Hellen Mirren will play Sarah Winchester in new movie

On this past Friday the 13th, it was announced that Oscar-winning actress Hellen Mirren will play the leading role of Sarah Winchester in a new thriller called "Winchester." The movie is based on the story of Sarah Winchester, the eccentric heir to the Winchester fortune that built the 600-room mansion now known as the Winchester Mystery House (San Jose's #1 tourist attraction).

Production is expected to begin in early 2017 and will be shot on location in San Jose as well as Australia. For more details read the full release below.

HELEN MIRREN TAKES AIM AT THE ROLE OF WINCHESTER RIFLE HEIRESS, SARAH WINCHESTER, IN THE SPIERIG BROTHERS’ NEW THRILLER ‘WINCHESTER’

Friday, May 13, Cannes, France – Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren is finalizing a deal to play Sarah Winchester, the millionaire heiress to the Winchester Arms fortune in the Spierig Brothers new thriller WINCHESTER.

The story follows the Sarah Winchester, who was convinced that she and her family were haunted by the souls killed at the barrel of the infamous rifle.  Her real-life obsession led to the 24 hour a day, 7 days a week construction of an enormous 600-room mansion, designed to keep these evil spirits at bay.  Her home, the Winchester Mystery House, still stands today and has been named one of the “Most Haunted Places in the World” by Time Magazine.  Studio System News (SSN) called the house one of the top “haunted house properties ready to scare up audiences.”

Michael and Peter Spierig were announced at Cannes this week as the writer/directors of the film based on a script first penned by writer, Tom Vaughan.

Diamond Pictures and Bullitt Entertainment are co-financing with Australia’s Blacklab Entertainment, with Diamond selling international territories and WME brokering the US rights deal.

IDW’s Brett Matthew Tomberlin and Blacklab’s Tim McGahan are producing, with Bullitt’s Benedict Carver, Diamond’s Daniel Diamond and Tobin Armbrust as executive producers.  Andy Trapani, Toni Lianos, Brian Gilbert, Marc Shipper and Simon Oakes are also executive producers.

Production is expected to start in early 2017 shooting at the historic house in San Jose, California and in Australia.

Mirren is repped by CAA; IDW is repped by Michael Black Management and Mark Temple Law, and Blacklab by Marshalls+Dent Lawyers.  Sheppard Mullin brokered the deal for Diamond and Bullitt.

About Winchester Mystery House:

A 160-room Victorian wonder, The Winchester Mystery House is one of California’s original and most popular historic attractions.  Since opening to the public in 1923, the house has welcomed nearly 12 million people from around the world and has taken its rightful place in American legend.  Popular belief holds that Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune, was convinced she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by her family’s invention.  Following a medium’s advice, Sarah built a massive house in Northern California to appease the spirits. For the next 38 years, she never stopped building believing that if she continued, she would live forever, and if she stopped, she would die. Known as the “house built for the spirits,” there have been many inexplicable ghost sightings there and to this day, visitors share their paranormal stories of having been in the presence of these departed souls who continue to roam the grounds of the labyrinth-like house. Various tours are offered daily with popular annual events including Friday the 13th Flashlight Tours (May 16, 2016), Summer Twilight Evenings (July), Halloween Candlelight Tours (October) and The Spirit of Christmas (December).

"The Brainwashing of My Dad" World Premiere - March 5 Cinequest Film Festival, San Jose, CA

THE BRAINWASHING OF MY DAD - Trailer from Jen Senko on Vimeo.

The widely anticipated political documentary feature film The Brainwashing of My Dad will enjoy its World Premiere at the prestigious Cinequest Film Festival on Saturday March 5, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Camera 12 Cinemas, 201 S. 2nd St., San Jose.

Filmmaker Jen Senko examines the rise of right-wing media through the lens of her father, whose immersion in it radicalized him and rocked the foundation of their family. She discovers this political phenomenon recurring in living rooms everywhere, and reveals the consequences conservative media has had on families and a nation.

Says Senko, "What I mean by brainwashing is that people like my dad have become so taken over by right-wing media and its disinformation campaign, that they speak, vote and even act against their own interests - even against the very core of who they are. It is my hope that by lifting the curtain on what the right-wing media is doing to the very fabric of our country, by shedding light on both its tactics and agenda, families and the nation can begin to heal."

Beyond the emotional impact of the film, Senko historically underpins The Brainwashing of My Dad with exceptional expert interviews with Noam Chomsky, Eric Boehlert, David Brock, Jeff Cohen, George Lackoff, Reese Schonfeld and others. Acclaimed actor Matthew Modine (“Full Metal Jacket”) narrates, and Academy Award nominee Bill Plympton, with Maryam Hajouni, provides special animated sequences.

The Brainwashing of My Dad, from JSenko Productions and Cinco Dedos Peliculas, is the recipient of two distinguished film grants by Roy W. Dean and the Bertha Foundation. The film’s non-profit fiscal sponsor is Women Make Movies.

The feature length film touches such a nerve it has already won the Award of Excellence from IMPACT DOCS, and Cinequest is hosting two additional screenings, Sunday, March 6 at 11:30 AM and Wednesday, March 9 at 4:30 PM.

Please visit The Brainwashing of My Dad website at www.thebrainwashingofmydad.com

Films shot in San Jose

As San Jose's Cinequest Film Festival approaches, now might be a good time to look at some of the mainstream movies that were shot in San Jose. These include Ed TV, Flubber, Mad City, Marnie, The Rookie, and Beverly Hills Cop 3. Searchlight San Jose has a recent post on this topic along with trailers and scenes. Have a look for yourselve right over here.

Still from "Flubber" (1997) starring Robin Williams

The 7th Annual San Jose International Short Film Festival

Next weekend the 2015 San Jose International Short Film Festival kicks off at Santana Row's CineArts Theater. This will be the largest event in the film festival's history. Over 180 short films will be screened over the four-day festival, grouped into 30 different categories. Film makers across 20 different countries will be represented this year.

Tickets range from $12 for a 90 minute collection of films to $125 for a VIP all-access plan (includes all screenings, special events, after-parties, access to the VIP lounge in Santana Row, and a T-shirt). The festival runs from October 22nd to October 25th.

For more information and to buy tickets, head over here.

Camera 12 Cinemas Getting 3-Screen Barco Escape Technology

Barco Escape is an immersive movie experience that uses three separate screens to wrap a film around the audience. It was used to highlight a few a few shorts during the last Cinequest Film Festival, but is now making its way into the mainstream.

Last week, Camera 12 was one of only 20 theaters in the country to use the technology for a full-length film: Maze Runner 2: The Scorch Trials. During the movie there are almost 23 minutes of footage that make full use of all three screens. The rest of the time, the screens are used for effects that help keep the audience immersed (such as dust storms). Camera 12 is the only theater in Silicon Valley with Barco Escape. You can get your tickets to see the film over here!

The technology will also be featured on two independent films during the 2016 Cinequest Film Festival.

Source: SVBJ

San Pedro Square Market Outdoor Cinema Series

San Pedro Square Market Special Events: Join SPSM this summer for 3 free movie nights! Bring the family and invite your friends to enjoy the summer weather, market eateries, and some of our favorite movies on the big screen under the SPSM Sign.

• Hook: June 24th
• Pitch Perfect: July 29th
• The Avengers: August 26th

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and we'll see you at dusk!

The CineBrew Mart 2015!

Tomorrow is the second annual CineBrew Mart hosted by Camera Cinemas, Hermitage Brewing, and SJMADE. The event is a mixture of local craft beer tasting, unlimited movie watching, and hyperlocal shopping. I attended last year and this was one of my favorite new events for 2014! Some of the beer vendors even had snacks to compliment the beers such as bacon flavored cotton candy. New to the event this year will be a theater dedicated to showing local films from a variety of filmmakers and organization.

The event is a steal at $25 per person ($15 per person for designated drivers and $12 for kids). That includes both unlimited beer tasting from 1-5pm and unlimited movie watching from 11am to 11pm. There are also lots of great snacks and crafts to peruse through in the SJMADE vendor section.

Get your tickets before they are all gone over here!

The CineBrew Mart

Camera 12 Cinemas

201 South Second Street

Downtown San Jose

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Access to Movies: 11a - 11p

Local Beer and Treats: 1p - 5p

Valley Fair May Be Getting Upscale Movie Theater and Ultra-Premium Home Store

More details of Valley Fair's expansion and renovation are leaking out. Apparently Old Navy and Sports Authority are not high-end enough. The mall is planning to tear down both of these buildings along with a Chase Bank and build a new 86,000 SQFT addition with a ShowPlace ICON movie theater and Pirch home store. The Chase Bank will be rebuilt as a two-story freestanding building along Stevens Creek.

ShowPlace ICON is a high-end movie theater with a lounge that features a fancy menu and cocktails. Inside the screening rooms you'll find premium seating for those 21 and over, complete with over-sized loveseats. Tickets will likely be in the $20 range. There are only two ICON movie theaters in the US.

Pirch is an ultra-upscale home store where you can walk out with an oven that costs more than a fully-loaded Tesla. Upon entering the store they will give you complementary blackberry limeade and a spa robe so that you can test out their shower heads in the store itself. If Pirch gets built, it will be the first in all of Northern California.

For more details, hit the source link below.

Source: SVBJ

"A Love Letter to San Jose" Workshop + Free Food

This Thursday there will be a workshop at City Hall discussing how to make Downtown San Jose's public spaces more inviting and active. After the workshop there will be free food and a movie! To sign up, just head over here.

"Changing Boundaries: The History of San Jose" Screenings at Camera 12

Did you miss the premier last week for Changing Boundaries, the first feature length documentary about San Jose? Well you are in luck. Camera 12 will be screening the film on February 5th, 6th, and 7th. You can get your tickets now by clicking here!

Changing Boundaries: The History of San Jose

Opens 2/5/2015

Coming to:

Camera 12 Downtown - Buy Tickets

Director: Tricia Creason-Valencia 

Synopsis: CreaTV San Jose, Norman Kline Productions and History San Jose present Changing Boundaries: The History of San Jose – the story of the working people, political leaders and dreamers who built the City of San Jose. Narrated by local actor Daniel Wilson, and featuring an original musical score by Grammy nominee Robert Berry of Soundtek Studios, this first-of-its-kind documentary features interviews with key historical figures, from farmers to civic leaders, including Tom McEnery, Blanca Alvarado and Norm Mineta. Other notable interviewees include historians Terry Christensen, Nannette Regua and Steven Millne. Produced by Norman Kline and CreaTV San Jose and directed by Tricia Creason-Valencia, the film’s production includes a key collaboration with History San Jose, which provided archival photography and documents. 

Running Time: 80 Minutes 
(plus 8-10 minutes of trailers) 

Official Web Site:
http://www.creatvsj.org/creatv-san-jose-to-partner-with-norman-kline-productions-and-history-san-jose-on-first-full-length-san-jose-documentary/ 

MPAA Rating: NR

Advance Showtimes

Camera 12 Downtown Buy Tickets 
All Seats $5.50 Before 6:00pm; $8.50 Evenings (C12 Only)!
Thu-Fri, Feb. 5-6, at 7:00pm; Sat, Feb. 7 at 2:00pm

No Free Passes or Discount Cards. 

"Changing Boundaries" Premiers This Week!

The first feature length documentary about San Jose premiers this week on January 22nd at the California Theater! The film was made possible by CreaTV, Norman Kline Productions, and History San Jose.

Narrated by actor Peter Coyote, and featuring an original musical score by Grammy nominee Robert Berry of Soundtek Studios, this first-of-its-kind documentary features interviews with key historical figures, from farmers to civic leaders, including Tom McEnery, Blanca Alvarado and Norm Mineta. Other notable interviewees include historians Terry Christensen, Nannette Regua and Steven Millner.

You can check out the trailer below. For more information and to get your tickets, click here!

Changing Boundaries: The History of San Jose

The first full-length feature film about San Jose is going to premier at the California Theatre on January 22nd. Changing Boundaries will track the stories of of the working people, political leaders, and dreamers who built this city. Interviews that will be weaved into the film include Tom McEnery, Blanca Alvarado, Norm Mineta and a variety of historians.

CreaTV San Jose, History San Jose, and Norm Kline Productions are working in partnership to produce this documentary. The film is directed by Tricia Creason-Valencia and narrated by actor Peter Coyote. The musical score is composed by Robert Barry of Soundtek Studios and will reflect the historic time periods and rock and roll "firsts" in San Jose.

I can't wait to see the final product! For more information follow the Changing Boundaries Facebook page over here and check out the trailer below. You can also get your tickets for the premier here.

Winchester Movie is Back on Track

A couple years ago news broke that Hammer Films would make a movie based around the Winchester Mystery House. The original target launch was Halloween of 2013, which would have been perfect given Sarah Winchester's obsession with the number 13. Now, it looks like they are bringing on brother filmmakers Michael and Peter Spierig to both rewrite the original script and direct the movie.

This will be the very first film to be shot inside of the Winchester Mystery House and filming is being penned for early 2015. I'm really looking forward to this one!

Sources: ComingSoon.net, hat tip to Mark and Dark Horizons, hat tip to Dan De La O

Starlight Cinemas - FREE Films Under the Stars (Jun 14 - Aug 20)

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Enjoy great movies from the 1980s for free, under the stars, on warm San Jose summer nights, at Starlight Cinemas.  Come early and enjoy pre-show fun and games, often as entertaining as the main event.   

The eight-movie series produced by the San Jose Downtown Association begins June 14 with the only non-’80s film of the bunch, “Bend It Like Beckham.”  That film complements the opening day of World Cup soccer from Brazil, with San Jose sharing in four matches live on a giant television screen at Plaza de Cesar Chavez starting at 9 a.m. Check sjearthquakes.com/summerofsoccer for the full World Cup viewing schedule.

The second film of the series, “Back to the Future Part II,” also follows World Cup action, USA vs. Portugal, from 3p.m.-5 p.m. on June 22.  The big screen moves to St. James Park for that viewing.

Starlight Movie Schedule:

June 14 - Bend it Like Beckham (2002/PG-13) - Plaza de Cesar Chavez(following World Cup Viewing at 8 p.m.)
Set in London, Jess dreams of playing soccer like her hero, David Beckham, and will stop at nothing short of her goal. The girl’s independence clashes with her elder sister Pinky, who dreams of a traditional Indian wedding and making perfect meals for her man.
PRE-SHOW:  SJ Earthquakes/soccer-related trivia and games

June 22 - Back to the Future Part II (1989/PG) - St. James Park

(following World Cup Viewing at 6 p.m.)

See what 2015 was imagined to look like 20 years ago as Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel forward in time to prevent the future little McFly from going to jail.  But Biff gets hold of the time-traveling DeLorean, speeds back to 1955 and rewrites history by making his younger self filthy rich.

PRE-SHOW:  “How to make a mini Hovercraft” workshop and movie trivia.

July 16 - Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade (1989/PG-13) - St. James Park

The third movie of the Indiana Jones trilogy, this time with Dr. Henry Jones (Harrison Ford) and his father (Sean Connery) taking up the action.  Directed by Steve Spielberg, the Joneses go after the Holy Grail in a race against Nazis.

PRE-SHOW:  “Map with no names” as a treasure hunt guide to find the holy grail and Indiana Jones trivia.

July 23 - Ghostbusters (1984/PG) - San Pedro Square Market

Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson and Rick Moranis star as NYC-based "paranormal investigators."  After their government grants run out, the former three go into business as The Ghostbusters, ridding The Big Apple of ghouls, ghosts and beasts.

PRE-SHOW:  Sing-off of “Who You Gonna Call” theme song; “Build your own” Sta-Puff marshmallow giant contest; movie quotes/trivia contest.

July 30 - Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (1985/PG) - St. James Park

Celebrate a “drive-in” movie experience on bicycle with San Jose Bike Party.  Watch as Pee-Wee Herman sets out across the U.S. on the adventure of his life to retrieve his beloved bike, which was stolen from him in broad daylight.  This was Tim Burton’s directorial debut and a stepping stone for Paul reubens and composer Dany Elfman.

PRE-SHOW:  Tequila dance-off; bike contests; DJ’s on bikes. 

August 6 - Pretty in Pink (1986/PG-13) - San Pedro Square Market

John Hughes writes and directs this '80s Brat Pack romance resembling Cinderella.  Molly Ringwald survives the wackos around her, including a boy hopelessly in love with her, her father and a record store co-worker to realize her potential

PRE-SHOW:  Alice@97.3 radio 18^th Anniversary ’80s themed dance night.

August 13 - Gremlins (1984/PG) - St. James Park

These little things are cute as long as they don’t see bright lights, get wet or feed after midnight.  So what happens?  All three things, and pandemonium ensues. Starring Hoyt Axton, Keye Luke, John Louie, Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Corey Feldman, Judge Reinhold and even the film’s producer - Steven Spielberg.

PRE-SHOW:  Rockage Retro Gaming Festival video games; Chiptune DJ; Stripe vs. Gizmo contest.

August 20 - Airplane (1980/PG) - San Pedro Square Market

This spoof of the Airport series of disaster movies relies on hilarious sight gags, groan-inducing dialogue, and deadpan acting -- a comedy style has been imitated for the past two decades. Alcoholic pilot Ted Striker has to land the plane after the captain gets food poisoning.  Lloyd bridges and Robert Stack have to talk him down.  Leslie Nielsen launches a career as slapstick leading man.  Please, don’t call him Shirley.

PRE-SHOW:  Comedy Sportz Improv troupe performance.

Movie night details include:

• Admission: FREE and open to general public
• Movies begin at dusk
• Pre-show entertainment begins about 7 p.m. (except World Cup datesJune 14 and June 22)
• BYOB or C - Bring Your Own Blanket or Chair
• Visit: www.sjdowntown.com/starlight; www.cinequest.org; www.sjdowntownparking.com; www.sjearthquakes.com/summerofsoccer

Starlight Cinema Series sponsors and supporters are: San Jose Downtown Association, CINEQUEST, Metro Newspapers, SanJose.com, City of San Jose, Republic Services, McEnery Family, San Pedro Square Market, San Jose Bike Party, and radio partners: KCBS 740 AM, Alice@97.3, Live 105.3 and NOW 99.7

San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA) is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose for more than 25 years. SJDA produces events such as Downtown Ice, Starlight Cinemas, Downtown Farmers' Market at San Pedro Square and Dine Downtown. Visit www.sjdowntown.com. 

facebook.com/sjdowntown

twitter.com/sj_downtown

Watch the World Cup in Downtown San Jose!

The San Jose Earthquakes and San Jose Downtown Association are going all out for the World Cup this year. They are having a series of ten free outdoor viewing parties that will span from June 14th to July 13th at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez and St. James Park. In addition to watching the game, there will be prizes from the Earthquakes, a preview of the the new stadium, soccer shootouts, food trucks, public art, and live music for the final matches. All of the details are below!

SAN JOSE – The San Jose Earthquakes, City of San Jose and San Jose Downtown Association will produce a series of ten free outdoor viewing parties of World Cup soccer matches from Rio de Janeiro June 14-July 13.

“The World Cup celebrates the most popular sport on the planet.  These local events will bring San Jose’s countless soccer fans together to experience the excitement of the matches in a great, community atmosphere,” said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval.

Watch 20 matches live with fellow countrymen and soccer fans at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Market and San Fernando streets, June 14-17 and St. James Park, Second and St. James streets, June 21-22, July 4-5 and July 12-13.  Top national teams will be featured:

• June 14:  Colombia vs. Greece; Uruguay vs. Costa Rica; England vs. Italy and Ivory Coast vs. Japan, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• June 15:  Switzerland vs. Ecuador; France vs. Honduras; Argentina vs. Bosnia, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• June 16:  USA vs. Ghana, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 2:30 p.m.
• June 17:  Brazil vs. Mexico, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 11:30 a.m.
• June 21:  Argentina vs. Iran; Germany vs. Ghana; Nigeria vs. Bosnia, St. James Park, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• June 22:  Belgium vs. Russia; Korea vs. Algeria; USA vs. Portugal, St. James Park, 11:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
• July 4 and July 5:  Quarterfinals, St. James Park, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• July 12:  Finals, St. James Park, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• July 13:  Finals, St. James Park, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

 The Earthquakes and Downtown Association plan plenty of activities, including:

• Earthquakes prize wheel with World Cup-themed "club and country" prizes
• Preview of the Earthquakes’ stadium opening in 2015 – see the virtual field view from every seat in the house
• Soccer target shootout and other skill challenges
• Gourmet food trucks and cold beverages
• Participatory public art
• Free Starlight Cinemas outdoor movies at dusk June 14 with “Bend It Like Beckham” and June 22 with “Back to the Future 2”
• Live music preceding and following the final matches July 12-13.

The public viewing will give local fans the opportunity to cheer players from their home team. The Quakes’ Chris Wondolowski will be representing the United States, while Victor Bernardez is expected to start for Honduras.

For program details, visit: sjearthquakes.com/SummerOfSoccer.

For summer events downtown, go to sjdowntown.com/starlight and sjdowntown.com/summer

Starlight Cinemas Start Next Week!

Several films will be screening outdoors this summer, taking advantage of San Jose's awesome weather. Bend it Like Beckham will kick off the "Starlight Cinemas" program, which will follow a World Cup Game viewing in the same location. The rest of the films will be shown either at St. James Park or the San Pedro Square Market.

Pee Wee's Big Adventure will also be tied to a San Jose Bike Party. I love seeing the synergy here between multiple big events happening Downtown. The full calendar is below and all movies are family friendly.

Camera 12 is Dramatically REDUCING Prices for the Summer!

This is a big announcement for Downtown San Jose residents and visitors. While most theaters are continuing to increase prices at an alarming rate, Camera Cinemas is slashing them at my favorite movie theater, Camera 12. The price for all movies including brand new blockbusters will be $5.50 during the day and $8.50 at night, all summer long.

To top it off, they will also introduce D-BOX premium seats that can sway and jolt along with the movie. The motion seats will debut in the largest auditorium on May 29th with Disney's Maleficent. These seats are already available at Camera 7 in the Pruneyard and you will be able to preview them in the Camera 12 lobby with trailers of new movies.

I think this will have a big impact in bringing even more people to Downtown San Jose. Camera 12 is the only theater that is steps away from a Light Rail Station, it's the only 3-story theater in Silicon Valley, and it's the only theater playing mainstream movies Downtown. The price cut makes it a no-brainer to patronize and support! Press release below.


CAMERA CINEMAS INTRODUCES BUCKBUSTER SAVINGS IN DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – May 18th, 2014

If you don’t go to the movies very often due to the expense, then you have an unlikely ally in Camera 12 Cinemas. The Silicon Valley theater chain’s co-founder and president Jack Nyblom is willing to stare down the elephant in the room: ever-increasing admission prices. Looking at the blockbuster summer ahead, Nyblom had thoughts about making it affordable to patrons who like to go to the movies once a week or more.

"At Camera 12, we looked at how it can be a challenge for a lot of folks to see all of the exciting first-run films coming up.” Nyblom says. “Why should a family or a struggling student or a couple on date have to pay a small fortune to go to the movies? In thanks for all of the support we’ve received from our loyal patrons, we thought this summer we wanted to give them something back.”

It’s called the Summer Buckbuster and it starts on May 23rd with the superhero epic X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST and the Adam Sandler comedy BLENDED. While other theater chains are charging as much as $13 per ticket, movies at Camera 12 will cost $5.50 during the day and $8.50 in the evening.

Another upgrade at Camera 12 this summer is D-BOX, premium-priced seats that move with the action on screen—the audience sways with a dangerous helicopter maneuver or feels a jolt when a character on screen takes a punch. The D-BOX kiosk is already in the Camera 12 lobby so patrons can try out the motion seats with trailers for GODZILLA and TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION. The motion seats will debut in the largest auditorium at Camera 12 on May 29th with the release of Disney’s MALEFICENT.

Best known for bringing sophisticated international films to the South Bay since 1975, Camera Cinemas now operates three locations in San Jose and Campbell, providing a hub for the most prominent film festivals in the Silicon Valley area as well as the latest major studio releases, all exhibited on state-of-the-art Sony 4K digital projectors.

Camera 12 Cinemas, located at 201 S. 2nd Street in downtown San Jose, provides parking validation for three hours.

Community Event for Downtown Residents Today

Don't miss this... a Special Community Open House & Movie Night on Thursday!

Attention Neighbors
This Thursday, come on over to the San Jose Athletic Club. Meet your local merchants and sample some of their wares. Mingle by the pool for some jazz and then cross the street for the first Outdoor Movie Night of the Summer...HOOK. (Arrreee...don't forget your to bring your best pirate look if you dare)!

Wednesday Wishlist - Premium Movie Theater

I was in Austin a couple weeks ago and somehow ended up in an iPic Movie Theater (twice). Usually I'll never go see a movie when travelling since you can do that pretty much anywhere. I'd rather have experiences that I could only get in that city (e.g. 6th St. live music in Austin), but this sounded unique enough that I had to try it out.

When I walked into iPic, the last thing it looked like was a movie theater. Ticket sales looked like a fancy hotel lobby, there was a full bar, full dinner menu, and free pool tables. What I embarked upon was the most comfortable movie going experience I've ever had in my life.

Here's the deal. The theater is 21+ only, no kids, no crying babies. Each theater only has a few dozen seats and there are 2 different seating options: Premium and Premium Plus. Premium seats are at the front of the theater and go for $19 a person. The main pluses here over a normal theater are access to the lounge before the movie, huge leather seats, reserved seating (like picking seats on an airplane) and the ability to bring dinner and drinks into the theater. Now the premium plus seats are a bit more interesting and go for $29 a person. What do you get for the extra coin? Giant plush seats with an electronic recliner, full table service during the beginning of the movie, blankets, and unlimited popcorn. That's right, you can order full dinner along with all the drinks you can handle inside of the movie theater. It was such a slick experience I ended up back there the next night as well.

With so many movie goers in the San Jose area (obvious by the number of theaters we have) along with the highest household income for a large city in the US, you would think this would be a no-brainer location for a premium theater. I bet an iPic here would be a tremendous success. While sipping a Martini and watching the previews, I couldn't help but think "why didn't they build one of these at Santana Row instead of CineArts?"

The Big Lebowski is Playing in SoFA Tonight!

Looking for something to do in the middle of a warm summer week in San Jose? Why not grab a lawn chair and come see The Big Lebowski in SoFA tonight. In addition to the movie, there is live music, an impression contest, and several promos (the most appropriate is $3 White Russians at Eulipia). Full details below:

"Always a crowd favorite, The Big Lebowski returns to the SoFA district in Downtown San Jose on July 6th. July 6: "The Big Lebowski" (1998) R South First and William streets (SoFA) Brothers Joel and Ethan Coen write and direct a hilarious tale about "Dude" Lebowski, who gets his friends to recover damages for his ruined rug. It's a case of mistaken identity - Dude is not the millionaire others think he is. Starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman and Julianne Moore. Pre-Show, 7 pm: Big Lebowski costume and impression contest. Local band Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits. Specials will be offered at nearby SoFA restaurants and bars to those dressed in Big Lebowski themed costumes on the night of the Starlight Cinemas screening of The Big Lebowski. We encourage all to join in on the pre and post movie crawl (more crawl information can be found at this website http://www.achievercon.com/). The movie will run from 8:45 to 10:40pm. Please find some of the nights specials below: Agenda Sports Bar (399 S. First St.) - 2 for 1 drink specials. The Blue Chip Sports Bar and Family Restaurant, ALL AGES (325 S. First St.) - $2 Tecate or DosXX and free fries with purchase of any Cheesesteak. Caffe Trieste, ALL AGES (315 S. First St.) - Happy hour prices all night on food and drink specials. Eulipia Restaurant and Bar, ALL AGES (374 S. First St.) - $3 White Russians and $10 off the entire check for anyone in Lebowski attire... The Dude Abides. South First Billiards (420 South First Street) - $5 The Dude's Beverage (White Russian); $5 Nobody F's With The Jesus (Coconut Rum, Pineapple, Cranberry); $5 Beyond Pacifism (Deep Fried Artichokes).

Take advantage of San Jose's warm, summer nights and enjoy a complimentary movie under the star-studded sky with your friends. To see the full Starlight Cinemas line-up, please visit their website."