I thought it went very well. The restoration was gorgeous.Nice introduction to the film including a nice three minute feature on the restoration (forgive me, I did not retain the names of the nice folks doing the intros). This was the first time I viewed a film at the Basie. I do have a question on reel changes. I noticed audible cue tones, and wasn’t sure if these are on the print or not. Also the lower frame seemed off, but I’m not sure if it’s because of where the booth sits. I had a great time and will go back for future film presentations. It sure beats paying NJ Transit, parking or tolls to see movies like this in NYC.
I was also glad to see parents had brough their kids to this presentation. It gave me hope that future generations will keep the preservation of our film culture alive. Now, if we can only get a Kurosawa retrospective in Jersey.
Long Island Movies, I don’t think being a “true cinema lover” means I have to embrace today. I don’t get excited anymore at megaplexes. I have to rent a DVD if I want to see an arthouse movie. There aren’t any theaters in Middlesex County NJ that play foreign movies. Movie City in Edison doesn’t count.
Today’s cinemas are okay, but I find the presentation is designed for the obedient consumer. While I still like going to the movies, I have cut back from 40 a year in a theater to about six. If I don’t see the movie listings, the number will drop even lower.
What if I don’t put my desktop on the day I decide to go to a movie? Do I really have to go through options on the phone to get listings? Do I have to print timetables weekly?
“The Newark Star Ledger” prints the listings Thursday through Sunday. I guess I can use the Friday edition for the week. Which works if the schedule is the same.
The heck with it. I’ll just take the 20.50 (two adults eve) and rent four DVD’s.
moog
commented about
Cinema 9on
Mar 27, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Okay. I guess it’s time for me to admit to myself the movie theater will not return.
I can’t recall what the last movie I did see at Cinema 9 was. However, I remember the “Gone With The Wind” reissue in the 70’s. Warm feelings of showmanship remain such as watching the curtain close as the title card “Intermission” and the outgoing music appeared. My mom wouldn’t buy me more popcorn at intermission because of the prices. Good thing she doesn’t take me to the movies today.
Watching a midnight viewing of “Tommy” and falling asleep thanks to the pre movie beverages and other assorted chemicals consumed. I have since remained awake till the credits.
Or unable to see a Disney movie because the theater’s policy after 7 pm was that children 15 and under had to have and adult accompany them.
Looking out the car window at the marquee and wishing I can see the Rated R movies playing there. For example “Lenny”. Eventually I did see my first rated R movie at Cinema 9. The night before I was confirmed. “Saturday Night Fever”. That movie taught me words I didn’t know existed! Hey, might as well get my last sins in before the confirmation.
I have some more memories that are best saved for myself. For some reason I dreamed of this theater last night and wanted to share.
Side note, the Sayrewoods Theater (Country Buffet now closed stands in it’s spot) did play legit films occasionally.
Hi Ed. I remember you and your dad. I worked at Amboy from 89 thru 92. Not to go into a long history about myself but I also did the Rialto in Westfield under George Karros, a short run with the Essex local, Movie City pre Mega Movies Days, a rundown twin in Ocean Twp to help out and even Five Points in Union. I’m out of the business now with a pension job, but once in a while the Toto of “Cinema Paradiso” comes out and I look up at the booth with wonder. Theaters that I grew up with are not the palaces that Mr Karros worked but still hold childhood memories for me. GCC’s Menlo Park, Brunswick, Woodbridge and Madison Cinema. Also Cinema 9, The Walker Theater in Brooklyn, Radio City when they played movies and even the Turnpike Indoor.
I am glad I had the opportunity to work with Evelyn Stephens who worked at the Drive In and the Multiplex. I enjoyed the stories from the outdoor days. Sadly, Evelyn passed away this past winter.
I thought it went very well. The restoration was gorgeous.Nice introduction to the film including a nice three minute feature on the restoration (forgive me, I did not retain the names of the nice folks doing the intros). This was the first time I viewed a film at the Basie. I do have a question on reel changes. I noticed audible cue tones, and wasn’t sure if these are on the print or not. Also the lower frame seemed off, but I’m not sure if it’s because of where the booth sits. I had a great time and will go back for future film presentations. It sure beats paying NJ Transit, parking or tolls to see movies like this in NYC.
I was also glad to see parents had brough their kids to this presentation. It gave me hope that future generations will keep the preservation of our film culture alive. Now, if we can only get a Kurosawa retrospective in Jersey.
My wife and I are looking forward to this presentation tonight!
Looking forward to the March 24 presentation of “The Red Shoes”! Excited this will be my first movie at the Cound Basie.
Long Island Movies, I don’t think being a “true cinema lover” means I have to embrace today. I don’t get excited anymore at megaplexes. I have to rent a DVD if I want to see an arthouse movie. There aren’t any theaters in Middlesex County NJ that play foreign movies. Movie City in Edison doesn’t count.
Today’s cinemas are okay, but I find the presentation is designed for the obedient consumer. While I still like going to the movies, I have cut back from 40 a year in a theater to about six. If I don’t see the movie listings, the number will drop even lower.
What if I don’t put my desktop on the day I decide to go to a movie? Do I really have to go through options on the phone to get listings? Do I have to print timetables weekly?
“The Newark Star Ledger” prints the listings Thursday through Sunday. I guess I can use the Friday edition for the week. Which works if the schedule is the same.
The heck with it. I’ll just take the 20.50 (two adults eve) and rent four DVD’s.
Okay. I guess it’s time for me to admit to myself the movie theater will not return.
I can’t recall what the last movie I did see at Cinema 9 was. However, I remember the “Gone With The Wind” reissue in the 70’s. Warm feelings of showmanship remain such as watching the curtain close as the title card “Intermission” and the outgoing music appeared. My mom wouldn’t buy me more popcorn at intermission because of the prices. Good thing she doesn’t take me to the movies today.
Watching a midnight viewing of “Tommy” and falling asleep thanks to the pre movie beverages and other assorted chemicals consumed. I have since remained awake till the credits.
Or unable to see a Disney movie because the theater’s policy after 7 pm was that children 15 and under had to have and adult accompany them.
Looking out the car window at the marquee and wishing I can see the Rated R movies playing there. For example “Lenny”. Eventually I did see my first rated R movie at Cinema 9. The night before I was confirmed. “Saturday Night Fever”. That movie taught me words I didn’t know existed! Hey, might as well get my last sins in before the confirmation.
I have some more memories that are best saved for myself. For some reason I dreamed of this theater last night and wanted to share.
Side note, the Sayrewoods Theater (Country Buffet now closed stands in it’s spot) did play legit films occasionally.
Anthony
My last movie at this twin was “Cinema Paradiso”.
I didn’t go to this theater much. I lived closer to Madison Cinema and Cinema 9. But I would love to see pictures of this theater.
Does anyone know if movie ads from the Star Ledger or News Tribune are archived online anywhere? I can’t find any.
Hi Ed. I remember you and your dad. I worked at Amboy from 89 thru 92. Not to go into a long history about myself but I also did the Rialto in Westfield under George Karros, a short run with the Essex local, Movie City pre Mega Movies Days, a rundown twin in Ocean Twp to help out and even Five Points in Union. I’m out of the business now with a pension job, but once in a while the Toto of “Cinema Paradiso” comes out and I look up at the booth with wonder. Theaters that I grew up with are not the palaces that Mr Karros worked but still hold childhood memories for me. GCC’s Menlo Park, Brunswick, Woodbridge and Madison Cinema. Also Cinema 9, The Walker Theater in Brooklyn, Radio City when they played movies and even the Turnpike Indoor.
Anthony
I am glad I had the opportunity to work with Evelyn Stephens who worked at the Drive In and the Multiplex. I enjoyed the stories from the outdoor days. Sadly, Evelyn passed away this past winter.
Anthony