I know this might not be the right thread…but since many here are interested in West Side Story, here is the link to the restoration at The Egyptian in Hollywood last month.
I have seen the Sound of Music more times then I can remember, in both 70mm and 35mm. The Fathom Events showing, as much as I hate to admit it, was brilliant. I was told during intermission it was an actual drive of the movie, not a satellite feed as Fathom normally does. They ran the movie from their Sony 4k’s and it was great. One of the best showings I have ever seen of it. Once they adjusted the volume, it was too low, it was great. The resolution was wonderful, I saw things I never noticed before. Whoever did the restoration really did a great job.
American Cinematheque is showing it in 35mm here next weekend…might catch it again.
Would give just about anything to see Sound of Music at the Zigfeld!
I was able to make it last night to see WSS. It was a fun night. The theater was about 75% full, George Chakiris was the special guest. There was about a 15 min question and answer with him. Who knew that he originated the role of Riff in the London West End production before being cast as Bernardo in the film?
There was an explanation of what we were about to hear with slides. It was explained that the original track with the 5 channels behind the screen was lost, and all new prints had just a L R and C channel. This soundtrack had the additional two channels behind the screen. I am not that technical, but I have never heard this movie sound so good. There were things that I never noticed before…the shoes during dance scenes, certain instruments in the sound track were more prevalent, and during the rumble scene, I never heard the cars on the highway above so clearly. It was great. (with the exception of those uncomfortable worn out seats).
The picture was wonderful and it had the overture with the lines turning into nyc, as well as the intermission. There were some glitches in the picture here and there, but overall…it was brilliant. Everyone had an awesome time.
Wanted to see Unstoppable today so I called the theater to ensure it was in the big house. I asked if they had switched to Digital projectors and that this was the first week. They are using Sony 4K in all auditoriums except for the Big Newport auditorium, where they are using a Barco projector (I think Cinemark’s XD uses the same). I was told the screen was replaced with a silver one that was the exact same size. So I headed out to check it out.
The preshow was annoying, but after wards the curtains actually closed! Lights came down and they opened up and there was a slide on the screen that said Edwards Big Newport that stayed on till the curtains were opened and the masking went wide. It was a great presentation. The show as awesome. I have been here a few times and was never that impressed with the picture, it always seemed dark. That issue is gone. The image quality was great, now I have never seen a 70mm film here so I cant compare it to that. Compared to the 35mm films I have seen here, this was far more impressive.
The sound was something else. It was so loud, but clear and clean. The bass made your shirt move and the surround was quite noticeable. This was by far the best show I have seen at this fantastic theater. There were about 40 people maybe in that large house for the 10:20 show on opening weekend Saturday night.
I was passing this area yesterday and swung by to catch a matinee of Red. The first three theatres are themed on the outside entrances, The Palace, Grand and Egyptian. I was in #2, The Grand. The other theatres are moderate size with nice screens and a nice seats. The Grand Theatre was great. It wasnt huge, maybe 300 seats max, but it was the detail that really set it apart. The huge wide red seats with leg room, the shooting stars on the ceiling, the nice and dim red stairway lighting.
Also, the people were so courteous. More then once did I see people ASKING if they wanted them to move so late comers would have two seats together.
The Screen was about 50 feet wide, side masked and curved. The presentation was great and the sound was fantastic. Overall a great experience, and for the price it is about the best deal one can find. ( I swear I only saw 11 auditoriums, but I guess there are 13.)
Last month, Regal installed Sony 4K projectors in theatres #4, #5 (large house), and #6. I have seen one 3D movie and a regular movie with the new projectors on the large screen (50 feet, side masking). Although I am still not totally sold on digital projection, especially in a house like this that always had rock solid 35mm presentation with no scratches or splices, I did notice the sound was demonstratively better.
If you ever get to Palm Springs, this is the place to see a film (along with the Camelot)!
In September 2010, The Camelot Theatres added digital projection in their main house on the large screen, and one of the smaller auditoriums. Theater #3 is still 35mm.
I lived in Oakland in 1990-1995 and went to this theater all the time(when a film wasn’t at the Grand Lake of course). It was not stadium seating, but old school decent sloped auditoriums. I must have gone here every other week for 4 years or so.
There were two auditoriums that were THX certified (I think #3 and #4), and both sat about 400. The screens were decent sized, and at the time there were all side masking. There were a few smaller auditoriums, but none that were horrible. This was always a great place to catch a movie during the day, weekend nights it could get crazy busy and kind of rowdy.
They showed 70mm films here! Saw the re-release of Lawrence of Arabia here and another 70mm french film called The Bear. The rest were mostly blow ups from 35mm.
The presentation was good, but the sound was always the fantastic. Would love to see how they changed it to Stadium seating.
I lived 4 blocks from the amazing Grand Lake from 89-97. This was the only place to go see a movie in the Bay Area. Although at the time most of the single screens in the City were still alive (Metro, Cinema 21, Alhambra, Coronet, etc), The Grand Lake stood above them all, and for a good film all my friends would come out from the City to see a movie here. They were the first theatre in the area that installed Digital Cinema Sound for the run of Dick Tracy. They then installed DTS soon after.
Every weekend night there were lines to see movies here. There was an excitement to seeing a film in that magnificent auditorium, usually close to being sold out. I heard that the curtain in the main house was from the original Fox San Francisco. The two smaller add on houses were small and narrow, yet with the incredible themes and the small balconies, even these were fun to see a film in. It was always a great show at the Grand Lake.
I did notice the top masking, but there was side masking as well. I was watching quite closely for that and when the curtain went up after the pre-show, it seemed a bit wider. Agreed, it is not only side masking as the Dome. Heck, after seeing Cinemarks XD and IMAX, I am happy to see any masking must less curtains.
Finally made it here last night to see Inception in the Premier Theatre. I saw it at the 15/70 true Imax in Cathedral City the night before. The sound at the Regal was amazing, truly one of the best theatrical sound systems I have ever heard. However, the picture was not that impressive. Maybe because I saw the same movie less then 24 hours earlier in real IMAX, but there is no comparison. It was not nearly as sharp or clear, and the images were quite muted compared to IMAX. The theatre was fantastic, great seats, amazing side masked large screen, lots of legroom and wonderful service. A great place to see a movie, yet if you have a choice, real 15/70 IMAX is far superior to this digital presentation. BTW, it is true what was said above. The other theatres here are crap. Top masking, small screen shoeboxes.
I came here today to see Toy Story #D in the new XD. $15 for a mat, and still had to sit through a preshow, and commercials. The screen was about 60 feet or so, but there was no masking at all, and it was sized for a flat film. The previews in scope were in the middle of the screen.
The sound was impressive, but the picture was amazing. The clarity and brightness was the best I have seen for a 3D show, more so then the 15/70 IMAX in Cathedral City. However, the RealD 3d didnt really amaze me. No images really popped, and the effects were quite muted. Not nearly as dramatic as aIMAX 3d.
The seats were nice, but no new configuration and the leg room was lacking. Its worth a trip, but not sure ill go back.
I know that Clash got panned, and it was an upconversion that indeed was an afterthought. Honestly, half the show for me is to be in The Chinese itself, so to see what they can try to do with it will be worth it. I also want to see if they installed a new screen. Ever since going here to see Star Wars in 78 with my high school football team(it was all kids, there was some type of anniversary event if I remember right), I was hooked on this place.
In today’s LA Times, the Mann ad for Clash of The Titans says…“In Read D 3D on a 73 Foot Screen.” I had thought the screen was about 75 feet or so after the renovation, so it appears they will be using most of the screen. I wonder how the presentation will be, and if it will be light enough…cannot wait to check it out.
This theater was amazing. When I went with my parents in 1974 to see His girl Friday, I remember it was playing upstairs. I asked my mom to show me the large auditorium downstairs and she thought I was was nuts. When I was old enough to drive, I remember taking a date to see Amityville Horror on opening night, and I finally got to seethe LARGE auditorium. I remember how the Theater slopped down and the enormous curved screen…. It blew me away. A few months later. I waited all day to see Empire Stikes Back. Also remember seeing Annie here, and that the ticket prices went up to $5 for that showing….we were outraged…LOL.
Are there ANY pictures of the the downstairs auditorium around?? I have looked everywhere and cannot find them…if you know of any..please share….would love to see that again.
I drove 120 miles last month to see a movie here on the fear it would be closing. Even enduring Book of Eli was worth it, for this theater holds the best movie going memories I can remember. To hear it is not going to close, was the best news I have heard in a long time.
Seeing Grease in 1978 or so here was the first time I went to Westwood and the first time I really ‘noticed’ the presentation of films, and would go back at least twice a month with friends to catch films there. Thank heavens it survived.
I know this might not be the right thread…but since many here are interested in West Side Story, here is the link to the restoration at The Egyptian in Hollywood last month.
http://cinematreasures.org/news/25119_0_1_0_C/
It was a blast…my review of the evening is in the comments.
I have seen the Sound of Music more times then I can remember, in both 70mm and 35mm. The Fathom Events showing, as much as I hate to admit it, was brilliant. I was told during intermission it was an actual drive of the movie, not a satellite feed as Fathom normally does. They ran the movie from their Sony 4k’s and it was great. One of the best showings I have ever seen of it. Once they adjusted the volume, it was too low, it was great. The resolution was wonderful, I saw things I never noticed before. Whoever did the restoration really did a great job.
American Cinematheque is showing it in 35mm here next weekend…might catch it again.
Would give just about anything to see Sound of Music at the Zigfeld!
I was able to make it last night to see WSS. It was a fun night. The theater was about 75% full, George Chakiris was the special guest. There was about a 15 min question and answer with him. Who knew that he originated the role of Riff in the London West End production before being cast as Bernardo in the film?
There was an explanation of what we were about to hear with slides. It was explained that the original track with the 5 channels behind the screen was lost, and all new prints had just a L R and C channel. This soundtrack had the additional two channels behind the screen. I am not that technical, but I have never heard this movie sound so good. There were things that I never noticed before…the shoes during dance scenes, certain instruments in the sound track were more prevalent, and during the rumble scene, I never heard the cars on the highway above so clearly. It was great. (with the exception of those uncomfortable worn out seats).
The picture was wonderful and it had the overture with the lines turning into nyc, as well as the intermission. There were some glitches in the picture here and there, but overall…it was brilliant. Everyone had an awesome time.
Wanted to see Unstoppable today so I called the theater to ensure it was in the big house. I asked if they had switched to Digital projectors and that this was the first week. They are using Sony 4K in all auditoriums except for the Big Newport auditorium, where they are using a Barco projector (I think Cinemark’s XD uses the same). I was told the screen was replaced with a silver one that was the exact same size. So I headed out to check it out.
The preshow was annoying, but after wards the curtains actually closed! Lights came down and they opened up and there was a slide on the screen that said Edwards Big Newport that stayed on till the curtains were opened and the masking went wide. It was a great presentation. The show as awesome. I have been here a few times and was never that impressed with the picture, it always seemed dark. That issue is gone. The image quality was great, now I have never seen a 70mm film here so I cant compare it to that. Compared to the 35mm films I have seen here, this was far more impressive.
The sound was something else. It was so loud, but clear and clean. The bass made your shirt move and the surround was quite noticeable. This was by far the best show I have seen at this fantastic theater. There were about 40 people maybe in that large house for the 10:20 show on opening weekend Saturday night.
I was passing this area yesterday and swung by to catch a matinee of Red. The first three theatres are themed on the outside entrances, The Palace, Grand and Egyptian. I was in #2, The Grand. The other theatres are moderate size with nice screens and a nice seats. The Grand Theatre was great. It wasnt huge, maybe 300 seats max, but it was the detail that really set it apart. The huge wide red seats with leg room, the shooting stars on the ceiling, the nice and dim red stairway lighting.
Also, the people were so courteous. More then once did I see people ASKING if they wanted them to move so late comers would have two seats together.
The Screen was about 50 feet wide, side masked and curved. The presentation was great and the sound was fantastic. Overall a great experience, and for the price it is about the best deal one can find. ( I swear I only saw 11 auditoriums, but I guess there are 13.)
Last month, Regal installed Sony 4K projectors in theatres #4, #5 (large house), and #6. I have seen one 3D movie and a regular movie with the new projectors on the large screen (50 feet, side masking). Although I am still not totally sold on digital projection, especially in a house like this that always had rock solid 35mm presentation with no scratches or splices, I did notice the sound was demonstratively better.
If you ever get to Palm Springs, this is the place to see a film (along with the Camelot)!
In September 2010, The Camelot Theatres added digital projection in their main house on the large screen, and one of the smaller auditoriums. Theater #3 is still 35mm.
I lived in Oakland in 1990-1995 and went to this theater all the time(when a film wasn’t at the Grand Lake of course). It was not stadium seating, but old school decent sloped auditoriums. I must have gone here every other week for 4 years or so.
There were two auditoriums that were THX certified (I think #3 and #4), and both sat about 400. The screens were decent sized, and at the time there were all side masking. There were a few smaller auditoriums, but none that were horrible. This was always a great place to catch a movie during the day, weekend nights it could get crazy busy and kind of rowdy.
They showed 70mm films here! Saw the re-release of Lawrence of Arabia here and another 70mm french film called The Bear. The rest were mostly blow ups from 35mm.
The presentation was good, but the sound was always the fantastic. Would love to see how they changed it to Stadium seating.
I lived 4 blocks from the amazing Grand Lake from 89-97. This was the only place to go see a movie in the Bay Area. Although at the time most of the single screens in the City were still alive (Metro, Cinema 21, Alhambra, Coronet, etc), The Grand Lake stood above them all, and for a good film all my friends would come out from the City to see a movie here. They were the first theatre in the area that installed Digital Cinema Sound for the run of Dick Tracy. They then installed DTS soon after.
Every weekend night there were lines to see movies here. There was an excitement to seeing a film in that magnificent auditorium, usually close to being sold out. I heard that the curtain in the main house was from the original Fox San Francisco. The two smaller add on houses were small and narrow, yet with the incredible themes and the small balconies, even these were fun to see a film in. It was always a great show at the Grand Lake.
I did notice the top masking, but there was side masking as well. I was watching quite closely for that and when the curtain went up after the pre-show, it seemed a bit wider. Agreed, it is not only side masking as the Dome. Heck, after seeing Cinemarks XD and IMAX, I am happy to see any masking must less curtains.
Finally made it here last night to see Inception in the Premier Theatre. I saw it at the 15/70 true Imax in Cathedral City the night before. The sound at the Regal was amazing, truly one of the best theatrical sound systems I have ever heard. However, the picture was not that impressive. Maybe because I saw the same movie less then 24 hours earlier in real IMAX, but there is no comparison. It was not nearly as sharp or clear, and the images were quite muted compared to IMAX. The theatre was fantastic, great seats, amazing side masked large screen, lots of legroom and wonderful service. A great place to see a movie, yet if you have a choice, real 15/70 IMAX is far superior to this digital presentation. BTW, it is true what was said above. The other theatres here are crap. Top masking, small screen shoeboxes.
I came here today to see Toy Story #D in the new XD. $15 for a mat, and still had to sit through a preshow, and commercials. The screen was about 60 feet or so, but there was no masking at all, and it was sized for a flat film. The previews in scope were in the middle of the screen.
The sound was impressive, but the picture was amazing. The clarity and brightness was the best I have seen for a 3D show, more so then the 15/70 IMAX in Cathedral City. However, the RealD 3d didnt really amaze me. No images really popped, and the effects were quite muted. Not nearly as dramatic as aIMAX 3d.
The seats were nice, but no new configuration and the leg room was lacking. Its worth a trip, but not sure ill go back.
It is listed under AMC in the LA Times Calendar section today. AMC Criterion 6, all three Cinemas on the Promenade are listed under AMC.
I know that Clash got panned, and it was an upconversion that indeed was an afterthought. Honestly, half the show for me is to be in The Chinese itself, so to see what they can try to do with it will be worth it. I also want to see if they installed a new screen. Ever since going here to see Star Wars in 78 with my high school football team(it was all kids, there was some type of anniversary event if I remember right), I was hooked on this place.
In today’s LA Times, the Mann ad for Clash of The Titans says…“In Read D 3D on a 73 Foot Screen.” I had thought the screen was about 75 feet or so after the renovation, so it appears they will be using most of the screen. I wonder how the presentation will be, and if it will be light enough…cannot wait to check it out.
This theater was amazing. When I went with my parents in 1974 to see His girl Friday, I remember it was playing upstairs. I asked my mom to show me the large auditorium downstairs and she thought I was was nuts. When I was old enough to drive, I remember taking a date to see Amityville Horror on opening night, and I finally got to seethe LARGE auditorium. I remember how the Theater slopped down and the enormous curved screen…. It blew me away. A few months later. I waited all day to see Empire Stikes Back. Also remember seeing Annie here, and that the ticket prices went up to $5 for that showing….we were outraged…LOL.
Are there ANY pictures of the the downstairs auditorium around?? I have looked everywhere and cannot find them…if you know of any..please share….would love to see that again.
I drove 120 miles last month to see a movie here on the fear it would be closing. Even enduring Book of Eli was worth it, for this theater holds the best movie going memories I can remember. To hear it is not going to close, was the best news I have heard in a long time.
Seeing Grease in 1978 or so here was the first time I went to Westwood and the first time I really ‘noticed’ the presentation of films, and would go back at least twice a month with friends to catch films there. Thank heavens it survived.