Vanishing Point? Wow, that would have been awesome on the curved screen!. I bet that Grand Prix looked spectacular, specially the scenes shot at the Monza track.
According to the late great Andres Roura, Fantastic Voyage, which was filmed in Cinemascope, was the first film to be screened at the Teatro Cinerama using anamorphic optics.
A few years go, while on vacation in NYC, I took a break from the usual tourist schedule, and headed to the Ziegfeld with my son. We had a great, wonderful time. The movie was “Up”, and the theater experience made it come alive. We took a few pictures, and chatted with some of the employees. I share the sentiment expressed by the comments here. It is a loss not only for Manhattan, but to all of us who love these places of wonder we simply call movie theatres.
Ultra-Panavision and some of the early single-lens Cinerama films had an aspect ratio of up to 2.76:1. But I think many were screened closer to a 2.55:1 AR, on account of the screen width.
Nothing like my all-time favorite film to get me back posting!
First time was at the Metro, San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1968. Latest viewing was at the Samuel Goldwyn, LA, in celebration of the 40th anniversary. In between, a few times at the Cinerama Dome, and one at Cal State Long Beach. All in 70 mm.
The visual, intellectual and sonic impact of this film are, personally, beyond description. After a 25+ year engineering career in the aerospace business, it is still a source of inspiration and hope. Would like to mention Wally Weevers, Douglas Trumbull, Con Pederson, Ray Lovejoy and Geoffrey Unsworth, who crafted the imagination of Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick.
It is with great sadness that I write these words. Mr. Andres Roura, CT member and dear friend, passed away Monday, January 14, 2013 in New York City. Mr. Roura contributed to CT under the names of Andres, andreco and AGR. He was an avid enthusiast of Cinerama and 70 MM. During his years in the “business”, he worked in the Ponce De Leon & Fernandez Juncos theatre “district” so to speak, including the Metropolitan, the Metro and of course the Cinerama, to name a few. His correspondence, conversations, anecdotes, tremendous generosity and advice will be missed, but not forgotten.
It would be nice if the Dome can get the new “2001” print. But I’m not sure if they are set for reel-to-reel anymore (anyone knows?). I doubt that Warner would let anyone run it in a platter.
For what it’s worth, from some of the web traffic on the subject, it appears that the new print is 70 MM/DTS.
The 70 MM “2001” print shown at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in 2008 was almost flawless. Stunning image and great sound.
Not being a qualified expert, one scene that always looked like Todd-AO to me was a shot looking at the pod bay from the POV of the lower control room, as one of the astronauts comes climbing down.
I too have my 2K doubts. Not sure if I’ll attend Sunday’s show…
Yes, the Campo Rico was also located at Campo Rico Ave, and I am pretty sure it was run by Wometco.
The Country Club would often show Tarzan movies on Sundays. It was a nice theatre. I saw “Marooned” there.
“Beneath the Planet of the Apes” played simultaneously at both Campo Rico and Country Club. Other popular runs at the Country Club were “The Green Berets” and “MASH”.
Well done, Michael. Your dedication to the members of the cast and crew who have since passed away speaks volumes of your integrity as a historian. Outstanding all the way.
I saw it 4 times during the opening weekend at the UA Cinema 150, Laguna Gardens, PR. Every single one of those shows was a sellout. Giant D-150 screen with astounding sound, the way a big film like this should be presented. In my opinion, it is superior to the original, yet it somehow manages to make “Star Wars” a better film.
If you visit the Cinerama Dome, after the show stop by either Unami Burger (N. Cahuenga Blvd) or Cat & Fiddle pub (Sunset Blvd). Pig & Whistle (Hollywood Blvd.) is also ok, and it’s right next to the Egyptian. Also try the Petersen Automotive Museum (Wilshire Blvd.). They have a Hollywood Gallery, featuring, among many cars, Steve McQueen’s Jaguar.
This is one of my all-time favorite motion pictures.
I saw it a few times as a child. My first viewing was at the Metropolitan in San Juan PR. We saw also at a drive-in, and also in my grade school play area, where a small screen was rigged for a family night show. But my favorite recollection was during one of the re-issues during the early 70’s (1973?), again at the Metropolitan. My grandmother and I put on our Sunday’s best. It’s hard to imagine people dressing up for movies these days, but it was different back then. When we arrived, I was surprised to see a line for a movie that old. We had a ball. All the magic was there, coming alive in that wonderful wall-to-wall screen. Many, many years later, towards the end of her life, I visited her and brought a VHS of the movie, which, of course, made her day. She passed away shortly after that. Today, as I read over Michael’s excellent tribute to the film’s anniversary, I cannot help but feel a little bit emotional and nostalgic. I like to think that, every time I see it, she’s somehow there watching it with me.
I don’t have an exact address, but my guess is 1650. The theater would have been be on the southeast corner. And no elevated parking. I would park on side streets, usually Bolivar, or San Jorge. Or take the bus ( #42, if I remember correctly).
Rick,
My answer comes from the patron’s point of view, as opposed to an owner/operator.
But first, let me state that we (i.e. my family) don’t bring snacks, food or drinks from the outside. I’m not judging others, but I think it’s wrong to do so, period. It doesn’t hurt my wallet to buy popcorn and small soft drinks, for a family or 3 with the occasional friends or guests. Ok, enough on that.
First, from my experience, we rarely return to the concession stand sometime after the first half hour of the feature or so. Given that is a good movie, we’re already involved into the plot to the extent that we don’t think of leaving the auditorium. Those times that I have to leave halfway and beyond (i.e. small children need “attention”, or my bladder needs relief), there’s hardly anyone in the stands. So it may make sense to shut down the operation.
For the second question, it depends. Again, form our experience with young children on hand, if we make a mess, we try first to clean it up to the best we can and notify management regardless, or if it’s too messy we tell them, and usually someone comes in and cleans up. In either case, we end up getting a refill, even without asking.
Unfortunately, not everyone behaves in a civilized manner. Often rude patrons make a mess for no other reason than to make a mess, and demand a refill without any consideration to the theatre or the other patrons. In those cases, a polite kick out of the premises is appropriate.
“2001: A Space Odyssey” was shown in English at the Metro in Ponce De Leon Avenue.
I never saw a film in Puerto Rico with a Spanish soundtrack, unless it was from Latin America or Spain. All the English-speaking films I saw there (from the mid-60’s to mid 80’s) were sub-titled. That’s not saying it didn’t happen, I just did not see or remember any. However, some of the coming attraction trailers had a Spanish speaking narrator.
Someone told me that these days some theaters show movies dubbed in Spanish, particularly family friendly fare.
It’s always great to see pictures of the Metro. Plus the fact that is still open for business, albeit in triplex form, is heart-warming as well. However, it makes me cringe a little bit looking at the titles on the marquee. (Saw VI! Have they made that many? Yikes!)
This is the place where many of my generation saw “2001: A Space Odyssey”, in 70 MM with 6-Track magnetic sound. Oh well, times change!
A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Hero (2002)
Minority Report (2002)
Master & Commander (2002)
Good Night & Good Luck (2005)
Thank You for Smoking (2006)
Diving Bell & the Butterfly (2007)
Dark Knight (2008)
Up (2009)
What really got me interested in “Star Trek” was Robert Wise.
I did not like it that much back then. Entertaining, but slow and boring at times. Did not see it again until last month, and oddly, in retrospect I consider it now one of the best in the series.
Vanishing Point? Wow, that would have been awesome on the curved screen!. I bet that Grand Prix looked spectacular, specially the scenes shot at the Monza track. According to the late great Andres Roura, Fantastic Voyage, which was filmed in Cinemascope, was the first film to be screened at the Teatro Cinerama using anamorphic optics.
JSA
A few years go, while on vacation in NYC, I took a break from the usual tourist schedule, and headed to the Ziegfeld with my son. We had a great, wonderful time. The movie was “Up”, and the theater experience made it come alive. We took a few pictures, and chatted with some of the employees. I share the sentiment expressed by the comments here. It is a loss not only for Manhattan, but to all of us who love these places of wonder we simply call movie theatres.
JSA
Long Beach, CA
No regular movies at Dolby in LA. Mostly live performances.
JSA
Ultra-Panavision and some of the early single-lens Cinerama films had an aspect ratio of up to 2.76:1. But I think many were screened closer to a 2.55:1 AR, on account of the screen width.
JSA
According to the in70mm site, the aspect ratio of the 5-perf 70 mm prints is 2.20:1.
JSA
Nothing like my all-time favorite film to get me back posting!
First time was at the Metro, San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1968. Latest viewing was at the Samuel Goldwyn, LA, in celebration of the 40th anniversary. In between, a few times at the Cinerama Dome, and one at Cal State Long Beach. All in 70 mm.
The visual, intellectual and sonic impact of this film are, personally, beyond description. After a 25+ year engineering career in the aerospace business, it is still a source of inspiration and hope. Would like to mention Wally Weevers, Douglas Trumbull, Con Pederson, Ray Lovejoy and Geoffrey Unsworth, who crafted the imagination of Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick.
JSA
It is with great sadness that I write these words. Mr. Andres Roura, CT member and dear friend, passed away Monday, January 14, 2013 in New York City. Mr. Roura contributed to CT under the names of Andres, andreco and AGR. He was an avid enthusiast of Cinerama and 70 MM. During his years in the “business”, he worked in the Ponce De Leon & Fernandez Juncos theatre “district” so to speak, including the Metropolitan, the Metro and of course the Cinerama, to name a few. His correspondence, conversations, anecdotes, tremendous generosity and advice will be missed, but not forgotten.
JSA
From today’s (4/12/12) LA Times:
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-et-0412-cinerama-20120412,0,7537749.story
JSA
It would be nice if the Dome can get the new “2001” print. But I’m not sure if they are set for reel-to-reel anymore (anyone knows?). I doubt that Warner would let anyone run it in a platter.
For what it’s worth, from some of the web traffic on the subject, it appears that the new print is 70 MM/DTS.
JSA
The 70 MM “2001” print shown at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in 2008 was almost flawless. Stunning image and great sound.
Not being a qualified expert, one scene that always looked like Todd-AO to me was a shot looking at the pod bay from the POV of the lower control room, as one of the astronauts comes climbing down.
I too have my 2K doubts. Not sure if I’ll attend Sunday’s show…
JSA
Eric & Kirk
Every time I saw “2001: A Space Odyssey” in 70 MM + 6-track stereo, projected on a Cinerama screen, I was “in the picture”!!
Watching “Avatar”, I wanted to be out…
JSA
Yes, the Campo Rico was also located at Campo Rico Ave, and I am pretty sure it was run by Wometco.
The Country Club would often show Tarzan movies on Sundays. It was a nice theatre. I saw “Marooned” there.
“Beneath the Planet of the Apes” played simultaneously at both Campo Rico and Country Club. Other popular runs at the Country Club were “The Green Berets” and “MASH”.
JSA
Well done, Michael. Your dedication to the members of the cast and crew who have since passed away speaks volumes of your integrity as a historian. Outstanding all the way.
I saw it 4 times during the opening weekend at the UA Cinema 150, Laguna Gardens, PR. Every single one of those shows was a sellout. Giant D-150 screen with astounding sound, the way a big film like this should be presented. In my opinion, it is superior to the original, yet it somehow manages to make “Star Wars” a better film.
JSA
If you visit the Cinerama Dome, after the show stop by either Unami Burger (N. Cahuenga Blvd) or Cat & Fiddle pub (Sunset Blvd). Pig & Whistle (Hollywood Blvd.) is also ok, and it’s right next to the Egyptian. Also try the Petersen Automotive Museum (Wilshire Blvd.). They have a Hollywood Gallery, featuring, among many cars, Steve McQueen’s Jaguar.
JSA
So what’s the deal with the recent 70 MM – DTS WSS print?
Isn’t that a restored print?
JSA
I posted a reminiscence of “The Sound of Music” at the Metropolitan in today’s 45th Anniversary article.
JSA
This is one of my all-time favorite motion pictures.
I saw it a few times as a child. My first viewing was at the Metropolitan in San Juan PR. We saw also at a drive-in, and also in my grade school play area, where a small screen was rigged for a family night show. But my favorite recollection was during one of the re-issues during the early 70’s (1973?), again at the Metropolitan. My grandmother and I put on our Sunday’s best. It’s hard to imagine people dressing up for movies these days, but it was different back then. When we arrived, I was surprised to see a line for a movie that old. We had a ball. All the magic was there, coming alive in that wonderful wall-to-wall screen. Many, many years later, towards the end of her life, I visited her and brought a VHS of the movie, which, of course, made her day. She passed away shortly after that. Today, as I read over Michael’s excellent tribute to the film’s anniversary, I cannot help but feel a little bit emotional and nostalgic. I like to think that, every time I see it, she’s somehow there watching it with me.
Thanks Michael!
JSA
Roland,thanks for posting the links!
JSA
Bob,
Sorry for the somewhat delayed response.
I don’t have an exact address, but my guess is 1650. The theater would have been be on the southeast corner. And no elevated parking. I would park on side streets, usually Bolivar, or San Jorge. Or take the bus ( #42, if I remember correctly).
JSA
Rick,
My answer comes from the patron’s point of view, as opposed to an owner/operator.
But first, let me state that we (i.e. my family) don’t bring snacks, food or drinks from the outside. I’m not judging others, but I think it’s wrong to do so, period. It doesn’t hurt my wallet to buy popcorn and small soft drinks, for a family or 3 with the occasional friends or guests. Ok, enough on that.
First, from my experience, we rarely return to the concession stand sometime after the first half hour of the feature or so. Given that is a good movie, we’re already involved into the plot to the extent that we don’t think of leaving the auditorium. Those times that I have to leave halfway and beyond (i.e. small children need “attention”, or my bladder needs relief), there’s hardly anyone in the stands. So it may make sense to shut down the operation.
For the second question, it depends. Again, form our experience with young children on hand, if we make a mess, we try first to clean it up to the best we can and notify management regardless, or if it’s too messy we tell them, and usually someone comes in and cleans up. In either case, we end up getting a refill, even without asking.
Unfortunately, not everyone behaves in a civilized manner. Often rude patrons make a mess for no other reason than to make a mess, and demand a refill without any consideration to the theatre or the other patrons. In those cases, a polite kick out of the premises is appropriate.
JSA
Bob,
Interesting topic!
“2001: A Space Odyssey” was shown in English at the Metro in Ponce De Leon Avenue.
I never saw a film in Puerto Rico with a Spanish soundtrack, unless it was from Latin America or Spain. All the English-speaking films I saw there (from the mid-60’s to mid 80’s) were sub-titled. That’s not saying it didn’t happen, I just did not see or remember any. However, some of the coming attraction trailers had a Spanish speaking narrator.
Someone told me that these days some theaters show movies dubbed in Spanish, particularly family friendly fare.
JSA
It’s always great to see pictures of the Metro. Plus the fact that is still open for business, albeit in triplex form, is heart-warming as well. However, it makes me cringe a little bit looking at the titles on the marquee. (Saw VI! Have they made that many? Yikes!)
This is the place where many of my generation saw “2001: A Space Odyssey”, in 70 MM with 6-Track magnetic sound. Oh well, times change!
JSA
This must be one of the rare instances were “Grand Prix” played longer than “2001”.
JSA
We have one more year left in the decade.
My favorite films, so far:
A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Hero (2002)
Minority Report (2002)
Master & Commander (2002)
Good Night & Good Luck (2005)
Thank You for Smoking (2006)
Diving Bell & the Butterfly (2007)
Dark Knight (2008)
Up (2009)
Others may come to mind later…
JSA
What really got me interested in “Star Trek” was Robert Wise.
I did not like it that much back then. Entertaining, but slow and boring at times. Did not see it again until last month, and oddly, in retrospect I consider it now one of the best in the series.
JSA