Perhaps I’m just getting a bit cynical but it seems to me the Loews just can’t seem to get a break! First, quite a few years ago Jersey City seemed to be talking about tearing it down, then FOL stepped in. Now the building has been sitting dormant for (what is it,) two to three years? And finally the possibility of a “renovation” cost of 70 mil. being raised to nearly 100 mil.? (If I have my figures straight?). What really is the “bottom line” here? Politics? Greed? Apathy? Mis-information? (all of the above? I wonder if we’ll really know the “truth”?
I was always in the audience at Film Forum when they featured their fantasy and Science Fiction Festivals (which, if memory serves were always well-attended.) But as you say..a thing of the long ago past. These programs were always worth a journey on the PATH train.
The last bit of news I read (and this is by no means conclusive!) is that the “re-opening” date has now been scheduled for 2026!!!! I’m beginning to get a bit “concerned” as most of the film venues that featured “classic” films of various genres as part of their regular schedule (The Lafayette in Suffern, NY, Film Forum in NYC) seem to be dropping their classics due to “lack of interest”. Although, to be fair there is a relatively new venue, The Barrymore Center which opened in Fort Lee, NJ a short time ago.
I never took the opportunity to visit the Rosebud and I’m very sorry for my neglect. I think the optimum phrase here is “to go out”, no matter what the screen size. In the past I often visited the “Film Forum” on Houston Street in NYC, whose screens are quite small but the enjoyment of their films was never effected by the size of their screens.
I hope so too, Bill! The Loews, in all of its collective glory and beauty has been such an oasis for so many film lovers over the past twenty-five years or so… I hope its beauty and heritage are respected and maintained! (As someone who grew up in Hudson County I completely “get” the “hesitation” of many of us regarding local politicians!)
Hi,
Is there any “post covid” interest in re-opening this great, neighborhood theater? I, personally would travel just about any distance to attend some films at my old, childhood “haunt”!
It’s only because I’ve loved attending the independent and “European” offerings over the past 20 or so years that I might seem a bit “impatient” for information but, is there an official Clairidge web site that would provide periodic up-dates as to the fate of this wonderful venue? (whether it’s permanently closed or in the process of being renovated? And if so, is there some kind of timeline as to its completion?) I know these are nearly impossible and or, at best tough questions to answer during these “times” but I’m trying to hold on to a sense of optimism and hope for one of my favorite movie houses
Please excuse the somewhat “crude” analogy but is the assumption correct that the Clairidge is rather “dead in the water” with little or no chance of re-opening as an “art house” theater?
Hi,
I guess I’m trying to be hopeful, but is this a permanent closure or is Bow Tie’s Clairidge just “waiting out” the pandemic? So sad if this is permanent…. for me, the only “art house” in the New Jersey area!!!
I’m trying to maintain a sense of optimism in that if the Loews Jersey is “transformed” into a performing arts center the show runners can strike a “happy medium” between concert performances and classic film programs. (As a self-declared classic film fanatic, I’d hate to see another vintage film venue fall by the wayside.)
And I’m still wondering. how will the Journal Square area handle the one thousand or more ticket-holding concert fans as they converge the
on Lowes for a concert event?
Yes, that’s what I’ve read over at the Loews Facebook page recently. I am hopeful that “renovate”, in this case means installing a functional air conditioning system (to allow summer screenings!) and perhaps “improved” projection facilities such as 70mm. Color me “skeptical” but I hope none of the beautiful character and atmosphere of this grand movie palace is lost as the renovations proceed. And… I wonder where the money is coming from, especially during these “tough times”? (Private investors?)
Would anyone have any up-dates as to the status of this terrific theatre? There hasn’t been any movie activity (or much of “any” activity) since October.(As I understand it, they’ve been having some issues with their digital projection.) I regularly check their Facebook page..which is a small group of us asking the same question and their “official” website which seems to be a ghost town in terms of new events. (By this time of year, the Loews would be in the process of announcing their Holiday Programs but, as of this morning….nothing!)
I may be wrong, but every time I drive pass the Bellvue there seems to be some activity on the marquee re: a re-opening. Any up-dates as to when or if this might be happening?
What a truly sad state of affairs that the community of Edgewater (and its surroundings) could not (or would not) help sustain this beautiful 19 year-old (????) theater with its patronage! I’ve often read that it was some of the “highway” theaters (G S 16 etc.), which provide some additional “bells and whistles” with their feature presentations, that contributed to the downward spiral of this wonderful cinema venue. Please excuse my frustration but I’m the type of person who believes that we can never have enough movies theaters, especially of the “independent” type.
When you say soon to be a “Landmark Theatre”, does this mean the Quad is being taken over by a “national chain” ? If so will the type of films they present (independent, foriegn etc.) change in any way or will they continue with this type of films as they have in the past?
My hat will always be off to the great Loew’s Jersey for presenting (this weekend, Mar. 29-30) films which are, shall we say not within the framework of the current P.C. climate. Great program featuring “A Clockwork Orange” and “Blazing Saddles” P.C. police please stay away!
Any up-dates as to when or if the Bellvue will re-open?
Very well-said, Jodar. I just hope Jersey City would be willing to “foot the bill”.
Hi Theatrefan,
Perhaps I’m just getting a bit cynical but it seems to me the Loews just can’t seem to get a break! First, quite a few years ago Jersey City seemed to be talking about tearing it down, then FOL stepped in. Now the building has been sitting dormant for (what is it,) two to three years? And finally the possibility of a “renovation” cost of 70 mil. being raised to nearly 100 mil.? (If I have my figures straight?). What really is the “bottom line” here? Politics? Greed? Apathy? Mis-information? (all of the above? I wonder if we’ll really know the “truth”?
Re: Loews Jersey, I wonder if there are any photos any where that illustrate the re-construction (if anything has started.) of this wonderful theater.
I was always in the audience at Film Forum when they featured their fantasy and Science Fiction Festivals (which, if memory serves were always well-attended.) But as you say..a thing of the long ago past. These programs were always worth a journey on the PATH train.
The last bit of news I read (and this is by no means conclusive!) is that the “re-opening” date has now been scheduled for 2026!!!! I’m beginning to get a bit “concerned” as most of the film venues that featured “classic” films of various genres as part of their regular schedule (The Lafayette in Suffern, NY, Film Forum in NYC) seem to be dropping their classics due to “lack of interest”. Although, to be fair there is a relatively new venue, The Barrymore Center which opened in Fort Lee, NJ a short time ago.
I wonder what this theater building is currently being used for? Perhaps a new “classic” theater might appear someday!
I never took the opportunity to visit the Rosebud and I’m very sorry for my neglect. I think the optimum phrase here is “to go out”, no matter what the screen size. In the past I often visited the “Film Forum” on Houston Street in NYC, whose screens are quite small but the enjoyment of their films was never effected by the size of their screens.
I hope so too, Bill! The Loews, in all of its collective glory and beauty has been such an oasis for so many film lovers over the past twenty-five years or so… I hope its beauty and heritage are respected and maintained! (As someone who grew up in Hudson County I completely “get” the “hesitation” of many of us regarding local politicians!)
Let’s hope we get the opportunity for a few more classic film programs during the fall and winter of 2021 before the 2022 restoration “shutdown”.
Hi, Is there any “post covid” interest in re-opening this great, neighborhood theater? I, personally would travel just about any distance to attend some films at my old, childhood “haunt”!
It’s only because I’ve loved attending the independent and “European” offerings over the past 20 or so years that I might seem a bit “impatient” for information but, is there an official Clairidge web site that would provide periodic up-dates as to the fate of this wonderful venue? (whether it’s permanently closed or in the process of being renovated? And if so, is there some kind of timeline as to its completion?) I know these are nearly impossible and or, at best tough questions to answer during these “times” but I’m trying to hold on to a sense of optimism and hope for one of my favorite movie houses
I passed by the Bellvue on Friday and the marquee read, “Coming Soon”. Not sure how long that message has been up.
Please excuse the somewhat “crude” analogy but is the assumption correct that the Clairidge is rather “dead in the water” with little or no chance of re-opening as an “art house” theater?
Has the Quad Cinema ever considered an “on-line streaming” program, like the Film Forum to bring in some much-needed funds?
Hi, I guess I’m trying to be hopeful, but is this a permanent closure or is Bow Tie’s Clairidge just “waiting out” the pandemic? So sad if this is permanent…. for me, the only “art house” in the New Jersey area!!!
I’m trying to maintain a sense of optimism in that if the Loews Jersey is “transformed” into a performing arts center the show runners can strike a “happy medium” between concert performances and classic film programs. (As a self-declared classic film fanatic, I’d hate to see another vintage film venue fall by the wayside.) And I’m still wondering. how will the Journal Square area handle the one thousand or more ticket-holding concert fans as they converge the on Lowes for a concert event?
Yes, that’s what I’ve read over at the Loews Facebook page recently. I am hopeful that “renovate”, in this case means installing a functional air conditioning system (to allow summer screenings!) and perhaps “improved” projection facilities such as 70mm. Color me “skeptical” but I hope none of the beautiful character and atmosphere of this grand movie palace is lost as the renovations proceed. And… I wonder where the money is coming from, especially during these “tough times”? (Private investors?)
Thanks, Markp, But I’ve got an appointment with a Wookie and some Storm Troopers, this Saturday. I hope the film program goes well for you.
Would anyone have any up-dates as to the status of this terrific theatre? There hasn’t been any movie activity (or much of “any” activity) since October.(As I understand it, they’ve been having some issues with their digital projection.) I regularly check their Facebook page..which is a small group of us asking the same question and their “official” website which seems to be a ghost town in terms of new events. (By this time of year, the Loews would be in the process of announcing their Holiday Programs but, as of this morning….nothing!)
I may be wrong, but every time I drive pass the Bellvue there seems to be some activity on the marquee re: a re-opening. Any up-dates as to when or if this might be happening?
Any up-dates on the “fate” of the Summit?
What a truly sad state of affairs that the community of Edgewater (and its surroundings) could not (or would not) help sustain this beautiful 19 year-old (????) theater with its patronage! I’ve often read that it was some of the “highway” theaters (G S 16 etc.), which provide some additional “bells and whistles” with their feature presentations, that contributed to the downward spiral of this wonderful cinema venue. Please excuse my frustration but I’m the type of person who believes that we can never have enough movies theaters, especially of the “independent” type.
When you say soon to be a “Landmark Theatre”, does this mean the Quad is being taken over by a “national chain” ? If so will the type of films they present (independent, foriegn etc.) change in any way or will they continue with this type of films as they have in the past?
My hat will always be off to the great Loew’s Jersey for presenting (this weekend, Mar. 29-30) films which are, shall we say not within the framework of the current P.C. climate. Great program featuring “A Clockwork Orange” and “Blazing Saddles” P.C. police please stay away!