Back on thee BIG Screen in Denver

Denver's Continental Theatre has announced the next set of films in its FlashBack Features series.

These films are scheduled to play on Wednesdays at 9pm on the Giant 78-foot wide screen. Occasionally, the Flashback showing is moved to a smaller screen, so call ahead to confirm. 303 758-6732

With one exception, they aren't Flashing very far Back with this line-up. It will be interesting to see how well these titles perform.

03/11  300

03/18  Sin City

03/25  The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

04/01  Starship Troopers

04/08  Star Trek: Generations

04/15  Serenity

04/22  2001: A Space Odyssey

04/29  South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut

Fandango

+ Bravo to Regal and the Continental management for continuing this series!

- It's a damn shame that 2001 won't be presented in 70MM. It's playing in 70MM several times in Europe this year. link

And on a personal note- I'm really hoping for showings of E.T. & The Princess Bride in the near future... my daughter is just old enough now.

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY

Theatres showing Groundhog Day on the Big Screen today:

Coolidge Corner Theatre (Brookline,MA)
Brewvies 2 Theatre (Salt Lake City,UT)
Hamburg Palace Theatre (Hamburg,NY)

Wednesday:

Regal Valley River Center Stadium 15 (Eugene,OR)

STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN Report

I saw Star Trek II at 9PM on 01/21/09 at Denver's Continental Theatre.

After the technical difficulties of last week's Raiders of the Lost Ark, I'm happy to report that tonight's presentation was excellent.

The print was beautiful. The projection was spot on. The audience (about 150) was well-behaved. The soundtrack was slightly shrill, with a bit of occasional hiss, but nothing distracting.

All in all, it was a fantastic movie-going experience.

How could it have been better?

- A 70MM print.

- No pre-show garbage (a closed curtain instead)

- More showtimes.

Upcoming flashback features at the Continental (Wednesdays at 9)
01/28 Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
02/04 Jurassic Park
02/11 Top Gun
02/19 Terminator 2: Judgment Day
02/25 Live and Let Die
03/04 Blazing Saddles

Check out our Back on the Big Screen listings for upcoming screenings of classic films across the U.S.

The Dark Knight Back on the Big Screen

Forget the low resolution video formats like DVD and Blu-Ray - get out and see The Dark Knight on a Giant Screen in IMAX! Opens 01/23/09

List of Theatres showing The Dark Knight for the January 2009 re-release


Read about the film formats used for The Dark Knight.

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK Report

I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark at the Continental Theatre on 01/14/09 at 9pm.

With one notable exception, the entire experience was awesome.

After Regal's horrible pre-show commercials, general manager Mike Allen introduced the FlashBack series. He discussed the challenges of showing flashbacks in the large auditorium. 

Studios sometimes balk at the idea of moving current releases from the large screen, even for one showing a week. Hopefully, Regal and the studios will continue to work together on this issue. The great movie-going experiences provided by the flashback series are good for the industry as a whole, and someday those current releases may find their own place in the flashback series. To Mike's credit, he vowed to keep the series on the giant screen whenever possible.

Mr. Allen also mentioned the growing scarcity of 35mm prints as more and more theatres move to digital, which doesn't have enough resolution to hold up on such a large screen.

After giving away a few free passes, Raiders began. The print was excellent. It wasn't perfect - there was a faint green scratch left of center from time to time, and a small bit of dirt at the reel changes. It was also a tad dark. But these quibbles are minor. The 35mm image on the Continental's 78' wide screen was transportingly beautiful.

Sound was terrific as well. Volume was perfect and the wide front soundstage created an immersive experience. Surround presence was limited, due largely to the original mix. No outside noise was heard.

The crowd of 250 was respectfully quiet.

Projection was excellent - the film was perfectly focused and framed on the giant screen... until the reel change just after the flying wing fight. 

Suddenly the top quarter of the image was at the bottom of the screen.  I called the box office on my cell phone and politely told them to fix it immediately.  It was fixed as Indy rode his horse down the hill toward the truck. The problem occurred again at the final reel change when the credits began, and was not fixed.

I asked a (different) manager afterwards what happened. He explained that their projectionist did not splice the reels together correctly, and the print arrived too late for them to preview it for errors. 

This answer really isn't satisfactory. As mentioned, these prints are very rare, and should be handled by folks who know what they are doing. 

Additionally, if there isn't time for a preview screening, how hard would it be to send a projectionist into the booth every 20 minutes to monitor the reel change and make sure nothing is amiss?

If theatres want to remain in business, they must do a better job. This sort of problem does not occur when watching a movie at home.

I look forward to seeing more classics at the Continental, and trust they will strive to improve their presentation in every way possible.

Check out our Back on the Big Screen listings for upcoming screenings of classic films across the U.S., including more at the Continental.

Back on the Big Screen Update

Back on the Big Screen listings have been updated with tons of classics screenings all across the U.S. for 2009. 

You'll find actual showings of reader favorites like Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Godfather, The Princess Bride, Se7en, Casablanca, and many more.

Get out and see a great film Back on the Big Screen.

UA Denver Pavilions

On 16th St Mall at Tremont Place
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 454-9086

I saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button on 12/29 at 7:40 in Auditorium 6.

The screen was large, about 50-55 feet wide, with side masking. Projection was steady and bright.

The auditorium was sloped, with good sight lines.

Sound was good, with a wide front sound stage and deep bass...

However, at least one front speaker (right?) distorted during loud, high notes.

Auditorium 6

Cinema Grade = F

IF they fix the speaker(s): Cinema Grade = B

INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM Report

It sure was nice to see a good Indiana Jones film on the Big Screen this year.

I saw Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom at the Esquire Theatre in Denver, Colorado at midnight on 11/27/08.

The print was beautiful, the decent-sized crowd was respectful, and the presentation was acceptable. 

I was struck by how "theatrical" the film was. Yet it still maintained an air of seriousness that was sorely missing from the abysmal Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It was a great experience. I only wish these screenings were at a more accessible hour.

A "charming" introduction was made before the film by The Matt, who hosts the Esquire's midnight screenings.

Upcoming titles include:

1/02 & 03 Batman Begins 

(See it on the Big Screen before the Dark Knight Re-Release!)

1/09 & 10 Trainspotting

1/16 & 17 The Toxic Avenger

1/23 & 24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

1/30 & 31 Se7en

2/13 & 14 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

2/2o & 21 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Landmark Esquire

590 Downing Street at 6th
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 733-9939

I saw Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom on 12/27/08 at midnight.

The print was in excellent shape. Projection was steady and focused. The screen in auditorium 1 is nicely sized, probably around 50 feet wide.

Before the feature, the screen (and the audience's peace) was protected by a beautiful curtain.

Unfortunately, the image was quite dim and framing was off. The top portion of the image (~1/2 foot) was projected onto the bottom masking, below the screen. This was only distracting during bright scenes.

Sound was a bit on the shrill side, with no noticeable surround activity. Normally, I would attribute these to the print, but because it was in such good shape visibly, I assume the equipment could use an upgrade.

Seating was less than comfortable, with a very gentle slope that resulted in heads obstructing the very bottom of the screen.

Despite the issues mentioned, the experience was wonderful. Bravo to the Esquire for presenting Temple of Doom Back on the Big Screen.

Auditorium 1

Cinema Grade = B-

I snuck a peak into Auditorium 2, which was once the balcony over Auditorium 1. The screen was unbelievably, pathetically, small. 

Fortunately, online listings indicate which film is showing upstairs and which is downstairs. Also, because the upstairs auditorium is not handicap-accessible, the theatre will move any film downstairs with 24 hours notice. So give 'em a call and carry a cane!

Auditorium 2

Cinema Grade = F

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Report

Movies should always be watched on the big screen!

I saw It's a Wonderful Life at 8pm on 12/10/08 on the Giant Screen at the Continental Theatre in Denver. My wife and I had never seen the film before (!) and we both had a Wonderful evening.

The print was in beautiful shape and the 4:3 b&w monaural presentation was outstanding.

There were close to 200 people in attendance, all respectfuly quiet. The group added to the exprience - when George starts to lose it near the end, the tension and anticipation in the room were palpable.

The lobby was otherwise pretty empty. I doubt there were 200 people in all 9 other auditoriums that night. Note to Hollywood and cinema chains - more classic screenings = more money!

It was terrific to see the Flashback Features back on the BIG screen at the Continental after their disappointing move to a smaller auditorium this past summer.

Fortunately, the Continental has recently posted the first listings for their 2009 series, all of which will be presented on their Giant 78' x 35' screen!

01/14 Raiders of the Lost Ark
01/21 Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
01/28 Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
02/04 Jurassic Park
02/11 Top Gun
02/19 Terminator 2: Judgment Day
02/25 Live and Let Die
03/04 Blazing Saddles

Bravo to Regal Cinemas and the management of The Continental for showing these great films Back on the BIG Screen!

Check our Back on the Big Screen listings for classic film screenings near you!

Back on the Big Screen Listings Updated

Our Back on the Big Screen Listings have been updated with new screenings of classic films, including:
- Holiday hits like It's a Wonderful Life, and a Christmas Story
- Other favorites like the Lord of the Rings films, Back to the Future and The Goonies
- A killer 70MM festival in SoCal that includes Raiders of the Lost Ark & 2001
- and many others.

Forget BluRay or DVD - get out and see a great film on the big screen in HIGHER definition 35mm or 70MM.

Harkins Northfield 18

8300 E. 49th Avenue
Denver, CO 80238
(720) 374-3118 532

Saw Quantum of Solace in the Cine Capri auditorium on 11/15/08 at 7:10pm

Five theatres operated by Harkins feature a "Cine Capri" auditorium, with a notably larger screen than the standard multiplex. Harkins is to be commended for building these auditoriums, and for doing an excellent job of promoting them. Their newspaper and internet listings always specify which film is on the Cine Capri screen.

Denver newspaper listings refer to the Northfield Cine Capri as "Colorado's Largest Screen." This seems to be a case of false advertising, as a 2005 press release indicates the screen is 70' x 30,' more than 10% smaller than the 78' wide screen at the Continental. Managers at the Northfield refused to provide any information about the screen size... almost as if they had something to hide. To my eye, the Cine Capri screen, while impressive, is not as big as the Continental's.

Nevertheless, the Cine Capri provided an excellent presentation, with a giant, immersive screen that puts most multiplexes to shame. The image was well framed, bright, rock-solid steady, and free of dirt or scratches. The focus may have been a tad soft, but that might also have been the film.

The soundtrack was loud, clear, and enveloping. No outside sound was audible.

Seating was comfortable and the audience was respectful.

On the down side, movie-goers were subjected to annoying pre-show ads.

Cine Capri Auditorium: Cinema Grade = B+

Saw Bolt in Auditorium 10 on 11/23 at 5pm in Disney Digital 3D.

There was a small mark on the screen right in the center. The image was dim, which was made worse by the dark glasses. Otherwise the image was well-framed and steady. Sound was satisfactory.

Auditorium 10: Cinema Grade = C+

Back on the Big Screen Update

Just a quick update - our Back on the Big Screen Listings have been updated with screenings of more great films.

Continental Update

As reported earlier, the Giant Screen at the Continental Theatre is back in action.

The previous review pertained to special charity screenings, but after seeing a current release (Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa on 11/09/08 at 4:30pm), I wanted to point out one note:

They are still not running pre-show commericals or advertisements. Bravo to Regal Entertainment for keeping those ads out of the Giant Screen Auditorium, and demonstrating a real sense of showmanship!

Regal should advertise this fact in their newspaper listings, to lure back those movie lovers who have chosen to stay home out of disdain for on-screen ads.

"No Commercials on the Giant Screen"

Getting Ready for Quantum of Solace...

Back on the Big Screen Listings have been updated with a lot of new screenings, including several showings of Casino Royale (2006) in the week before Quantum of Solace opens.

Bravo to those theatres providing this opportunity to view Casino Royale on the Big Screen!

Thanks also to our readers who have submitted Classic Film Screening info!

Denver's GIANT Screen is Back!

Review based on two screenings:
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (8:30pm on 11/05/08) (full report)
- Madagascar (6pm on 11/06/08)

After being closed for several months for an auditorium remodel, the Giant 78-foot-wide screen at the Continental Theatre is back in action.

The huge curved screen was unaltered during the remodel, and still engulfs close-sitting viewers like no other cinema in operation today.

The Auditorium Remodel
The front 1/3 maintains the same slope as before; the middle 1/3 slopes just a little more steeply, and the back 1/3 slopes very steeply on high stadium-style risers.

The seats have all been replaced with high-backed rockers, which feature retractable cup-holder arm-rests.

Because of the new configuration, there appear to be considerably fewer seats than before. There are now 600 seats, according to box office staff.

The original seating layout was staggered so that most seats had a gap directly in front of them, rather than another seat. Now, most seats are aligned one in front of another, but presumably this will not be an issue because of the steeper slope.

Row width, which was very impressive in the original layout, has not been decreased by much. It is still easy to walk past seated moviegoers without banging into their knees.

Sound
Acoustics seem unharmed by the new layout. Sound is exceptional, with a very wide front soundstage, deep, boom-y bass, and immersive surround. Volume is loud, but not uncomfortable.

Projection
A new projection booth has been built roughly 10 feet closer to the screen at the top of the stadium risers. The construction of the new booth of course necessitated a re-calibration of sound and projection, meaning that everything is currently in excellent shape. Hopefully, this calibration will be maintained in the months and years to come.

The image is bright, steady, and beautiful. The picture is sharply focused from top to bottom and across to each side, despite the deep curvature of the D-150 screen. The film is cleanly and accurately framed on all four sides for both 2.35:1 and 1.85:1 films.

A Christy projector is visible through the window above the back row. Unfortunately, the old Norelco AA-II projector, which is capable of both 35mm and 70MM is not currently installed.

Pre-Show
Wonderfully, there were no pre-show advertisements or commercials. Hopefully, Regal will continue this when current releases resume in the Giant Screen auditorium. However, the presentation would be even more dramatic if the curtains were kept closed until showtime.

A Few Very Minor Gripes
Lighting
The auditorium lights are not fully off during the film. When the entrance to Moria collapsed, leaving the Fellowship in total darkness, the screen and the room were not as dark as they should have been.

Solution – Lights should be completely off during the film.

Seating Comfort
In the original seating arrangement each row was on a flat "step," each just a little higher than the one in front of it. Now, the front section of the auditorium is on a continuous slope. This made me feel as if I was sliding down out of my seat, because my feet were lower than felt natural. Note: A friend who accompanied me felt the same way.

Solution – Footrests should be added to the backs of the seats, particularly in the front section.

Additionally, the seating angle in the front section (6th row) seemed to position my head and back too "upright." I had to press back on the seat to achieve a comfortable view of the screen. Overall, I found the seating to be slightly less comfortable than before, which was exacerbated by the fact that I was watching a 3 ½ hour film.

Solution – The angle of the seat backs of the front section should be adjusted so that they recline a bit more in their default position.

Aesthetics
The auditorium doesn't feel as "special" as it used to. It looks and feels like most other theatres, but with a massive screen. I assume this was intended; to make it more comfortable and attractive to a younger crowd, but I can't help but be slightly disappointed. Ultimately, though, if this change helps keep the Giant Screen in operation, it can only be viewed as positive.

Solution – none.

Shadow Puppets
The back row is now a short distance below the projection window. During the end credits of Madagascar, movie-goers reached up, casting shadows on the screen. Hopefully, this will not ever be a problem during the actual movie.

Solution - Close vigilance by the ushers.

All in all, the Giant Screen at the Continental is unlike any other. The picture and the sound remain top-notch. Bravo to Regal Cinemas and the Continental Management for preserving the Giant Screen experience.

The Continental is the place to see a current blockbuster, and hopefully more classic films through their Flash-Back Features series.

Cinema Grade = A+

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition Report

I saw The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition on 11/05/08 at 8:30pm in Auditorium 5 at the Continental Theatre.

(A full report on the remodeled Giant Screen Auditorium)

The print and presentation of Fellowship was absolutely flawless... stunning... outstanding!

The smallest visual and aural details added to the richness of the film in this larger-than-life presentation; the sweat beading on Bilbo's head during his birthday speech; the crackle of the fire in his home far off to the side during an indoor chat.

Bravo to Regal Cinemas and Continental Management for obtaining this print and presenting it so magnificently.

Unfortunately, the crowd was small, appearing to be just under 100 people. The marketing of this screening was very poor. I am confident that if the awareness had been greater, the film could have sold out.

When the new Flashback Features series kicks off in January, the classic films must be on the Giant screen. And quite frankly, the Extended Editions of the entire The Lord of the Rings Trilogy should be a part of that experience!

Continental GIANT SCREEN Re-Opening in Denver

UPDATE #2: The Continental's marquee, which faces on the busy I-25 corridor, is proudly advertising the classic film screenings playing this week.

UPDATE: Regal now has the screenings listed on their site. Tickets are still not available through Fandango.

The Giant Auditorium at Denver's Continental Theatre re-opens this week after a largely un-necessary but hopefully benign remodeling.

The perfectly sloped auditorium with excellent sight lines has been replaced with a stadium configuration and new seating.

Fortunately, the Giant 78' wide screen has been preserved.

To celebrate, Regal Cinemas is presenting TOP SECRET SCREENINGS of several past hits.

These screenings were published in the 11/02 Denver Post, but they are NOWHERE TO BE FOUND on the entire Interwebs. There are (currently) no listings on Fandango, nor any mention at Regal's website. Shame on Regal for not promoting these films!

11/05 - Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (10am & 6pm) ($1)
11/05 - The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (2pm & 8:30pm) ($1)
11/06 - Madagascar (11am & 6pm) ($1)
11/06 - Titanic (2pm & 830pm) ($1)
11/07 - Madagascar 2 opens on the Giant Screen (full price)
11/14 - Quantum of Solace opens on the Giant Screen (full price)

A few thoughts:
- Crystal Skull isn't worth $1.

- The Extended Edition of Fellowship rarely shows up on the big screen. This is an awesome opportunity! Hopefully the Continental will show the Extended Editions of the entire trilogy as part of their FlashBack Features series in the near future.

- Showing Madagascar just before the sequel opens is a great idea, and a neat opportunity for children who were too young to see it three years ago. It would be nice to see Casino Royale on the Big Screen as well!

- The Giant Screen deserves to have 70MM projection whenever possible. Titanic played in 70MM at the Seattle Cinerama just last year. Shame on Regal for not including 70MM projection as part of their re-opening. Hopefully, this will be remedied in the near future.

Despite some clear mis-steps on the part of Regal Cinemas, it's wonderful that Colorado moviegoers have the opportunity to see these films (except KotCS) Back on the Big Screen. And the Giant Screen at the Continental is one of the greatest theatres around.

Get out and see classic films and the next blockbusters at the Continental!

The Jerk Report

I saw The Jerk at 9PM at the Continental Theatre in Auditorium 9.

Attendance was poor; less than 100 people. I overheard folks complaining as they walked to the auditorium that the film wasn't playing on the big screen (which is currently closed for a remodel).

Regal - PLEASE move the FlashBack Series back to the Big Screen as soon as the remodel is complete. This terrific series will help keep the movie-going experience alive IF you give people a real reason to leave their homes.

The print was in excellent shape. However, there were several unfortunate and inexcusable problems with the presentation.

1.) Initially, the 1.85:1 image was stretched across the 2.35:1 scope screen, distorting everything. This was only fixed after I went out to complain.

Solution: The person who starts the film should bother to look at the screen to make sure everything is correct.

2.) The masking was left open at the 2.35:1 ratio, making it apparent that green light from an exit sign was flooding the lower right hand corner of the screen. This was not a problem for The Jerk, but would be for any 2.35:1 film.

Solution: A) Some sort of simple shield should be installed over the exit sign to prevent light spill on the screen. B) Make sure the masking is in the correct position.

3.) The sound (original mono) was overly loud and tinny, to the point of being painful at times. (I had a similar experience at Jaws in the Giant Screen auditorium (#5) a few years back.)

Solution: Volume and equalization need to be adjusted for older films with mono soundtracks.

4.) The incorrect lens was re-applied during the end credits (dancing sequence), once again distoring the image, to the groans of the audience memebers still in their seats.

Solution: Show some respect for your customers, for crying out loud. Don't screw up the picture while there are people sitting there watching the film, even if it's just the credits. This lack of showmanship is why more and more people are staying home and watching movies on their home theaters.

Auditorium 9: Cinema Grade = C- (Downgraded)

SAW Films Back on the Big Screen

All 4 Saw films are playing this Thursday at AMC Theatres across the U.S. in prepration for the release of Saw V.

Sawfest
Thursday, October 23 at 4pm join AMC Theatres for a "cutting" edge value!

We will offer the series of Saw, Saw II, Saw III, Saw IV and the 12:01am release of Saw V. That's five movies for only $15!

Saw: 4:00pm
Saw II: 6:00pm
Saw III: 8:00pm
Saw IV: 10:10pm
Saw V Release: 12:01am

Bravo to AMC theatres for showing these films Back on the Big Screen!

How about some Casino Royale screenings before Quantum of Solace opens?