![]() Yes, AMC Theatres stands for American Multi-Cinema Theatres, which is a bit redundant. However, not long after, a naming dispute with the American Royal Livestock and Horse Show required Durwood again change the name, settling on American Multi-Cinema, or AMC Theatres as we know them today. In 1968 Durwood Theatres changed its name to American Royal Cinema. Stanley had the idea he could double his box office by adding a second screen to one of their early theatres and still operate with the same size staff. You’d be surprised about how passionate old projectionists are about their craft.įounded in 1920 as Durwood Theatres, the company we know today first started taking shape when Stanley Durwood, son of Edward Durwood – one of the founders, took control of the company in 1961. A lot of this information also came from hours of digging through the Houston Chronicle archives and speaking to other fellow cinema enthusiasts who pre-dated my time in the industry. It’s hard to believe a friendship has endured for 27 years all because of Mars Attacks. I returned his print at the end of the evening and to this very day, we share a laugh over a technical detail difference of how I returned the print. Only two people showed up for the screening – 104KRBE had given out hundreds of free passes. I met James when Meyer Park sent me to his theatre, Willowbrook, to borrow their print of Mars Attacks for a screening for 104 KRBE. I especially would like to thank my friend and fellow former AMC Projectionist James Hammonds for some of his valuable insight in putting some of this timeline together. I sprinkled in some technical details here and there, hoping there are at least some other audio/video nerds out there who would appreciate the technical details. I have compiled a comprehensive timeline of the history of AMC Theatres in Houston, including the buildings’ status. In light of this news, Mike with Houston Historic Retail has let me partner up with him on an idea I had. In the comments, we’d love to hear your take on this new policy from AMC. ![]() I do recommend reading Rob’s entire article for a more insightful and detailed analysis. ![]() Catching matinee pricing helps save even more. Why should movie theater seats be any different?“ There will always be customers who will want to pay less for the less-than-premium experience this is a way to save money on their entertainment. In an article published by Rob Saucedo with Alamo Drafthouse, he writes, “When you go to a concert or play or live performance of any kind, seats cost different amounts of money depending on where you sit. ![]() Other entertainment industries already have dynamic pricing. Having been in and out of the Cinema exhibition industry for 30 years, including a stint with AMC in the 90s at various times at Festival 6, Almeda Square 5, Westchase 5, Town and Country 10, and Meyer Park 16, I’m going to have a hot take on the dynamic pricing that I’m sure will not be popular: it’s not a bad idea. AMC Theatres recently announced “sight-line” seating in their auditoriums, whereby the closer you are seated to the audio-video “sweet spot” in the center of the auditorium, the more expensive your seat will cost. Their biggest competitor by screen count in Houston is Cinemark. While AMC has closed all of its smaller, older theatres, they continue to thrive as a major exhibitor in the Houston market. Recently making news for several unusual business decisions, today we’re looking at the long history of AMC Theatres in Houston. Editor’s Note: Today’s post is Part One of a two-part guest submission from HHR’s local A/V geek, Jason McMillon
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