“The Blue Lagoon”: The North American 70mm
Engagements |
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| Compiled by: Michael Coate | Date: 07.02.2022 |
 "The
Blue Lagoon" opening-day advert, Los Angeles Times, 20th June 1980The following is a reference / historical listing of the 70-millimeter presentations of “The Blue Lagoon” in North America. These were arguably the best cinemas in which to experience this motion picture. “The Blue Lagoon” was among eleven confirmed first-run films released in 1980 with 70mm prints for selected engagements. Five 70mm prints were reportedly struck for selected bookings in key markets. The Columbia release — directed by Randall Kleiser (“Grease”) and starring Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins — opened June 20th in limited release and expanded in the weeks that followed. The 70mm prints of “The Blue Lagoon” featured pillarboxed imagery (approximately 1.85:1) blown up from spherical 35mm and discrete six-track stereophonic sound. Pre-release screenings included the film’s world premiere held June 19th at the Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles. Columbia circulated 70mm trailers for “Stir Crazy,” “Used Cars” and the Special Edition re-issue of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” during the release of “The Blue Lagoon” which they recommended be screened with the presentation. As well, other studios circulated 70mm trailers during this period. Ultimately, the 70mm trailers, if any, seen during the 70mm presentations of “The Blue Lagoon” varied by venue and screening. Opening Date YYYY-MM-DD … City – Cinema (duration in weeks) 1980-06-20 … Denver, CO — Commonwealth’s Continental (1+) 1980-06-20 … Los Angeles, CA — Pacific’s Cinerama Dome (6) 1980-06-20 … New York, NY — Cinema 5’s Paramount (7) 1980-07-02 … Seattle, WA — GCC’s King (5) 1980-07-11 … San Diego, CA — Mann’s Loma (11) SUBSEQUENT 70MM ENGAGEMENTS 1980-09-19 … Northbrook, IL — Center’s Edens Twin (1) 1981-08-28 … Edmonton, AB — Odeon’s Meadowlark (2) 1981-09-11 … Calgary, AB — Odeon’s North Hill (2) The information in this article was principally referenced from film industry trade publications and regional newspaper promotion, with thanks to Bill Kretzel, W.R. Miller, and John Sittig. International 70mm engagements of this title have not been accounted for in this article. If you believe this article contains any errors or omissions, please consider emailing the author or editor. |
More in 70mm reading: 70mm Cinemas in North America Chronological premiere list of major 70mm films Month by month premiere list of wide gauge and 3-strip films 70mm Engagements 70mm Blow Up List Dolby Stereo |
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