Seattle Cinerama History

1963
On January 24, 1963, Seattle’s Martin Cinerama opens with the local premiere of “The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm.” The gala event benefits the Helen Bush-Parkside School and attracts scores of local celebrities and movie buffs.

Less than six months after opening, Seattle’s Martin Cinerama is retrofitted to show 70mm films on the theatre’s huge curved screen. Although the original three-projector Cinerama system is replaced with single-projector 70mm technology, films like “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” are still commonly referred to as “Cinerama.”

1969
“Krakatoa, East of Java,” the last of the 70mm Cinerama pictures, plays at Seattle’s Martin Cinerama. From this point on, mostly 35mm pictures are shown at the theater.

1980s
The proliferation of suburban multiplex theaters draws movie fans out of the city and away from Seattle’s Cinerama. Lackluster ticket sales quickly lead to a general decline in Cinerama upkeep.

1987
Cineplex Odeon agrees to take over the aging Cinerama on a reduced rent, month-to-month basis. The theater mostly plays second-run movies.

1997
Developers’ plans to turn Seattle’s Cinerama into a dinner theater or climbing club spark a grassroots effort to save the historic venue. Local film buffs circulate petitions and issue an urgent cry for help.

1998
Paul G. Allen, a frequent patron of the Cinerama in the 1960s, saves the Seattle landmark by purchasing the theater and initiating a comprehensive restoration.

April 1999
Movie buffs celebrate as Seattle’s Cinerama Theatre officially re-opens, forever preserving an important piece of motion picture history.