Admiral Theater’s next step into the future: First laser projectors in service; farewell to film

That photo shared by the Admiral Theater might not be oozing Hollywood glamour … but it’s the next big step toward the historic moviehouse’s bright-as-the-stars future. The Admiral’s two new laser digital projectors are here, and manager Dinah Brein says that the first audiences to see them “commented on how amazing the high definition, crystal clear, and bright screen resolution enhanced their viewing experience. No more platters, no more bad film prints, no more stoppage in the middle of the movie.” That’s because, Brein adds, “these two new projectors (with two more to come by the end of the year) utilize all new laser technology replacing the standard projector light bulbs used in most theaters. Now, with *all* the light energy coming from lasers … the on-screen image is bigger, brighter and better.” And it means the film days are almost over:

It’s been four months since The Admiral announced it had the green light to proceed with renovations that will turn it into a modernized four-plex; that in turn came a few months after it started showing first-run movies.

8 Replies to "Admiral Theater's next step into the future: First laser projectors in service; farewell to film"

  • Militant Moderate June 26, 2015 (6:45 am)

    Will “Inside Out” be shown using this laser projection system?

  • sw June 26, 2015 (8:53 am)

    Are there any plans to keep one film projector just so they can occasionally screen prints? That would be nice to do as it will make the theater unique.

  • BlairJ June 26, 2015 (9:30 am)

    Just as there are some LPs that never made it onto CD, I’m sure there will be films that never get transferred to digital. It would seem to be a good idea to keep at least one film projector in working condition.

  • West Seattle Steve June 26, 2015 (10:17 am)

    I think the projectors are now live for Inside Out and Jurassic Park from their email yesterday (see below)

    I saw Inside Out at SIFF and I think it’s one of Pixar’s best!

    I do hope they keep 1 35mm projection system, there may be some old or indy films that are only available on 35mm. Plus it was their ability to screen Intersteller in 35mm that helped them transition into first run releases last year.

    email from the Admiral Theater…

    State-Of-The-Art Digital LASER Projection!

    Now you’ll see movies like never before with unparalleled brightness, quality, color and clarity.

    See the difference today at the Historic Admiral Theater where we’re still making history!

    • WSB June 26, 2015 (10:29 am)

      Same basic e-mail sent to local media last night, basis for this quick update. I struck out the “almost” after a followup exchange with Dinah Brein – she said the film days ARE over. I’ll ask her about the status of the film projectors that required a heroic amount of work (mostly on her part) to keep going … if she doesn’t see this first. – TR

  • Julie June 26, 2015 (10:37 am)

    Now, if they’ll just bring the sound down to hearing-safe levels…

  • Michaelwaldo June 26, 2015 (2:50 pm)

    That’s cool. I have not been there for years because the old broken down seats were so terrible uncomfortable.
    Did they ever get new seats or is that part of the renovation plan?

    • WSB June 26, 2015 (2:54 pm)

      Part of the plan, which currently is in the permit process, per management.

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