The Prytania Theatre at 5339 Prytania St. in New Orleans has been screening classic cinema experiences in a unique way for the last 110 years.
In a time where theaters across the nation are making less and less money, it is important to support local theatres. Luckily, places like the Prytania Theatre make it easy to want to spend money there.
The Prytania harkens back to a time when going to the movie theater was a popular event. The classic feel remains in not only the theater’s classic architecture, but also with its photos and posters referencing old Hollywood.
After grabbing snacks or drinks from one of the three bars in the lobby, patrons make their way into the singular show room. This room feels like you just stepped into the 1950s. Several rows are lined with red velvet cushioning as soothing piano music is played.
One thing that stands out to patrons as they wait for the lights to dim is the lively discussion amongst other people in the theatre. In a typical movie theater setting, movie-goers are spread apart by rows in a dark and vast room. However, the Prytania’s atmosphere feels as if you are at an event with friends. Despite not knowing those around you, it is like you could jump into a lively discussion at any moment.
When the lights begin to dim, the piano stops, and the classic 1957 commercial, “Let’s All Go to the Lobby,” plays. This short reinforces that classic homey feel, along with the old-timey film leader.
Now the full 70-millimeter film experience begins. But what exactly is a seventy-millimeter film, and what makes it so important?
The term “70-millimeter” simply refers to the type of film a movie is shot on. 70 millimeter specifically offers a wider and more enhanced picture which, in turn, gives the viewer a more engrossing experience. Watching a film in this format, particularly in 70-millimeter IMAX, is what someone like director Christopher Nolan called the best possible experience in an interview with AP News.
“The headline, for me, is by shooting on IMAX 70-millimeter film, you’re really letting the screen disappear,” Nolan said. “You’re getting a feeling of 3D without the glasses. You’ve got a huge screen and you’re filling the peripheral vision of the audience. You’re immersing them in the world of the film.”
Unfortunately, there are only eight theaters that support 70-millimeter IMAX in the whole country, none of which are in Louisiana. The next best way to watch these films is on the non-IMAX 70-millimeter screen at the Prytania, which is currently the only commercial theater in Louisiana that hosts these 70-millimeter showings. The picture will still be beautiful and the audio super crisp.
The current movie receiving this treatment at the theatre is Paul Thomas Anderson’s dystopian political thriller, “One Battle After Another.” Anderson emphasized his belief that this format is the only “right” way to see his film in an Instagram post earlier this month.
“You don’t need reminding, but it always bears repeating that seeing film on film is the way nature intended,” Anderson wrote. “So don’t go against nature and seek out your local theater that projects film.”
The Prytania Theatre has showings of “One Battle After Another” in 70-millimeter format from now until Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets can be bought on its website.
