D.C. iconic Uptown Theater has closed abruptly. AMC made the announcement and whether another chain picks it up is questionable in this age of streaming and multiplexes. It was perhaps the largest screen in the region (also curved) and one of the last to have balcony seating.
If there was a blockbuster prestige film, it would open at the Uptown. In 1968. 2001:A Space Odyssey had its world premiere there and my dad the physicist brought our family. I saw That's Entertainment there as well as Gone With the Wind and other revivals or restored versions of The Wild Bunch, Lawrence or Arabia, and Spartacus.
Star Wars opened there and every sequel/prequel. I would gather with friends for every opening night waiting in long lines for that special feeling and electricity, the most recent of which was the last installment,The Rise of Skywalker. Alien, Jurassic Park, Titanic, Apocalypse Now and many more became stunning cinematic memories.
Now an era has ended. There are a few big screens (IMAX and The Senator) still around but they are the exceptions. I am grateful for having had the theatrical movie going experience as it was intended.
Long Live The Uptown.
