This is topic Any Changeover Houses Left? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


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Posted by Mitchell Dvoskin (Member # 751) on 12-24-2002, 07:27 AM:
 
As another year draws to a close, I was just wondering if any changeover houses running 2000' reels still exist in the USA. Anyone still running carbon arcs?

The Loews Jersey in Jersey City NJ is the only changeover house I am aware of, and they only run film one weekend a month, at best.

/Mitchell
 

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Posted by Mike Williams (Member # 1140) on 12-24-2002, 07:39 AM:
 
The screening room at the Regal Corporate office is a changeover house.
 

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Posted by Jeff Joseph (Member # 511) on 12-24-2002, 07:55 AM:
 
In Los Angeles, the Egyptian (of course), the Academy, UCLA and a few other "special" venues. The only "regular" theater is the Beverly, a revival house. But if you mean theaters that run "new" movies daily, I can't think of any.

Jeff Joseph
SabuCat Productions
 

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Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 12-24-2002, 08:07 AM:
 
Brooklyn Center Cinema -- change-over; 2000ft usually/6000ft rarely; Carbon Arcs (Pearless Magnarc burning 80amps)

Brooklyn Museum -- change-over; 2000ft only; Xenon

Celebrate Brooklyn Summer Festival -- change-over; 2000ft usually /6000ft occasionally; Xenon

Massachusettes Museum of Contemporary Art -- change-over; 2000ft only; Xenon (70mm)

CineStudio, Hartford -- change-over; 2000ft/6000ft; Carbon Arc -- not sure of the lamphouse, but I think they are using Ashcraft. (70mm)

Landmark Theatre, Upstate NY -- change-over, 2000ft/6000ft, Xenon (possibly).

And as mentioned, the fabulous Loew's Jersey.

These are just a few on the east coast that I know of personally. I am sure there are lots more, as Jeff says, mostly specialty venues; obviously you won't find any change-over or carbon arc setups in multiplex operation. CineStudio is as close to a commercial operation as you can get (they rent the theatre from the college) and they do run three days a week every week and mix some very new, albeit second run titles, as well as retrospective and independent films.

Frank
 

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Posted by Jon Bartow (Member # 241) on 12-24-2002, 08:15 AM:
 
I service a 2000' reel to reel house with carbons. It's a single screen theater that has been in operation since the twenties. He's running Super Simplex projectors with RCA soundheads, Peerless Magnarcs running 7mm/9mm carbons, and a Motiograph tube soundsystem with an altec speaker behind the screen. He runs "sub-run" (i.e. gets movies two to threee weeks after their release date) shows 5 or 6 days a week.
It's The Strand Theater in Paw Paw, Michigan
here's a picture from www.CinemaTour.com (kind of a cool website, by the way)

He puts on a very good show. If I lived closer than two hours I would patronize his theater.
 

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Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 12-24-2002, 08:28 AM:
 
I can't speak for the USA, but here in the UK carbon arc is just about dead, sadly. Two places that I know of, the Plaza, Oxted and the New Royal, Faversham were running arcs with 2000 foot changeovers until recently, but have now re-equipped. I don't know what they are running now, but I believe that someone from the cinema at Faversham posts here, perhaps he could let us kmow.

There are plenty of places running changeovers with xenons, the National Film Theatre, for example, have Victoria 8s, which can take 6000 feet but they run most of their films on 2000 foot spools. The main exceptions to this are for two strip 3-D, where both projectors are needed, and for 70mm, which seems to come in on larger spools. They are now holding some films for longer runs, of a week or so, and I believe that at least some of these are run from 6000 foot spools. I saw one last year which certainly was. Changeover houses are still being built. The David Lean Cinema in Croydon is a small, single screen art house venue, seating about 50. It opened just a few years ago, with a pair of brand new Kinoton FP-30Ds. I have projected there a couple of times, they normally make up prints on 6000 foot spools, but can of course run 200 foot parts. I ran one film there that way. The Museum of London, the last time I was there, had only 2000 foot spool boxes on their Kalee projectors, I expect that it is still the same today. Anywhere that is still licenced to run nitrate must be running at most 2000 feet on a machine, I beleive that you still have a number of nitrate-licenced venues over there, here it is just about extinct. Many archives will not allow their prints to be spliced for funning on large spools or platers, so anywhere running these prints must be doing 2000 foot changeovers. Then there are the prewiew theatres, just about all of them would be running 2000 feet. Home cinemas, archives, studios, television production facilities, laboratories, university lecture theatres, there are plenty of places other than multiplex cinemas which run film, and many of them would be doing changeovers.

I know of just a few conversions from xenon to carbon arc. One place in the West of Englnd, I can't remember the name, had a pair of Westars, long ago converted to horrible BTH three electrode vertical xenons, still with 2000 foot spools. About ten years ago they equipped one projector with a tower and modern xenon lamphouse to run the features, but retained the second machine for running the adverts and trailers on a separate spool. As this machine was running for just a few minutes at a time, they converted it back to carbon. Sadly, the place has now closed. I recently heard of a cinema in Germany which had converted to carbon under new ownership, I don't know the details. A few months ago I converted a private home cinema in the North of England from very small xenons which were too small to align correctly in the lamphouses, replacing them with the original Peerless arcs, which they still had in store. Lastly, of course, there is the Lowe's Jersey, which has re-instated the Ashcraft arcs which were in use there from the 1950s to the '70s. I hope they remain in use for a long time to come, but the news that National are to cease production of carbons is worrying.
 

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Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 12-24-2002, 08:38 AM:
 
There are still plenty of changeover houses, though most are not regular first-run mainstream film venues.

For what it's worth, I have personally run film at the following places (all but one of which are currently in regular operation; pics of most are in the gallery):

Williamsburg Theatre - Williamsburg, VA. (2000/6000' - xenon - now called "Kimball Theatre")
Cape Cinema - Dennis, MA. (2000' - carbon)
Hanscom AFB - Bedford, MA. (2000' - xenon)
GCC Screening Room - Chestnut Hill, MA. (2000' - xenon)
Columbus Theatre - Providence, RI. (main house - 2000/6000' and platter - xenon; balcony - 2000' - carbon - soon to be converted to xenon)
Wellesley College - Wellesley, MA. (2000/6000' - xenon)
Brandeis University - Waltham, MA. (2000/6000' - xenon)
Avon Cinema - Providence, RI. (2000' - carbon)

Others in the Boston area that I know of but haven't worked in (incomplete list):

Coolidge Corner - Brookline, MA. (6000' automated c/o - xenon)
Brattle Theatre - Cambridge, MA. (2000/6000' - xenon)
Museum of Fine Arts - Boston, MA. (2000' - xenon)
Studio Cinema - Belmont, MA. (6000' - xenon)
Harvard Film Archive - Cambridge, MA. (2000/6000' - xenon)
Wang Theatre - Boston, MA. (2000' - xenon)
Wollaston Theatre - Quincy, MA. (2000' - carbon)

Others in the Virginia/DC area that I know of but haven't worked in (incomplete list):

Byrd Theatre - Richmond, VA. (2000/6000' - xenon)
Naro Expanded Cinema - Norfolk, VA. (2000/6000' automated c/o - xenon)
Fork Union DI - Fork Union, VA. (2000' - carbon)
Uptown - DC (2000/4000' - xenon)
AFI - DC (2000/6000' - xenon)
Charles Theatre - Baltimore, MD. (used to be a single with 2000/6000' and xenon; is it still a c/o house?)
many others (Steve G. will give a list, I'm sure)
 

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Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 12-24-2002, 08:39 AM:
 
Frank said:

quote:

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Massachusettes Museum of Contemporary Art -- change-over; 2000ft only; Xenon (70mm)

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Frank, do you mean that they do run 2000 feet only, of that they can only run this size? I've never seen dual-guage projectors with only 2000 foot spool boxes.
 

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Posted by William Phillips (Member # 1162) on 12-24-2002, 08:41 AM:
 
The Plaza cinema in Oxted was running carbon changeovers up until about 6 months ago. The cinema recantly changed owners so not sure what is in there now.
 

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Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 12-24-2002, 08:59 AM:
 
In the Buffalo area
the East Aurora theatre
The Sheas Buffalo Carbon
The Rivera North Tonawanda Carbon

In Toronto The Cinesphere, The Ont Science Centre, The Art gallery of OntarioThe Royal, The Revue, The Fox, The Kingsway, The Music Hall,The Paradise, 2 Screening Rooms at Famous Player and 2 at Cineplex Odeon and 2 at York University, 1 at MCA, 1 at Warner Brothers, 1 at University of Toronto
 

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Posted by Adam Fraser (Member # 1074) on 12-24-2002, 09:12 AM:
 
We have the capability for 2000/6000' and platter. Changeover is just for emergencies when the movie comes late. Xenons in converted Peerless Magnacrs.
 

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Posted by Dan Lyons (Member # 1454) on 12-24-2002, 09:18 AM:
 
The Bay Theatre here in Orange County is a first run/art/rep. house that runs 6k changeovers. Nice place, they also have adjustable screen masking!
Baytheatre.com is their website.

Danny
 

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Posted by Bernard Tonks (Member # 809) on 12-24-2002, 09:21 AM:
 
The Plaza, Oxted have been on xenons for six months now, AEI 2Kw type lamphouses from my old cinema the Regal, Cranleigh. The Westar projectors have 5,000' spoolboxes.

The last I heard a few months ago of the Pendle Stairway cinema, Ilfracombe was 2,000' changovers with BTH type 'C' carbon arclamps.

[Update to Stephen & William's postings]
 

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Posted by Jonathan M. Crist (Member # 413) on 12-24-2002, 09:23 AM:
 
The Haars Drive-In in Dillsburg PA still runs 2,000 ft reels with changeovers with the SuperCore Lite Hi-Intensity rotating carbons with the water cooled system.

AND THE ENTIRE 500 CAR DRIVE-IN STILL HAS ONLY IN-CAR SPEAKERS!

This past September it was announced that the property has been sold to a real estate developer. According to the local media the drive-in has been leased back to the Haar family who will run it for the short term; however there is much speculation that next summer will be the last.
 

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Posted by Tom Sauter (Member # 616) on 12-24-2002, 09:35 AM:
 
Buffalo NY:
University at Buffalo Center for the Arts

Rochester NY:
Dryden Theatre (George Eastman Photography Museum)
Theatre on the Ridge (Eastman Kodak)
University of Rochester Hoyt Hall (6000' automated xenon)
University of Rochester Strong Auditorium (6000', xenon)

Ithaca NY: Cornell University

I'm sure there's more, as you can see changeover houses are generally special one- or two- run theatres.
 

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Posted by John Stewart (Member # 989) on 12-24-2002, 10:10 AM:
 
The Paramount Theatre in Austin,Tx runs 2000' reels. Could run 6k if I had some. We also have a platter but only use it if a client demands it. We are 35/70 and will be running LOA and BARAKA in Jan.

There is a small resort town called Wimberly, Tx. southwest of Austin that has an outdoor theater which runs in the summer time only...from Memorial day to Labor day. They are still running carbon. It is called the Corral theater.
 

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Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 12-24-2002, 11:57 AM:
 
You must be kidding! There are tons of changeover houses with more being added each year! 2K changeover houses are more rare and mostly screening room types...

That come to mind in the first 30 seconds....:

Civic Theatre, Allentown, PA (20 minute carbon arc still)aka 19th St Theatre

Boyd Theatre, Bethleham, PA

The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA (mostly 20 minute)

The Ritz V, Philadelphia, PA, Theatre "A" only

The Ritz 16, Voorhees, NJ, Theatre #10 only

Shriver Hall, John Hopkins U, Baltimore, MD (20 minute reels).

Kimball Theatre, Williamsburg, VA

Kimball Screening Room, Williamsburg, VA

Goethe Institut, Washington DC

MPAA, Washington DC (20 minute reels)

National Gallery of Art, Washington DC (20 minute reels)

Freeer Art Gallery, Washington DC

National Archives, Washington DC

National Archives II (2-screens), Greebelt, MD

Hirshorn Musuem, Washington DC (20 minute reels)

Uptown Theatre, Washington DC (40 minute reels)

AFI, Washington DC, soon to be Silver Spring, MD

Library of Congress, Washington DC (two rooms, 20 mintue reels)

National Museum of Women in the the Arts, Washington DC (20 mintue reels)

Soon to be added to the list...the Rotunda, Baltimore, MD on two screens)

Regent University, VA Beach, VA

The Bryd Theatre, Richmond, VA

Again, the above list are just the first ones that came to mind...there are many more and yet more coming. Most of the above are open to the general public and show a wide variety of film types.

Steve
 

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-24-2002, 12:35 PM:
 
Wow, that's one heck of a list there. That's got to be at least a minute fraction of 1% of all theaters operating. Incredible.

Seriously though, how many NON-screening room changeover theaters are there with at least 3 screens under their roof? That would be an interesting list.
 

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Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 12-24-2002, 01:22 PM:
 
The Roxy Theatre, Northampton, PA -- 6K reels, xenon, auto

The Kentucky Theatre (main screen), Lexington, KY -- 6K reels, xenon, manual

Bengies Drive-In, Baltimore, MD -- 2k reels & platter, xenon, manual
 

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Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 12-24-2002, 01:24 PM:
 
Castro Theatre SF(2,000', Xenon)
Stanford Theatre, Palo Alto (2,000', Xenon)
Nugget Theatre, Telluride, CO (2,000', Xenon)
Opera House, Tellurdie, CO (2,000', Xenon)
Fine Arts Cinema, Berkeley, CA (2,000', Carbon)
Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, CO (2,000', Xenon)
Century Screening Room, San Rafael, CA (2,000', Xenon)
Dolby Screening Room, SF, CA (2,000', Xenon)
Fantasy Screening Room, Berkeley, CA (2,000', Xenon) Actually they have three.
 

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Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 12-24-2002, 01:45 PM:
 
The Nuart in Los Angeles was still running changeovers (6K) as of last summer. I've seen this on both one shot and full week schedule titles.
 

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Posted by Brian D. Whitish (Member # 825) on 12-24-2002, 01:51 PM:
 
Here in Seattle there are three Landmark Theatres that run 1st run and art product that have 6000 foot change overs. They are Varsity #1, the Egyptian(Norelco AAIIs), the Harvard Exit, oh and I forgot the Seven Gables(Victoria 8s). Also the Seattle Art Museum,the Broadway Performance Hall, and the Museum of History and Industry.
 

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Posted by Dennis Lunt (Member # 1224) on 12-24-2002, 02:06 PM:
 
Roxy Theatre, Newport, WA and the Avalon, Fillmore, UT both run carbons and changeovers. Also the Wells Theatre, Cheyenne Wells, CO, if they're still open.

The Dakota, Wishek, ND; Holly Theatre, Holly, CO and Capitol Theatre, Springfield, CO all recently converted from 20-minute changeovers with carbons to xenons and platters.
 

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Posted by Joe Smith (Member # 190) on 12-24-2002, 04:53 PM:
 
In Stevens City, Va. (just South of Winchester, Va.):

The Family Drive-In: 2 screens both with 6k, manual changeover, and Xenen.
 

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Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 12-24-2002, 05:41 PM:
 
Well if you are going to add the Dalke's theatres into the mix then yes you have the Family Drive-In but you also have the indoor theatres in Woodstock...I believe 2 screens are running changeover and one running on a platter.

Steve
 

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Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 12-24-2002, 06:08 PM:
 
I want to see a 12 screen multiplex with normal show times, nothing but 20 minute changeovers with carbon arcs, and only Steve Guttag in the booth with not one single frame missing from any of the changeovers!
 

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Posted by John Anastasio (Member # 607) on 12-24-2002, 06:31 PM:
 
I'm pretty sure that the Newtown Theater in Newtown, PA still runs changeovers.
 

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Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 12-24-2002, 07:44 PM:
 
Ian, the Castro can handle 6000' reels as well as 70mm.

Here are two more in the SF Bay Area:

Sebastiani Theatre , Sonoma, CA (6000' Xenon)

McNear's Mystic Theatre & Music Hall , Petaluma, CA (6000' Xenon): While the Mystic does not screen movies anymore (no sound system or screen), the booth is still completely equipped with two Brenkert BX80's and Strong X-16 xenon lamps.

-Aaron
 

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Posted by William Bunch (Member # 1040) on 12-24-2002, 08:21 PM:
 
Don't forget all the Army and Air Force theaters throughout Europe and the Pacific. Also includes many theaters in CONUS, Alaska and Hawaii. All using 2,000 changeovers on Simplex XL machines (1950 vintage). In these houses there is no other way. Most all are single screens. No more carbon arcs to my knowledge.

Our overseas theaters are almost what you guys would call "first run" since we are only a few weeks behind your schedules. But we get really decent prints. Almost never have the problems that are discussed here in the forums. Maybe it is true that haste does make waste.

We will be coming up soon with a platter house in Korea and I will be installing a Kinoton soon with 6,000 reels here in Japan. These will be trials for us. Since most of our features only run two or three days the old 2,000 changeover system makes the most sense.

Happy Holidays from Japan
Bill BuncH
 

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Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 12-24-2002, 09:14 PM:
 
Lets see in the US navy we have
2 bases in San Diego
Petuxant River
Great Lakes
CSB Port Huenieme
Whidby Island
and others that I installed
 

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Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 12-25-2002, 10:02 AM:
 
I don't generally discuss the Military bases...the typical set up though is 2-projector in this area (without exception).

Steve
 

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Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 12-25-2002, 10:31 AM:
 
ELMA THEATER, Elma, Wash. 2 projectors, 20 minute reels only, Peerless Magnarc lamphouses.
 

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Posted by Mitchell Dvoskin (Member # 751) on 12-25-2002, 11:10 AM:
 
Wow, I had no idea so many changeover theatres still existed. I think this is a good thing, that as we progress into the new millenium, there are still places that remember where we, as an industry, came from.

/Mitchell
 

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Posted by Robert Throop (Member # 61) on 12-25-2002, 11:42 AM:
 
The Stanley Performing Arts Center in Utica, NY runs carbon and 2000 ft. reels. Ashcraft Core Lite 135's, XL's and RCA 1050's.
The Capitol Performing Arts Center in Rome, NY also runs 2000ft changeovers. Strong Super 135's, XL's and XL soundheads. This house also runs occasional silent films with pipe organ accompaniment.
 

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Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 12-25-2002, 12:23 PM:
 
The Egyptian in Boise ID has two 35/70s that are automated changeover on 35mm or manual for 70mm up to 7000ft 35mm capy.
The Wilma Theatres (3 screens) in Missoula, MT is still 2 machine 6000ft w/automation
The Mountain Rose in Gardiner, MT is 2 machine 6000ft with Peerless Magnarcs, Manual operation
The Strand in Kalispell MT is 2 machine w/6000ft automated
The Lincoln, Troy MT, is 2 machine 6000ft or platter operated manually
The Rex, Bonners Ferry ID, 2 machine, 6000ft w/ Peerless Magnarcs
The Park Drive in, Cody, WY is 2 machine 2000ft w/ Super 135 arcs
The Rex Theatre, Vale, OR is 2 machine 6000ft Motios w/manual c/o
The Blue Fox, Grangeville, ID has 2 Supers running 6000ft manually
The Rex, Orofino, ID has two machines running 6000ft manually
The Montana Theatre, Miles City, MT has 2 machine 6000ft automatic c/o
I am sure there are more...see pix of these and other great theatres on my galleries at:

www.imageevent.com/jeickhof

Recently updated!!

Happy holidays!!


 

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Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 12-25-2002, 01:20 PM:
 
Speaking of military base theaters, I'd really like to get a hold of someone who could get me info on these. I have a very few listed on Cinematour, most of which don't exist anymore. It can't possibly be a matter of national security, can it?
 

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Posted by Bernie Anderson Jr (Member # 410) on 12-25-2002, 03:05 PM:
 
Hey Mitchell,
If you notice, that most of the changeover booths are NOT in our area. Everything in NJ with the exception of Loew's Jersey, Rahway Theatre (Union County Arts Center), Symphony Hall, The Forum in Metuchen and the Baronet in Asbury Park, all are now platter houses. As it is, there are no singles left operating in the area. Oops. I'm wrong. There is the Bradley Beach Theatre, which converted over to Xenon about 4 years ago is running 6K reels with Changeover. Up until 1988 Amboy Cinemas (National Amusments) were running 6k two projector in each theatre, which was a nine plex at the time. When they expanded they threw in platters. Some theatres still have the second machine sitting there, but usually stripped for parts for another machine.

In PA, I know of the Roxy in Northampton and Becky's and Shank's Drive in that are two projector, Xenon.

In NY, I know that the big theatre in Loew's 66st and Ziegfeld has the capacity for changeover, but run one machine with a platter.
 

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Posted by Mark Ogden (Member # 43) on 12-25-2002, 04:03 PM:
 
Ah. . .actually Bernie, the Ziegfeld is down to one machine with the platter, what was the left machine was pulled out some time ago and a Barco DLP is in its place now.
 

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Posted by Carl Palko (Member # 1517) on 12-25-2002, 04:52 PM:
 
I learned in an old changeover house, but it is now being changed into a cinema grill and pub, which I think is a stupid idea but oh well. The carbon arc houses were still in the building but were not used. The only carbon arc theatre that I know of in my area is about 45 mins away in Bethlem PA, the 19th street theatre I think the name of it is. There are a couple changeover houses left in my area though.

Carl
 

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Posted by Lindsay Morris (Member # 1430) on 12-25-2002, 07:28 PM:
 
In Western Australia the following are still carbons & changeovers.

Koorda Drive In: 2000' spools, carbons, screening occasionally.
Mukinbudin Drive In: 2000' spools, carbons, screening occasionally.
Dongara Drive In: 2000' spools, carbons, screening occasionally.
Collie PCYC: generally 6000' spools, carbons & screening approx weekly. Primarily it is a fundraising site for local youth.
Derby Gardens: 2000' spools, carbons, temporarily closed.
Meekatharra Gardens: used to be 2000' spools & carbons not sure if still running.
Similarly for Mount Magnet Gardens.
Ravensthorpe: 2000' spools, carbons, reopened last year in the shire hall but I think has folded again.
Wongan Hills: in shire hall, 6000' spools and carbons runs about weekly and also has a 35mm touring setup with carbons as well.
Ourselves, Kookaburra Outdoor Perth: 2000' spools, carbons screening 4 nights per week for summer season.
Unsure of situation at Drive Ins at Tom Price & Paraburdoo and the outdoor at Pannawonica but suspect that they are still 2000' & carbons.
Carbon Imports from Christchurch New Zealand supply quite a few sites scattered about the Pacific Islands with carbons as well as ourselves.
Makes sense if you are only going to screen a film 2 or 3 times and then end it to run carbons and spools. On my last night I takeup on split spools directly onto bobbins and back into the cardboard box goes the print... no breaking down.
Love that, I almost walk out with the patrons.
Lindsay
 

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Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 12-25-2002, 10:22 PM:
 
Carl,

The theatre you are thinking of is the Civic Theatre (aka the 19th Street Theatre) located in Allentown , PA.

Bernie, in New Jersey, there is the Ritz 16 in Voorhees...theatre 10 is set up for changeovers (Simplex 35s, with Strong Ultra-80s...Dolby Digital sound).

Steve
 

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Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 12-25-2002, 11:43 PM:
 
Hey Adam, I still service several AAFES (Army-Air Force-Exchange-Service) theatres. (Formerl AAFMPS-Army Airforce Motion Picture
Service) Mountain Home AFB, Mountain Home, ID. Travis AFB in Cal. and Beal AFB in Cal. Naval Air Station, Fallon Nev. (Top Gun)
They are all equipped (as for all AAFES in the States) with Simplex XL, RCA-9030 or 9050, 2000 ft. reels in XL magazines! LP Associates (Xelamp) 2 & 3 KW Xenon with low current 'simmer' mode to keep lamp lit at lower current while not in use, operated when dowser is closed on lamphouse) ,Simplex LL-1 'Heavy Duty' bases, Manual changeover, and either SVA (Stereo, usally Dolby) or AAFES own dual Mono system. The theatres are BEAUTIFUL! Generally a full stage with full oleo curtain and wings, etc. Seating of 250-450 depending on the installation, the best seats! and a very large curved screen!! I am proud to have service AAFES theatres for ove 25 years now!!
The overseas or 'Non-domestic' theatres usually are equipped with Simplex XLs, Simplex XL soundheads, LPA-Xelamp xenon
AAFES Mono sound, and Simplex LL-1 'Heavy Duty' bases. And a 'volunteer' Miltary projectionist!!
 

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Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 12-26-2002, 05:54 AM:
 
Of note only because usually it is the other way around, The Rose Theatres (quad) which are a fairly new installation in what was once a beautiful large live (no film) theatre at Brooklyn Academy of Music, started with platters for each screen, but because they are running art titles that frequently change on a daily basis, they realized it was more efficient to use change-over. They converted two screens -- ripped out the platters and installed the second projectors instead. All four screen are xenon.

I will also add the Film Anthology Archives in NYC runs change-over/xenon. But the booth is such a shambles and so filthy that it would be better if they ripped out ALL the projectors and just ran DLP.

And Steven asked >Frank, do you mean that they do run 2000 feet only, or that they can only run this size? I've never seen dual-guage projectors with only 2000 foot spool boxes.<

You are right -- the two JJs have 6000ft magazines of course, but they only bought a compliment of 2k house reels, never any 6k footers. For only a one or two show run, mounting for 6000ft reels can be more time consuming than running 2k reels. Better to spend the time preping old prints and cleaning the first and last 100ft of each reel when necessary, than spending that extra time making up and breaking down 6k reels, which really gives you no advantage on the screen. After all, since it is a single screen, the projectionist is there for the entire show and his only job is to run that one show. For any good projectionist, it is no burden for him to make change-overs. I don't believe it was a matter of money, either; if I recall, their projectionist never even asked for the extra 6k reels.

Frank
 

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Posted by Carl Palko (Member # 1517) on 12-26-2002, 06:10 AM:
 
Steve,
Could be..I never was actually there, and had only heard stories. So maybe my memory is failing already, at 18 Sorry about that.
 

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Posted by Bernie Anderson Jr (Member # 410) on 12-26-2002, 08:15 AM:
 
Ian, in your list you include the Stanford in Palo Alto. I was out there a few years ago, and it's a magnificently restored movie palace. They seemed quite proud to be running carbon arcs. Don't tell me David Packard had those taken out and xenon installed?
 

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Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 12-26-2002, 10:33 AM:
 
It all boils down to what a cinema shows and how. A newly released film shown four times a day for a week is far better off on a platter. It uses staff time more efficiently and, assuming that the film path is kept clean and well-maintained, is kinder to the print than constant rewinding.

If your venue has a high throughput of prints which only do one or two shows each (e.g. the programming pattern of a typical arthouse venue), then changeovers make far more sense. The last company I worked for as a projectionist had a policy of integrating mainstream and arthouse programming, and for that reason equipped its new sites with both two projectors and a platter, so that we could choose long-play or changeovers, as appropriate to the show.
 

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Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 12-26-2002, 11:37 AM:
 
Bernie wrote:

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Ian, in your list you include the Stanford in Palo Alto. I was out there a few years ago, and it's a magnificently restored movie palace. They seemed quite proud to be running carbon arcs. Don't tell me David Packard had those taken out and xenon installed?

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they have a vibrant cinema industry

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