Comments from Kenneth Johnson

Showing 25 comments

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Renaissance Cinemas on Oct 6, 2013 at 5:08 am

Ellis Isle Cinema opened in 1974 behind the Ellis Isle Shopping Center which was anchored by Food Center Warehouse (later Sack & Save), Super D Drug Store, Woolco Dept Store (later Wal*Mart). Ellis Isle Cinema was originally a Twin cinema operated by Baton Rouge/New Orleans based Ogden-Perry Theaters. The cinema is free standing and faces Interstate 20. It has a auditoriums on both sides of the building with a concessions/lobby in the center of the building. In 1978, both auditoriums was divided forming 4 auditoriums and became known as Ellis Isle 4. In 1984, Gulf States Theatres acquired the Ogden-Perry chain. In 1986, United Artists Theatres acquired the local Gulf States Theatres assets. In 1989, one of the larger auditoriums was divided again forming 5 auditoriums. In 1995, Cobb Theatres acquired Ellis Isle 5, Metrocenter 4 and Meadowbrook 6. In 1997, Regal Cinemas acquired Ellis Isle 5, Metrocenter 4, Meadowbrook 6. In 1998, Regal Cinemas ceased operations of Ellis Isle 5 but was reverted back to United Artists (who held the lease). In 2000, the Ellis Isle Cinemas was closed due to UA bankruptcy restructuring. In 2013, after renovations, Jackson based Magic Cinemas reopened the cinema renamed Renaissance Centre 5 (in light of the shopping center renaming).

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Tinseltown USA 17 on Sep 30, 2013 at 8:35 pm

I added Cinemark 17 XD Pearl/Jackson picture. Like other Tinseltown locations, the brand is being phased out in favor of simply Cinemark branding.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Broadmoor Cinemas on Sep 17, 2013 at 12:02 am

The old Broadmoor Cinemas is on the very end next to Its Fashion Metro. The building is still in tact, but vacant, and has not been converted into retail.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Golden Ticket Meridian 9 on Sep 13, 2013 at 7:01 am

Regal Entertainment Group kept most all of the UA branded theaters as UA unless they renovated them in which case they reopened as Regal.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Fun Movie Grill MacArthur Marketplace on Sep 11, 2013 at 5:56 pm

Opened 1999 as United Artists MacArthur Marketplace Stadium 16. In 2002, Regal Entertainment Group took over operations of this cinema as well as all of United Artists assets because of the Regal/UA acquisition. Regal ceased operations of and closed MacArthur Marketplace Stadium 16 in January 2004. By October 2004, Marquee Cinemas had reopened the theater only to close it October 2005. June 2006, Hollywood Theatres reopened MacArthur Marketplace 16. 10 years later, Regal is back in operations at MacArthur Marketplace. In April 2013, MacArthur Marketplace Stadium 16 was once again under the operations of Regal Entertainment Group when Regal acquired Hollywood Theaters assets for $191 Million. By August 2013, it is now Regal MacArthur Marketplace Stadium 16 showing First Run and Bollywood films.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Bossier Corners Cinema 9 on Sep 11, 2013 at 4:22 pm

Still open, now a second run house.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Camelia Cinema IV on Sep 9, 2013 at 11:48 pm

This theater will be reopening soon by Jackson, Miss based chain “Magic Cinemas”

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Bel Air Luxury Cinema on Sep 8, 2013 at 9:42 am

No longer owned by Phoenix Theatres. As of 2009, This cinema is independently owned now just known as Bel Air 10 Digital Cinemas. www.belair10theater.com

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Renaissance Cinemas on Sep 4, 2013 at 3:43 am

Status should be changed to Open (renamed Renaissance Cinemas) by Magic Cinema LLC. As mentioned, Ellis Isle 4 has been sold to a local investment group, Magic Cinema LLC and has been renamed Renaissance Centre Cinemas (the shopping center was renamed to Renaissance Centre in 2009. The Ellis Isle Shopping Center became abandoned in 2005 when its major stores like Sack & Save Grocery Warehouse, Walmart, Big Lots, Sam’s Club, IHOP and Pizza Hut had closed and relocated. In 2009, the center was purchased by a Jackson mega church New Horizon Church International and renamed Renaissance Centre. The center itself now houses New Horizon Church, a coffee shop, book store, and a thrift shop. The theater manager/operator is Zachary Bittner. Previous ownership was Ogden-Perry Theatres, Gulf State Theatres, United Artists.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Del Mar Family Theatre on Sep 1, 2013 at 7:51 pm

Sir, this theater was originally the Arrow Theatre originally but became the Del Mar Theatre, a second run house in 1983 until about 1986-87. Thanks.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Rancho Cucamonga 6 on Sep 1, 2013 at 7:41 pm

This theater is now a church. Mountainview Faith Community Church.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Regency East Hills Mall 10 on Sep 1, 2013 at 7:22 pm

Richjr37 is correct. Regency East Hills Mall 10 is no longer a discount house and has switched to first run movies.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Meadowbrook Cinema 6 on Aug 29, 2013 at 6:19 pm

Meadowbrook Cinema 6 closed in 2000 under the United Artists Theatres banner.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Tinseltown USA 17 on Aug 29, 2013 at 6:18 pm

The “Tinseltown USA” sign has been removed from the building and the marquee sign now says CINEMARK.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Showtown Drive-In on Aug 26, 2013 at 7:12 pm

Yes. Traces of the drive in are still there at Westhaven and Highway 80.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Cotton Bowl Twin Cinema on Aug 26, 2013 at 6:38 pm

Cotton Bowl Cinema opened in 1971 as a one screen theater. It was twinned in the late 1970s and was renamed Cotton Bowl Twin Cinema. At some point, ownership changed and the cinema was renamed Cinema West 1 & 2. The cinema closed in 1993 and has been home to Victory Metropolitan Full Gospel Church since 1994. The conversion to a church has been very minimal. The concession stand, box office are still in the lobby. The building features two twin auditoriums both seating 300 a piece and has theater seats and movie screens in tact.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about SaiGon Performing Arts Center on Aug 26, 2013 at 3:15 pm

As of 2012, Star Performing Arts Center is back open as SaiGon Performing Arts Center, featuring Asian/ Vietnamese music and entertainment hosted by celebrities. SaiGon Performing Arts Center appears to be a success now.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Jackson Square Theater on Oct 9, 2011 at 7:35 am

I’ve recently started restoring the Jackson Square Theater. I started May 2010 restoring the Jackson Square Shopping Center which had been abandoned for many years. I’ve decided to restore the theater and operate it myself for performing arts, music/bands, classic films, second run films (when I can get them) and kids matinees. I’ve recently restored electricity in the concession stand, restrooms, and lobby and now working to restore electricity in the auditorium. Since the theater was home to Cornerstone Church for many years, the floor is now built up and no longer sloped. Since the floor is straight, I will do more or less a dinner theater concept. If anyone has any questions call the Jackson Square Shopping Center office and speak directly with me, Kenneth Johnson, 601-372-7157

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Twelve Oaks Theatre on Feb 24, 2010 at 3:47 pm

Twelve Oaks 4 is still standing. It was home to Atlanta Live and is now home to DREAMZ ATL night club since 2007. I believe the auditoriums are still in tact just used for different levels of the club like VIP, various other forms of entertainment operating simultaneously.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Starlight Terra Vista Cinemas on Nov 22, 2009 at 7:39 am

I need to make a correction to Terra Vista. After a recent tour, I’ve discovered that the owners of Terra Vista 5 Cinemas are TriStone Cinema Group, an independent operator, making a go of older cinemas. TriStone is known for their other cinemas, the recently reopened Brookhurst 4 Cinemas in Anaheim and Temeku 7 Cinemas in Temecula. Also this theater should be listed as Terra Vista 6 Cinemas not Stadium as this theater does not and never has featured stadium seating. I stand corrected.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Brookhurst 4 Cinemas on Nov 22, 2009 at 7:35 am

Yes, Brookhurst has reopened under TriStone Cinema Group, the same operators of Temeku 7 Cinemas in Temecula and Terra Vista 6 Cinemas in Rancho Cucamonga.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Cinemaland on Nov 21, 2009 at 8:27 am

I know, I haven’t found that they have a website. They’re wonderful people, they really believe in the community which they serve. The last I was through Bogalusa, the cinema was closed, the Coming Soon feature boards still had Magic Cinemas logo. Although the cinema was actually closed, they were there, along with a work crew cleaning and etc. I went inside and spoke briefly with them while they were preparing to reopen, they spoke with alot of positive and hope in their voices.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Sterling Cinemas on Nov 20, 2009 at 6:37 am

This cinema is now operated by the independent chain known as Regency Cinemas. They seem to be a respectable operation which seems to take over smaller more depressed cinemas to keep them from closing.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Reel Northgate Theatre on Nov 18, 2009 at 9:25 am

Northgate Reel Theatre has switched to 2nd run features so we should update the page to reflect that.

Kenneth Johnson
Kenneth Johnson commented about Cinemaland on Nov 18, 2009 at 6:54 am

This cinema, now known as Cinemaland, was reopened by a local Bogalusa couple Chad and Kimberly Chatellier. Cinemaland screens second run movies with admission of $2.00 and on occassions, they screen first run features. The phone number is 985-732-9600 for movie showtimes.