Moose1111: Why are my comments such an interest to you? Have you ever even been to the Woodbridge 5? It’s pretty obvious that I’m just marking the anniversary of noteworthy films that opened at the neighborhood theater I grew up with in my little corner of the world (if you’d bother to peruse my comments here over the years).
Instead of trolling what seems like every member that posts on this site, why don’t you reserve your comments for something more positive & constructive & maybe keep them limited to theaters you’ve actually visited? Until that epiphany, I’m happy to keep on confusing you.
Barry Levinson’s 1984 adaptation of Bernard Malamud’s “The Natural” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (May 11, 1984).
Starring Robert Redford, Glenn Close & Wilford Brimley, the beloved baseball fable debuted at number one on 989 screens and remained in the top 10 through late June, grossing just south of $48 million & finishing its run as the 15th highest-grossing film of 1984.
40 years later, “The Natural” is widely considered one of the greatest sports movies ever made.
As of today, the Metro Pointe 12 is still open over a year after the pending closure was announced. Curious if a new lease was negotiated or if it’s still on the chopping block. Anyone know more?
Ron Howard’s beloved Oscar-nominated 1984 hit romantic comedy “Splash” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (March 9, 1984).
Starring Tom Hanks (in his first leading film role), Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy & John Candy, the “fish out of water” tale debuted at number one on 829 screens (it would peak at 1,186 by week seven) and remained in the top 10 until mid-May, grossing north of $62 million & finishing its run at the 11th highest-grossing film of 1984.
Herbert Ross' beloved 1984 rock-and-roll fable “Footloose” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (February 17, 1984).
Starring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer & John Lithgow, the toe-tapping tale of a town that wasn’t allowed to dance debuted at number one on 1,384 screens (the largest rollout of the new year) & held the top spot for the next two weeks. It remained in the top 10 until early May, grossing $80 million & finishing its run as the 7th highest-grossing film of 1984.
The film’s success spawned an Oscar-nominated soundtrack, a 1998 musical and a 2011 remake.
Also opening at the Woodbridge that weekend: “Lassiter” starring Tom Selleck and “Blame it on Rio” starring Michael Caine.
The Laguna Hills Mall Cinemas opened 40 years ago today (Dec. 16, 1983). Opening day films included “Uncommon Valor,” “The Man Who Loved Women” & a double bill of Disney’s “The Rescuers” & “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”
Clint Eastwood’s “Sudden Impact” & John Carpenter’s “Christine” both opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (Dec. 9, 1983).
Each debuted on over 1,000 screens but it was Eastwood’s 4th installment of his Dirty Harry franchise that proved more popular with audiences, claiming the top spot for the next three weeks & finishing its run as the 7th highest-grossing film of ‘83 with a domestic take north of $67 million.
I can still remember seeing the “Sudden Impact” trailer repeatedly at the Woodbridge before it opened & the crowd going crazy every time Eastwood uttered “Go ahead, make my day.”
Bob Clark’s beloved 1983 holiday classic “A Christmas Story” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (Nov. 18, 1983).
Starring Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon & Peter Billingsley, the irreverent period comedy based on the writings of humorist Jean Shepherd opened at number three on 886 screens & remained in the top 10 through mid-December. The film was a modest success, grossing just shy of $17 million against a $3 million budget and finished its domestic run as the 36th highest-grossing film of 1983.
It wasn’t until it debuted on cable television a few years later that “A Christmas Story” really developed a following. By 1989 TBS was showing it Thanksgiving night and by 1997 the annual 24-hour Christmas Eve/Day marathon began its foothold as a holiday tradition. Today it is widely considered one of the greatest holiday movies ever made.
Also opening at the Woodbridge the same weekend: the John Hughes-scripted cult period adventure “Nate and Hayes” starring Tommy Lee Jones & Michael O'Keefe.
Netflix has announced a November 9, 2023 re-opening of the Egyptian with a “Special Event Screening” of David Fincher’s “The Killer.”
From there the American Cinematheque (which will continue programming on weekends) will host its “Ultra Cinematheque 70 Fest 2023” November 10-21 and then Bradly Cooper’s “Maestro” will screen November 22 - Dec. 7.
The 1983 James Bond adventure “Never Say Never Again” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (Oct. 7, 1983).
Directed by Irvin Kershner (“The Empire Strikes Back”) and starring Sean Connery in his triumphant return as 007 after a 12-year absence, the independently produced remake of “Thunderball” debuted at number one on over 1,500 screens and held the top spot for the next three weeks, remaining in the top ten through mid-December. The film would go on to gross just shy of $56 million in North America and finish its run as the 14th highest-grossing film of 1983.
“Never Say Never Again” was the second of two 007 films released in ‘83, the first being the “official” Eon-produced Bond entry “Octopussy” starring Roger Moore back in June of that year.
1983’s “Strange Invaders” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago this weekend (Sept. 16, 1983).
Starring Paul Le Mat, Nancy Allen & Louise Fletcher, the “aliens among us” thriller opened on just 274 screens & was gone from theaters after a few weeks, grossing under $1.5 million. But it gained a cult following over the years & remains a quirky love letter to sci-films of the ‘50s with a memorable score by John Addison.
1983’s “Hercules” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (August 26, 1983).
Produced by Cannon Films, shot in Italy & starring Lou Ferrigno as the titular strongman, the film debuted at number four on just over 1,000 screens & remained in the top 10 for two weeks, ultimately grossing just under $10 million domestically against a $6 million budget.
The film is considered one of Cannon’s more profitable endeavors, spawned a 1985 sequel & features a nice main theme by Pino Donaggio.
1983’s Smokey and the Bandit Part 3" opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (August 12, 1983).
Starring Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed & this time only featuring a cameo by Burt Reynolds, the critically maligned trilogy capper debuted at number 10 on a paltry 498 screens & saw its theater count slashed by 60% in week three.
The film made a short rebound over Labor Day weekend when Universal added another 262 screens, but it wasn’t enough to save an already submerged ship and the film finished its run with a domestic take of just $7 million, a far cry from the success of the previous two films.
Peter Hyams' little-seen 1983 Michael Douglas-starring thriller “Star Chamber” began a three-week stint at the Dome in 70mm 40 years ago this week (Aug 5, 1983).
Andrew Davis' Oscar-winning 1993 adaptation of “The Fugitive” opened at the Big Newport 30 years ago today (August 6, 1993).
Starring Harrison Ford, Sela Ward & Tommy Lee Jones, the highly anticipated action-thriller debuted at number one on 2,340 screens & held the top spot for the next five weeks, grossing just south of $184 million in North America & finishing its run as the third highest-grossing film of 1993.
The film was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture, and won for Best Supporting Actor (Jones). It remains a textbook for smart action filmmaking to this day.
1983’s “Risky Business” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (August 5, 1983).
Starring Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay & Joe Pantoliano as Guido the Killer Pimp, the “enterprising” high-school sex comedy debuted at number three on 670 screens but really found its audience at week three where it held the number two spot for the next six weeks, remaining in the top 10 through late October. It went on to gross just north of $63 million in North America & finish its run as the 10th highest-grossing film of 1983.
“Risky Business” is considered Cruise’s breakout film and is most remembered for his now-iconic living-room strut to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.”
Harold Ramis' 1983 adaptation of John Hughes' “National Lampoon’s Vacation” opened at the Saddleback 6 40 years ago today (July 29, 1983).
Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo & Randy Quaid, the family road-trip comedy debuted at number one on 1,175 and held the top spot for the next two weeks, remaining in the top ten through mid-October and finishing its run as the 11th highest-grossing film of 1983 with a gross just north of $61 million.
The film spawned five sequels over the next 32 years and remains one of the most beloved comedy franchises of all time.
Peter Yates' 1983 fantasy adventure “Krull” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (July 29, 1983).
Described as “Star Wars meets Excalibur,” the film debuted at number four on 1,281 screens but failed to find an initial audience in a crowded mid-summer field, grossing just north of $16 million domestically and finishing its run as the 41st highest-grossing film of 1983.
Over the years “Krull” has developed a cult following, featuring great early performances by Liam Neeson and Robbie Coltrane and a wonderful score by composer James Horner.
I can still remember riding my bike to see it at the Woodbridge opening day.
Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning 1998 adaptation of Robert Rodat’s “Saving Private Ryan” opened at the Big Newport 25 years ago this weekend (July 24, 1998).
Starring Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore & Matt Damon, the WWII drama debuted at number one on 2,453 screens at held the top spot for the next three weeks, remaining in the top 10 through early October. It would go to gross $216 million in North America & finish its domestic run as the highest-grossing film of 1998.
The film earned 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and won five, including Best Director for Spielberg.
Moose1111: Why are my comments such an interest to you? Have you ever even been to the Woodbridge 5? It’s pretty obvious that I’m just marking the anniversary of noteworthy films that opened at the neighborhood theater I grew up with in my little corner of the world (if you’d bother to peruse my comments here over the years).
Instead of trolling what seems like every member that posts on this site, why don’t you reserve your comments for something more positive & constructive & maybe keep them limited to theaters you’ve actually visited? Until that epiphany, I’m happy to keep on confusing you.
Barry Levinson’s 1984 adaptation of Bernard Malamud’s “The Natural” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (May 11, 1984).
Starring Robert Redford, Glenn Close & Wilford Brimley, the beloved baseball fable debuted at number one on 989 screens and remained in the top 10 through late June, grossing just south of $48 million & finishing its run as the 15th highest-grossing film of 1984.
40 years later, “The Natural” is widely considered one of the greatest sports movies ever made.
“Sixteen Candles” & “The Bounty” both opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago this weekend (May 4, 1984).
“Iceman” starring Timothy Hutton & “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” both opened at the Orange Mall 6 40 years ago today (April 13, 1984).
“Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes” & “Romancing the Stone” both opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (March 30, 1984).
As of today, the Metro Pointe 12 is still open over a year after the pending closure was announced. Curious if a new lease was negotiated or if it’s still on the chopping block. Anyone know more?
“The Ice Pirates” starring Robert Urich & “Tank” starring James Garner both opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (March 16, 1984).
Ron Howard’s beloved Oscar-nominated 1984 hit romantic comedy “Splash” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (March 9, 1984).
Starring Tom Hanks (in his first leading film role), Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy & John Candy, the “fish out of water” tale debuted at number one on 829 screens (it would peak at 1,186 by week seven) and remained in the top 10 until mid-May, grossing north of $62 million & finishing its run at the 11th highest-grossing film of 1984.
Herbert Ross' beloved 1984 rock-and-roll fable “Footloose” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (February 17, 1984).
Starring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer & John Lithgow, the toe-tapping tale of a town that wasn’t allowed to dance debuted at number one on 1,384 screens (the largest rollout of the new year) & held the top spot for the next two weeks. It remained in the top 10 until early May, grossing $80 million & finishing its run as the 7th highest-grossing film of 1984.
The film’s success spawned an Oscar-nominated soundtrack, a 1998 musical and a 2011 remake.
Also opening at the Woodbridge that weekend: “Lassiter” starring Tom Selleck and “Blame it on Rio” starring Michael Caine.
The Laguna Hills Mall Cinemas opened 40 years ago today (Dec. 16, 1983). Opening day films included “Uncommon Valor,” “The Man Who Loved Women” & a double bill of Disney’s “The Rescuers” & “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”
Clint Eastwood’s “Sudden Impact” & John Carpenter’s “Christine” both opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (Dec. 9, 1983).
Each debuted on over 1,000 screens but it was Eastwood’s 4th installment of his Dirty Harry franchise that proved more popular with audiences, claiming the top spot for the next three weeks & finishing its run as the 7th highest-grossing film of ‘83 with a domestic take north of $67 million.
I can still remember seeing the “Sudden Impact” trailer repeatedly at the Woodbridge before it opened & the crowd going crazy every time Eastwood uttered “Go ahead, make my day.”
Bob Clark’s beloved 1983 holiday classic “A Christmas Story” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (Nov. 18, 1983).
Starring Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon & Peter Billingsley, the irreverent period comedy based on the writings of humorist Jean Shepherd opened at number three on 886 screens & remained in the top 10 through mid-December. The film was a modest success, grossing just shy of $17 million against a $3 million budget and finished its domestic run as the 36th highest-grossing film of 1983.
It wasn’t until it debuted on cable television a few years later that “A Christmas Story” really developed a following. By 1989 TBS was showing it Thanksgiving night and by 1997 the annual 24-hour Christmas Eve/Day marathon began its foothold as a holiday tradition. Today it is widely considered one of the greatest holiday movies ever made.
Also opening at the Woodbridge the same weekend: the John Hughes-scripted cult period adventure “Nate and Hayes” starring Tommy Lee Jones & Michael O'Keefe.
Netflix has announced a November 9, 2023 re-opening of the Egyptian with a “Special Event Screening” of David Fincher’s “The Killer.”
From there the American Cinematheque (which will continue programming on weekends) will host its “Ultra Cinematheque 70 Fest 2023” November 10-21 and then Bradly Cooper’s “Maestro” will screen November 22 - Dec. 7.
More info at egyptiantheatre.com.
The 1983 James Bond adventure “Never Say Never Again” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (Oct. 7, 1983).
Directed by Irvin Kershner (“The Empire Strikes Back”) and starring Sean Connery in his triumphant return as 007 after a 12-year absence, the independently produced remake of “Thunderball” debuted at number one on over 1,500 screens and held the top spot for the next three weeks, remaining in the top ten through mid-December. The film would go on to gross just shy of $56 million in North America and finish its run as the 14th highest-grossing film of 1983.
“Never Say Never Again” was the second of two 007 films released in ‘83, the first being the “official” Eon-produced Bond entry “Octopussy” starring Roger Moore back in June of that year.
1983’s “Strange Invaders” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago this weekend (Sept. 16, 1983).
Starring Paul Le Mat, Nancy Allen & Louise Fletcher, the “aliens among us” thriller opened on just 274 screens & was gone from theaters after a few weeks, grossing under $1.5 million. But it gained a cult following over the years & remains a quirky love letter to sci-films of the ‘50s with a memorable score by John Addison.
m00se1111: I actually reference this site: https://incinerama.com/ctdome.htm. But thanks for thinking of me.
Ralph Bakshi’s 1983 animated dark fantasy “Fire and Ice” began a three-week stint at the Dome 40 years ago this week (Aug. 26, 1983).
1983’s “Hercules” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (August 26, 1983).
Produced by Cannon Films, shot in Italy & starring Lou Ferrigno as the titular strongman, the film debuted at number four on just over 1,000 screens & remained in the top 10 for two weeks, ultimately grossing just under $10 million domestically against a $6 million budget.
The film is considered one of Cannon’s more profitable endeavors, spawned a 1985 sequel & features a nice main theme by Pino Donaggio.
1983’s Smokey and the Bandit Part 3" opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (August 12, 1983).
Starring Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed & this time only featuring a cameo by Burt Reynolds, the critically maligned trilogy capper debuted at number 10 on a paltry 498 screens & saw its theater count slashed by 60% in week three.
The film made a short rebound over Labor Day weekend when Universal added another 262 screens, but it wasn’t enough to save an already submerged ship and the film finished its run with a domestic take of just $7 million, a far cry from the success of the previous two films.
Peter Hyams' little-seen 1983 Michael Douglas-starring thriller “Star Chamber” began a three-week stint at the Dome in 70mm 40 years ago this week (Aug 5, 1983).
Andrew Davis' Oscar-winning 1993 adaptation of “The Fugitive” opened at the Big Newport 30 years ago today (August 6, 1993).
Starring Harrison Ford, Sela Ward & Tommy Lee Jones, the highly anticipated action-thriller debuted at number one on 2,340 screens & held the top spot for the next five weeks, grossing just south of $184 million in North America & finishing its run as the third highest-grossing film of 1993.
The film was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture, and won for Best Supporting Actor (Jones). It remains a textbook for smart action filmmaking to this day.
1983’s “Risky Business” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (August 5, 1983).
Starring Tom Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay & Joe Pantoliano as Guido the Killer Pimp, the “enterprising” high-school sex comedy debuted at number three on 670 screens but really found its audience at week three where it held the number two spot for the next six weeks, remaining in the top 10 through late October. It went on to gross just north of $63 million in North America & finish its run as the 10th highest-grossing film of 1983.
“Risky Business” is considered Cruise’s breakout film and is most remembered for his now-iconic living-room strut to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.”
Harold Ramis' 1983 adaptation of John Hughes' “National Lampoon’s Vacation” opened at the Saddleback 6 40 years ago today (July 29, 1983).
Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo & Randy Quaid, the family road-trip comedy debuted at number one on 1,175 and held the top spot for the next two weeks, remaining in the top ten through mid-October and finishing its run as the 11th highest-grossing film of 1983 with a gross just north of $61 million.
The film spawned five sequels over the next 32 years and remains one of the most beloved comedy franchises of all time.
Peter Yates' 1983 fantasy adventure “Krull” opened at the Woodbridge 40 years ago today (July 29, 1983).
Described as “Star Wars meets Excalibur,” the film debuted at number four on 1,281 screens but failed to find an initial audience in a crowded mid-summer field, grossing just north of $16 million domestically and finishing its run as the 41st highest-grossing film of 1983.
Over the years “Krull” has developed a cult following, featuring great early performances by Liam Neeson and Robbie Coltrane and a wonderful score by composer James Horner.
I can still remember riding my bike to see it at the Woodbridge opening day.
Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning 1998 adaptation of Robert Rodat’s “Saving Private Ryan” opened at the Big Newport 25 years ago this weekend (July 24, 1998).
Starring Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore & Matt Damon, the WWII drama debuted at number one on 2,453 screens at held the top spot for the next three weeks, remaining in the top 10 through early October. It would go to gross $216 million in North America & finish its domestic run as the highest-grossing film of 1998.
The film earned 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and won five, including Best Director for Spielberg.