This is topic July the 4th I´ll be in the States (L.A., Las Vegas, S.F.) in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


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Posted by Miguel Angel Martorell (Member # 1110) on 05-30-2003, 08:34 PM:
 
After 3 years in a row without "real" vacations I decided to travel and cross the ocean so I hope to be in Los Angeles very soon but I have a couple of questions.

Is there a theatre at this time (on july exactly) which rans 70 mm films?.

What is the most espectacular movie theatre on the city that every film handler of the world should visit???

The Film studios like Fox, Paramount, etc have guided tours or I only can go to the Universal Theme Park???
(yeah, apart from cinemas and movies I plan to do other things).

Where I can find the cheapest dvd´s store on the city??

Well, thanks in advance and see you soon.

Un saludo
 

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Posted by Aldo Baez (Member # 790) on 05-30-2003, 09:32 PM:
 
I don't know about the smaller theatres but the bigger theatres with 70mm is the loews at Universal Citywalk and there is also a 70mm at the Irvine Spectrum Edwards. They usually only run 35mm blown up though

You have to visit the Chinese, and the El Capitan is right next to that, as is the Cinerama Dome. The Egyptian is also right near there. Amoeba music is also right next to all three of those has a good dvd selection.

Older theatres I've been to are the Rialto in Pasadena, Bay Theatre in Seal Beach usually screens classics weekly, the Nuart has Rocky Horror every sat night at midnight, as does the Art Theatre in Long Beach... this is all from memory so forgive me if I make a mistake. Can't remember anymore off the top of my head just check the LA Times calendar section on Thursday they usually have the listings of everything thats happening that weekend.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 05-30-2003, 10:17 PM:
 
I 2nd Aldo's informative post!

Amoeba is the place for DVD's. Reminder: DVD's will be region 1 and may not play on your player.

There are many special events and films throughout the year at the Egyptian including a KILLER 3D film festival in September.

If you like crowded tourist places filled with wanna-be-cool and self-proclaimed trendy people, go to Citywalk or the Burbank Media Center Restaurants and clubs. (Yawn)

If not, go to some of the other places Aldo mentions..there are many treasures here.

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 05-31-2003, 01:54 AM:
 
You should definitely check out the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre. The theatre is very interesting and there are some very nice people working there. I can put you in touch with them if you promise that you will behave.
You will find that Hollywood is really quite a run-down area, so don`t be disappointed.
In front of the Chinese Theatre there are trolleys which will take you on a one-hour trip to the really important sights. I hear the studios do not allow visitors anymore but I am not sure so better check yourself.
If you want to see movie stars, go to the Mayfair supermarket. They also hand out great parking tickets there as a souvenir. Do not go to Hollywood Hills. Only very strange people live there.

The best thing about Los Angeles though is that it is close to San Diego where the really trendy and cool people live. There are several attractions like the historical centre ("The birthplace of California"), various animal parks and Sea World as well as Legoland (that`s right, Legoland) in the area. You can also take a harbor cruise and see big battleships and submarines.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 05-31-2003, 02:25 AM:
 
Michael, as usual, you don't know what you're talking about. The people that work there suck and are very rude! They must be from Germany or France or San Diego.

Also, most of Hollywood is great and NOT run-down. Like most cities, there are good and bad areas and places. The good far out-weigh the bad. There is much to see and do here and a great eclectic mix of people.

The Mayfair Market is a great place to meet movie stars doing their grocery shopping....not a good place to park long-term. Only stupid and mislead people park there a long time and get tickets.

And as far as the Hollywood Hills... there are some really great people living there like movie stars, film producers and directors...and ummm me. There are many famous movie locations that are in many films.

Most movie studios do have both public and private tours of their facilities. You were just too cheap to fork over the bucks.

San Diego is the arm-pit of California as well as the US. Not only does it stink there, the people are extremely rude and are phony wanna be's! Most just couldn't make it in the big time of Los Angeles.

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Kevin Baglow (Member # 721) on 05-31-2003, 06:12 AM:
 
Mackers is rundown- but a lot of other places along the main drag are ok in Sunset strip- I think
i stay at the HOLLYWOOD BACKPACKERS for about $10 a night quite a fun croud- more fun than any where elce i went on my five week world tour last year. They have an ameture comedian night on sunday with $1 beers I was in my element there -- everyone has fun:) - Will be there for the 3D Fest - cya there
 

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Posted by Miguel Angel Martorell (Member # 1110) on 05-31-2003, 11:31 AM:
 
Thanks for the answers.

I was thinking to go with a travel agency (flight and 3 hotel nights included) but now I´m considering to go on my own and find there a kind of hostel or something like that (cheap is the word) and stay more than 3 days.
Any suggestion of a place near of all you have mentioned?

Thanks for the address of the stores an theatres and Michael I promise you I will behave although my english is... (you can check how it is for my writting)so the communication can be a little difficult.

Thanks for the warning of the dvd´s but most of the editions from here are garbage so I have a multizone dvd player

When I have the tickets I´ll post again for last minute advice.

Thanks y un saludo
 

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Posted by Mark Ogden (Member # 43) on 05-31-2003, 12:19 PM:
 
Miguel:

During your trip, be sure to visit Mann's theatres in Westwood near the UCLA campus. Take in a show at the Village or the Bruin, where the vast majority of Hollywood's premieres take place. Both are classic old theatres with very carefully maintained sound and projection, I personally would rather see a film at the Village than just about anywhere, although they very often have the sound turned up to eardrum splitting volume at the studio's insistence (and after your visit, while you are waiting for the ringing in your ears to go away, walk across Broxton Street to Stan's Corner Donut Shop and have a Peanut Butter/Banana/Chocolate Chip donut, from which it is to die). The National Theatre is also another huge single screen in the same area, said to be one of the last, if not the absolute last, single screen theatre built in America. All these theatres are 70mm equipped, but rarely get prints. As long as your are strolling around Westwood pay your respects to Marilyn Monroe, whose grave (along with a ton of other star's graves) is located in the Pierce Brother's Cemetary next to the parking garage behind the Avco Cinema on Wilshire, just a short walk from the National.

The largest screen in LA is at the Cinerama Dome on Sunset Blvd, now part of the Arclight Cinemas complex, and only one of two US theatres set up for the original 3 strip Cinerama process, they have a Kinoton 35/70, usually some interesting lobby displays and a very nice film-oriented gift shop for those at home. As noted by others, The Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. is the most famous show in town, what with the star's footprints and all. Another huge screen, and the sound here is very boomy, but if it's famous places you're after, it's a gotta-do.

An organization called the LA Conservency holds tours of old abandoned downtown theatres on Saturdays, sometimes they get access to the some great old beauties still operating: www.laconservancy.org/tours/tours_main.shtml is their web site.
 

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Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 05-31-2003, 05:34 PM:
 

quote:

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San Diego is the arm-pit of California as well as the US. Not only does it stink there, the people are extremely rude and are phony wanna be's! Most just couldn't make it in the big time of Los Angeles.

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San Diego is a GREAT city! Did Steven Spielberg choose LOS ANGELES for the exciting conclusion of THE LOST WORLD? NOPE! The extravagent DINO park was to be built right in San Diego. AND the T-REX rampage was even more destructive because there was more valuable and important buildings to destroy in San Diego. In Los Angeles, who would have noticed? And the large round orange gas station ball the dino played with was symbolic of San Diego's world-class status.

AND, does Los Angeles have a light rail system that actually takes you to another country? NO AGAIN! As a matter of fact, San Diego is the ONLY city in the U.S. where a local light rail system will do that, proving once AGAIN that San Diego is a world class city, the Paris of the U.S.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 05-31-2003, 05:40 PM:
 
Paris? They don't bathe in San Diego either? GEEEZE!

(That post was tongue-in-cheek, for of yous that didn't get it)

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 05-31-2003, 07:11 PM:
 
Actually, the Paris of California USED to be Bakersfield, till San Diego stole the title away from us. We were once called the armpit of California as well, but after Phil's post, it appears San Diego stole THAT honor awayfrom us as well!

DAMN that greedy San Diego! See what kind of thief's city you moved to, Michael?
 

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Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 05-31-2003, 11:22 PM:
 
Forget California and come to friendly and sunny Hawaii, America's tropical paradise.

-Claude
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 05-31-2003, 11:30 PM:
 
Sure Claude...if one LIKES mosquitoes and humidity!

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Christopher Duvall (Member # 284) on 06-01-2003, 04:59 AM:
 
Screw Cali...it's like a bowl of cereal. It is the land of nuts, fruits and flakes. If you want to go anywhere for REAL fun, come to Las Vegas. There's a reason they call it Sin City.
 

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Posted by Mathew Molloy (Member # 666) on 06-01-2003, 05:15 AM:
 
Siegfried & Roy?
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-01-2003, 09:34 AM:
 
I agree, Detour around L.A. as there is far more to see in the U.S. than whats there. If you're looking for ONLY film related things to see then we'll relegate you ro the fruits and nuts out there. Vegas is ALOT more fun and ALOT safer place to go. I have at least a hundred places on my to go to visit list and L.A. certainly isn't on it.
Mark @ CLACO
 

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Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 06-01-2003, 05:43 PM:
 
If you were considering Los Angeles to check out great movie theatres, Hawaii did have some that equaled or surpassed the best theatres in that city but they are all gone now. However, Consolidated new Ward 16 is now considered to be one of the finest theatre complex in the country with it's state of the art picture and sound plus it's very beautifull surroundings and comfort.

Phil, I have not had any problems with mosquitoes because I do not frequent areas that do have them and neither do our visitors. Yes, we do have high humidity but we also have refreshing trade winds that makes up for the heat which is not that bad, really!. By the way, the summer months when the humidity is said to be very high is the time when we get the most visitors from all over the world and they have ever complained abut our humdity- and mosquitoes.

-Claude
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-01-2003, 05:52 PM:
 
On the other hand, the aspect of Los Angeles that visitors complain about most often is actually not the climate, but Phil.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 06-01-2003, 06:06 PM:
 
And there seems to be a few fruits and nuts in Utah as well...

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Bernard Tonks (Member # 809) on 06-01-2003, 06:36 PM:
 

quote:

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You will find that Hollywood is really quite a run-down area, so don`t be disappointed.

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I would agree with you on Hollywood Michael, I’ve never seen so many cinemas in a row closed down, a couple of names I remember being the FOX and the VOGUE. I was sort of relieved to see plenty of cops around. We were told by the Tour operator that it is a much safer place to walk around now.

I thought the Universal Studio Tour was excellant and full of surprises, much more interesting than the Orlando Universal tour a few years ago.

I liked my stay in San Diego very much, as I did San Francisco. I was in the hotel next to the new sports stadium being built.

Must look out for you next time Micheal in the Gaslamp Quarter.
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 06-01-2003, 07:49 PM:
 
Wake up Bernard and get to the real world. Those places you mention are in the blighted down-town L.A. area and are MOSTLY thanks to California's whimpy and sh!t-ass govenor and the loser "Scared-to-death-to-do-something-about-the illegals in the US" Federal AND state govenments....especially California, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

If you want to see run-down, go ANYWHERE in England. That is IF you can see it cuz of the FOG! I was soooo depressed whenever I went there...It was like visting Bob Maar in NYC cuz of the blight. Ummm...some parts of Scotland are really cool!

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Dan Lyons (Member # 1454) on 06-02-2003, 03:14 AM:
 
I have to agree with Phil on that one. Such a sad situation, once proud theatres are now surrounded by impoverished neighborhoods. The same thing can be seen with some once gorgeous single screens in Santa Ana in Orange County, now turned into spanish churches!

However, the Fox and Vogue are the names of two closed up theatres on Hollywood Blvd, as well as ones in downtown LA.

I spent the past two nights in a row at Graumans Egyptian , the VOGUE was basically across the street and one half block to the right. I felt perfectly safe walking around out there at midnight; there were lots of people and many nightclubs blasting music. Don't forget the new Hollywood and Highland shopping complex and Kodak Theatre.

Danny
 

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Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 06-02-2003, 05:11 AM:
 
Gee Danny, I'm sorry you "have" to agree with me... Was I twisting your arm or something?

I live about a mile from where you were, next time, let me know when you're up this way. I'd like to meet you.

>>> Phil
 

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Posted by Bernard Tonks (Member # 809) on 06-02-2003, 08:48 AM:
 
Sorry if I rattled your cage Phil, the Tour operator gave us so much hype about Hollywood that I probably was disappointed seeing so many closed cinemas in a run-down area.

I felt safer in NYC than I do in many parts of London.

Yes, the UK has many run-down places. If in Wales never visit Merthyr Tydfil, but do drive through the magnificent Brecon Mountains! Surrey has beautiful countryside, so has Yorkshire and the Lake District. I love the West Side of Scotland, even when raining which is part of its beauty!

Miguel,

Apart from the Universal Studio Tour, don’t miss “Back To The Future” & “Terminator 3D”. If you visit Seaworld, make sure you see “Pirates 3D (4D)”
 

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Posted by Miguel Angel Martorell (Member # 1110) on 06-02-2003, 05:47 PM:
 
I HATE YOU PEOPLE!!!!!!!!.

What it seemed a fast & cheap trip now has become a nightmare for my savings but what the h%%$??. I´m close to buy the ticket for a 9 days/7 nights tour which take me to 2 days in L.A, 2 more in Las Vegas and 3 more in San Francisco (sorry Claude but Hawaii is out of my budget. Next Time )

Bernard, I believed that the Back 2 the future an t2-3d were atractions included on the Universal Studio tour???

Thanks for your opinions and advice and if you don´t mind I´ll be posting all my doubts here.

By the way, in L.A. I´ll be at the Wilshire Grand. Is easy to get from here to Egyptian theatre and Universal Studios?.

Michael, does your offer still stand about visit the Egyptian theatre????.
Any recomendations on cinemas and dvd´s stores in the other two cities? (okay, I´ll visit other touristic places)
 

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Posted by Bill Gabel (Member # 1105) on 06-02-2003, 08:14 PM:
 
To get from the Wilshire Grand in Downtown Los Angeles to Hollywood and Universal Studios. Just get on the MTA Red Line and you will be in Hollywood in less than 15mins. But watch out
about getting on the Red Line that only goes to Wilshire and Western. Just watch for the sign Hollywood or North Hollywood.

For DVD's in San Francisco. Amoeba Music has a very nice store in the Haight district area at 1855 Haight St. (415) 831-1200.
You can catch a bus that runs up to the store from around Market Street and Van Ness.
http://www.amoebamusic.com/Home1.html

Also in San Francisco, visit the Castro Theatre it's great old movie palace. You catch a vintage street car that runs on Market Street to the theatre area.

Have a Great Trip.
 

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Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 06-02-2003, 08:24 PM:
 
Amoeba has a store in Hollywood too, at Sunset and Ivar (across the street from the Arclight Cinerama Dome).
 

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Posted by Bernard Tonks (Member # 809) on 06-03-2003, 04:12 AM:
 
Miguel,

In answer to your question, “Back To The Future” & “Terminator 3D (awesome!) Attractions are separate from the fantastic Studio Tour, but all included in the admission price to Universal Studios.

Look out for daytime tours of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre & The Kodak Theatre, which unfortunately I missed out on. Have a Great time!

Vote Phil Hill for Govenor!

 

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Posted by Mathew Molloy (Member # 666) on 06-03-2003, 04:20 PM:
 
I think we should also recommend some good places to eat. So when you're in L.A. I'd highly suggest Pinks Hot Dogs - I resisted going for two years - what a mistake! Pinks is on the corner of Melrose & LaBrea - not too far from Hollywood and you might just see a famous face or two there. I've discovered that two people can stuff themselves silly for less than $15.

I could also recommend Cantors, but not as highly as Pinks. What it really has going for it is that it's open all night. Also Mel's Diner is famous but overrated. El Cholo in Santa Monica is probably the best of the Mexican Restaurants. Viva Fresh is my favorite of the more traditional style but if you don't mind waiting forever in line, Tito's Tacos is the best and most famous. You can find information about all these online.

If you visit the Fox, National, Bruin & Regent in Westwood, Enzo's Pizza, Noodle Planet, Falafal King and particularly Damon & Pathias are my recommendations.

I have to mention that not too far from the airport is my favorite restaurant in L.A., Pann's. Judging by the pictures on the wall it hasn't changed in 50 years - the prices and the food are great (I suggest the nachos for $3.95 which you probably won't finish - the blackened catfish is also really good.) The staff there are great and the place is never really packed but still full of regulars, like myself.

San Francisco is the place to go for good food. Across from The Castro theatre is a great asian restaurant that is upstairs - I forget the name. Of course China Town has great food everywhere as well as Fisherman's Wharf. What I've found in S.F. is that it's best to look for the little 'hole-in-the-wall' restaurants - I've never been disappointed.

All I can say about Vegas is "Buffet". You'll find them everywhere and none really stood out above the rest.

EDIT: I forgot to mention FATBURGER! I've been to the one on the Vegas strip but the joint in Westwood is the greatest if only for the three Hispanic guys who work there who are, without fail, utterly baked.

[ 06-03-2003, 05:45 PM: Message edited by: Mathew Molloy ]
 

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Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 06-03-2003, 05:09 PM:
 
Pink's, always a pit stop while in L.A......love watching the "twitching" sparrows, who have had too many spicy chili dogs as part of their diet, try to join you for dining while you eat in the back patio.......Winchell donuts for sugar high and Norm's for breakfast
Richard Fowler
Kinoton America Inc.
 

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Posted by Miguel Angel Martorell (Member # 1110) on 06-04-2003, 01:13 PM:
 
Good to see you Richard!!!!

I still remember I owe you a Paella in your next visit.
It´s too bad I can´t go to Florida but my budget is very limited. Next time.

I have changed the name of the post cuase all the recomendations to see, eat and to do in all 3 cities will be welcomed. I also apreciate a way to get to the places (metro, bus, etc.)from my hotels
I will be in the Wilshire Grand in L.A. Circus, circus in LAs Vegas and the Renoir in San Francisco.

Thanks y un saludo
 

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Posted by Miguel Angel Martorell (Member # 1110) on 06-12-2003, 08:09 PM:
 
On july the 4th I´ll be for very first time in Los Angeles at 14:30PM.
Where I should go to enjoy all the celebrations of the Independence day???.

Un saludo
 

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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 06-12-2003, 09:03 PM:
 
If you are coming to the States there is only one state you need to see.

That is right it's New York State. and in particular you must come to New York City Yes, New York is the center of the Universe, no matter what Phil say's he deep down knows it is true as do all the members of www.film-tech.com . Brad, started this site with the only purpose of eventually going to New York. Bill Gable left California to work in the crossroads of the Universe, Times Square. New York is what life is all about. So, pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile.
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-12-2003, 09:18 PM:
 

quote:

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On july the 4th I´ll be for very first time in Los Angeles at 14:30PM.
Where I should go to enjoy all the celebrations of the Independence day???.

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What do you mean, at 14:30PM? Is that the time when your plane lands? Then you will go nowhere from there during that afternoon. First you have to make your way through immigration and customs - and yes, the queues are usually very long at LAX. Then you will be stuck in rush hour the rest of the afternoon.
 

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Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 06-12-2003, 09:30 PM:
 
There will be major fireworks displays all over the southland that night. It's just a matter of picking the location you want and fighting the crowds and traffic!

Try this site and click on "Special Events" for July 4th to see what's going on.

As for me, I'll be in Anaheim that night, watching the fireworks over Disneyland along with 15,000 other anime nuts at Anime Expo 2003.
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-12-2003, 10:09 PM:
 
Anaheim. Try to swing by San Diego on that trip. Or maybe I come up to OC.
 

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Posted by Miguel Angel Martorell (Member # 1110) on 06-13-2003, 06:06 AM:
 
Michael I was afraid that something of what you say (customs & rush hour) but there´s no turning back. I took the risk.

By the way, if all of you wanna see what a firework display is come to Valencia, Spain between March 15-19. You´ll never forget the Fallas.

Bob, next year, New York will be my destination. (if this poor film-handler saves enough money )

Un saludo
 

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Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-13-2003, 06:21 AM:
 
Actually, it is not all that bad. Just be advised that customs here are not a big fan of agricultural imports, especially meat products. For instance, if you bring original Spanish sausage from your hometown, they will probably make you eat it all up at the airport.
Another important detail is the address where you will be staying. They will want to know that at immigration. So if you are staying with friends or have booked a hotel, make sure you have the address so that you can enter it on the landing card that you will be given on the plane.
You will also be given a departure number that will be put into or stapled into your passport. It is very important that you make sure to hand that card back when you leave the US. Otherwise it will be very difficult to go to New York next year.

You should also consider renting a car. Many European travel agencies offer complete packages with insurance and all that at reasonable prices. Do not underestimate the distances here - they are much greater and public transport is far less structured than you are used to from Europe.
On the other hand, driving in the US is very easy as people drive much slower and there is plenty of space. Gasoline is very cheap, even though Americans think it has become so much more expensive.
When you exit the terminal at LAX, there will be shuttle buses which will take you the car rentals.
Study the map carefully and take notes which freeways you will
use.
Do not attempt to figure out the freeway system. There is none.
 

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Posted by Mathew Molloy (Member # 666) on 06-14-2003, 12:34 AM:
 
It looks like your best bet for fireworks would be the Marina Del Rey fireworks show or the Hollywood Bowl/L.A. Philharmonic fireworks show.

I live just a half mile north of LAX and I might be able to drive you from the airport to your destination if you'd like. However there is a possibility I'll have to work instead. Let me know if you need the ride and I can probably work my schedule around it.
 

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Posted by Miguel Angel Martorell (Member # 1110) on 06-14-2003, 08:45 PM:
 
Mathew, billions of thanks for the offering but I thought I´d posted already that I´m coming to the States with an agency and my travel includes hotels, plane tickets and trasportation. (Incredible but in the end this is a cheaper and safe option that arranging everything by myself considering I wanna visit at least the 3 cities plus Grand Canyon and Yosemite Park and my orientation sense is so awful that even in my wildest dreams I don´t dare to rent a car cause if I´m getting lost in my bedroom, imagine in L.A. )
The bad news are that all activities are scheduled and I will have very little free time in L.A. which will dedicate to visit Universal Park and if time permits, Amoeba and Egyptian Theatre.
By the way, metro is the best way of public transportation, isn´t it?. So, what´s the time for the last train or there´s a night service?.

Michael, this time I have to left in home my "jamon serrano" but with potatoes, eggs, olive oil and garlick (all things easy to find there) I can cook a "tortilla de patata con ajoaceite". Try it!!!!

Now seriously, thanks to all you people and in my next visit (there will be more, I promise ) maybe we can meet.

Muchas gracias y un saludo
 

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Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 06-14-2003, 09:03 PM:
 

quote:

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The bad news are that all activities are scheduled and I will have very little free time in L.A. which will dedicate to visit Universal Park and if time permits, Amoeba and Egyptian Theatre.

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