Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Trippin' to CA, 6/21/03 to 6/27/03

This is topic Trippin' to CA, 6/21/03 to 6/27/03 in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 06-18-2003, 03:41 PM:

I am driving to California, Napa and Morro Bay to be exact, for a few days, from 6/21/03 to 6/27/03.

Any of you film techers nearby? would love something to do like come by and harrass you about your presentation! [evil]

Dave

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 06-18-2003, 04:21 PM:

Feel free to stop here in downtown Sacramento on your way down I-80 for a tour of the Imax and the Crest. [Cool]

There will be restricted access to the theater on the evening of the 22nd for a government event and the 23rd through 25th there will be protestors everywhere downtown for the World Trade Organization.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-19-2003, 07:34 AM:

Dave......
BE SURE TO DRIVE CAREFULLY!!!! I was out to Wendover yesterday....thats far enough, for me.....
MArk

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 06-23-2003, 12:32 PM:

Dave: When in the Napa area, get a hold of me and I might be able to arrange a couple tours of Cinema West's nearby facilities. [Smile]

-Aaron

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 06-23-2003, 03:50 PM:

Adam:

I asked you about the Crest on another site and then couldn't find your answer.

I worked there as projectionist in the late 60s. At that time it had three machines, two Centuries and a Simplex and was a beautiful auditorium. About 1500 seats as I recall. What is it today?

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 06-23-2003, 04:35 PM:

quote:
The Crest has been restored and has two additional screens in the basement of the building next door. I really should walk the block and a half and take some photos.

It's two blocks away and I haven't even had time to chat with the manager or projectionists or take any photos. [Frown]

I've only seen a couple of films there and given a couple of lobby tours.

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 06-23-2003, 07:51 PM:

quote:
I worked there as projectionist in the late 60s. At that time it had three machines, two Centuries and a Simplex and was a beautiful auditorium. About 1500 seats as I recall. What is it today?

Before the late 1990s remodel the Crest was last equipped with Brenkert BX-80's on Motiograph soundheads with Strong Excelite 135 lamphouses.

After the remodel (which included the extra two screens) the main booth was changed to Simplex SH-1012 soundheads and the same Brenkerts, with Strong consoles replacing the Excelites. The two satellite auditoria have Simplex XL's and RCA Soundheads and Christie consoles. I am not sure what platters are being used (the main auditorium still has 2 machines and can do platter or changeover)

John Eickhof did the install on the remodel. Pics of the Crest before and after can be seen on his web site's picture gallery .

-Aaron

Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 06-23-2003, 07:54 PM:

And here's the Crest's website, which includes a technical breakdown of equipment:

http://www.thecrest.com

Bob, I assume those were Century JJ's? I know the Crest was used as a roadshow house in the 60's (Sound of Music, The Blue Max, etc) and would assume they had 70mm capabilities.

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 06-23-2003, 08:00 PM:

The info on the Crest's website is the pre-remodel version. See my post above for the new equipment list.

-Aaron

Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 06-23-2003, 08:06 PM:

But you can check out the seating capacity from the Crest's website. [Smile]

Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 06-23-2003, 09:44 PM:

I arrived safe and sound in Napa, and am now in Morro Bay. I was so exhausted from the drive that I just crashed in bed when I got there.

I did get out to Spenser Battery at the Golden Gate Bridge. That was about it.

Going Surfing maybe? We will see how that goes.

Sorry I couldn't make it to see anyone. I will be back later this year on a more enjoyable version of vacation. This one was to visit some medical professionals on my health. So far so good. Feel very good now at sea level. Much better than in utah. Thinking of moving out to napa permanently, after all, I get free rent out here!

Dave

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 06-23-2003, 11:49 PM:

Dave, take it easy on yourself, and don't get too exhausted.

But whatever you do, please drive carefully. [beer]

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 06-24-2003, 01:42 AM:

Thanks Adam, Paul and Aaron. The Crest did not have 70mm capabilities when I was there. I think they were Century Cs and the Simplex was an E-7 that I used for trailers and shorts just to keep in running. It was a carbon arc changeover booth. The first automation went into a multiplex in a shopping center near Cal Expo in about '68. The business agent of the Sacto IA local got the job.

Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 06-30-2003, 07:30 PM:

Back in Utah, a few days later than expected. Had a blast. Got my stuff done. Went Boogie Boarding, had a blast. Hurt like hell getting back to Utah's Elevation. Wishing I was back in California.

Oh Well, it was fun, may go back later this year, or just wait till next summer again, but with a few more weeks to enjoy the place. After all, the family has a nice sea side cottage in Morro Bay and a place in Napa, so no need for hotels at least within six hours of the places.

Nice to be back, sort of.

Dave

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 07-01-2003, 10:10 AM:

Dave,
Sorry I missed you. I left for Cine Expo the day before you posted, June 17, and came back on Saturday the 28th. I live in Los Osos and have a great view of Morro Rock from my house. Since your family has a cottage in Morro I am sure you are familiar with the Bay Cinema. They recently put in new speakers and the owners are really nice people. Let me know when you make it back to Morro. If you like I could give you the nickel tour of USL.
Clint

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 07-01-2003, 01:02 PM:

Hi Adam

My trip to Sacramento is just about a week and a half away and I am looking forward to meeting and visiting with you as we discussed in our private email. Please send me your phone number again by email so I can call you and let you know when my shedule will permit me to come to see you once I arrive. As I had mentioned earlier, I will be in your area to photograph a professional bodybuilder who has retained me to do another photo shoot and competition pictures for him. I had photographed Moji Oluwa for the first time here in Hawaii about two years ago and his image is on the Fitness page of my new website with Waikiki and Diamond Head in the background. Beside seeing your IMAX theatre, I am loking forward to seeing the Crest after I visited the theatre's website from the link that was provided by Paul.

-Claude

Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 07-02-2003, 08:22 PM:

Hey Clint.

Yes, very familiar with the Bay. I was very impressed with the new sound. It is really fun to see a show there, kind of like a dressed up barn inside, as it feels very homey and open, less sterile and cold.

I plan on bieng back later this year, perhaps in november, but not sure just yet. Will let you know.

Dave