November 18, 2014

Paul Allen reopens Cinerama with laser projector, goodies for foodies

Photos by Lara Swimmer Photography [enlarge]

A mural on the upper facade was painted by a three-person Seattle studio called Invisible Creature Inc.

On Thursday, Paul G. Allen will draw back the curtains on a new renovation at the Cinerama.

Abbott Construction has been working since August on the upgrades, which were designed by Studio 440.

Movie buffs will be treated to films shown with a Christie 6P laser projector. Allen's group Vulcan Inc. claims this will be a first in a commercial theater.

The enhanced picture will be shown on a low-gain Matt Plus white screen by Harkness and augmented with new audio systems by Dolby Laboratories and Meyer Sound.

Patrons will also find new chairs by Figueras that are wider and have more legroom. Rows in the theater were eliminated to create extra legroom, and seating was reduced from 798 to 570.

On the exterior, a local artist studio called Invisible Creature painted a mural on the upper facade with fictitious movie scenes and characters.

“Cinerama has been a cornerstone of Seattle's arts and culture history for 50 years and I'm proud to continue its legacy,” said Allen in a news release. “The enhanced Cinerama utilizes the most advanced technology, while maintaining the nostalgia many of us share for this theater, creating an unparalleled cinema experience for the community.”

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Even the food has been upgraded, with pretzels from Tom Douglas' Brave Horse Tavern and gourmet hot dogs from Painted Hills Natural Beef and Uli's Sausage. Sweets will come from Theo Chocolate, Cupcake Royale and Full Tilt Ice Cream. And yes, chocolate popcorn remains on the menu.

There will be beer and wine from Elysian Brewing Co., Fremont Brewing Co., Seattle Cider Co. and Proletariat Wine Co.

The first movie shown in the new space will be “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1.” Show time is 8 p.m. on Thursday.

Allen has renovated the Cinerama four times since he bought it in 1998, but this is the biggest renovation, according to the release.

The theater can show movies in all formats, including classic 35mm, 70mm and original three-strip Cinerama films. Its signature curved screen is stored behind the new main screen and is still functional.