Classics Films in Movie Theaters
WHY WATCH CLASSIC FILMS IN A THEATER?
Like most films, the classics are best viewed as they were intended: on the big screen.
It’s not just the elitist opinion of film snobs; there is a logic to the preference. After all, filmmakers of yesteryear had no idea that films would ever be presented other than by projection on a large screen in a movie theater. With that in mind, every shot was composed to fit the existing format.
As screens grew in scale over the years to suit Cinemascope and other wide screen formats, composition became more elaborate, specifically designed for the final presentation.
Today, filmmakers make allowances in framing to suit multiple formats knowing that the product will eventually end up on television through DVDs and other media.
Although many people have gotten use to the square look of a TV screen, full screen by its nature eliminates part of the picture so carefully constructed. So, naturally, a film can only realize its full value by being projected on screen. Seeing a classic film any other way is truly a compromise.
Surprisingly, there are a great number of venues that cater to the classic film fan, including multiplexes. Additionally, there are numerous film societies that organize public screenings in parks and other outdoor locations.
The links presented here represent the more prominent possibilities available in the Los Angeles area.
FEATURED: VALENTINE FILMS AT ARCLIGHT CINEMAS
In case you didn’t know, the Arclight Cinemas has locations throughout Los Angeles, including the Beach Cities, Hollywood, Pasadena, and Sherman Oaks. And in honor of Valentines Day, the movie theater chain is bringing back to the big screen some old fashioned movie romance in the form of some classic favorites. On February 12th and 14th, you can experience the original 1954 version of Sabrina, the Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart 1940 love triangle The Philadelphia Story, the middle-aged romance of The African Queen, and the 1987 ode to first love in the 1950s, Dirty Dancing. All projected in 35mm! As an added attraction, the ArcLight café will be offering champagne and chocolate covered strawberries from Friday the 10th thru Thursday the 16th. Don’t miss this opportunity to hold hands and watch a great classic with your Valentine the way it was meant to be - in a darkened movie theater.
The Bing Theatre
at the LACMA
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The Aero Theater
AFI at the Arclight
The American Cinematheque at the Egyptian
Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
The Silent Movie Theatre
The Skirball
(link to schedule)