Philadelphia Cinemas

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stroszeck
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 2:42 am

#1 Post by stroszeck »

I recently moved to Philadelphia from California and am having a bit of trouble locating a decent theater which would screen the upcoming prints of some of the Truffaut, Godard and Tati films, in particular Playtime and A WOMAN IS A WOMAN. I also think they are going to start releasing some of Jodorowsky's early works, and I am dying to see El Topo and TUSK, so if anybody can direct me to any websites with information, I would appreciate it.
alexismyname
Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2004 6:27 pm
Location: Philadelphia, PA
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#2 Post by alexismyname »

I recently moved back to Philadelphia area (from Ontario) ...will be moving to the city in a month or so. Anyway, Philadelphia's not particularly a great film city as far as seeing classic films on 35mm goes (especially when compared with New York or Toronto, say), but there are a few good spots:

Film @ International House - uncomfortable seating, but it has a good atmosphere, and sometimes plays some really good stuff and always plays very hard to see stuff.

Bryn Mawr Film Institute - this one's new - never been there before, but seem to have some decent stuff upcoming

Villanova University Cultural Film & Lecture Series - havent been to this either, but definitely plan on attending The General, Weekend, and Ten in this series.

And there's the Ritz of course - for the more independent stuff, or the more "respectble stuff", which seems to include The Devil Wears Prada and World Trade Center. Anyway, they've got several theatres in the city, and they actually do play some really good newer stuff (though I wish they would at times be more ambitious in their programming). Oh, and the seating here is very comfortable.

From my understanding, those are the main venues within the city or just outside. There are a few other pretty good theaters, but I haven't been to them as they're a bit further away. For that and other info, check the bottom link here for repertory films.

And if this doesn't suffice, New York is only 2 hours away.

If you're ever up for catching a film sometimes, and would like someone to go with, send me a pm. I was hoping to meet up with some cinephiles upon my return back here.

As far as the reissues of the Truffaut, Godard, and Tati goes - I wouldn't be surprised if they showed up at the Ritz or the ihouse, but then again, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't...either way, it'll be a few months away I assume...you might want to try contacting the ihouse film programmers and request these films though, as they're open to suggestions.
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Fletch F. Fletch
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 7:54 pm
Location: Provo, Utah

#3 Post by Fletch F. Fletch »

alexismyname wrote:As far as the reissues of the Truffaut, Godard, and Tati goes - I wouldn't be surprised if they showed up at the Ritz or the ihouse, but then again, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't...either way, it'll be a few months away I assume...you might want to try contacting the ihouse film programmers and request these films though, as they're open to suggestions.
Also, pick up copies of the city's two alternative weeklies - the Philadelphia Weekly and the Philadelphia City Paper also have pretty decent movie listings of retro movies that are playing in the upcoming week.
alexismyname
Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2004 6:27 pm
Location: Philadelphia, PA
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#4 Post by alexismyname »

Thought I should mention that the International House is hosting a Jacques Rivette retrospective from January 17-21, showing many of his earlier films, including the seldom screened Out 1: Spectre.

It's going to be somewhat of a chore to put up with the I-house seating for that 4+ hour film, but I'm nevertheless very excited.

Here's the link: http://ihousephilly.org/jacquesrivette.htm
stroszeck
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 2:42 am

#5 Post by stroszeck »

Wow, great news, thanks. I wish there were more opportunities for cineastes in Philly, but I don't mind settling for some early Rivette for now!
alexismyname
Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2004 6:27 pm
Location: Philadelphia, PA
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#6 Post by alexismyname »

Just thought I'd alert my fellow Philadelphians that Spirit of the Beehive is playing tomorrow (Sat Feb 16) at the International House at 7pm.
lady wakasa
Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2006 2:26 am
Location: Over Yonder
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#7 Post by lady wakasa »

You are within hailing distance of New York, as well, although it'd be an all-day schlep for you. You might keep an eye for movies being released there and not Philly.

I will admit that I saw A Page From Madness in Philly last year or so (what I'm presuming was that Facets print *brrr*), but never have seen mention of a showing in NYC.
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milk114
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:38 pm
Location: Mar Vista, Los Angeles

#8 Post by milk114 »

I know many don't like lists, but could we maybe make a theater appreciation/resource list in another part of the forum?

When I was looking to move recently one of the first things I did was see what theaters were in the area. Fortunately, there were more Landmark Cinemas than AMC. But I still wouldn't know where to see a retrospective without living in an area awhile.

In San Diego there're film screenings left and right that don't get publicized and therefore aren't well attended. Usually I hear about them after-the-fact.

Anyway, what say you powers-that-be?
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