J. D. Salinger gives Spielberg’s “Raiders” a thumbs-down!
April 30th, 2008 by Scott Marks
J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye continues to impact scores of high school and college students. Unfortunately, the same can be said of Steve Spielberg films. I was delighted to hear what one generation’s guiding influence had to say about another.
The following comes from a letter written by the reclusive author to his lover Janet Eagleson and dated June 28, 1981:
“I got hooked into seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark, which might be excused for its unwitty, unfunny awful socko-ness if it had been put together by Harvard Lampoon seniors.”
Alright, so it’s not a full-length review. I’m content to publish any slam aimed in Steve’s direction particularly one coming from an author who packs such clout.
News of J. D.’s mini-pan first came to me via Spout. Christopher Campbell reported that Salinger’s correspondence was going up for auction on eBay. I would like to believe that the seller put it up for auction just weeks before the opening of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, to humiliate Steve in an attempt to keep audiences away.
The live auction received 4 bids and closed at $2,250.00.
Filed Under News
AMC Entertainment New All-Digital Multiplex in National City
April 30th, 2008 by Scott Marks
Doesn’t National City sound like the perfect, squalid any-town setting for an Anthony Mann noir or Jim Thompson novel? Now Tony Genaro and Lou Ford have a place to watch pictures after AMC Entertainment Inc. announced today AMC Plaza Bonita 14 at Westfield Plaza Bonita will open to the public on May 16.
Any chance of one of the 14 screens showing art, independent or foreign? Forget it, Jake. It’s National City! They can’t wait to set those cash register ringing with a non-stop flow of summer blockbusters. And Hey, Kids! According to the press release, “To commemorate the new theatre opening, all guests who visit the theatre during the opening weekend will receive one free small popcorn with each ticket purchased.” What better way to solemnize the day!
The AMC Plaza Bonita 14 is just the second all-digital AMC theatre in the area and is equipped with 4K digital cinema projectors, capable of producing images with more than four times the resolution of HDTV and none of that warm, embossed look of 35mm. As if all-digital screens weren’t enough, three auditoriums at AMC Plaza Bonita 14 boast screens that are more than three stories high and 50-feet wide, so you and the kids will have spielberg’s Skull right in your face!
Get a load of what the place has to offer:
· Fourteen auditoriums with nearly 2,600 seats. I liked it better when it was one auditorium with 2,600 seats and one screen.
· Stadium seating with 18-inch risers and 48-inch row spacing for a perfectly clear, unobstructed view in all auditoriums. As a way of utilizing space and functionality, I have no problem with stadium seating. I’d prefer a balcony, but who am I kidding?
· AMC’s exclusive and ultra-comfortable Merrill Stubing LoveSeat®-style seating featuring “rocking” backs and lifting cupholder armrests.
· 4K digital cinema projectors in all auditoriums.
· Six-channel digital audio coupled with Dolby® Digital equalization in every auditorium for clear, dynamic distortion-free audio and lifelike special effects.
· Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall curved premium movie screens in every auditorium.
Suddenly the amenities begin to chip away.
· AMC’s proprietary Digital Theatre Distribution System® (DTDS) for enhanced pre-show entertainment that includes a first-look access to everything from movies, television, music, sports and advertising. Annoying commercials for shows you have no use for.
· Large, efficient, fast-serve concession area with digital menu boards offering a wide variety of moviegoers’ favorite theatrical food and beverage options, including free refills on large fountain drinks and large popcorn. Visa and MasterCard welcome!
· A custom-designed gaming area featuring top-performing arcade games with wide appeal, allowing guests an opportunity to enjoy relaxed or competitive play before or after their movie experience. This type of insanity should not be deemed acceptable behavior at movie theatres. You’re supposed to be there for one thing and one thing only — the movies!
Located off Hwy 805 at Sweetwater or Bonita Road, or Hwy 54 at Plaza Bonita Center Way in National City, Calif., AMC Plaza Bonita 14 is the entertainment anchor of Westfield Plaza Bonita.
Tags: All Digital, AMC Entertainment, AMC Plaza Bonita 14, AMC Theaters, National City, New Theater, Opening, San Diego, Westfield Plaza BonitaFiled Under News
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