Scranton Art Haus

Funny coincidence, I just went to this place on their discount Tuesday, and while everything is lovely and sophisticated, it suffers from the same problem that almost every other theater has, both independent and chain theaters, which is that the projection is too dim. Nothing seems to be projected at 100%. I was in screen seven for The Fall Guy and it was decent projection but not perfect; many outdoor scenes were hazy. I took a look at screen six where Challengers was playing, which I have seen twice now in other theaters, and it was much, much darker than it should have been. I don’t care how luxe the theater is, or how shabby, but if the image on the screen is not as bright and clear as the TV at home in my bedroom, then what is the point of going to the movies? At least for the first 80 years of cinema projection, the carbon arcs kept the image bright; now Management tries to get as much life out of these bulbs as possible to the detriment of the movie goer. I don’t think the filmmakers realize how carelessly their pictures are being presented, they see the rushes and work prints and final product in their screening rooms, which no doubt operate at peak efficiency. They should get out to the neighborhoods and see what kind of presentation is actually on offer.

Reactivated website here

The Cosmic Cinemas chain shut down earlier this month. This theatre has reopened as the Scranton Art Haus.

http://www.scrantonarthaus.com

Closed January 22nd, 2018 per this article: Iron Horse movie bistro closed Mon, Jan 22, 2018 – A1 · The Times-Tribune (Scranton, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.com

From Cosmic Cinemas' home page:

Cosmic Cinemas' focus on adults stands apart from other movie theaters. Our beverage menu caters to a more sophisticated palate, and a parent or guardian must accompany children under 17-years old. Additionally, no babies, talking, or cell phones are permitted in the theaters.

Apparently reopening soon by Cosmic Cinemas out of South Carolina, there is an interview from the Scranton Fox affiliate at https://fox56.com/news/local/dont-call-it-a-comeback-iron-horse-bistro-is-set-to-return with a few shots of the interior, looks nice.

This theatre is being remodeled by Phoenix Big Cinemas into a luxury-style brew and view venue. Leather reclining seats and restaurant and beverage service will be available. It will be called the Iron Horse Movie Bistro, with an opening date scheduled for Fall 2016.

The “missing” two theaters are back. The wall bordering the theaters and the store next door was partially destroyed in the fire. The two theaters were rebuilt and recently reopened.

Stopped off and caught a flick the other day, completely empty in the afternoon: I saw more staff than patrons. The theater is decent – comfortable, good projection. Truth be told, the popcorn was pretty awful. The theater one floor, off one hallway. I assume the stadium seating was a retrofit, but the theater had good sightlines and a decent sized screen. The other thing is 2 of the theaters are missing: I was in theater #5, and walked past (on the right) 1, 2 and finally 5 – on the left I noticed theaters 6, 7, and 8.

This theater opened around 1995. It was part of the redevelopment of the Downtown area. It’s opening coincided with the opening of Steamtown Mall. All of this was concurrent with the National Park Service’s redevelopment of the Steamtown train museum, which the NPS owns.

I think the argument about classic theaters v. multiplexes has been dispensed with. I have added quite a few megaplexes myself recently. I do think that this site has more to offer than Cinematour, and I think that more information and comments on the multiplexes will be filled in as time goes on. Obviously there is more input on the “classic” houses as opposed to the standard twelve-screen concrete box.