They are most likely to be made up of the Walls that consoled many heavy hearts and floors that cheered on many dreams and even seen some of them crumble. For that reason, movie theatres are structures beyond great architecture and ambiance. Apart from it being a fun place to hang out it is also a place where people come to momentarily escape the responsibilities or sometimes even the reality of their life in addition to enjoying cinema that appeals to them. In that sense, I believe there really should be more of its kind.
There are over 23,000 listed vintage theatres in more than 175 countries. The screening of the first movie ever to happen was at Edison’s Vitascope Theatre on October 19, 1896, but it was not until 1902 that permanent Movie theatres first came to exist. The Tally’s Electric Theatre in Los Angeles was the first of its kind and created quite a stir among the general public as it was an absolute innovation at that time. Since then many theatres have been built and served as a great resource of entertainment in the past but from the looks of it, soon there will be no more theatres as we know it. It is not long before they would be referred to a thing of the past along with all that has been forced into retirement with the advancement of science and technology.
Tally’s Electric Theatre was built with the intent of creating a platform for movie-makers and exhibitors to showcase their work rather than having to move from one city to another. The original building is currently listed as the Roosevelt theatre and is said to have operated up until 1952.
The vibe vintage cinema projects are one of a kind. Though today’s cinemas are modern and sleek, the theatres in the past resembled cathedrals and had polished foyers as well as high ceilings with chandeliers. Like any other novelty at that time it was a place initially restricted to the elite and housed an ambiance as such with hand-painted murals, proficient ushers and sculptures by professional artists. Though many of these establishments have ceased to be of interest to the modern viewer due to the access to on-demand cinematic experience there is, there is a few of these still in operation, encouraged by the few who like to experience the old school grandeur of ‘’gong to the movies’’.
Here are few of the still-in-business wholesome movie theatres hand-picked for you to try out
01. LE GRAND REX
To remain more relevant to today’s viewer the le grand rex has adapted to showcase live performances from celebrated artists and has even hosted famed performers such as Bob Dylan and Björk. It is acclaimed as the largest cinema theatre in Europe and houses an enormous main auditorium that is adorned with explicit patterns and design which is meant to create the illusion of watching a film in the open air. The building’s large neon signs and its art deco style tower make heads turn to date, as intended by its foremost owner, Jacques Haik and is a definite must-visit when in Paris.
02. THE BAGDAD THEATRE AND PUB
The Bagdad Theatre in Portland, Oregon dates back to 1927 and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places to visit. The theatre, which was an initial investment of the universal studios exhibits an interior inspired by middles eastern décor and its ushers are said to have been dressed in Arabian costumes. The establishment has not only featured silent films but also indulged talkies, theatrical orchestras, live stage shows, and vaudeville that drew in large crowds in the past.
Since its most recent renovation in 2013, the theatre is at present complete with a larger screen, a digital projector, new seats, and an upgraded sound system.
03. GRAUMAN'S CHINESE THEATRE
The big neon sign is a staple in any old school movie place and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California is no exception. It first premiered Cecil B. DeMille’s The King of Kings and has even had the privilege of hosting three academy award ceremonies.
The theatre’s most unique aspect is the concrete blocks set in its courtyard, which bear the signatures, footprints, and handprints of a wide array of popular motion picture personalities.
04. AHMADI DRIVE-IN CINEMA
This is not something you would expect to see in Kuwait, a Middle Eastern country that is quite secluded even today. The Ahmadi drive-in cinema is massive and looks like a lot of fun but it is also unfortunately abandoned at the moment. I believe there is a lot of potential in bringing back the drive-in cinemas, at least it is something I would love to try out.
If not for what it was used previously, the wide space of the area is apt to accommodate open fairs, carnivals or anything that will bring people together as a community.
05. CINEMA RIO 70
Apart from its vintage charm, this building in Monterrey, stands out because of its shape. The dome-shaped cinema which initially played 70mm films was first unveiled in 1969 and was restored to its former glory in the year 1988. It is currently a venue for live concerts and performances that unites the best of both worlds.
Just like a museum, a vintage movie theatre will present you with an informative tour that enables you to explore a little bit of the past and help you understand how our world came to be as it is. Sometimes in the rush to keep up with our schedules and the demands of the world we fail to fathom the amazing things happening right in front of our eyes. So this blast from the past, it will do you good!
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