DAYTON 3D

[P3D Charles D Hotchkiss <revcdh@xxxxxxxx>]

I didn't mean to sow the seeds of unrest with my posting concerning the
willingness of the New Neon Movies to host a program of 3D films.  In
fact, I tried to make it a private post to Mary Ann, the view master
lady, but I hit the wrong button.
It all came out of a wide-ranging conversation I had with the guy who
operates the New Neon Theater.  Mostly we discussed short-lived or
unusual ultra wide screen techniques of the fifties. He is enthusiastic
about the enormous Cinerama screen that is currently installed in the
theater and is pursuing restored prints of a number of large format
films.  
We also discussed 3D because we share an enthusiasm for them and because
he has access to the proper, vintage equipment to exhibit them properly. 
I told him that these films were a frequent subject of discussion here. 
His last series included DIAL M, THE HOUSE OF WAX and CHARGE AT FEATHER
RIVER.  I attended and enjoyed all of them.  Unfortunately, even though
they had healthy houses, they didn't break even on the last film.
I did't know that convention dates were set in stone so far in advance,
or I wouldn't have mentioned it.  While I am not as pessimistic as the un
characteristically dour Dalia :), who wrote, "And I may want to withdraw
my vote for Dayton - the only attraction for
Dayton is the 3d movies and as things go, by 2002, they will probably be
long gone.  dalia."  2002 is a long time off and an especially long time
off in the life of an independent art theater in a small town.  I hope
the Neon Movies are still there in 3003, but the vagaries of the movie
business and the fact that but I sometimes sense the huns at the gate, 
make a commitments so far in advance very difficult.
Also the availability of the 3D two strip prints is always chancy.
I don't mean to be a wet blanket, but such are the facts.
The theater manager would love to have a program of 3D movies, but he
needs customer support.  In order to get his Cinerama system set up he
embarked on a wide ranging publicity campaign and had enough pre-show
commitments for tickets to insure success before he began.
If there is enough interest I would be happy to ask him what it would
take to put together a program of rarely seen 3D films, and even slide
programs in a kind of 3D convocation, but we would have to come up with a
way to insure a sufficient "house".  Unfortunately, we on the list are a
far flung group and Dayton, however central it is to the eastern half of
the US, may not be convenient to most of us.
It's fine for me, I live fifty miles to the south and rather enjoy
Dayton.  
Sorry to go on so long, but I thought I should put a word in before the
Dayton Bandwagon rolled too much further.
Charlie H.


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