Dawn of the Dead (1978) - OUT OF PRINT

[AFFanAttic]

Nationwide limited runs for re-released classic / older movies seem to have proven… not worthwhile (maybe an overstatement. they might edge by often enough)… in recent years. Especially, it seems, if it's a 3D conversion.
But I wonder what are the profit margins like for Fathom Events that go for just two nationwide screenings? 3D would still be a bad idea for those, I think, but I really wonder why they haven't even done that a couple times each year over the past few years.
Rubenstein does not need to make his money back all in one home video licensing deal. There are other ways he could be profiting from his ownership of these films, and this aspect really doesn't add up and makes me think there's some missing details.

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by Monterey Jack

Last summer when Close Encounters was re-issued to theaters for a one-week run, I saw in in my local theater around 1:00 PM on a Sunday, and there were maybe fifteen people there. If a movie as iconic and influential as that couldn't draw a crowd, what chance does an unrated horror movies from the same period have? Maybe had it been reissued when The Walking Dead was at the height of its popularity, it might have gotten some attention, but now?

Outside of event screenings in big cities or trendy spots like Austin revival screenings are mostly a big "meh" for most people I think. Most people are happy with their home theater setups now, and I honestly think the only movies that do gangbusters in theaters anymore are movies people can't wait to see. That's why franchises rule the day.

I have to say, even as a big movie fan, that the theater experience sucks. A good blu-ray and especially a UHD looks better on my home screen than a theater presentation does, other than size, which I find overrated as a thing. Also at home you don't have to deal with loud annoying people, showtimes, lack of pause or a drive in traffic. The theater experience honestly sucks for everyone but extroverts who love the (very limited) social aspects of it.

[RCRochester]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Outside of event screenings in big cities or trendy spots like Austin revival screenings are mostly a big "meh" for most people I think. Most people are happy with their home theater setups now, and I honestly think the only movies that do gangbusters in theaters anymore are movies people can't wait to see. That's why franchises rule the day.

I have to say, even as a big movie fan, that the theater experience sucks. A good blu-ray and especially a UHD looks better on my home screen than a theater presentation does, other than size, which I find overrated as a thing. Also at home you don't have to deal with loud annoying people, showtimes, lack of pause or a drive in traffic. The theater experience honestly sucks for everyone but extroverts who love the (very limited) social aspects of it.

You know, one of the big movie chains here in Canada has monthly viewings of different old classics and I always get excited when I see their schedule of what's coming up, but when the time comes I don't bother going. I think for folks who don't have big movie collections, it's a novelty to revisit an old movie. But for me that's all I watch and it's kind of a waste of money to go see some of these at the movie theatre (with all of the distractions like you say) when I could just chill at home and watch it there, especially when the few times I HAVE gone to those screenings, they're just DCP screenings that look, to me, like they just popped the same blu-ray into a machine that I have at home.

[notops]

Originally Posted by RCRochester

You know, one of the big movie chains here in Canada has monthly viewings of different old classics and I always get excited when I see their schedule of what's coming up, but when the time comes I don't bother going. I think for folks who don't have big movie collections, it's a novelty to revisit an old movie. But for me that's all I watch and it's kind of a waste of money to go see some of these at the movie theatre (with all of the distractions like you say) when I could just chill at home and watch it there, especially when the few times I HAVE gone to those screenings, they're just DCP screenings that look, to me, like they just popped the same blu-ray into a machine that I have at home.

I agree about the futility of revival screenings at multiplexes. It's like watching a Blu-Ray and usually with a bunch of smartphone-junkies who can't stop using them for even two hours.

However, as a movie fan, if you are ever in Southern California take some time to visit Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema. The programming is eclectic as hell and everything is projected in 35mm (or 16mm). The crowds are almost always thoroughly respectful and reverent, plus the staff is not shy about being a dick to you if you violate their no-cellphones policy.

It's a really magical place if you are in love with movies (which I assume you are if you are at Blu-ray.com).

[TylerDurden389]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Also at home you don't have to deal with loud annoying people, showtimes, lack of pause or a drive in traffic. The theater experience honestly sucks for everyone but extroverts who love the (very limited) social aspects of it.

You've just summed me up perfectly. My parents always tell me if I wanna save up money living in Brooklyn, NY, I should stop going to all these theaters that play the classics everyday. But I tell them why should I bother staying here then? I'm a movie fan that loves meeting other movie fans, who, like me, were born too late to see classic cinema (classic being 40's Film Noir, trashy 80's exploitation movies, and everything in between lol). No other city in this country does this, so I wanna take full advantage of it. And since these places have very strict no talking/texting policies (as well as a better grade of people who know to keep quiet during the movie), why shouldn't I?

As for the very rare instance I see new movies, I wait till it's been out for 2-3 weeks (depending on popularity), and go on a weekday.

Regarding old movies being played at regular theaters and no one going, yeah I see that a lot to unfortunately. I saw The Godfather once in a packed house at the IFC theater. Then last year when I went with my parents and 2 of my Aunts for the 45th anniversary, the theater was basically empty. Ugh.

I'll let you guys know the turnout for "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" tomorrow, lol.

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by RCRochester

You know, one of the big movie chains here in Canada has monthly viewings of different old classics and I always get excited when I see their schedule of what's coming up, but when the time comes I don't bother going. I think for folks who don't have big movie collections, it's a novelty to revisit an old movie. But for me that's all I watch and it's kind of a waste of money to go see some of these at the movie theatre (with all of the distractions like you say) when I could just chill at home and watch it there, especially when the few times I HAVE gone to those screenings, they're just DCP screenings that look, to me, like they just popped the same blu-ray into a machine that I have at home.

They really do that. There are a few film writers I follow and they always post about revival screenings but then admit it was a blu-ray projected. Their excitement seems to come from watching the film with an audience again, but I've just never personally cared about that. In fact I'd rather watch without an audience, honestly.

[Egons Ghost]

I still love the cinema experience. Loved it as a kid, a young adult, etc. Going to the Oriental in Milwaukee with high school theater friends, not knowing what to expect. The Orpheum and Majestic in Madison, WI. Before having a kid, it was the major pastime for my wife and me. We thrived on the old school Prague cinemas when we lived there in the late 90s and early-mid Noughts, before the multi-plexes took over. Fond memories of seeing the Return of the King and Matrix Revolutions and Kill Bill there in said multiplexes, though. Experiences I will forever cherish.

I don't live in a place now that has anything other than mainstream run-of-the-mill crap but occasionally will go to Liberty Hall in Lawrence, KS. Have taken the kid there to see Beetlejuice, Them!, etc. Wonderful experiences.

[RCRochester]

Originally Posted by notops

I agree about the futility of revival screenings at multiplexes. It's like watching a Blu-Ray and usually with a bunch of smartphone-junkies who can't stop using them for even two hours.

However, as a movie fan, if you are ever in Southern California take some time to visit Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema. The programming is eclectic as hell and everything is projected in 35mm (or 16mm). The crowds are almost always thoroughly respectful and reverent, plus the staff is not shy about being a dick to you if you violate their no-cellphones policy.

It's a really magical place if you are in love with movies (which I assume you are if you are at Blu-ray.com).

I would really love to check out the New Beverly some day, regardless of what movie they would be playing.

When I used to live in Vancouver 15+ years ago there were a couple of great rep theatres, nothing like you'd find in L.A. or NYC mind you, but I had some good movie watching experiences back then.

[Gacivory]

In LA I would also recommend The Egyptian! That’s my favorite temperature theater, then and Aero! The Egyptian does yearly screening fa of 2001 and Lawrence of Arabia on 70mm!

The New Beverly is getting a remodel, so I’m curious to see what gets changed!

[happydood]

Originally Posted by RCRochester

I would really love to check out the New Beverly some day, regardless of what movie they would be playing.

When I used to live in Vancouver 15+ years ago there were a couple of great rep theatres, nothing like you'd find in L.A. or NYC mind you, but I had some good movie watching experiences back then.

The New Beverly has always been a treat for me. I'm anxious to see what they look like when they come back. I've been in L.A. for 17 years. The first time I went was before Tarantino owned it and the model was still pretty similar to what he does: a themed double feature for one price. I saw a Peter Sellers night with The Party and A Shot In The Dark. I thought 'this is the theater for me,' and went on the regular after that.

We're fortunate to also have the Egyptian. Saw an Indiana Jones trilogy there last spring. My draw was Last Crusade in 70mm, while the other two were DCP's. I have to say that the 70mm print looked super awful, but Raiders and TOD looked great on the big screen. I'm all about film preservation. I'm okay with it if it takes the form of a digital file if that's closer to the original theatrical presentation.

Anyways, there are many opportunities for good theatrical experiences here if you visit!

[GeoffOliver]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Outside of event screenings in big cities or trendy spots like Austin revival screenings are mostly a big "meh" for most people I think. Most people are happy with their home theater setups now, and I honestly think the only movies that do gangbusters in theaters anymore are movies people can't wait to see. That's why franchises rule the day.

I have to say, even as a big movie fan, that the theater experience sucks. A good blu-ray and especially a UHD looks better on my home screen than a theater presentation does, other than size, which I find overrated as a thing. Also at home you don't have to deal with loud annoying people, showtimes, lack of pause or a drive in traffic. The theater experience honestly sucks for everyone but extroverts who love the (very limited) social aspects of it.

The Fathom Events at the cinema I work at do pretty well, depending on the movie. The Princess Bride almost sold out a 400-seat theater. They’re mostly using real DCPs too. They’ve been doing them a few years now, so I guess they’re doing alright.

I also saw Scream at a local cinema last month with a huge enthusiastic crowd. That place plays a lot of old movies, and people definitely turn up. They play It’s a Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve, and it’s a big annual event locally. There’s still nothing like seeing a movie on the big screen. There’s a magic to it that you don’t get at home. It’s arguably better during the week though with smaller crowds.

[happydood]

Originally Posted by GeoffOliver

The Fathom Events at the cinema I work at do pretty well, depending on the movie. The Princess Bride almost sold out a 400-seat theater. They’re mostly using real DCPs too. They’ve been doing them a few years now, so I guess they’re doing alright.

I also saw Scream at a local cinema last month with a huge enthusiastic crowd. That place plays a lot of old movies, and people definitely turn up. They play It’s a Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve, and it’s a big annual event locally. There’s still nothing like seeing a movie on the big screen. There’s a magic to it that you don’t get at home. It’s arguably better during the week though with smaller crowds.

I've heard they're pretty great now. I was going to go to one 7 years ago for Poltergeist and heard horror stories about how it was a dcp that wasn't projected well and was in 4:3!

[LucasGodzilla]

In Santa Ana, there's this pretty cool theater called the Frida Cinema. I've gone there a handful of times recently to see movies like Phantasm (With Don Coscarelli & Reggie Bannister in person) and some of the recent John Carpenter 4K re-releases. The theater would probably try to get ahold of Dawn of the Dead 3D if they had the money honestly.

[El_Fez]

If you guys ever find yourselves in Seattle, the Grand Illusion is your place for revival screenings. They even have a VHS player hooked up to their projector for the super obscure screenings (they're doing a showing of Holiday TV Specials in December)

[Dailyan]

Originally Posted by El_Fez

They even have a VHS player hooked up to their projector for the super obscure screenings

That sounds both beautiful and eye bleeding.

[LucasGodzilla]

Originally Posted by Dailyan

That sounds both beautiful and eye bleeding.

I'm just imagining a bunch of people squinting at the screen and then there'll be some old guy in the back going all like, "Just like the old days."

[indravayu]

Originally Posted by indravayu

I'm grabbed that steelbook from Diabolik - will report back when it arrives (late next week, most likely). I believe this is the 156 min. cut.

I got the steelbook today and just popped it in for a quick assessment.

It is indeed the 156 minute cut.

The transfer is soft, dark, and bluish, but it's watchable.

[blackashford]

Originally Posted by GeoffOliver

The Fathom Events at the cinema I work at do pretty well, depending on the movie. The Princess Bride almost sold out a 400-seat theater. They’re mostly using real DCPs too. They’ve been doing them a few years now, so I guess they’re doing alright.

I also saw Scream at a local cinema last month with a huge enthusiastic crowd. That place plays a lot of old movies, and people definitely turn up. They play It’s a Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve, and it’s a big annual event locally. There’s still nothing like seeing a movie on the big screen. There’s a magic to it that you don’t get at home. It’s arguably better during the week though with smaller crowds.

The theatrical experience has gotten much better in the past few years. I rarely see cellphones out anymore and can't remember the last time I was annoyed by talking during a movie.

And, yes, It's a Wonderful Life is one of the best movies to see theatrically. The crowd is always into it and there is an electricity going on that can't be replicated at home.

[El_Fez]

I dont know if this means any movement on the Blu Ray front, but here's an interview with Rubinstein from a couple of months ago about the conversion process.

[Stanis]

I just read an interview with Jonah Ray about MST3K, and he for some reason mentions seeing the 3D conversion of Dawn in the theater recently. Not exactly news I know but more and more mentions in the press maybe things will loosen up?