Yes, unfortunately that is the sad reality of today. However, when presentations are consistently riddled with problems, something must be done to up the quality control. An opening day film (packed house) with focus/sound/screen glare/framing/projector problems, is simply not acceptable. So much for ‘state-of-the-art’.
Agreed. The renovation of the historic theatre is not a problem, It’s beautiful, as most have said. While I minded the cineplex structure and parking garage, even those are not so bad and have some merit (the top of the parking garage provided a spectacular view of the 4th of July fireworks). However, after nearly two months of being open, the theatre’s management really needs to improve. Not opening the curtain is a minor quibble, but has been noted by a few, and would make a difference to the class of the place. Keeping an intermittent schedule for opening the balcony is also a gripe that really should be corrected. However, more major issues are lousy crowd management and more importantly, poor presentation. It’s not that hard to splice together film accurately and anyone running a projector should know this already. Worse, not having someone in the booth, AT ALL TIMES, to make corrections when needed is deplorable. Particularly for such a lavish and beautiful theatre.
Terry
No, the curtain did not open or close at any point. The screen was open when walking into the theatre. Even the promo video they run before the trailers (talking about the restoration project), shows the curtain opening. We can see that it is in operating condition. The right side, bottom part of the curtain looks to be covered up, and I assume that is the damaged section. It would be very dramatic and a completely authentic experience if the curtains opened and closed, appropriately.
As far as the music entering the theatre, I did not recognize it, but it sounded contemporary, and not appropriate to the vibe of the place. I think pipe organ music would be wonderful, or at least something soothing, not some trendy Muzak. This would be great when entering the lobby too. Also, the lights were very dim in entering the theatre, which made finding a seat difficult.
I saw WALL-E at the 7:30 show, Friday night, and the picture jumped out of frame (with the top of the image on the bottom of the screen, and the bottom on the top, and the frame line dead-center) during one of the more climactic sequences. It took a good 3 or 4 minutes to correct something that should have been instantaneous, had there been someone sitting in the booth. This upset me further when I learned from a friend that had seen an earlier show that day, that the same thing happened with his screening also. This should not be happening AT ALL, but an opening day film? Are you kidding me?
I was also disappointed when I walked into the theatre and asked if the balcony would be open, that it likely would not be. After getting lousy seats to start (it was a crowded showing), I noticed people up in the balcony just as the trailers were starting. If the balcony is going to be open (and it should), then that area should be available from the start, to people who came early, and not just at the last minute. The loges (first rows of the balcony) are the best seats in the house, and the unusual glare that I see from the ground level, is not visible from up there.
This theatre is beautiful, and the renovation of it into a modern cineplex is tasteful. I was completely against the building of the ugly parking garage and multiplex addition, and still am not crazy to have them here. That aside, the original building is fantastic. A wall in the lobby (opposite the original main entrance) has been carved out for a new snack bar, which now sits in the back of where the auditorium used to begin, but that is the only big change that I noticed. The murals on the upstairs mezzanine are in fragments, and hopefully will be restored soon. It’s been a dream of mine, for years to see this place showing movies again, and seeing the neon sign lit up at night is gorgeous and uplifting. I went to see “Indiana Jones” on Thursday night, for the 7pm showing, in the main auditorium. The screen was open upon entering the theatre, which was a bit disappointing, seeing as the lovely original curtain is still there. I know they are likely experiencing growing pains right now with the theatre just opening, but I was annoyed to find the brand new movie was badly scratched all the way through (after just a couple showings). I can only imagine this was the fault of an untrained or neglectful projectionist. The picture was out of focus for the first 20 minutes of the presentation, and there was the shadow of the film frame along the bottom and right side of the screen. The sound system is good, however. After watching this film, I went to check out the screening of “Singing in the Rain” that was happening on one of the newer screens. After a delay, because the film was threaded backwards (!), the movie ran fine. I noticed that both with the newer screens, as well as the main auditorium, however, that the screen material is highly reflective, resulting in glare (depending on where one is sitting). This is especially aggravating because it distracts from the movie. Hopefully as time passes, they will get their bearings and improve on the presentations, because the theatre itself is stunning, and a jewel for this city.
Standing on Market St, looking to where the entrance to this theatre was (above the current row of storefronts), one can see a mural on the side of the left-hand, corner building, that looks like a Spanish courtyard, as seen through arches. It’s quite colorful. Was this mural part of the theatre’s original lobby? If so, I am amazed it is still there, though it looks like it is part of the original wall of the theatre building, and possibly could not be removed during demolition.
I paid a visit to the Golden State recently, for an afernoon screening of “Vertigo”. The theatre is incredible inside. The lobby is plush, with antique furniture, drapes, tapestries hanging and an overall warm and cozy feeling that could only be had in the best of the vintage theatres. The work which went into restoring this place is quite impressive, and it’s almost hard to believe the interior is 80 years old. Everything looks fresh. The details, such as the lobby windows, looking into the auditorium, as well as the murals over the doorways, lend to whole charm. The film presentation was good, and the best part of all, they serve vintage sodas in the lobby. Now that’s class!
I would like to add to jackeboy’s comments: I too have noticed the quality of the prints going downhill. I have attended several screenings at the Castro within the last few months, and with each of them was something disappointing about the print and/or presentation. Namely, the 70mm festival. I saw “Tommy” there, which was not only totally faded, and worn, but just a useless, cropped print. It didn’t make any sense for the Castro to show this print, when there are FAR superior 35mm prints out there. I also saw the restored “Vertigo” as part of the festival, and having seen it at the Castro before in 70mm, this print was poorly presented with intermittent focus throughout. They also ran a poor quality, worn old print of “Psycho” earlier last month, which was the worst print I had ever seen of this film. I KNOW there are better prints out there currently. There definitely seems to be a lapse in print quality there, and though I am anticipating the 3-D festival, I am already skeptical. Does the Castro even have a silver screen for this?!
I would like to add to jackeboy’s comments: I too have noticed the quality of the prints going downhill. I have attended several screenings at the Castro within the last few months, and with each og them was something disappointing about the print and/or presentation. Namely, the 70mm festival. I saw “Tommy” there, which was not only totally faded, and worn, but just a useless, cropped print. It didn’t make any sense for the Castro to show this print, when there are FAR superior 35mm prints out there. I also saw the restored “Vertigo” as far of the festival, and having seen it at the Castro before in 70mm, this print was poorly presented with intermittent focus throughout. They also ran a poor quality, worn old print of “Psycho” earlier last month, which was the worst print I had ever seen of this film. I KNOW there are better prints out there currently. There definitely seems to be a lapse in print quality there, and though I am anticipating the 3-D festival, and am already skeptical. Does the Castro even have a silver screen for this?!
Robert,
Any chance of making your film publicly viewable someway? I (and I’m sure others) would love to see it. It seems to be very difficult to find photos of the T & D these days, much less film footage.
I just visited this theatre building for the first time. Wow, what impressive ornamentation this place has. Anyone know for certain what style this is? It looks very baroque, with cherubs holding a shield above the proscenium, majestic dragons, and small faces all around. The balcony is still there, blocked off, and the ceiling paintings are quite detailed, even for a theatre. The area that was once the lobby doesn’t look anything like it, and there is no front entrance…just windows. There is a store sign, though, that looks like a marquee. The entrance to the store is on the side (auditorium). Does anyone know if the original lobby was gutted, or is it hiding under the false ceiling, and walls? Also, does anyone know exactly when this theatre closed? The building exterior looks to be in remarkably good condition, and the (former) auditorium is lovely, to say the least.
The thing I remember strongest about this theater, was at least until the mid-1980s, the lobby (above the concession counter) had a bunch of posters of Robert Lippert-produced films hanging. I recall one for “The Fly” amongst a number of them for Westerns. This was a Lippert theater, so it was only fitting. Sometime in the mid-late ‘80s, the posters were removed in a remodel. I always wondered where they ended up.
This is one of the finer examples of deco in the Bay Area. The vertical neon sign, and the theatre’s main auditorium have been beautifully restored. The lobby is warm and inviting, with it’s etched-glass doors, plush carpeting, and chandeleirs. The main (original) auditorium is stunning. Beautiful original murals adorn the walls. A classy plush curtain hangs in front of the stage and the colors and lighting inside, remind you that you are indeed going out to see a movie (not in front of a TV).
The other two, added, auditoriums are not quite as impressive. The decoration in them is nice, but does not stand out like the main one’s does. Their screens are quite small, and frankly, if the movie I wanted to see was not playing in the main auditorium, I wouldn’t bother. Regardless though, this is a true class act of a theatre. A good example of an older theatre being tastefully rejuvinated.
The lobby of this theatre is still quite impressive, despite the wear of years of use. On a recent visit I noted what appeared to be some pipe coming out of patch of tile on the second level, and was told it used to be a water fountain. Would be nice if there was a real restoration project initiated on this place. I think it has promise for one. The auditoriums themselves are typical plexing…plain, boxy, rather small, and dull. I noted some decor on the walls of some of the auditoriums, but I wasn’t sure if it was original. Does anyone who visited this place when still a single screen remember which direction the original screen faced? I’m assuming it was on the left side of the building. Is the fly tower still in existence?
Does anyone know the exact dates when this theatre opened and then closed? How about photos of it (inside and out) while in operation? I passed by this location many times as a child, in the ‘80s, and I can’t seem to remember what it looked like. Was there a formal marquee in front?
This is one of the quirkiest and coolest theatres I have had the pleasure of visiting. Although the Egyptian motif is understandably 1920s (when the theatre was built), the look has a 1950s retro feel. I’m sure they have repainted over the years. Both stairwells in the lobby feature large seated pharaohs staring out to all the patrons entering, and above the lobby is a banner stating (I believe) “Through these doors pass the most wonderful people”. Colorful Egyptian decorations are placed about the concession stand. The auditorium continues the theme with two large columns forming the proscenium on either side of the stage, with hieroglyphic type illustrations along the walls. The original (main) auditorium features a nice, large screen. The upstairs “balcony” theaters are somewhat smaller, and plainer.
The is definately one of the nicer, more charming neighborhood theatres I’ve seen, and it carries a really great, warm feel to it. The marquee outside is massive, and it has one of the most impressive vertical/roof signs, with the profile of a pharaoh. It’s a fantastic example of neon, and looks wonderful when lit at night.
What’s not to love about the Castro? Aside from being a very charming, elegant theatre, it has one of the most intelligent and eclectic ongoing film programs in the bay area. Not to mention state of the art image and sound presentations. It was one of the few theatres in the country to be able to show the 1996 70mm restoration of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo”. In November 2002, Hitchcock’s daughter was present for a screening of the film, where the city designated that day as “Alfred Hitchcock Day in San Francisco”. What a memorable evening that was!
A very quaint, but beautiful neighborhood theatre, that has been very carefully and lovingly restored, as any old theatre could hope to be. This theatre has one of the warmest and most welcoming lobbies, with it’s vintage movie posters and tapestries hanging along the walls, and the smell of hot buttered popcorn wafting in the air.
The film presentations here are always first rate, and only the nicest prints are run. The 3-D festival in Spring 2000, was particularly memorable. Seeing a brand, new print of “Kiss Me Kate” in perfect, dual-projector 3-D and interlocked stereo sound goes down as one of my favorites movie-going experiences ever! May the Stanford keep going…it’s a treasure for sure!
I remember seeing “E.T.” here, back in 1982, as one of my earliest movie-going experiences…and what a memorable one it was. The line was around the block, and the theatre inside, crowded! For years, I would come here on weekends to see most of the Disney features. While some of the multiplexes in the area were ok, the Grand Lake was a special place. The mural along the stairwell, and the decorations in the main lobby areas are all ‘grand’. I’ve never been fond of the balcony being used as a second theatre. Having seen some films in the main theatre here recently, I thought the partitioning of the second floor looked particularly tacky. Hopefully that will be restored to its original state someday. The “Egyptian” and “Mayan” theaters on the sides are also very well done, but it’s the main theatre that has the nicest atmosphere, as only an authentic 1920s movie palace could have.
In the 80s, the matinees for the children’s movies used to begin with an amusing film, showing a boy and girl visiting the theatre and a narrator explaining proper audience manners. Is this still shown? It was very funny.
Probably Oakland’s funkiest theatre, and certainly one of its most fun! The Parkway is a very cozy neighborhood theatre with a great vibe. Thursday night “Thrillville” is a really fun experience, when exotic, and obscure films are presented on their main screen. Watching a 60s B-movie horror with an appreciative audience, while eating pizza and beer (in a loveseat) is truly something unique. Not to be missed!
For many years, this was my most favorite theatre in the bay area. You couldn’t beat the one-price double-features they used to run here, and the enthusiasm with which many of the films were presented, was memorable at the least. I saw a screening of William Castle’s “House on Haunted Hill” here in ‘93, where they actually recreated the original “Emerge-O” effect, and pulled a life-size skeleton over the audiences’ heads. It’s the only time I can recall being in a theatre, and having people stand up to take photos during a screening!
Then there was the screening of “The Tingler” from around the same time, where they had ushers dress up in Halloween masks and run up and down the isles screaming…such fun!! Of course, “Rocky Horror” was long-running at this theatre on weekends, but it’s the other stuff I enjoyed the most.
It had a wonderful old-time feel to it. The floor was wood, and was sloped. There were dimly-lit lamps in the alcoves next to the screen. The ambience was great. Shortly before this theatre closed, they celebrated an anniversary and had a new screen installed. Too bad it couldn’t have remained open. After closing, the marquee read, “Hello, I must be going”…a Groucho Marx quote. If you called the theatre’s answering machine at that time…instead of the usual program schedule, they had a sound effect tape playing of an empty room with wind blowing through (like a haunted house). How sad. Something really must be done to reopen and restore this terrific old theatre. It’s Berkeley’s jewel, to be sure.
My favorite theatre! This place is one of the grandest and most oppulent movie palaces one could ever hope to visit. Walking into the main lobby, with its gold ornamentations along the walls, curving staircase and glowing light fixtures is like taking a trip back through Old Hollywood. The auditorium is a sight to see, and waiting to see one of their movie programs, while listening to their house organist play the Mighty Wurlitzer is an awesome experience. Truly a treasure…there aren’t many theatres quite like the Paramount!
Having seen photos of what this former Naval Air Station theatre looked like before the current management renovated it, I can say that they did a fantastic job of transforming it into a deco-style venue for vintage films. The selection of movies run is very impressive, and the presentation of them is generally a class act. Hopefully the turnout continues to grow, so they will be able to keep this going. It’s a jewl for the bay area!
Yes, unfortunately that is the sad reality of today. However, when presentations are consistently riddled with problems, something must be done to up the quality control. An opening day film (packed house) with focus/sound/screen glare/framing/projector problems, is simply not acceptable. So much for ‘state-of-the-art’.
Agreed. The renovation of the historic theatre is not a problem, It’s beautiful, as most have said. While I minded the cineplex structure and parking garage, even those are not so bad and have some merit (the top of the parking garage provided a spectacular view of the 4th of July fireworks). However, after nearly two months of being open, the theatre’s management really needs to improve. Not opening the curtain is a minor quibble, but has been noted by a few, and would make a difference to the class of the place. Keeping an intermittent schedule for opening the balcony is also a gripe that really should be corrected. However, more major issues are lousy crowd management and more importantly, poor presentation. It’s not that hard to splice together film accurately and anyone running a projector should know this already. Worse, not having someone in the booth, AT ALL TIMES, to make corrections when needed is deplorable. Particularly for such a lavish and beautiful theatre.
Terry
No, the curtain did not open or close at any point. The screen was open when walking into the theatre. Even the promo video they run before the trailers (talking about the restoration project), shows the curtain opening. We can see that it is in operating condition. The right side, bottom part of the curtain looks to be covered up, and I assume that is the damaged section. It would be very dramatic and a completely authentic experience if the curtains opened and closed, appropriately.
As far as the music entering the theatre, I did not recognize it, but it sounded contemporary, and not appropriate to the vibe of the place. I think pipe organ music would be wonderful, or at least something soothing, not some trendy Muzak. This would be great when entering the lobby too. Also, the lights were very dim in entering the theatre, which made finding a seat difficult.
I saw WALL-E at the 7:30 show, Friday night, and the picture jumped out of frame (with the top of the image on the bottom of the screen, and the bottom on the top, and the frame line dead-center) during one of the more climactic sequences. It took a good 3 or 4 minutes to correct something that should have been instantaneous, had there been someone sitting in the booth. This upset me further when I learned from a friend that had seen an earlier show that day, that the same thing happened with his screening also. This should not be happening AT ALL, but an opening day film? Are you kidding me?
I was also disappointed when I walked into the theatre and asked if the balcony would be open, that it likely would not be. After getting lousy seats to start (it was a crowded showing), I noticed people up in the balcony just as the trailers were starting. If the balcony is going to be open (and it should), then that area should be available from the start, to people who came early, and not just at the last minute. The loges (first rows of the balcony) are the best seats in the house, and the unusual glare that I see from the ground level, is not visible from up there.
This theatre is beautiful, and the renovation of it into a modern cineplex is tasteful. I was completely against the building of the ugly parking garage and multiplex addition, and still am not crazy to have them here. That aside, the original building is fantastic. A wall in the lobby (opposite the original main entrance) has been carved out for a new snack bar, which now sits in the back of where the auditorium used to begin, but that is the only big change that I noticed. The murals on the upstairs mezzanine are in fragments, and hopefully will be restored soon. It’s been a dream of mine, for years to see this place showing movies again, and seeing the neon sign lit up at night is gorgeous and uplifting. I went to see “Indiana Jones” on Thursday night, for the 7pm showing, in the main auditorium. The screen was open upon entering the theatre, which was a bit disappointing, seeing as the lovely original curtain is still there. I know they are likely experiencing growing pains right now with the theatre just opening, but I was annoyed to find the brand new movie was badly scratched all the way through (after just a couple showings). I can only imagine this was the fault of an untrained or neglectful projectionist. The picture was out of focus for the first 20 minutes of the presentation, and there was the shadow of the film frame along the bottom and right side of the screen. The sound system is good, however. After watching this film, I went to check out the screening of “Singing in the Rain” that was happening on one of the newer screens. After a delay, because the film was threaded backwards (!), the movie ran fine. I noticed that both with the newer screens, as well as the main auditorium, however, that the screen material is highly reflective, resulting in glare (depending on where one is sitting). This is especially aggravating because it distracts from the movie. Hopefully as time passes, they will get their bearings and improve on the presentations, because the theatre itself is stunning, and a jewel for this city.
Standing on Market St, looking to where the entrance to this theatre was (above the current row of storefronts), one can see a mural on the side of the left-hand, corner building, that looks like a Spanish courtyard, as seen through arches. It’s quite colorful. Was this mural part of the theatre’s original lobby? If so, I am amazed it is still there, though it looks like it is part of the original wall of the theatre building, and possibly could not be removed during demolition.
I paid a visit to the Golden State recently, for an afernoon screening of “Vertigo”. The theatre is incredible inside. The lobby is plush, with antique furniture, drapes, tapestries hanging and an overall warm and cozy feeling that could only be had in the best of the vintage theatres. The work which went into restoring this place is quite impressive, and it’s almost hard to believe the interior is 80 years old. Everything looks fresh. The details, such as the lobby windows, looking into the auditorium, as well as the murals over the doorways, lend to whole charm. The film presentation was good, and the best part of all, they serve vintage sodas in the lobby. Now that’s class!
I would like to add to jackeboy’s comments: I too have noticed the quality of the prints going downhill. I have attended several screenings at the Castro within the last few months, and with each of them was something disappointing about the print and/or presentation. Namely, the 70mm festival. I saw “Tommy” there, which was not only totally faded, and worn, but just a useless, cropped print. It didn’t make any sense for the Castro to show this print, when there are FAR superior 35mm prints out there. I also saw the restored “Vertigo” as part of the festival, and having seen it at the Castro before in 70mm, this print was poorly presented with intermittent focus throughout. They also ran a poor quality, worn old print of “Psycho” earlier last month, which was the worst print I had ever seen of this film. I KNOW there are better prints out there currently. There definitely seems to be a lapse in print quality there, and though I am anticipating the 3-D festival, I am already skeptical. Does the Castro even have a silver screen for this?!
I would like to add to jackeboy’s comments: I too have noticed the quality of the prints going downhill. I have attended several screenings at the Castro within the last few months, and with each og them was something disappointing about the print and/or presentation. Namely, the 70mm festival. I saw “Tommy” there, which was not only totally faded, and worn, but just a useless, cropped print. It didn’t make any sense for the Castro to show this print, when there are FAR superior 35mm prints out there. I also saw the restored “Vertigo” as far of the festival, and having seen it at the Castro before in 70mm, this print was poorly presented with intermittent focus throughout. They also ran a poor quality, worn old print of “Psycho” earlier last month, which was the worst print I had ever seen of this film. I KNOW there are better prints out there currently. There definitely seems to be a lapse in print quality there, and though I am anticipating the 3-D festival, and am already skeptical. Does the Castro even have a silver screen for this?!
Robert,
Any chance of making your film publicly viewable someway? I (and I’m sure others) would love to see it. It seems to be very difficult to find photos of the T & D these days, much less film footage.
I just visited this theatre building for the first time. Wow, what impressive ornamentation this place has. Anyone know for certain what style this is? It looks very baroque, with cherubs holding a shield above the proscenium, majestic dragons, and small faces all around. The balcony is still there, blocked off, and the ceiling paintings are quite detailed, even for a theatre. The area that was once the lobby doesn’t look anything like it, and there is no front entrance…just windows. There is a store sign, though, that looks like a marquee. The entrance to the store is on the side (auditorium). Does anyone know if the original lobby was gutted, or is it hiding under the false ceiling, and walls? Also, does anyone know exactly when this theatre closed? The building exterior looks to be in remarkably good condition, and the (former) auditorium is lovely, to say the least.
The thing I remember strongest about this theater, was at least until the mid-1980s, the lobby (above the concession counter) had a bunch of posters of Robert Lippert-produced films hanging. I recall one for “The Fly” amongst a number of them for Westerns. This was a Lippert theater, so it was only fitting. Sometime in the mid-late ‘80s, the posters were removed in a remodel. I always wondered where they ended up.
This theatre’s original art deco painted ceiling still exists underneath the current false drop-ceiling.
This is one of the finer examples of deco in the Bay Area. The vertical neon sign, and the theatre’s main auditorium have been beautifully restored. The lobby is warm and inviting, with it’s etched-glass doors, plush carpeting, and chandeleirs. The main (original) auditorium is stunning. Beautiful original murals adorn the walls. A classy plush curtain hangs in front of the stage and the colors and lighting inside, remind you that you are indeed going out to see a movie (not in front of a TV).
The other two, added, auditoriums are not quite as impressive. The decoration in them is nice, but does not stand out like the main one’s does. Their screens are quite small, and frankly, if the movie I wanted to see was not playing in the main auditorium, I wouldn’t bother. Regardless though, this is a true class act of a theatre. A good example of an older theatre being tastefully rejuvinated.
The lobby of this theatre is still quite impressive, despite the wear of years of use. On a recent visit I noted what appeared to be some pipe coming out of patch of tile on the second level, and was told it used to be a water fountain. Would be nice if there was a real restoration project initiated on this place. I think it has promise for one. The auditoriums themselves are typical plexing…plain, boxy, rather small, and dull. I noted some decor on the walls of some of the auditoriums, but I wasn’t sure if it was original. Does anyone who visited this place when still a single screen remember which direction the original screen faced? I’m assuming it was on the left side of the building. Is the fly tower still in existence?
Does anyone know the exact dates when this theatre opened and then closed? How about photos of it (inside and out) while in operation? I passed by this location many times as a child, in the ‘80s, and I can’t seem to remember what it looked like. Was there a formal marquee in front?
This is one of the quirkiest and coolest theatres I have had the pleasure of visiting. Although the Egyptian motif is understandably 1920s (when the theatre was built), the look has a 1950s retro feel. I’m sure they have repainted over the years. Both stairwells in the lobby feature large seated pharaohs staring out to all the patrons entering, and above the lobby is a banner stating (I believe) “Through these doors pass the most wonderful people”. Colorful Egyptian decorations are placed about the concession stand. The auditorium continues the theme with two large columns forming the proscenium on either side of the stage, with hieroglyphic type illustrations along the walls. The original (main) auditorium features a nice, large screen. The upstairs “balcony” theaters are somewhat smaller, and plainer.
The is definately one of the nicer, more charming neighborhood theatres I’ve seen, and it carries a really great, warm feel to it. The marquee outside is massive, and it has one of the most impressive vertical/roof signs, with the profile of a pharaoh. It’s a fantastic example of neon, and looks wonderful when lit at night.
What’s not to love about the Castro? Aside from being a very charming, elegant theatre, it has one of the most intelligent and eclectic ongoing film programs in the bay area. Not to mention state of the art image and sound presentations. It was one of the few theatres in the country to be able to show the 1996 70mm restoration of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo”. In November 2002, Hitchcock’s daughter was present for a screening of the film, where the city designated that day as “Alfred Hitchcock Day in San Francisco”. What a memorable evening that was!
A very quaint, but beautiful neighborhood theatre, that has been very carefully and lovingly restored, as any old theatre could hope to be. This theatre has one of the warmest and most welcoming lobbies, with it’s vintage movie posters and tapestries hanging along the walls, and the smell of hot buttered popcorn wafting in the air.
The film presentations here are always first rate, and only the nicest prints are run. The 3-D festival in Spring 2000, was particularly memorable. Seeing a brand, new print of “Kiss Me Kate” in perfect, dual-projector 3-D and interlocked stereo sound goes down as one of my favorites movie-going experiences ever! May the Stanford keep going…it’s a treasure for sure!
I remember seeing “E.T.” here, back in 1982, as one of my earliest movie-going experiences…and what a memorable one it was. The line was around the block, and the theatre inside, crowded! For years, I would come here on weekends to see most of the Disney features. While some of the multiplexes in the area were ok, the Grand Lake was a special place. The mural along the stairwell, and the decorations in the main lobby areas are all ‘grand’. I’ve never been fond of the balcony being used as a second theatre. Having seen some films in the main theatre here recently, I thought the partitioning of the second floor looked particularly tacky. Hopefully that will be restored to its original state someday. The “Egyptian” and “Mayan” theaters on the sides are also very well done, but it’s the main theatre that has the nicest atmosphere, as only an authentic 1920s movie palace could have.
In the 80s, the matinees for the children’s movies used to begin with an amusing film, showing a boy and girl visiting the theatre and a narrator explaining proper audience manners. Is this still shown? It was very funny.
Probably Oakland’s funkiest theatre, and certainly one of its most fun! The Parkway is a very cozy neighborhood theatre with a great vibe. Thursday night “Thrillville” is a really fun experience, when exotic, and obscure films are presented on their main screen. Watching a 60s B-movie horror with an appreciative audience, while eating pizza and beer (in a loveseat) is truly something unique. Not to be missed!
For many years, this was my most favorite theatre in the bay area. You couldn’t beat the one-price double-features they used to run here, and the enthusiasm with which many of the films were presented, was memorable at the least. I saw a screening of William Castle’s “House on Haunted Hill” here in ‘93, where they actually recreated the original “Emerge-O” effect, and pulled a life-size skeleton over the audiences’ heads. It’s the only time I can recall being in a theatre, and having people stand up to take photos during a screening!
Then there was the screening of “The Tingler” from around the same time, where they had ushers dress up in Halloween masks and run up and down the isles screaming…such fun!! Of course, “Rocky Horror” was long-running at this theatre on weekends, but it’s the other stuff I enjoyed the most.
It had a wonderful old-time feel to it. The floor was wood, and was sloped. There were dimly-lit lamps in the alcoves next to the screen. The ambience was great. Shortly before this theatre closed, they celebrated an anniversary and had a new screen installed. Too bad it couldn’t have remained open. After closing, the marquee read, “Hello, I must be going”…a Groucho Marx quote. If you called the theatre’s answering machine at that time…instead of the usual program schedule, they had a sound effect tape playing of an empty room with wind blowing through (like a haunted house). How sad. Something really must be done to reopen and restore this terrific old theatre. It’s Berkeley’s jewel, to be sure.
My favorite theatre! This place is one of the grandest and most oppulent movie palaces one could ever hope to visit. Walking into the main lobby, with its gold ornamentations along the walls, curving staircase and glowing light fixtures is like taking a trip back through Old Hollywood. The auditorium is a sight to see, and waiting to see one of their movie programs, while listening to their house organist play the Mighty Wurlitzer is an awesome experience. Truly a treasure…there aren’t many theatres quite like the Paramount!
Having seen photos of what this former Naval Air Station theatre looked like before the current management renovated it, I can say that they did a fantastic job of transforming it into a deco-style venue for vintage films. The selection of movies run is very impressive, and the presentation of them is generally a class act. Hopefully the turnout continues to grow, so they will be able to keep this going. It’s a jewl for the bay area!
This theater never operated as a church. It closed as a theater (I believe) in late 1998, and remained closed until it was demolished in June, 2002.