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By Bump Diamond
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Bye-Bye, Plaza
March 6, 2006
Only a Mammothist film buff could really truly enjoy the coincidence of all the Oscar Hollywooders trying to goad us back into theaters and away from our DVD players.
Up here in the High Country, movies are still something of a novelty, and that's why it seemed like such a bummer when we found out that we're about to lose the Plaza Theater.
It's one of only three screens in town, and we have dug the Tuesday night Locals' Special over the years. But alas and alack and Men in Black, the Plaza is going to be part of a mixed-use, condo-retail project, so you can take yer Brokeback Mountain and put it where the projector don't shine, if you know what I mean, and I know you do.
"Crash?" Tell me about it.
The Plaza. Sigh. It made for a more than a few terrific Old Mammoth Road dates. Get all warmed up with a Plaza movie —something on the safe-and-steamy side—chow down at Skadi, then schuss on home with the chances for a lucky night up for grabs.
So the Minaret Cinema is going to be it for a while, until the warm weather happens and the Village starts screening outdoors again.
Actually, I can't really think of a single great Plaza moment. What I'll remember most, I suppose, is when going to the movies got to be a double-digit dollar proposal. That happened right around the time that Netflix got really cool and Hollywood started releasing DVD versions of the movies within, like, six weeks of the theater screenings.
It figures that the actors and producers and everyone else involved is making a ton out of DVD distribution of movies that used to just up and die, so I'm still trying to figure out why the fur was up on all those people last Sunday night during the Oscars.
Well, hell. I gots to admit: I am home on a snowbound night with a fistful of Netflix and a two-hour "24" coming up.
I am inclined, however, snowshoe down to Plaza and see a movie there.
Time is short.
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Comments
The Plaza Theater is part of the shopping center that went from single ownership to being condos (retail). This gave the retail operators the opportunity to purchase their individual business units so they would not be paying a "landlord" monthly rent/CAM FEES.
I do not want to speak for Bill Walters (PLaza and Minaret Theater owner) so I would say we need to hear from him as to why he is closing the Plaza screen but it is my understanding Bill is considering adding another screen to his Minaret Theater location. He now has two screens, the addition of the Plaza screen would give us three screens in one location or a net loss of zero screens.
If he indeed gives up the Plaza Theater space we may see it continue as a art space. I have been in discussions with some folks regarding the Plaza Theater space. I have proposed having it become a "Performing Arts" space.
Perhaps a "Black Box Theater with stage" for our local and traveling theater groups which could double as a music venue for local and traveling musicians. Look for more information to come as I navigate this business proposal for the community.
Imagine, live band music or perhaps it's live theater or the Felici Trio performing in a controled area with a lobby and concessions. A small step for a performing arts space but it would be a start.
Tony Barrett
Posted by: Tony Barrett | at 6:56 PM on March 6, 2006
Yeah, I thought it was strange as well that despite all the dvd releasing that's going, Hollyweird would want us to go back to movie theatres. I think they're probably referring to all the illegal downloading that's going on. That seems to be the industry's next pet project. As for me, I'll wait the 6 weeks and rent it. Or better yet, order it on cable.
Posted by: Laura | at 9:13 AM on March 7, 2006
Great reading, keep up the great posts.
Peace, JiggaDigga
Posted by: JiggaDigga | at 10:26 AM on April 7, 2006