Flickgrrl

Reading between the lines, it sounds as if Ms. Redstone participated in the purchase of a major and very attractive theater and then handed it over to subordinates to handle. This doesn't instill much trust or confidence. What she says here sounds good, but it may be too little too late. The damage has already been done as National Amusements reps swiftly started to dismantle the theater as we all know and love it. National Amusements' unfortunate "family-friendly" police (read: greed) and its seeming preoccupation with high-profile mainstream films aside, the bigger problem is something more subtle - the radical change in the theater's ambience. Its former civilized atmosphere is now a distant memory, replaced with lobby-wide product placements for Pepsi, the smell of hot dogs and the "Shrek" paraphrenalia. None of this should have happened, and Ms. Redstone should have known what was happening to her investment. Hopefully, her newly-found "hands on" attitude isn't too late. Neverthless, I'll miss those handsome portraits of Fellini, Bergman and Altman. They were symbols of a theater with style.

was at the Ritz on Saturday and greeted by the suits who are trying to
tell me to give the place a chance. I saw only changes for the worse,
but some I could live with. I can't help it if the family wanted the
posters but I will particularly miss the Tarkay print. I don't care if
they serve coke or pepsi, but I do care about the changes in admitting
children. Adults should have a place to go to without children. Not
everything has to be a Disney World. I love the quiet lobby with the
gathering places, and I will miss the bow ties on the workers. If I want
popcorn and soda and noise, I can go to Loews. I was assured there would
be at least two art films at all times, but that I could see Harry 5 or
Spiderman (the poster was jarring next to the others in the lobby) there
and was reminded that theRitz 16 had shown Pirates before. Yes, without
kids. I can go closer to home to see Harry 5 at Loews and have a more
comfortable seat.

I fear they will ruin the unique character of the Ritz that was so
carefully created and maintained by Ramon Possel. I fear that the
theater is just going to be "Walmarted" in that it is the typical chain
catering to everyone.

Maybe this sounds snobby, but I love the Ritz 16 and its ambience.
Denise Peters

The one thing that I noticed yesterday and today - in the NA ads for the 16 - is the explicit mentions of the "CineArt" brand. Importantly, they are keeping the age restrictions for those movies at least.

I'm curious on how the new theatre plans to handle advertising - will it have it, and how much of it will it have? I haven't seen NA's advertising policies in other theatres, but I would hope it is not as intrusive as the ones in, say, AMC and Regal theatres.

As a father of several children, who vary in age from 5 to 21, I must say I'm very glad to have a movie theater that allows me to escape from them every so often.

Get a liqour license in there, and keep the Big Studio Crap out, and I may never leave.

By what stretch of the imagination are "Hot Fuzz" and "In The Land of Women," art films?
The true ratio of actual art films to total screens has already eroded considerably after what--one week? As someone who lives on the same block as that other local National Amusements theater, The Bridge, it only brings back old wounds. Meanwhile the Philly area continues to lose screens for the alternative films.

Don,

Didn't say that "Hot Fuzz" and "In thr Land of Women" were art films. They are not big-studio product. And "Hot Fuzz" is actually an indie. I did an average of the ratio of Hollywood to off-Hollywood films at the 16 for the past two years and it averaged out 6 to 16. I cited those films to show what was happening.

Thanks for your advocacy of art films.

I think most of the non-big-studio films cited opened back when the theater was still the Ritz, except Flying Scotsman. It will be interesting to see what films are brought in as these close.

Carrie, I wasn't implying that you were attempting to categorize "Hot Fuzz" and "In The Land of Women" as art films--only that The "Ritz Center" is. It struck me as surprising both are included in their inaugural "Showcase Cine Art." Take them out of the equation and we're already one film below the two-year average of six art films to sixteen screens that you cite. Perhaps not so ominous but let's hope it isn't the beginning of a trend.
Thank you--you're the only one I know of covering this topic.

It's really a shame that Ms. Redstone feels the need to pander to a larger audience. The Ritz was successful before these changes. Why fiddle with something that is working fine?

I used to drive a few extra miles to go to the Ritz (even in the face of rising gas costs!) just because the atmosphere was so much better. I don't think I can justify the added cost now.

There are so many other places where a family could go and see Harry Potter or any similar tripe. It's sad that the Ritz will now be thrown in that mix, too.

Thanks a lot, National Amusements- way to ruin the only good theater in South Jersey!

I...just don't know. Part of me wants to give them a chance after they get the kinks worked out and part of me wants to boycott the place in an organized fashion (a suggestion i've already put forth on the Courier Post web site). I've been to many national amusements theaters, and let me tell you they all kind of suck. They shove extra minutes of pre-trailer advertising down your throat. They overcharge for everything, including admission. Even their newer showcase cinemas always seem to be dirty. It's a shame. The ritz got away with what i consider egregious admission prices(for suburbia anyway) because they offered you something no other theater did, from the films they show to the concessions they offer. Not to further pursue the children = the end of cinema concept, but well...they do! I mean the cinemark lobby is crawling with over perfumed teens trying to outcool each other, cursing, shouting, making an over all mess of the place. Not to mention every square inch of that place is crawling with advertisment.

I just don't understand why NA would screw with a good thing.

If you cannot beat them LEAVE them. I started going to the Ritz Theatres when they first opened in 1976. I was 17 years old. I was instantly hooked. We had 20 years where there was nothing but the Phila. theatres. The Ritz 16 in Voorhees opened in Sept. 1996. I started going to the Voorhees theatre more
often than the Philadelphia Ritz Theatres. We had a good 10.5 years but now it is over. Apart from going to Talk Cinema at the Voorhees theatre, I do not plan to ever go back to Voorhees to see a movie of any description. NA has ruined the ambience and safe environment we once had at the Voorhees theatre. I would not feel safe parking my car in the parking lot now on a weekend night. I
would be worried that my car would be damaged and I would be harassed in the parking.
Also I have seen all the "Art" films they presently have at Voorhees.
This last weekend I saw "The Wind That Shakes The Barley" (this won Cannes Grand Prize last year), "Diggers" and since I was in Philadelphia "The Flying Scotsman".
I want to remind everyone that the Ritz theatres are $6.00 all day on Wednesday and the elevated parking lot at 2nd and Samson is $1.00 after 5:00PM and you do not have to get validation on Wednesdays. If you plan on going
to Philly in the day time there is always the Patco High Speedline. Just get off at 9th and 10th and Locust and walk straight down Walnut
Street. A nice short walk in Olde City.

If you cannot beat them LEAVE them. I started going to the Ritz Theatres when they first opened in 1976. I was 17 years old. I was instantly hooked. We had 20 years where there was nothing but the Phila. theatres. The Ritz 16 in Voorhees opened in Sept. 1996. I started going to the Voorhees theatre more
often than the Philadelphia Ritz Theatres. We had a good 10.5 years but now it is over. Apart from going to Talk Cinema at the Voorhees theatre, I do not plan to ever go back to Voorhees to see a movie of any description. NA has ruined the ambience and safe environment we once had at the Voorhees theatre. I would not feel safe parking my car in the parking lot now on a weekend night. I
would be worried that my car would be damaged and I would be harassed in the parking.
Also I have seen all the "Art" films they presently have at Voorhees.
This last weekend I saw "The Wind That Shakes The Barley" (this won Cannes Grand Prize last year), "Diggers" and since I was in Philadelphia "The Flying Scotsman".
I want to remind everyone that the Ritz theatres are $6.00 all day on Wednesday and the elevated parking lot at 2nd and Samson is $1.00 after 5:00PM and you do not have to get validation on Wednesdays. If you plan on going
to Philly in the day time there is always the Patco High Speedline. Just get off at 9th and 10th and Locust and walk straight down Walnut
Street. A nice short walk in Olde City.

Jeez, Carrie, why are you buying into this PR hype? Do you also believe in the tooth fairy?

If that's what the community wants, that's what it will get -- but not at the exclusion of our other demographics."

So young children were being excluded from the Ritz? And how was this a bad thing?

Her quote would only make sense if every other theater in South Jersey had the same policies regarding young children. Last time I checked, there were more than enough theaters in the area playing films like Shrek. Is there really a need for another one? What made the Ritz special was that serious film lovers could go to the movies without having to deal with all of the nonsense that goes on at other theaters. I've been to plenty of R-rated films at AMC theaters when there were numerous young children in attendance, and their parents didn't care if they were loud or disruptive.

Please don't try to sell me on how unfair it was that children were being excluded from the previous incarnation of the Ritz.

I was an avid Ritz 16 moviegoer. There was always a huge crowd, always lines at the concession stands, always a full parking lot. The theater was successful despite the fact young children weren't admitted. Don't the new owners see that maybe this was the reason why it was successful? Why the new owners would deviate from this model is beyond me, but I hope the profits from the children's tickets more than makes up for all of the adults who will no longer be attending.

Read Shari Redstone's interview with Hollywood Reporter from March 17, 2007 where she talks about the need for a quality movie going experience and the company's desire to create a quality "community" movie theater. Isn't that what the Ritz 16 has been? If the company wants to do that, then they have bought the archetype and should let it be. Then they should copy what Ray Posel did as much as possible in any of the theaters where they want this quality community entertainment experience.

Deni

It's not about community or culture; it's about MONEY.

Thats what i don't understand about it. The Ritz was clearly making money! Probably lots of it, judging by the look of the parking lot on a friday night. And so were Ritz Seafood, Corriander, M/O, and that coffee shop I would think. This doesn't just change the character of the theater it changes the character of the entire plaza. How long do you think good restaurants are going to want to stay in place thats crawling with loitering kids out to see Transformers. I suppose we could gauge it by the quality of the restaurants and stores around cinemark in somerdale. A dollar store. a hair supply place and a pizza and chinese joint. I would have thought the town of voorhees would have had some input on this. This move is just bad. Bad Bad Bad. For Everyone. To echo a phrase from earlier on the posts, I hope all these childrens tickets make up for the money they all loose by loosing us!

Simply another concession to our "PC" world. Dare we exlude anyone from the party? It's funny that it is our demographic (boomer liberals) who are now stung by the bite of our own creation. But I digress. As for me, I will be staying in the city, even with its ridiculous parking fees, to enjoy films without the distractions of young children, nachos and gummy bears at my feet.

My weekly trips to the Ritz 16 in Voorhees were one of the few "oases" from life for my wife and me. We've been going to this theatre since it began. They say that "all good things must end" but it's often filled with sadness.

I've been a big fan of (?now former) Ritz 16 since it first opened and it had one of the classiest theater openings I'd ever seen. My husband and I used that time to partake of an awesome movie we might've not ever otherwise seen, "Babbette's Feast".

I really am of 2 minds on this change. One one hand, since I'm public trans dependent it is way easier for me to get to the NJ Ritz than any other theater. Every other theater, even the Cinemark 16 which isn't that far off, requires at the least a lengthy cab fare if not several bus and train transfers.

NJ Ritz only requires one bus fare and then a short walk to get to.

I'm also glad that it will be showing standard movies as well, though I know if I venture into the family side I'll probably be in for a more messy and noisy experience which ironically I've paid lengthy cab, bus and/or train fares to go to out of town theaters for when I've wanted to see some movies in the past that didn't come to the Ritz.

My concerns do lie in some of the slight quality and service changes. When I went to my 1st visit since the change last weekend, I noticed the staff weren't dressed quite as nice and were a little more careless and distant.

I miss the art that was on the walls in the lobby and by the rest room entrances.

Also concession-wise, I'll miss several old faves that disappeared with the change: the Fizzy Lizzy drinks (which my bro also really liked and will miss), the chocolate covered pretzels and those little bags of really tasty little cookies.

I do hope the future will hold good things for this theater but I know this kind of change won't come without some growing pains and necessary sacrifices.

I went to the Voorhees theatre Saturday for the first time since NA
bought the theatre. I saw "The Valet" at 7:00PM and "Waitress" at 5:05PM. I was happy to see that they were showing a new subtitled film since they bought the
theatre. I had a very pleasant experience. First I
saw a lot of familiar faces as far as the employees were concerned. All the employees were very pleasant. The only concession I bought was a coffee which was slightly more money than before.
The "Art" Films were all on the left hand side of the theatre (theatres 1 - 8) and roped off with an
employee checking ticktets. Looks like NA is making an effort to listen to some of our concerns
and suggestions. The attendence for "The Valet" was kind of light for a Saturday night but hopefully people will start coming back to the theatre. As long as the parking lot is under control, employees are polite and the theatre keeps booking quality films. The coming attractions I saw were all for "Art" films. The other
side of the theatre (theatres 9 - 16) seems to be where they are showing the mainstream films. I have not been on that side since NA took over so I cannot speak for that.
I was also relieved that NA honored the tickets (Ritz Blue Book discount book). I had received several for my birthday in February and was worried I would not be able to redeem them. I hope this is not a temporary measure. Only time will tell.

I have been to the Ritz 16 twice since it came under new ownership, once last weekend to see "The Hoax" and again this weekend to see "The Valet." I had a good experience each time, and many of my fears about the future of the theater have been allayed. There was a good selection of art, independent, and foreign films; there were no advertisements before the film; and no product placements in the lobby. There were flowers in the ladies room, and I was able to buy the Toblerone bars that I like (though I do miss some of the other chocolate bars that used to be available at the concession stand). Also I did not observe any disruptive teenagers either in the lobby or outside the theater.

I enjoyed the two films that I saw, and I hope that the theater will continue to show a good selection of independent and foreign films; and I hope that longtime patrons will give the theater a chance.

In the past ten years, the only movie theater my wife, friends and I attended has been the Ritz 16 in Voorhees. No more. With the changes the theater plans, we will rely more on Netflix and forego the theater.

I think the new owners misunderstand why people went to Ritz. Wd did not go to "see a movie." We went for a night out. There's a big difference.

Goodbye Ritz!

Maybe someone can take over the old Hoyt's theater that has been empty for years and turn it into a new "Ritz".

In answer to the last comment about the old Hoyt's
theatre. How about the old Westmont theatre? Anyone know about starting a non-profit organization and raising funds to restore the old Westmont theatre? It could be great. They are restoring the Ambler theatre and it is wonderful.
The Ambler has two stadium seating theatres and will open a large theatre by the end of summer.
If a group of us could get to together we could do the same thing. (Bryn Mawr and County have not done much work to their theatres, they have that bowling alley effect and old cramped seats). I do not know the first thing about raising money for this kind of project but there must people out there that are movie lovers that do. It is worth consideration. The old Westmont theatre also has a
parking lot.

FYI. Eight -- count 'em -- eight screens at the Ritz 16 are currently devoted to "Shrek the Third" and "Spiderman 3." Say no more.

Terry,

I will say this: The 16 -- oops, Showcase at the Ritz Center -- is also playing seven indie films -- "Jindabyne," "Waitress," "Away from Her," and "The Namesake" among them. That's not a bad ratio, and these are all good -- no, great -- films. But I take your point, "Shrek the Third" is a title that wouldn;t have played under the previous ownership.

Good point about the difference between a night out and going to see a movie. All good things must end, but The Ritz 16 was a South Jersey treasure. National Amusements is making a HUGE mistake in changing the demographics and "psychographics" of the theater audience. I suspect The Ritz Theatres in Philadelphia will profit from NA's business strategy.

Thanks, Carrie. You're right. The previous management wouldn't have show "Shrek the Third," let along on four to five screens!

I'm almost positive Shrek 2 did play at the Ritz 16. I know the last Pirates of the Carribean movie did. Of course, you didn't see a single movie taking 4 or 5 screens, as seems to be the strategy with Shrek and Spiderman under the new management.

The issue of the art films/pop movies aside, this former bastion of child-free adult leisure time is gone. The soccer moms hang out at Barnes and Noble, Borders and Starbucks with their kids, and the Ritz 16 lobby was a quiet, adult place to share a coffee and kuchen with or without a movie. Spiderman and Shrek on multiple screens? Come on now! The Ritz 16 has lost my business and the business of a number of my friends. It's a sad day for the cultural life of South Jersey!

Come on folks, let's deal with things...and move on.

We are talking about a sale of a local movie theater here, not
WW III.

Basically the only thing that has changed under the new ownership at the former Ritz 16 theater in Voorhees is the new management - along with the 4 to 6 art, independent and foriegn film offerings in the 16 screen venue -
has chosen to actively program films for children.

The lobby is not filling up with thugs, unless you consider a Cherry Hill mom and her 8 - year child a menace to society.

The prices have gone up slightly, so it goes.

The programming at the Ritz 16 was never 100% art, foriegn or indie film anyway. For decades the theater had been a place to see the latest Hollywood Drew Barrymore or Julia Roberts film as well as French films starring Isabelle Huppert or Julliet Binoche.

The Ritz Filmbill will continue to be distributed in the theater lobby. The June issue comes out June 1st. It is to be renamed the Cine Arts Filmbill, and it will contain film synopses for exactly the same mix of art, foriegn independent, and Hollywood film that the film guide has always contained.

Here's to a great summer of movie-going !

Steven Duchovnay
Cine Arts Filmbill

In response to the previous statement. No it is not WW111 but it was nice safe haven for adults and a stress free environment. I have moved on back to Philadelphia where this weekend we saw an excellent Iranian film "OFFSIDE" at the Ritz at the Bourse. Do not miss it.

While in agreement with Steven, I am moved by the Passion of the Ritzheads. And, yes, Ersatz is right: Offside is sensational.

Give us back our child-free Ritz 16 - it is such a dump now.... shame on Ms. Redstone for being such a greedy [epithet deleted].

Steven, you are missing the point. 8 year olds were always welcome with their parents. Two years ago I took my 7 year old niece to see "Mad Hot Ballroom". What is and will be a menace to society is unsupervised TEENAGERS in the
parking lot, lobby and theaters. Steven go to the movies on a weekend or now summer night to see what all the fuss is about. Ritz was never a kid free zone but at least there was some supervision in the past. No more. Trivializing our concerns by
comparing it to WWIII is too easy. You sound like our current adminstration, when someone disagrees with you attack their concerns as being silly. Carrie, I thought the reason for these blogs was to raise some concerns and complaints. Your articles encourage this. You must be concerned also because you wrote three
articles about the situation.

Steven, with due respect, I'm disappointed by your facile, almost glib response to what has happened to the Ritz Sixteen and I'm not sure you should have weighed in at all, considering that you have a vested interest in retaining a harmonious professional relationship with National Amusements, Inc. Yes, the Ritz Sixteen in the past has screened a healthy selection of mainstream films, but very SELECTIVELY. Yes, even last summer, it played the hideous "Pirates" sequel -- but on only one screen. The joyless, nearly unwatchable "Spiderman 3" and depressing "Shrek the Third" together currently dominate eight -- count 'em -- eight of the screens at the Ritz Sixteen. That would have never happened under Ray Posel. (Does South Jersey really need another popcorn-littered multiplex showing brain-numbing movies? What's next - video games in the lobby?) True, six of the auditoriums do have indie films on screen, but I think it's safe to assume that these were committed to by the previous regime and that such films will dwindle down incrementally over the next few months. But the main point is, the theater's singular ambience, a very fragile quality, has been ruined. The damage has been done. Sad.

The old Westmont Theater is currently being "redeveloped" for y ears by someone who wants to turn it into a nightclub (or rumor has it a parking lot). The parking lot is small because the strip mall across the street used to be parking also. I believe there are people interested in making it a movie theater or a live theater but right now I don't see much of anything happening. I am worried it is going to fall down first.

I would love to see it as an art theater. It tried to be that before it closed but the management didn't quite have the knack I think for picking foreign /art films that Posel did...although The Gods Must Be Crazy played there a long time.

Then a very good acting company was there and did some work on the place but they left several years ago and the place has sadly been deteriorating. It is a gem and should be restored.

Hoyt's has great seats and screens but couldn't compete with Loews. Another abandoned building.

deni

For those of you who have the drive to create a theater dedicated to art cinema, like the Ambler, the County in Doylestown and the Bryn Mawr, I recommend that you contact Juliet Goodfriend at the Bryn Mawr or John Toner of Renew Theaters. They might have ideas and know someone who provide technical assistance.

Denise: Hoyt's theater left town very quickly one weekend without telling the owner of the building.
There was an article in the paper at the time this
happened. Hoyt's took the comfortable seats with them. I seem to remember also that Hoyt's had a lease that still had a few years on it. The owners
were not going to let anyone sublet the property because of this. (This was in the article also).
I think it was article in the Courier Post.
Anyone renting the building would have to start from scratch. It was a really nice theater but I agree that Loew's probably blocked them from getting any decent movies.

Did Steven Duchovnay even bother to read what he wrote before he posted it? His stance is jaw-droppingly immature and smacks of opportunism and a lack of professionalism. Would he have said what he said if National Amusements decided to dump his little Filmbill? I doubt it. And, yes, Steven, to some people, "a Cherry Hill mom and her 8-year child (sic)" ARE "a menace to society." (Given that he runs a magazine, I was a tad surprised by the language and punctuation in the post.)

Talk about irony. I was just reading the history of the Westmont Theater and it was bought by Posel Management and it was left to ruin till the theater company had it for ten years. Posel also owns that ugly strip mall that was built on the parking lot across from the theater.

Steven, you are way wrong for even thinking people wouldn't know you had a vested interest. Nothing more need be said to you.

Shari, you are way wrong for changing the way things were at Ritz 16. I am sure you will make a killing there. but the word killing will have a double meaning for your theater as the first part of making a bundle of money from people who come to expect the theater to remain as it has for over 10 years. First they will notice the small changes like the dress code of the employees and the slight raise in prices. Then they will notice you can't get the same ambience when you have so many young people running around. Once the changes come and people notice, they will leave. Then the 6 screens will move down to 3, then 1, then none. Then you will pass off replaying old classics like Monty Python's Holy Grail as if that makes you an art film theater. After time when your theater looks and smells like every other choice which I drive passed to get to the Ritz, I stop driving so far and either go to CineMark which, although it has its element of troubles and annoyances, it also has plenty of police protection (like the Ritz will be needing) and to prove it, it even has its own reserved police parking spots in the lot. Cinemark has good projection, good sound (when the DTS is working properly - complain and you get free tickets) and good popcorn usually popped fresh in front of you.

NOTE: when Cinemark first opened, they used to bring your food order to your seat! They also carded plenty of teens in their day but finally gave up it seems.

The second part of your killing that you will be making is when you run off the Applebee's and Friendly's restaurants and the other businesses in the center. That will certainly spell doom for any art film house. So, if the love of money doesn't kill the ritz new owners, the lack of collecting it from patrons who actually have it will. Kids are fickle. I was a kid. I used to go to Deptford 6 for my movies back in the good old days when 16 Candles and Ferris Beuller ruled the screens. Then came AMC 8, which got plenty of my money as a college student. Once they opened Atco's theaters, I stopped going locally and drove the extra time to see a nice theater with almost stadium seating but nicer projection, better sound and cleaner seating areas. They started falling and Cinemark moved into town. Much closer, and more comfortable seating as well as a theater just as good with great sound and projection.

Then came the Ritz shortly after! The best of the bunch! I am not an artsy film goer. I am more in support of indipendent films, but I do go to some art films. I just want the films I see to be projected well, sound great, in a comfortable seat, without sticking to the floors. Is that asking so much? It must be! And for the extra cost, you'd think they'd scrub the floors once in a while?

I saw Pirates 3 on Thursday night at 8:30pm. The night before I saw Spiderman 3. Both at the Ritz. I didn't realize there was a change in management. I did notice the small things, like no bowties, the custom mixed sodas were gone and they didn't use real butter anything on their popcorn. Yes, the crowd was younger. Yes, they will be telling their friends. ANd I would say, this crowd of young folks was the crowd which doesn't want to be among the bad influences of hangers out and making it a pick up place. They all seemed to be friends or dating the folks they came with and were very orderly without cell phones ringing.

My prediction...
It will take until Christmas when their friends catch on to why they are now going to the ritz. That's when the trouble will follow. Trust me, I am rarely wrong about such things. Shari, you and your fancy numbers can crunch any way you want, I know this area and I know the trends better than you. So, it's coming. So what's the chain reaction?

Well, that means they will be coming from another theater to yours! Good for you! You have now gotten a larger demographic! You have their money! But they are not loyal. They just jumped ship from Cinemark or Loews (owned by AMC now) and they will fly again when the next choice arises. So, start planning your exit strategy now so you won't be surprised.

Bear in mind, when you state things about things can't stay the same, you should also read that into your life. But, if you keep them the same, or actually enforce rules and have your ushers patrol the aisles once in a while, even the kids will see and feel the difference.

Shari, there is another factor you may not realize in this changing world where things won't stay the same. Theaters are on their way out. Home theaters are going to take the revenue away. I will now be building my home theater since I can save 30 bucks a visit a couple visits a week in short time. I am getting ready for that time when my night out is too much trouble to be worth going out. I'll stay home and see and hear my movies perfectly without sticking to the floor.

If Mark Cuban has his way, you'll be buying the movie on your way out of the theater or instead of ever going to the theater, the day it's released to theaters. It's coming! And you know it. But, the night out is still the big reason why folks go to a movie. Why do they go to a baseball game in Philly? THE FOOD! Trust me. I work there and that's everyone's reason for being there. The whole atmosphere. Most people couldn't tell you who won or lost at the end of the game.

So, please don't take away our night out. It's obvious you saw the numbers this theater did over the years or you wouldn't have purchased the theater. And I know you and everyone who works for National Amusements has to justify their jobs by making a few more dollars. Well, you did raise the prices a bit? Isn't that enough?

Oh yeah, I should mention Hoyt's and Loews. Loews Blows! I went there a few months back for a movie my girlfriend insisted on seeing and she'll never go back there. There were people (read teens and early 20 somethings) on their cellphones ALL MOVIE LONG! Why anyone would go to a movie to talk on the phone is beyond me? Oh yeah, it was a scary movie and there was a bunch of folks who felt the need to not be scared so they talked to the screen! LIke that would make a difference. It did, however, let us all know how scared they truly were at a movie. But, I didn't go to experience THEIR movie going experience. I went for my own. And it sucked! I was going to complain, but for what reason? So I could get free tickets for another movie at a theater I don't want to see a movie? Nope, I walked out and now my cousin won't go back either.

He vowed to only go to Ritz, but now I'll have to inform him that's coming to an end as well.

But it's in your hands to do something about it.

Leo McMichael:
I could not have said it better.
You are right on the money.
THANK YOU!

BTW, Leo, that Mark Cuban who's going to change everything also happens to own the Landmark Theaters. He's betting on the both/and strategy, that people bothl want to see movies in theaters and at home.

We were at the Bourse on Sun and it seemed almost completely the same. The ambience was wonderful; the endangered species candy bars were still there. It is as if someone who loved the theaters the way they were bought the place.

We were at the 16 on Sunday. The cine art half wasn't a half because they had Spiderman on that side and there were kids running everywhere and the ticket lobby was very noisy. The ambience is gone.

My husband wants to spend more time at the Philly theaters even though we will have to pay more bc of parking or the speedline but it may be worth it.

What a shame.
deni

We were at the Bourse on Sun and it seemed almost completely the same. The ambience was wonderful; the endangered species candy bars were still there. It is as if someone who loved the theaters the way they were bought the place.

We were at the 16 on Sunday. The cine art half wasn't a half because they had Spiderman on that side and there were kids running everywhere and the ticket lobby was very noisy. The ambience is gone.

My husband wants to spend more time at the Philly theaters even though we will have to pay more bc of parking or the speedline but it may be worth it.

What a shame.
deni

I read in Entertainment Weekly a couple of weeks ago, Shari Redstone's dismay and concerns about the idea of releasing films straight to comcast into your home before the theater. She said it would benefit no one but comcast. I thought it was amusing given their attitudes about the Ritz. Maybe she thinks releasing straight to cable is "in bad taste" like keeping children out.

Sorry to see the changes, I have been back since the new owners took over and I miss the old Ritz. We will take out more movies from the library and watch them in the comfort of our home. If it wasn't broke, why fix it.

I am truly saddened by the loss of the Ritz 16. My husband and I saw an average of 38 movies a year at the Ritz. In the past, we used to walk to the theater on warm nights. We enjoyed reading the Ritz Filmbill. We loved arriving at the theater an hour before the movie just to hang out and take in the ambiance. The Rtiz 16 was a haven. I looked forward to the escapism.

When my husband and I go to the AMC or the Cinemark we are often met with rude teenagers talking on their cell phones and yelling loudly to each other during the movie. In some cases, the inconsideration was so bad we demanded our money back. I have never had to do so when I visited the Ritz. I can't help but be resentful of National Amusements. Though it is business, I have taken the changes personally. It turns my stomach to walk into the theater now. I will now go back to Philly like I used to do before the Ritz 16 opened. I am, however, willing to meet with Ms. Redstone if she is willing to listen to these complaints. I have heard that there may be a "town meeting". Is this true?

This week will be my first movie in six weeks and I'm apprehensive after listening to these comments, but hopeful. The bottom line is not about what the Ritz was, but about the added revenue they now hope to receive with the changes. Sad. The Ritz was unique and there are planty of movies for children and teens. Last month I tried the AMC in Deptford, and I was shocked to see teens throwning things from the front to the back to their friends.....finally an adult scared them out of there and called management. I'm never going there. I hope this new management learns a lesson on why the Ritz was our favorite place to go, and how long will that last?

The Showcase is not making it easy for the Ritz patrons to even find what is playing, On their website they only show the children's shows and two or three other movies. Usually the adult movies are run for a limited number of showings in a day while Shrek is showing ten or 12 times. Are you now discriminating against older adults?

My husband and I want to go to a movie today. In fact we usually go once a week to a 4PM show- always at the Ritz. There are now limited choices at the times we prefer to go. Given the number of movie houses that run children's shows, why would you want to give up the adult movie goers that ued to enjoy the quiet of the Ritz.

This is so disappointing.

I've noticed that National Amusements dropped the Ritz Sixteen from the Inquirer's
neighborhood movie guide. Wasn't in yesterday or today. The guide was a quick, easy way to chart exactly what's playing there. Now it's difficult to tell. Curious.

I am sure they dropped the times from the Inquirer because kids don't usually look times up in the paper ; they do it online.

Plus, they can save that ad fee so they can post huge ads for Harry Potter in a few weeks.

The place is loud; the staff is using loud walky talkies; kids are running. Once you are inside one of the teeny tiny theaters we "cine art" fans have been relegated to it is the same. We saw Once and people in the audience before the movie started were lamenting the changes.

There were forms to fill out for cine art fans to give their comments. We filled them out for whatever good it does.
deni

The ads were back in the paper this week. Supposedly there will be a meeting with ritz goers (don't know if you have to be invited or not) on June 27 with Shari Redstone.

Sign up for the june 27 meeting or call--go to Carrie Rickey's question and answers to get the info.
deni

Further evidence that this culture's obsession with both money and children ruins everything.

Every other theater on the planet caters to children and the regular movie-goer (hoi polloi) with its advertising and its choice of films. We couldn't have this one?

Why is it necessary for corporate business interests to mess with my life? They'll be advertising in graveyards next, I assure you.

Nothing is sacred.

Me and my friends loved the Ritz. And although we are all just turning 20 we are not the "thug" (or voorhees equvilant of thugs.) that seem to have taken over all the other movie theaters. It was nice that it always was clean and you weren't sticking to the floor. And they art films were always good to. The last time I went the uniforms had changed and it made it seem more like a fast food joint... They could at least tuck their shirts in. But the best part was there were no yelling kids under 14. If the Bratz movie ever shows there I may cry.

The Ritz used to be a special "date night" outing, but it is not so special anymore. I am more and more disappointed each time I go to see a movie there. I have not gone anywhere else in years, but am considering going to one of those "other" theaters.

Earlier this week, the theater smelled, there was no toilet paper in half of the stalls, and the paper towels were not stocked.

It's funny how the same employees look and act so differently. It used to be a nice place to go and have coffee, read the playbill, see a great film, and talk afterward. The staff was interactive and polite. Now, it is just a local theater. I would love to see some the old ambiance return!

I have read the generally negative comments about what Natiional Amusements has done with the Ritz 16. I find most of these comments to be unfair and uninformed.
My wife and I have been seeing our movies at the Ritz since the day it opened. I was curious when I read that National Amusements had purchased the theatre. Would they convert it into a typically commercial theatre? The answer has become evident. They have mixed the best of American cinema with an ongoing menu of foreign and independent film. They have preserved the integrity of the theatre and opened it up to a wider audience. And yes, they now cater to a well-behaved children's audience with tasteful and wholesome Disney fare. What they don't exhibit is slasher movies or fare that displays gratuitous sex.
The people at National Amusements deserve kudos and they certainly have earned the gratitude of my wife and me.
But, don't take my word for it. I'm just another opinion. Go to the theatre. What you will find is very large crowds enjoying all types of worthwhile film in a clean, quiet theatre operated by a polite, friendly and well-trained staff. You will leave talking about the movie, not the theatre...and that's they way it should be.
Oh yes, they do have hot dogs. I like hot dogs. If you don't like them, don't buy one.

Thanks, Mike, for your post. The rumpus about National Amusements certainly has quited down and most of the e-mails I get now have your upbeat attitude.

Best,

There is no longer much special about the offerings at the Ritz. Same as all the multiplex's. So many go films out there which used to be available at the Ritz. No more. It's a shame.

If I see the sort of knowledge you offer in this blog I take it in as sunshine on a cloudy day. It isn't often that one gets such relief from the mundane. My hat is off to the author.

Carrie you are absolutely right.There is no longer much special about the offerings at the Ritz. shame.

I agree with Chris about the multiplex and Ritz is just like other theater. You can watch movie out there like as in other one. But what am saying is that the charm of the Ritz 16 is different from other.

I prefer Cinema De Lux.