned as an Imax feature, since I undertsand it is being shot in Todd-AO, like its predecessor (“Baraka”). My guess is that it will have a limited release in regular theatres.
In regards to the Bond films, I know that from “Dr. No” and up to “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, they have been restored and new 35 mm prints were made. These were screened last year at the Aero in LA. Don’t know about the Moore or Dalton films.
That’s part of it. I was also thinking that at the time (ie 2003) the film was being advertised as “digitally restored”, but probably for DVD release (?).
Two things come to mind when going over the Arclight Era list. One, what was screened during the “best of” showcase week (2/14/03)? The second, wasn’t the “Amadeus” re-issue a full digital presentation?
Thank you Michael, this brings a few fun memories. One thing that I liked was the flyers or mini-programs that were handed out to the patrons, specially during the retrospectives and special screenings. A big thrill for me was “The Guns Of Navarone”.
Bill: I’m glad that you made the “pilgrimage” to see 2001!
Makes you wonder what would have happened if they had run out of the “Gourmet” Hot Dogs. Good thing there’s a Baja Fresh across the street…
Neeb, I agree with you, we are not blaming the theatre nor AFI for the condition of the print.
If the Cinerama Dome really wants to get serious about 70 MM again, they should reinstall the reel-to-reel capability. That’s the only way to get those high quality prints, such as the restored “Patton” in 70 MM/DTS. There’s also a brand new print of “Grand Prix” (another MGM Cinerama pic), and I understand there are (or are in development) new 70 MM prints of “West Side Story” and “Khartoum”.
History tells us that when it comes to single-strip Cinerama, the source came from either Ultra-Panavision or Super Panavision. The Ultra-Panavision films (i.e. It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World, Khartoum, etc.) received a rectification that consisted of a gradient squeeze. The experts point out to us that the Super Panavision/Cinerama films (2001, Grand Prix, Ice Station Zebra) did not receive any optical rectification. But I have to agree with the above post and also reiterate my earlier statement: the image fit much better along the curve this time. If I’m not mistaken, this print was struck in 2000. I’ve also wondered about years in the past when “2001†was re-issued at the D-150 theatres: Were there any rectified prints ever struck?
By the way, I can’t get “The Blue Danube” off my head!
2001: All in all, after braving the LA freeway system, it was a good time last night! The Dome was packed. The movie started about 15 minutes late, and yes, overture and intermission were observed accordingly. For some reason, the picture did not seem as distorted (ie the “banana” effect) as the last time I saw it there in the early 90’s. However, the clicking noise due to the bad track was annoying. As mentioned a few postings above, it occured only during the first half. The second part of the film was much better in sound, and with less visible scratches. The Star Gate sequence looked AWESOME in that giant screen!
Truly, I appreciate “2001” more and more as the years go by. Seen from this vantage point in time, it’s hard to believe that a major studio trusted a director’s vision for a film that transcends its medium.
My thanks to the guys at the booth for putting a good show, and hopefully we will see more 70 MM in the future!
Yes, that’s true. The Seattle standard screen has a slight curve though. Many years ago, I saw a 70 MM presentation of 2001 in a large flat screen and it looked great, so no doubt that the Seattle shows will be fine. I was planning to make the trip there until the Dome announcement. I’ll definitely make the trip north when they pull out the large Cinerama screen.
And come to think of it, since the print at the Dome is going to be run in a platter, maybe a 70 MM screening of “2001” at the Ziegfeld is not out of the realm of possibility…
Adding to the comment by Chris, the apparent lack of artistic merit within the current regime at the entertainment-industrial complex has led to a situation where few, if any, risks are taken. Can you imagine someone trying to pitch “2001: A Space Odyssey” today? Or “Apocalypse Now”? “Chinatown”? To run a business you have to be profitable, you have to be cost-conscious, specially when your product costs $ 100 M or more, but when it’s done at the expense of the product sooner or later you’re going to lose business. I’m sure there are talented writers out there with great stories.
The Radio City was the place to see the James Bond films.
One error in the introduction above: “Close Encounters” played simultaneously at the UA Cinema 150. In fact, the Radio City and the Cinema 150 often screened the same films. For instance, I recall going to the Radio City as an alternative on account of the long lines and sellouts at the 150, including “The Towering Inferno” and “Superman”.
I will reserve final judgement for such a time when I visit the Matienzo on my next trip to Puerto Rico, but something is obvious. It should not be called a “restoration” if the theater’s original architectural design was gutted and replaced with a so-called modern, generic look. The Egyptian here in Los Angeles suffered a similar fate: Not a bad theater in of itself, but it is not the grand palace it used to be. But, as with the Matienzo, they are here with us for better or worse, and hopefully it is an indication of better things to come.
As far as I can tell this was the first ( and probably only)theatre in Puerto Rico that played “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. Used to frequent these theatres before their dive into soft-core. They were cheap, and a bunch of us would go Friday or Saturday nights to enjoy such fare as “Used Cars” and “The Big Red One”.
JSA
JSA
commented about
Cinema 4on
Jan 8, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Notes on Cinema 4: In addition to first run movies, it screened some re-issues from time to time. For example, during the late 70’s to early 80’s it played “Woodstock” and “Ben-Hur”. This theater probably had 70 MM capability as well, but cannot confirm it. Other movies I saw there were “The Neptune Factor”, Disney’s “Island at the Top of the World” and “All of Me”.
I agree with Chris: Rizzo, I would like to thank you for aswering my goofy questions and keeping us informed.
Another factoid: This is the first time in decades that “2001” will screen in 70 MM at two Cinerama theatres (i.e. the Dome and Seattle) during the same week. JSA
You had mentioned some time ago that the Dome was no longer setup for reel-to-reel operation, thus effectively eliminating the possibility of screening quality 70 MM prints. Has the situation changed?
There has been some internet traffic realtive to a possible Indy 70 MM print for Cannes (For instance, see the 70 MM Rumor Mill at the in70mm.com site). As to where to see it here in S. Cal, any of these will do for me: Chinese, Village, Cinerama Dome, or Big Newport. And in regards to the “Temple of Doom” it is my least favorite of them. I thought it was unnecessarily violent.
JSA
Jose,
It may not be the exact name, but the Drive-In at Carolina was known to us locals as the “65 de Infanteria Drive-In”. I believe it was operated by Cobian Theatres. I remember watching “The Sound of Music” there, and was impressed by a huge poster they had for the James Bond flick “You Only Live Twice”.
JSA
It’s hard to believe that I saw “2001: A Space Odyssey†forty years ago. It grabbed my imagination like nothing else. It shaped how I view technology, philosophy, science fiction, and film. It challenged me intellectually and spiritually in many layers. Oddly, I have seen the film in theatres only a handful of times, but all in 70 MM, and twice on a Cinerama screen. Earlier this year, the AFI presented “2001†at the Cinerama Dome to a sell-out audience. Despite some issues with the print, the show was a knockout. I have watched it on TV a few times here and there. But I simply cannot see it on the small screen, no matter what size TV, or video format.
JSA
Science Fiction Giant Arthur C. Clarke, author of “2001: A Space Odyssey” and co-writer of the screenplay for the film, passed away today.
JSA
I don’t think “Samsara” is planned as an Imax feature, since I undertsand it is being shot in Todd-AO, like its predecessor (“Baraka”). My guess is that it will have a limited release in regular theatres.
JSA
In regards to the Bond films, I know that from “Dr. No” and up to “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, they have been restored and new 35 mm prints were made. These were screened last year at the Aero in LA. Don’t know about the Moore or Dalton films.
JSA
That’s part of it. I was also thinking that at the time (ie 2003) the film was being advertised as “digitally restored”, but probably for DVD release (?).
Anyway, as always, thanks for your response!
JSA
Two things come to mind when going over the Arclight Era list. One, what was screened during the “best of” showcase week (2/14/03)? The second, wasn’t the “Amadeus” re-issue a full digital presentation?
JSA
Humm, greed, corruption and psycopaths as Oscar-nominated fare. Sound like 1974 all over again: “Chinatown”, “The Conversation”, and “Godfather II”…
JSA
Thank you Michael, this brings a few fun memories. One thing that I liked was the flyers or mini-programs that were handed out to the patrons, specially during the retrospectives and special screenings. A big thrill for me was “The Guns Of Navarone”.
Bill: I’m glad that you made the “pilgrimage” to see 2001!
JSA
Makes you wonder what would have happened if they had run out of the “Gourmet” Hot Dogs. Good thing there’s a Baja Fresh across the street…
Neeb, I agree with you, we are not blaming the theatre nor AFI for the condition of the print.
If the Cinerama Dome really wants to get serious about 70 MM again, they should reinstall the reel-to-reel capability. That’s the only way to get those high quality prints, such as the restored “Patton” in 70 MM/DTS. There’s also a brand new print of “Grand Prix” (another MGM Cinerama pic), and I understand there are (or are in development) new 70 MM prints of “West Side Story” and “Khartoum”.
JSA
History tells us that when it comes to single-strip Cinerama, the source came from either Ultra-Panavision or Super Panavision. The Ultra-Panavision films (i.e. It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World, Khartoum, etc.) received a rectification that consisted of a gradient squeeze. The experts point out to us that the Super Panavision/Cinerama films (2001, Grand Prix, Ice Station Zebra) did not receive any optical rectification. But I have to agree with the above post and also reiterate my earlier statement: the image fit much better along the curve this time. If I’m not mistaken, this print was struck in 2000. I’ve also wondered about years in the past when “2001†was re-issued at the D-150 theatres: Were there any rectified prints ever struck?
By the way, I can’t get “The Blue Danube” off my head!
JSA
Has anyone seen any of the “2001” screenings this week?
2001: All in all, after braving the LA freeway system, it was a good time last night! The Dome was packed. The movie started about 15 minutes late, and yes, overture and intermission were observed accordingly. For some reason, the picture did not seem as distorted (ie the “banana” effect) as the last time I saw it there in the early 90’s. However, the clicking noise due to the bad track was annoying. As mentioned a few postings above, it occured only during the first half. The second part of the film was much better in sound, and with less visible scratches. The Star Gate sequence looked AWESOME in that giant screen!
Truly, I appreciate “2001” more and more as the years go by. Seen from this vantage point in time, it’s hard to believe that a major studio trusted a director’s vision for a film that transcends its medium.
My thanks to the guys at the booth for putting a good show, and hopefully we will see more 70 MM in the future!
JSA
Maybe Seattle got the print that was originally set for the Dome…
JSA
Yes, that’s true. The Seattle standard screen has a slight curve though. Many years ago, I saw a 70 MM presentation of 2001 in a large flat screen and it looked great, so no doubt that the Seattle shows will be fine. I was planning to make the trip there until the Dome announcement. I’ll definitely make the trip north when they pull out the large Cinerama screen.
And come to think of it, since the print at the Dome is going to be run in a platter, maybe a 70 MM screening of “2001” at the Ziegfeld is not out of the realm of possibility…
JSA
Adding to the comment by Chris, the apparent lack of artistic merit within the current regime at the entertainment-industrial complex has led to a situation where few, if any, risks are taken. Can you imagine someone trying to pitch “2001: A Space Odyssey” today? Or “Apocalypse Now”? “Chinatown”? To run a business you have to be profitable, you have to be cost-conscious, specially when your product costs $ 100 M or more, but when it’s done at the expense of the product sooner or later you’re going to lose business. I’m sure there are talented writers out there with great stories.
JSA
The “2001” screening is sold out! JSA
The Radio City was the place to see the James Bond films.
One error in the introduction above: “Close Encounters” played simultaneously at the UA Cinema 150. In fact, the Radio City and the Cinema 150 often screened the same films. For instance, I recall going to the Radio City as an alternative on account of the long lines and sellouts at the 150, including “The Towering Inferno” and “Superman”.
JSA
I will reserve final judgement for such a time when I visit the Matienzo on my next trip to Puerto Rico, but something is obvious. It should not be called a “restoration” if the theater’s original architectural design was gutted and replaced with a so-called modern, generic look. The Egyptian here in Los Angeles suffered a similar fate: Not a bad theater in of itself, but it is not the grand palace it used to be. But, as with the Matienzo, they are here with us for better or worse, and hopefully it is an indication of better things to come.
JSA
As far as I can tell this was the first ( and probably only)theatre in Puerto Rico that played “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. Used to frequent these theatres before their dive into soft-core. They were cheap, and a bunch of us would go Friday or Saturday nights to enjoy such fare as “Used Cars” and “The Big Red One”.
JSA
Notes on Cinema 4: In addition to first run movies, it screened some re-issues from time to time. For example, during the late 70’s to early 80’s it played “Woodstock” and “Ben-Hur”. This theater probably had 70 MM capability as well, but cannot confirm it. Other movies I saw there were “The Neptune Factor”, Disney’s “Island at the Top of the World” and “All of Me”.
JSA
I agree with Chris: Rizzo, I would like to thank you for aswering my goofy questions and keeping us informed.
Another factoid: This is the first time in decades that “2001” will screen in 70 MM at two Cinerama theatres (i.e. the Dome and Seattle) during the same week. JSA
Thanks Rizzo. Sounds like it’s going to be a good show. My only request is that please allow a reasonable break time during the intermission!
JSA
Rizzo,
You had mentioned some time ago that the Dome was no longer setup for reel-to-reel operation, thus effectively eliminating the possibility of screening quality 70 MM prints. Has the situation changed?
JSA