Movieland: Movie Going The Way It Used To Be

I think the real question is if Movieland can hold out long enough for more digital and 3D technology to arrive.

What are the numbers? Most theater chains like Regal have overbuilt and are in trouble.

I hope Movieland does survive. The Byrd is the greatest, but first-run in the City is wonderful.

We all love having it there. I wish it was alittle cheaper but I am sure losing 7% to an admissions tax probably doesnt help matters. Am I right - Movieland has to pay 7% of a $10 ticket to the city right?

Movieland is owned by Bowtie Cinemas, who have eighteen locations, mostly in Connecticut. I don't really know enough about their business model to know if they compete well with the other majors, but if they keep opening locations like Movieland, I think they'll do well. It's expensive, but it's great.

I cannot conceive that they don't pay admissions tax.

I have to say I am upset you chose to make this an article instead of taking your complaints to the theater.

The court of public opinion is a fickle and heinous beast. You talk about wanting Movieland to stick around, yet instead of taking it to the management. If you did take it to the management it should have been part of your article.

I for one have never experienced ANY defect in watching a movie there. Secondly, I have on several occasions been treated very well by the staff and management.

This comes down to wishing for something but turning it away when offered. We did not have a 1st run until now. Why are you trying to make it go away. That is all you complaining and editorial is doing here.

Lets look for answers and offer suggestions. I know they are receptive, I have personally offered suggestions and was received well. This article was nothing more than you being upset and feeling something was owed to you. Help the situation and stop making it worse.

"I have to say I am upset you chose to make this an article instead of taking your complaints to the theater. "

umm, you are aware that one of the functions of local journalism is to do reviews, aren't you? i keep trying to find more to say on this, but it's pretty damn self explanatory of a statement.

you find a problem, go to a manager. if you're a writer and you find a problem, you write about it.

Not to sound rude, but I think that before you complained about all of these things to the public, maybe you should have tried to spend five minutes in a projection booth. I'm not going to sit here and correct grammar on your editorials when I'm not an english major - so why are you going to attack me and my coworkers for something that you're completely uneducated in? Let's set some things straight.

Two people (one in the morning, one at night) run on average over a hundred shows a day. That consists of setting and threading them up, cleaning them, starting them on time, and fixing whatever small errors we need to. In our free time - which honestly doesn't always exist - we have to maintain building and breaking down new films, which doesn't exactly take five minutes.

If you're in a theatre with a late start, or a screen problem, it is likely that you're the one theatre that had an problem during that persons entire shift. We're not Harvard graduates, but our managers do not keep idiots working up there. Enough people complain to the managers instead of hip literary magazines, and they would rather keep hard workers up there.

On average, it takes an audience 5 minutes to complain about a problem. Everyone thinks that some one else will complain, or assume the projectionist will see it and fix it. While I check every theatre I start routinely, it is not my job to babysit the one you are sitting in. Instead of complaining after the film about something, or waiting for someone else to, step up and take action.

As far as midnight goes - I wish you could understand how unavoidable errors are. Those summer midnight flicks are typically delivered only hours before the movie starts, and we have to build them all (Harry Potter was a 3 hour long print, thats 9 reels - maybe an hour and a half minimum to put together. Multiply that by the 5 prints we got? You do the math) before the 12:01 deadline. This means we have no time in-between to screen them to catch errors, so the 12:01 audience is the first one to see them.

Finally, if you're constantly finding a problem like a "beeping" in six? How about you report the problem to a manager. That "beeping" is actually the squeaking of wheel that is right next to the thin glass between the projector and yourself. Those wheels are plastic, and frequently require lubrication. We keep up with maintenance as much as we can, but if you've gotten a slight peek into our lives, maybe you understand why we're not on top of every single thing every day you happen to show up.

Just wanted to set things clear before you continue to wonder whether or not my co-workers and I are "careful" enough for you.

Also, I promise you that Regal has all the same problems. I lived in Richmond before Bow-tie and have visited several in the area, each and every time I go to management and ask them whether or not they are able to fix a problem (granted, being a projectionist I notice way more faults with prints than the typical audience member). Almost always the problem is either a technical problem that will not be fixed that night, or it is a problem that was fixed immediately after I returned to the theatre. Every single time the managers thank me for my concern. Bowtie managers do the same thing. (Almost) all theaters are this way. Guests just need to speak up.

"For instance, when Halloween II began with the image projected halfway off the screen, it took a few minutes for someone to center it. Once that was done, the bottom of the image was still cut off. The projector was not set up properly for the screen size. It was creating an image that was too large to fit on the screen. How it is that such an essential calibration issue was not noticed or dealt with is a mystery. It was, after all, a midnight showing. Was the projector set up improperly all day? Could it still be projecting an overlarge image? It is enough to make one wary of ever attending a foreign language film at Movieland, for the subtitles may be lost beneath the screen."

1. More than one film may be played in a theater per day. Let me dumb this down for the uneducated reader. There are 2 different formats for films; scope and flat (but obviously you must know this with your vast knowledge of 'essential calibration issues'). Sometimes a flat movie will play prior to a scope one, and the projectionist will have to switch the format after starting a film.

2. "It was creating an image that was too large to fit on the screen" Again, learn a few things about flat and scope. The "too small screen" was extended by simply fixing the format. Sometimes trailers are smaller than the entire picture, and it is not immediately noticed by a projectionist if they are stressed about other projectors. However, if it was fixed before the start of the actual film, you have no reason to complain.

3. It's enough to make one wary of ever attending a foreign language film? It's called mentioning a cut-off to someone - usher, manager, concessionist. It's easily remedied. It's not like you're going to be forced through a film being expected to understand Portuguese.

Like what was said above me, how about you research a little before you come off as completely ignorant.

wow you guys are right. i can see how well the staff responds to critisism. its a good thing he didnt complain in person or you guys would have jumped him on the way to his car.

why dont you stop looking at this as a personal attack and start seeing it for what it is. a complaint from one of your cutsomers.

i havent had any problems at movieland before but im concerned with the response of the staff here. now im afraid to say anything if i ever do have a problem.

"excuse me. i asked for butter on my popcorn but you didnt give me any."

"shut up! who do you think you are? do you work at a snack counter? i have to give out a hundred bags of popcorn a night. sometimes i miss the butter. by the way. we in the business call it popcorn glue. why dont you do some research before you bother me next time."

hm. Never had any problem at Movieland - go there all the time. They fixed up an abandoned building on boulevard - put in a cool looking movie theater that everyone goes to - they show small movies - they show classic movies -

* applause *

I know!

I'm glad Movieland is there and I've only experienced a few minor things at the very opening of the theater. I haven't seen anything off lately so maybe they're working hard on working out the kinks. If I never have to go to Short Pump again I'll be a happy man.

Love the convenience. Never had any technical difficulties but have only seen 2 movies there so far.
Wish the ventilation was better. District 9's theater smelled terrible, like a sea of sweaty teenage boys who ate jalepeno poppers before they got there. Maybe that was just the target audience.
Also wish there were some arcade games available to kill time with for early arrivals.

Nice post Ian! Sorry you've had such a rough time of it there. Maybe this will fix things!

I've seen all except maybe 2 movies I've seen lately at Movieland and every experience has been a good one. I wish them prosperity, because the combination of indie movies, major releases, and classics are great. I think Movieland is what the city needs.

Wow! First of all, Movieland rocks, and I'm pretty sure that Ian made that point clear. I feel that way and I'm sure 90% of the people in that live in downtown and midtown Richmond feel that way. We're stoked that you're only a bike ride away, and sell beer! However...

...whomever this Anonymous person is, obviously works at Movieland, more than likely is the marketing/pr person of the group, why are you being so aggressive towards a simple community blog post? Criticism must be new to you, and you obviously don't know how to handle it.

A great point was made at the beginning of this thread...

"umm, you are aware that one of the functions of local journalism is to do reviews, aren't you? i keep trying to find more to say on this, but it's pretty damn self explanatory of a statement."

Why didn't you, Mr./Ms. Movieland person just leave it at that? As mentioned above, now I will be hesitant to come to a manager/employee of Movieland to complain/comment on service and product. Way to make a mountain out of a mole hill.

I am an English major. I could correct your grammar, for a fee.

Wait, you can actually complain when you notice something wrong with the picture at a movie theater? How do you go about doing that? And will the projectionist rewind the film back to the part where you decided to get up and complain?

First, my comments on MovieLand:
MovieLand brought a lot of promise. I was excited. I have seen 4 movies there, and 2 had technical issues. The problem is that both issues were on the same day. I saw a movie with my kids in the afternoon, then a friend of mine and I came to another movie that night. So I do not believe there is only one problem per day. The larger problem is that during the second movie, I had to wait over 10 minutes for someone to find a manager, because she would not simply relay my concern that the picture was misaligned. I lost that time from the movie. The assistant manager did not offer me a replacement ticket. I did not ask for one, as I should not have to. Every time I have had an issue in a Regal theater I have been given replacement tickets for my group without asking for them.

Next, my comment on the first employee's response:
No one stated your name. This was not a personal attack. However, your response to this I'm sure would clearly violate your agreement with your employer regarding public responses. You signed paperwork when you were hired, and since Bowtie is a major company, I am certain there was a non-disclosure clause. There is someone at your location whom either personally responds, or defers responses to someone in the home office in Connecticut. Please expect to hear from them, as I'm making sure they are aware of this post. If you receive an improper order at a fast-food restaurant, do NOT complain until you learn everything about that particular restaurant's standard operating procedures. That's what your "I'll school your ignorant journalist ass" tone insists you must do whenever you receive less-than-stellar service.

In addition, how do you know he did not address these concerns on premise, and is simply leaving those details, not relevant to the technical problems themselves, out of the story?

Finally:
I hope the theater stays there for you who intend to return. Willow Lawn cinemas once enjoyed great attendance, however failed. There are many former theaters, particularly on Broad Street, that are now living out another existence. I'd hate to see any business fail, however MovieLand clearly has to step up their game to lure me back.

Wow, I was really hopeful about the new movie theater until I saw these comments! I only live a couple blocks away but have not gotten a chance to go over there yet. I'm definitely not going to rush out now! I really hate it when employees do not do their job. This takes it to a whole new level! I really hope "anonymous" is fired as it seems like they might be the cause of all the problems!

Lakeside Movie Fan said it best. I truly do hope that the big boys in Connecticut hear about your outrageous and personal attack on a local journalist doing his job. PS, Short Pump sucks.

Jessie, what exactly do you mean by employees not doing their jobs? It sounds like this projector guy is pissed because people don't realize what it really takes to get a movie playing properly at a theater. That doesn't exactly equate (in my understanding at least) to him being too lazy or too much of a jerk to get the movie to play properly. Two different things!

And also, is Movieland really in danger of being shut down or anything? I think you're the one missing out on the convenience of a few block ride to the movies as opposed to a few miles..

The screen harry potter was shown on was their large screen? I'd hate to see what the small ones look like.

I have never had a problem at Movieland. I love it and I'm so glad it is here.

Lakeside Movie Fan and Author,

Nobody likes a snitch. Seriously. Though I may not agree with the exact word use, I agree with him. I have had family work at theaters and an ex who was a projectionist. I have been upstairs in the projection room while they build up and break down movies. The only time they come back once the first 30 seconds have gone by in the trailer, they move onto the next movie. They have usually screened the movie when it first came out (unless it's a special hot release which comes to them same day so no time for previews) timed it by the "cigarette burns" in the top right corner for timing purposes, and literally only come back when the timer goes off to change the reel. Unless you alert someone, they more than likely are setting up another movie.

I have never seen more than 2 people max working the projections and he used to work for a Regal 24 in Hampton Roads. 24 theaters and 2 people so I'm going to assume Bowtie is working on a 1 person per shift deal. Yea, it's bad if you complain and nothing is done, but their job isn't to literally watch the movie with you for quality. They only do it once but you know, if you were willing to pay more for your ticket I'm sure they'd have enough money to hire someone for that. I don't think the point was reign down on the employees, but you kind of did in a very non-subtle way of alluding to the lack of understanding, concern, and work ethic of the employees. I would take that as a personal attack, too. There is a way to review establishments without berating the employees. You could have said, was not impressed with screen problems but when I reported it I was helped quickly or not helped at all. etc etc.

It's lame. We all want to get the quality we pay for. I understand. I have always worked in the direct service industry. I deal with people all the time and I work hard for my money. But imagine if someone didn't like what you wrote about. Say an editor. Rather than coming to you and explaining your need to improve or revise, they just kept it to themselves, wrote an expose on what a terrible journalist you are, published it in a public forum, and told you that they figured you get the criticism when you read it. Everyone wants quality but when you don't even give them a chance to fix an issue, you do more harm than good. And if you are getting free popcorn and tickets, then you don't even have a right to complain. It's everyone else who is paying top dollar for a lack of quality.