In the aftermath of “The Empire Strikes Backâ€, “Return of the Jedi†was on my top spot as the most anticipated film of the 80’s. All those questions and cliffhangers had to be answered. I would be checking with the latest sci-fi magazines for any bit of news or rumors regarding the production and/or plot. One of my brothers obtained a small teaser poster from a magazine with the “Revenge of the Jedi†title, which was the envy of our friends.
Finally the day came in. I was living in Puerto Rico at the time, and ROTJ opened a few weeks after the general release on the US mainland. I did not attend opening day, since I had promised a friend that I would help him paint his house. But Jedi was all that we could talk. The next day, I was in line early with my brothers and some friends at the fabulous (and now defunct) UA Cinema 150 in Laguna Gardens. The theatre had a very impressive giant D-150 curved screen and a spectacular sound system. Of course, there was a huge line around the theatre. The sense of anticipation was high, and people were having fun, meeting new friends and sharing favorite Star Wars moments. Then the theatre’s doors opened. The rush to get in was incredible. I’d never seen anything like it, and I have not seen anything like it since. It was a strange, but benevolent stampede, no one getting hurt, but everyone caught in this wave of euphoria. Then, show time: when the curtains opened to reveal the 20th Century Fox logo, the house went down. The whole experience was surreal. It’s hard to explain, but it was as if we were watching these images real-time. Lots of cheers, surprises and revelations. A big applause came towards the end, when the ghostly images of the 3 “classic†Jediâ€: Obi Wan Kenobi, Yoda and Anakin Skywalker make their triumphant appearance.
Yet, for all that it was worth, for all its excitement and satisfying conclusion; I felt at the end that something was “missingâ€. Or maybe, it was some kind of premonition that we would not see something like this again. But almost immediately, I ranked ROTJ as the lesser of the 3 Episodes. I did not feel the urge, as in “Empire Strikes Back†(my favorite of the series), to see it again right away. Was it the Ewoks?
In some ways, my “premonition†was correct. When the Episodes IV-VI trilogy was released recently on DVD, I went straight to the source. I watched the films in their original form, without the special edition add-ons. I like ROTJ a bit more now that then. Why? Maybe because I see the original trilogy as a whole. Also, because of the sense of nostalgia these films evoke. And lastly, because there was an emphasis to create a sense of characterization, adventure and story within the sci-fi genre that has not been seen since.
When plans to surround the Cinerama Dome with a multiplex were announced, I cringed. Well, fortunately time has proven me wrong. The Arclight complex is simply fabulous. And, most important, we still have the Dome.
Thanks, Bill & Pete, for the info. From looking at the pictures posted here, I guessed about 40 to 50'. It seems rather small for a theatre with that seating capacity.
Ed: That’s a good question. Wish I knew the answer! Pacific Arclight screened “Goldfinger” last September as part of the AFI series, but I do not know if it was a new print or an archival one. I agree that probably YOLT may have a problem finding an audience, but who knows? I would love to see Thunderball on the big screen though. Also, the films were not screened in sequence. They started with OHMSS, and ended with FRWL (?!).
More than likely, Pacific would advertise a Cinerama screening on the Arclight web site. Previous engagements were advertised in the LA Times, but not with a lot of fanfare. Also, I’m pretty sure that someone will post it here as well.
A suggestion for the Ziegfeld is to screen the recently restored early Bond films. These were shown a few weekends ago in LA (at the Aero) in new 35 mm prints. The titles were “Dr No”, “From Russia with Love”, “Thunderball”, “You Only Live Twice” and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
Not that it matters much, but a 70 mm print of “2001” also screened at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach on October 1996.
Bill: You, EdSolero, andreco and the other NY area CT members that have “2001” in high regard should make the “pilgrimage” to LA next time it screens at the Dome!
Thanks for posting the link! As always, great information!
I’m going to repeat myself, but I think a single-strip Cinerama retrospective at the Dome would be a cool event. But other that “2001â€, “It’s a Mad, Mad… World†& “Grand Prixâ€, what other titles have available prints?
The Cinerama Dome at Arclight in Hollywood has DP. It is very impressive on their giant curved screen. A large percentage of their features last year were screened in digital format. As far as I can tell, among the few recent non-digital presentations at the Dome were “A Scanner Darkly” and “Flags of Our Fathers”.
Widescreenman: You’re welcome! I also saw “2001†for the first time at the Metro way, way back!
I also wanted to add to my post above that, to the best of my knowledge, Super Panavision Cinerama features did not receive the optical correction given to the Ultra Panavision version of Cinerama. There’s a lot of information (and misinformation too!) out there on Cinerama and 70 mm (Super Panavision, Todd-AO, etc.) in general. My top recommended internet information sources are: Martin Hart’s “American Widescreen Museumâ€, Michael Coate and William Kallay’s “From Script to DVDâ€, and “in70mm.comâ€.
The 3-strip Cinerama projection system had its 1952 debut in New York City with “This is Cineramaâ€. In addition to the three 35 mm projectors operating simultaneously, a separate 7-channel/35 mm magnetic soundtrack was run in synchronization with the projectors. A few other 3-strip films were made during the 50’s, these being “travelogues†such as “Seven Wonders of the World†and “South Seas Adventureâ€. Two films, “The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm†and “How the West was Won†were the first and only 3-strip “regular" features made. They were released in 1962. “How the West was Won†was very successful commercially. However, the cost and logistics of shooting and screening 3-strip Cinerama doomed it, especially when compared to the other widescreen processes such as Todd-AO. All subsequent Cinerama productions were single lens Ultra-Panavision (“It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad Worldâ€, “Khartoumâ€) or Super Panavision (“Grand Prixâ€, “Ice Station Zebraâ€). One other film, George Stevens’ “The Greatest Story Ever Toldâ€, began shooting in 3-strip Cinerama, but made the switch to Ultra-Panavision shortly after production began. The Ultra-Panavision Cinerama films were “optically†corrected to compensate for the theater screen curvature. Not all Ultra-Panavision films were single-strip Cinerama though. For example “The Fall of the Roman Empire†was a strictly Ultra-Panavision production, without the “optical†correction for single strip Cinerama.
Regarding the Cinerama in Puerto Rico, 3-strip projection had its run during the mid 60’s. Mr. Andres Roura, who is a frequent contributor to this site (see his Feb 11, 2005 posting above) will undoubtedly know the exact dates and particular details. Mr. Roura is the top authority when it comes to movies and the movie business in PR. My understanding is that “How the West Was Wonâ€, “The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimmâ€, and “This is Cinerama†were the only 3-strip Cinerama features screened at PR. The Cinerama also screened many of the single-strip Cinerama features, but my favorite Super Panavision/Cinerama film, “2001: A Space Odysseyâ€, had its run at the Metro in 1968.
Last year, I had the opportunity to see “How the West Was Wonâ€, screened in it original 3-strip format at the Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles. It was truly a remarkable cinematic experience. The Dome is a fantastic state-of-the-art theatre, with a spectacular giant curved screen and superb sound.
Sadly, today there are only two theaters in the USA capable of screening 3-Strip Cinerama: the Dome and the Martin Cinerama in Seattle. A third theatre with this capability is in England.
When I saw “Da Vinci Code” at the Dome, the trailer for “Casino Royale” was played. I assumed it was coming to the Dome. Instead, we’ll have “Happy Feet”. “Casino Royale” will probably play at the Chinese.
Vito, I get overwhelmed by the regular IMAX screen, no matter the seat!
I was aware of “Star Wars†3D, but not of “Lord of the Rings†and “Titanicâ€. Incidentally, the Castro in San Francisco recently screened a 70 MM-DTS print of “Titanicâ€.
Unquestionably, IMAX images are beautifully shot. But I get a bigger sense of awe from 70 mm widescreen formats. Guess I’m spoiled, because during the 70’s and early 80’s I used to frequent a now-defunct D-150 theatre. That curved screen was something else…
Vito, No I have not seen digital 3-D yet. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is playing in that format at El Capitan until January. The theatre is about 40 min. (without traffic!) from my place. I’ll make the trip one of these weekends, before the Holidays strike in full force. Thanks for the recommendation!
It is interesting to note that on a poll posted here on this website on Jun 19 of this year, 59 % of the folks preferred 70 mm over Imax/Imax 3D, 2K/4K Digital, 35 mm and other formats.
In my mind, 70mm-DTS should have a least provoked the interest of some in the industry. Reportedly Bryan Singer even considered shooting “Superman Returns†in 65 mm, before deciding on the Genesis camera.
In all fairness, the last few digital theatrical presentations I’ve seen were excellent, in terms of image and sound. And surely it will get better over time.
I would trade all the “extras” (“making of…”, interviews, etc.) for better sound and image quality of the main feature at a lower unit price.
JSA
In the aftermath of “The Empire Strikes Backâ€, “Return of the Jedi†was on my top spot as the most anticipated film of the 80’s. All those questions and cliffhangers had to be answered. I would be checking with the latest sci-fi magazines for any bit of news or rumors regarding the production and/or plot. One of my brothers obtained a small teaser poster from a magazine with the “Revenge of the Jedi†title, which was the envy of our friends.
Finally the day came in. I was living in Puerto Rico at the time, and ROTJ opened a few weeks after the general release on the US mainland. I did not attend opening day, since I had promised a friend that I would help him paint his house. But Jedi was all that we could talk. The next day, I was in line early with my brothers and some friends at the fabulous (and now defunct) UA Cinema 150 in Laguna Gardens. The theatre had a very impressive giant D-150 curved screen and a spectacular sound system. Of course, there was a huge line around the theatre. The sense of anticipation was high, and people were having fun, meeting new friends and sharing favorite Star Wars moments. Then the theatre’s doors opened. The rush to get in was incredible. I’d never seen anything like it, and I have not seen anything like it since. It was a strange, but benevolent stampede, no one getting hurt, but everyone caught in this wave of euphoria. Then, show time: when the curtains opened to reveal the 20th Century Fox logo, the house went down. The whole experience was surreal. It’s hard to explain, but it was as if we were watching these images real-time. Lots of cheers, surprises and revelations. A big applause came towards the end, when the ghostly images of the 3 “classic†Jediâ€: Obi Wan Kenobi, Yoda and Anakin Skywalker make their triumphant appearance.
Yet, for all that it was worth, for all its excitement and satisfying conclusion; I felt at the end that something was “missingâ€. Or maybe, it was some kind of premonition that we would not see something like this again. But almost immediately, I ranked ROTJ as the lesser of the 3 Episodes. I did not feel the urge, as in “Empire Strikes Back†(my favorite of the series), to see it again right away. Was it the Ewoks?
In some ways, my “premonition†was correct. When the Episodes IV-VI trilogy was released recently on DVD, I went straight to the source. I watched the films in their original form, without the special edition add-ons. I like ROTJ a bit more now that then. Why? Maybe because I see the original trilogy as a whole. Also, because of the sense of nostalgia these films evoke. And lastly, because there was an emphasis to create a sense of characterization, adventure and story within the sci-fi genre that has not been seen since.
JSA
When plans to surround the Cinerama Dome with a multiplex were announced, I cringed. Well, fortunately time has proven me wrong. The Arclight complex is simply fabulous. And, most important, we still have the Dome.
Will the Fox be used to screen films in the future?
The Port was a cool place to see foreign films. I saw a few Almodovar films there. It is most unfortunate that we’re losing it for good now.
JSA
Going back to screen size and installations, didn’t the Rivoli remove the Todd-AO screen in the 60’s and replaced it with D-150?
Thanks, Bill & Pete, for the info. From looking at the pictures posted here, I guessed about 40 to 50'. It seems rather small for a theatre with that seating capacity.
JSA
Now I’m curious: What’s the screen size?
Yes, it is.
Yes.
Ed: That’s a good question. Wish I knew the answer! Pacific Arclight screened “Goldfinger” last September as part of the AFI series, but I do not know if it was a new print or an archival one. I agree that probably YOLT may have a problem finding an audience, but who knows? I would love to see Thunderball on the big screen though. Also, the films were not screened in sequence. They started with OHMSS, and ended with FRWL (?!).
JSA
Max,
More than likely, Pacific would advertise a Cinerama screening on the Arclight web site. Previous engagements were advertised in the LA Times, but not with a lot of fanfare. Also, I’m pretty sure that someone will post it here as well.
JSA
A suggestion for the Ziegfeld is to screen the recently restored early Bond films. These were shown a few weekends ago in LA (at the Aero) in new 35 mm prints. The titles were “Dr No”, “From Russia with Love”, “Thunderball”, “You Only Live Twice” and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
JSA
Not that it matters much, but a 70 mm print of “2001” also screened at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach on October 1996.
Bill: You, EdSolero, andreco and the other NY area CT members that have “2001” in high regard should make the “pilgrimage” to LA next time it screens at the Dome!
Regards,
JSA
Michael,
Thanks for posting the link! As always, great information!
I’m going to repeat myself, but I think a single-strip Cinerama retrospective at the Dome would be a cool event. But other that “2001â€, “It’s a Mad, Mad… World†& “Grand Prixâ€, what other titles have available prints?
JSA
JodarMovieFan,
The Cinerama Dome at Arclight in Hollywood has DP. It is very impressive on their giant curved screen. A large percentage of their features last year were screened in digital format. As far as I can tell, among the few recent non-digital presentations at the Dome were “A Scanner Darkly” and “Flags of Our Fathers”.
Regards,
JSA
Widescreenman: You’re welcome! I also saw “2001†for the first time at the Metro way, way back!
I also wanted to add to my post above that, to the best of my knowledge, Super Panavision Cinerama features did not receive the optical correction given to the Ultra Panavision version of Cinerama. There’s a lot of information (and misinformation too!) out there on Cinerama and 70 mm (Super Panavision, Todd-AO, etc.) in general. My top recommended internet information sources are: Martin Hart’s “American Widescreen Museumâ€, Michael Coate and William Kallay’s “From Script to DVDâ€, and “in70mm.comâ€.
Regards, JSA
Spelling correction to my post above:
“Last year, I had the opportunity to see “How the West was Wonâ€, screened in its original 3-strip format at the Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles.”
JSA
Hello Widescreenman,
The 3-strip Cinerama projection system had its 1952 debut in New York City with “This is Cineramaâ€. In addition to the three 35 mm projectors operating simultaneously, a separate 7-channel/35 mm magnetic soundtrack was run in synchronization with the projectors. A few other 3-strip films were made during the 50’s, these being “travelogues†such as “Seven Wonders of the World†and “South Seas Adventureâ€. Two films, “The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm†and “How the West was Won†were the first and only 3-strip “regular" features made. They were released in 1962. “How the West was Won†was very successful commercially. However, the cost and logistics of shooting and screening 3-strip Cinerama doomed it, especially when compared to the other widescreen processes such as Todd-AO. All subsequent Cinerama productions were single lens Ultra-Panavision (“It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad Worldâ€, “Khartoumâ€) or Super Panavision (“Grand Prixâ€, “Ice Station Zebraâ€). One other film, George Stevens’ “The Greatest Story Ever Toldâ€, began shooting in 3-strip Cinerama, but made the switch to Ultra-Panavision shortly after production began. The Ultra-Panavision Cinerama films were “optically†corrected to compensate for the theater screen curvature. Not all Ultra-Panavision films were single-strip Cinerama though. For example “The Fall of the Roman Empire†was a strictly Ultra-Panavision production, without the “optical†correction for single strip Cinerama.
Regarding the Cinerama in Puerto Rico, 3-strip projection had its run during the mid 60’s. Mr. Andres Roura, who is a frequent contributor to this site (see his Feb 11, 2005 posting above) will undoubtedly know the exact dates and particular details. Mr. Roura is the top authority when it comes to movies and the movie business in PR. My understanding is that “How the West Was Wonâ€, “The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimmâ€, and “This is Cinerama†were the only 3-strip Cinerama features screened at PR. The Cinerama also screened many of the single-strip Cinerama features, but my favorite Super Panavision/Cinerama film, “2001: A Space Odysseyâ€, had its run at the Metro in 1968.
Last year, I had the opportunity to see “How the West Was Wonâ€, screened in it original 3-strip format at the Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles. It was truly a remarkable cinematic experience. The Dome is a fantastic state-of-the-art theatre, with a spectacular giant curved screen and superb sound.
Sadly, today there are only two theaters in the USA capable of screening 3-Strip Cinerama: the Dome and the Martin Cinerama in Seattle. A third theatre with this capability is in England.
Regards,
JSA
HowardBHaas: The “Dreamgirls” San Francisco roadshow will take place at the Metreon.
JSA
When I saw “Da Vinci Code” at the Dome, the trailer for “Casino Royale” was played. I assumed it was coming to the Dome. Instead, we’ll have “Happy Feet”. “Casino Royale” will probably play at the Chinese.
JSA
Vito, I get overwhelmed by the regular IMAX screen, no matter the seat!
I was aware of “Star Wars†3D, but not of “Lord of the Rings†and “Titanicâ€. Incidentally, the Castro in San Francisco recently screened a 70 MM-DTS print of “Titanicâ€.
Unquestionably, IMAX images are beautifully shot. But I get a bigger sense of awe from 70 mm widescreen formats. Guess I’m spoiled, because during the 70’s and early 80’s I used to frequent a now-defunct D-150 theatre. That curved screen was something else…
JSA
Vito, No I have not seen digital 3-D yet. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is playing in that format at El Capitan until January. The theatre is about 40 min. (without traffic!) from my place. I’ll make the trip one of these weekends, before the Holidays strike in full force. Thanks for the recommendation!
It is interesting to note that on a poll posted here on this website on Jun 19 of this year, 59 % of the folks preferred 70 mm over Imax/Imax 3D, 2K/4K Digital, 35 mm and other formats.
Regards,
JSA
In my mind, 70mm-DTS should have a least provoked the interest of some in the industry. Reportedly Bryan Singer even considered shooting “Superman Returns†in 65 mm, before deciding on the Genesis camera.
In all fairness, the last few digital theatrical presentations I’ve seen were excellent, in terms of image and sound. And surely it will get better over time.
PS: Sorry for the Nov 3 double posting
JSA
I wonder if the Ziegfeld will go digital for the roadshow engagement.
What an opportunity to show some class and get out some 70 MM prints.
JSA