Page 5 - CinemaRecord #79

GEELONG: Work has begun on the multi-
million dollar transformation of the old
Palais Royal Theatre into a state-of-the-
art performing arts centre. A contemporary
extension will adjoin the historic 1926
building. Works will include four levels of car
parking, with two higher floors proposed for a Artists impression of the refurbished Geelong Palais and extensions.
bingo and function centre, a world-class theatre
and a cafe/restaurant, holding up to 700 guests.
ST.KILDA: The shuttered George Cinemas
MELBOURNE: Demolition experts have officially re-opened as the George Revival
examined Greater Union’s Russell Cinemas Cinemas on Friday August 16 with a 6-month
which is to be replaced by a 9-storey hotel and lease.
apartment building with a rooftop bar.Closure
was announced for Wednesday October 2 with YARRAWONGA: Moira Council is looking
all equipment and fittings are to be removed by for investors to construct a $9 million cinema
December. complex and bowling alley. Interest has already
been shown in the fit-out and operation of the
WAURN PONDS: The largest auditorium complex if it is built. Four potential sites are
at the Reading Cinema Complex closed on being considered, as well as one in Cobram.
September 1 for a 2-week conversion to Titan
XC. This will include new carpets and reduced CASTLEMAINE: The historic Theatre Royal
capacity with new seating for more leg room. reopened on June 27 after two weeks of work to
In October, the complex will also receive install a Christie Solaria digital projector and a
Australia’s first Dolby ATMOS™ audio Dolby 7.1 digital CP-750 audio processor. 100
platform as part of the company’s digital rollout. cinema seats in the balcony were also replaced
The Christie company will supply a variety and acoustic boards and baffles, insulation and
of its Solaria Series 2K and 4K digital cinema doors were installed to improve the sound and
projectors as well its ‘big screen’ premium reduce noise from other areas.
solution, the Christie Duo dual-projector
integration kit across the Reading circuit. ST.KILDA: The Palais Theatre has introduced
a unique in-house ticket re-selling service to
ALBERT PARK: The former silent-era Dux help genuine patrons who are unable to use their
Theatre has been purchased by Watercress tickets being mistaken as scalpers.
Productions for $5.85 million for use as the MELBOURNE: The Crazyhorse Adult
“warehouse renovation” location for the 2014 DANDENONG: The Lunar 4 Drive-In Cinema (former Star Newsreel) has opened a
series of the Channel 9 reality renovation Theatre became fully digital from August 8 second boutique auditorium known as the Blue
show The Block. The building has approval for with a staggered conversion over the previous Room. The future of the old Star is under threat
conversion into six large residential apartments. weeks. The biggest Barco projectors (32b) are as the Club X lease is soon to expire and the
utilised throughout with Doremi servers, full owner feels the site is more valuable as retail
automation (even port shutters and floods), space.
a large Library Management System and
connected to ICAA NOC (Nat. ops centre). EAST MALVERN: One of Melbourne’s oldest
As well as digital, Theatre 3 is still equipped amateur theatre groups, The Malvern Theatre
for 35mm with the Philips DP70 projector Company is installing new Camatic Clarity
remaining in place. Concerto seating in their Burke Road Malvern
Theatre in early December. These will replace
BENDIGO: Local resident Noel Paech plans the current 142 red tapesty “tip-up” seats that
to operate his temporary Starlight Drive-In originated from the demolished Metro in
Theatre on a local oval to allow locals to relive Glenferrie Road. (Anyone interested in obtaining
the experience of movies under the stars. the decommissioned seats may contact David Earl via
the group’s website).

CINEM AREC ORD 2013 5