Town & Country Theatre
2980 Stevens Creek Boulevard,
San Jose,
CA
95128
2980 Stevens Creek Boulevard,
San Jose,
CA
95128
7 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: AMC Theatres, Century Theatres, Mann Theatres, National General Theatres
Previous Names: Cinerama Palace
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- Jun 14, 2012 — REMEMBERING CINERAMA (Part 53: San Jose)
- Jul 15, 2008 — Remembering "Die Hard" -- A 20th Anniversary Tribute
- Jul 15, 2008 — Remembering "Die Hard"
This former Cinerama Palace was built for 70mm Cinerama opening on June 29, 1966 with Elizabeth Taylor in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”. Situated across the street from the palatial Century 21, the Town & Country was sold to AMC and renovated in 1991.
The screen was flattened and the deteriorating cinema was finally closed on April 6, 2000. It was sadly, demolished.
Contributed by
Ross Melnick
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Recent comments (view all 23 comments)
boxcop… At the time of the “Superman” engagement, the Dome Complex and the Town & Country were in competition with each other. The Domes were run by Syufy and the Town & Country was run by Mann. Syufy’s (aka Century) ownership of the Town & Country came years later. See my Still Believing A Man Can Fly article for a reference to Town & Country being a Mann operation in 1978/79 (and for a list of where else “Superman” played when it was new).
Saw Krakato East of Java there and Herbie The Love Bug for 8 straight weeks .My father was the projectionist there Tom Taylor when I was young and mom was fed up with me i was sent to work with my Dad and yes Herbie played for 8 straight weeks not a fun summer but the memories will never go
The 70mm engagements at the Town & Country….
1967-03-08 … Hawaii (roadshow; 70mm unconfirmed)
1969-08-01 … Krakatoa, East of Java
1976-12-25 … A Star is Born
1978-12-15 … Superman (70mm from Week #7)
1981-01-23 … Altered States
1981-05-22 … Outland
1982-06-18 … Firefox
1983-04-22 … Raiders of the Lost Ark
1983-05-13 … Blue Thunder
1983-07-15 … Staying Alive
1984-06-08 … Ghostbusters
1984-12-07 … City Heat
1985-05-22 … Rambo: First Blood Part II
1985-07-24 … The Black Cauldron
1985-12-20 … Out of Africa
1986-05-16 … Top Gun
1986-10-17 … The Color of Money
1987-03-06 … Lethal Weapon
1987-06-03 … The Untouchables
1987-08-05 … Stakeout
1987-11-25 … 3 Men and a Baby
1988-05-20 … Willow
1988-07-15 … Die Hard
1989-07-07 … Lethal Weapon 2
1990-06-15 … Dick Tracy
1992-12-25 … Hoffa
I saw “Altered States” there in 1981, projected in 70mm. The projection booth door was right beside the left entrance, and the projectionist left his door open for people to see the equipment. I struck up a conversation and was allowed to be inside for picture start-up. A Disney cartoon “Chips Ahoy” preceded the feature. It had been blown-up to 70mm so that no projector change-over was needed. This experience was truly an example of someone who was proud of his work.
Ralph Daniel: I find it highly unlikely the “Chips Ahoy” cartoon short screened with “Altered States.” Ask yourself: Does it seem plausible Disney would authorize one of their G-rated cartoon shorts, with no thematic similarities, and in a different aspect ratio, to be screened with an R-rated movie from a rival studio? The only 70mm screenings of “Chips Ahoy” I’m aware of screened with “The Black Cauldron” in 1985. And “The Black Cauldron” played Town & Country, the same theater in which you’re recalling seeing “Altered States,” so if you saw “Cauldron” there, too, then I’d say you’re simply conflating the two moviegoing experiences. On the other hand, if you did not see “The Black Cauldron” there, then maybe it’s a different cartoon short that played with “Altered States” (the sci-fi themed “Duck Dodgers in the 24 ½ Century,” maybe?).
Seeing “Die Hard” here in 70mm was truly an EXPERIENCE that I am forever grateful I was able to have.
Opened on June 29th, 1966. Grand opening ad posted.
Reopened by AMC on June 11th, 1992, with the fabulous Torus compound screen. Ad posted.
This ran before the feature, which is mentioned in its grand opening ad.
Closed on April 6th, 2000. Article posted.