What changes would you like to see at the 5 Points Theatre?

[david-massett]

The 5 Points Theatre is teeming with historical value and has some loyal patrons.  On the other hand, it doesn't draw much from adjacent neighborhoods -- even though the nearest multiplex is 8 miles away -- and we have heard a good number of people express their dissatisfaction with Riverside's only single screen cinema.  Are you one of those folks who has some issues with the cinema?  We want to hear them.

Our plans for upgrades include:

-- Real theater seats with long, bar-style tables for food at each row.
-- Fabric covering for the walls that improves both acoustics and image.  Have you ever been in a movie theatre with white walls?  There's a reason they're supposed to be dark, and it's that light reflects off of white paint making the room brighter.  That makes it harder to focus on the picture!  And have you had difficulty understanding dialogue at a 5 Points movie?  Worry no more, soundproofing provided by that fabric and some other adjustments will keep you from straining to enjoy the film.
-- Installation of a kitchen to provide fresh, tasty and healthy snack and meal options.
-- A screen that allows us to increase the image size by about 1/3.
-- Reopening the outdoor box office!  This is something a lot of people have suggested and we see no reason that this neat original feature should be used for storage.  Keeping the ticket booth a comfortable temperature is part of the renovation plans, and we think it will be well worth the investment.

More info on plans for the theatre is available at ulule.com/5pointstheatre

What would YOU like to see us change? 

[Jaxson]

Those are all great ideas.  I have never been to the theater but hope to go soon.

[Lucasjj]

One item the theatre has now that I would like to see continue is the broadcast of sporting events. I watched the men's US World Cup matches there and really enjoyed it. I am not sure how that would work into your film schedule when everything is up and going, but I liked the environment for big sporting events. It gives you a more "live" experience than watching it in a sports bar.

[david-massett]

You're right Lucas, that is one thing we will undoubtedly NOT change.  Big games like World Cup, Florida/Georgia, etc and TV events (think Oscar night, series finales) will be part of the mix, as well a few popular weekly television series.  It's always more fun to watch with a big crowd, and way easier to grab a beer at the concession stand than at a crowded bar.

[Ocklawaha]

Been there several times and have to say the old gal is looking better all the time. While many of my visits have been fairly recent and I think you guys have worked wonders after it was so completely gutted.  Few at MJ realize how badly it was ruined by previous owners. I Can pull rank and recall how it appeared when I saw the release of 'How The West Was Won' there back in 62!

Just a wild idea, but since you've already tapped the 5-Points arts crowd, I'm wondering how you might pull from the historic community around your theater?  What about doing some JACKSONVILLE DAYZ where we'd actually have an outlet to see some of the hundreds of films shot here in the great silent era up through the creature feature. Bet you'd pull in every history lover in town, you might even cooperate with the Norman Lab folks. I think seeing BOUNCING BABY on the big screen would be most cool.

OCKLAWAHA

[cindy394]

I have now been to the recent incarnation of 5 points about half a dozen times.  I love the concept, the films and the potential but haven't liked the mechanics- glad to see that might change.

My thoughts:

Make it a real cinema and don't try to make it a cafe/ cinema.  I love cafes and i'd love to have more food choices- like ice cream and even old fashioned sales before the film while you watch the previews (think how that would increase sales). But tables and people eating while they watch the film?! NO!.  Its bad enough to hear them make all that noise opening wrappers and smacking on popcorn.  Films should be enjoyed and respected and the viewers want to appreciate what they are paying for.  Home is for eating and pausing the movie while you make snacks.

Have a cafe in the lobby instead! Make it attractive (tobad it can't overlook the street) - otherwise serving pricey drinks and elaborate snacks is great but cup holders are good enough.  (Though maybe you could get those trays in the backs of the seats like the airlines?)

The largest screen you can afford, the best sounds system, and recreat the  interior as much as the original or the era as possible- love the balcony seating idea! 

Show shorts!  animated, local etc-  Once when i lived in Indianapolis they had an animated film festival- it was great, i still remember it.

I really like the idea of showing some oldies on reg basis- classics (watch out florida theatre)

have a loyalty program to make going to the films affordable again 

having ginger beer would be nice:)

and good luck!!

[Garden guy]

Maybe movie and dinner night once a week and tie the meal to the movie...? I use to go to the suds n more over on university blvd near the school...i liked having dinner and watching the movie with a carafe of wine but i can understand how the noise could bother some.

[5 Points Theatre]

Ocklawaha,

Please check out this event - I think it's got most of what you're looking for!
www.5pointstheatre.com/movie/Silent-Comedies/



We've got silent comedies with Fatty Arbuckle and Buster Keaton, plus some rare Norman Studios clips, all with live music from Tony Steve and Bob Moore.  Their last silent film event at the theatre was a true sellout, and we had to turn people away.

The Norman Studios stuff is really fascinating, but unfortunately they haven't been able to find many complete films that were shot there.

[david-massett]

All great stuff -- thanks for getting the conversation going! 

@Ocklawaha

5 Points is right on.  I haven't gotten to see one of their silent films but have heard great things.

@Cindy

I totally understand your concern!  We've gone to too many cinema/cafes with good intention but poor execution.  The tables and the eating should not distract from the film, no way.  We've got a plan to be sure service isn't disruptive, and anyway we're not talking about people eating spaghetti and meatballs.  In fact, our goal is for our small menu to be fork free (no scraping silverware)! When an establishment does this concept correctly it feels absolutely decadent to eat a personal pizza at your seat.  And if someone is disruptive -- please tell us!  I've had someone ruin a movie for me at the AMC with just a cell phone and a box of Mike & Ike's.  Everyone has their preference... but I hope you'll give us a shot.

Pre-show shorts will be a regular feature, and we love the Oscar nominated shorts (animated and live action) series that comes around annually.  Rep films too.  And as far as customer loyalty... have you checked out our fundraising page for some sweet deals?

@Garden Guy

Yes yes!  I love our food and film pairings!  Spaghetti Western with spaghetti, Mommie Dearest brunch....  One of my favorite features of our plan for sure.

Keep the ideas coming y'all!

[5pointy]

My thoughts:

Make it a real cinema and don't try to make it a cafe/ cinema.  I love cafes and i'd love to have more food choices- like ice cream and even old fashioned sales before the film while you watch the previews (think how that would increase sales). But tables and people eating while they watch the film?! NO!.  Its bad enough to hear them make all that noise opening wrappers and smacking on popcorn.  Films should be enjoyed and respected and the viewers want to appreciate what they are paying for.  Home is for eating and pausing the movie while you make snacks.

Have a cafe in the lobby instead! Make it attractive (tobad it can't overlook the street) - otherwise serving pricey drinks and elaborate snacks is great but cup holders are good enough.  (Though maybe you could get those trays in the backs of the seats like the airlines?)

I agree- Hate the idea of long bar tables--would make me think I was back in the high school cafeteria! Plus your staff would be spending tons of time cleaning up tables between shows--translates into higher staff costs and hence higher ticket prices. Small tables for cups and popcorn, or just the cup holders fine with me too. Folks should eat before/after shows, not during.
Look forward to the continuing renovations! Have been a regular customer since it re-opened.

[Dog Walker]

Don't know if it is affordable, but something needs to be done about the air-conditioning system.  Maybe adding more outlets.  Right now it is really noisy when it cranks up and tends to drown out the quieter parts of the movies.

+1 on the sports events.  Attending the World Cup events with other fans really adds to the fun.  Maybe the occasional simulcast from the Met too.

[Ocklawaha]

I believe there are at least 2 "TENTS" (chapters) of the Sons of The Desert locally, if their not already involved they are an excellent resource and potential customer base.

Sons of The Desert, is named for the famous Laurel and Hardy movie of the same name. SOD is a loose knit 'lodge' of old time comedy buffs that typically have monthly showings at local libraries and clubs all around the world. Word to the wise, if you see a wallet on the floor, DON'T bend over and try to pick it up!

http://home.earthlink.net/~sons_secretary/

OCKLAWAHA

[Bativac]

I love the idea of being able to eat during the movie - that's one of the reasons my wife and I love going to the San Marco Theater. And I have to say, in all the times I've been there, people eating has never been a distraction.

There are enough other theaters where all you get is a cupholder. Bring on the tables!

(Also it will break my heart for you guys to cover the faux finished walls with fabric - I think I've mentioned a dozen times that my dad did those walls, and I think he did a fantastic job. But that's life!)

[KenFSU]

I really like the idea of showing some oldies on reg basis- classics (watch out florida theatre)

Totally agree on this point.

It's really hard to compete with the modern IMAX/3D megaplexes when it comes to first run films, but I have always loved the idea of seeing classic films (whether oldies or more recent classics) in a classic theatre.

The Florida Theatre has the summer classic series, but a) I can't say they've done a great job with their film selection in the last couple of years, especially when it comes to choosing family-accessible movies, and b) it would be cool to have the option year round.

Nostalgia is huge these days.

I love the idea of seasonal classics too.

It would be great to be able to go somewhere and watch Casablanca, It Happened One Night, or Annie Hall around Valentine's Day. Jaws, Star Wars, The Goonies, The Karate Kid, or Raiders of the Lost Ark in the summer. Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Psycho, Scream, or the Blair Witch Project around Halloween. It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, or Miracle on 34th Street around Christmas.

I like the idea of film-appropriate foods as well. There's something rather charming about eating hamburgers and french fries while watching Grease, or snacking on Reeses Pieces while watching E.T., or drinking hot cocoa while enjoying a Christmas movie on a cold December evening.

I'd be there every week

[climber]

they should learn from the san marco theater and its relative success. i agree on the noise of the a/c, and upgrading the interior with new chairs, etc.  Food selections are a good idea (especially during the week when normally you dont have time to dine and catch a flick). one thing i would say, though, is to focus on quality (sorry san marco) in both the beer/wine selections and the food.  i know it's a stretch, but as an example of the best small cinema with food/bar i've ever been to, check out this one in London: http://www.electriccinema.co.uk/experience.php