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‘Soros’ and Other New Films

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

Do you lie awake at night, tossing and turning in a cold sweat, craving the return of hot-buttered-popcorn? If so, Laemmle Theatres is here to help: you can stop by our North Hollywood location this weekend for our final PopCorn Pop-Up event of the year. Laemmle Virtual Cinema may be here to stay, but this weekend is your LAST CHANCE to fully realize the Laemmle-At-Home experience with a Movie Night Combo ($2 off with recent online film rental).

On that note… this week’s virtual lineup begins with the bio-doc Soros, highlighting the complicated career and public standing of the billionaire investor, philanthropist, and Holocaust-survivor for which it’s named. Other outstanding documentaries include Born To Be, concerning a pioneering hospital center for transgender medicine and surgery, as well as the investigative Romanian film Collective, a deep dive into corruption and fraud following a deadly nightclub fire in 2015.

The documentary train rolls on with Coded Bias, a fascinating foray into racial bias within facial-recognition algorithms, as uncovered by 29-year-old MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini. Next up is Koshien, a touching Japanese film which follows a high-school baseball team as they compete for their national championship. Our final new documentary of the week is Manny Kirchheimer’s Free Time, an homage to New York City composed entirely of footage originally shot from 1958-1960.

We’re also offering a selection of new foreign dramas, from the refined French period-piece The Black Book of Father Dinis, to the “superbly imaginative” animated Japanese film No.7 Cherry Lane (Hollywood Reporter). There’s also the action-thriller Knuckledust, as well as two lighter entries: the independent romantic-comedy Modern Persuasion, and the absurdly fantastical and historically re-visionary Canadian black-comedy The 20th Century.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for Friday November 20 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

                                        

PopCorn Pop-Ups: LAST CHANCE

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UPCOMING DATES AND LOCATIONS

Friday 11/20 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Laemmle NoHo 7 Theatre – 5240 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601

Saturday 11/21 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Laemmle NoHo 7 Theatre – 5240 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601

NEW COMBOS AND SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

Special Pricing – THIS WEEKEND ONLY
1 beer (from Lincoln Beer Company) – $5
1 personal pizza (cheese or pepperoni) – $4
1 hot-dog (regular or vegan) – $3
1 large popcorn – $3
1 candy – $2

Beer Combo – $10
1 personal pizza (cheese or pepperoni) or hot-dog (regular or vegan)
1 beer (from Lincoln Beer Company)
1 large popcorn
1 candy

Soda Combo – $9
1 personal pizza (cheese or pepperoni) or hot-dog (regular or vegan)
1 large fountain drink
1 large popcorn
1 candy

Movie Night – $2 Discount
Get $2 off a minimum $3 purchase
with proof of recent rental on
Laemmle Virtual Cinema (since 10/9)

POPCORN POP-UPS

Laemmle Theatres is proud to introduce PopCorn Pop-Ups, a recurring series of concession take-out events held at our various locations. The program will continue until our theatrical operations resume (or until we run out of corn, whichever comes first).

Customers will be able to order from a limited concessions menu, including classic movie snacks like soda, candy, and Laemmle’s signature hot popcorn (available with real butter). Premiere card discounts will be honored, and you can even order ahead so your items are ready for pickup.

Masks are required for all customers, and social distancing is expected while waiting in line or approaching the counter. Interaction will be limited, with contactless payment using credit/debit cards or Premiere/gift cards (those who pay in cash will receive change in the form of a gift card).

We hope to continue the program, and offer concessions at all of our locations over the coming weeks as we prepare to reopen theatrically. Stay tuned for another email later this week, with more information about a Drive-In Movie Series we’re working on too.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

PAST EVENTS

Saturday 9/12 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Claremont 5 Theatre – 450 West 2nd Street, Claremont 91711
 
Sunday 9/13 from Noon to 4:00 PM
NoHo 7 Theatre – 5240 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601

Friday 9/18 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Playhouse 7 – 673 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena 91101

Sunday 9/20 from Noon to 4:00 PM
Monica Film Center – 1332 2nd Street, Santa Monica 90401

Friday 9/25 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM
NoHo 7 Theatre – 5240 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601

Sunday 9/27 from Noon to 4:00 PM
Playhouse 7 – 673 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena 91101

Saturday 10/3 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM
Claremont 5 Theatre – 450 West 2nd Street, Claremont 91711

Sunday 10/4 from Noon to 4:00 PM
Royal Theatre – 11523 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles 90025

Saturday 10/10 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Laemmle Glendale Theatre – 207 N. Maryland Avenue, Glendale 91206

Sunday 10/11 from Noon to 4:00 PM
NoHo 7 Theatre – 5240 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601

Saturday 10/17 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Laemmle Glendale Theatre – 207 N. Maryland Avenue, Glendale 91206

Sunday 10/18 from Noon to 4:00 PM
Laemmle Glendale Theatre – 207 N. Maryland Avenue, Glendale 91206

Friday 10/23 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM
NoHo 7 Theatre – 5240 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601

Saturday 10/24 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM
NoHo 7 Theatre – 5240 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601

Friday 11/6 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Playhouse 7 – 673 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena 91101

Saturday 11/7 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Playhouse 7 – 673 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena 91101

Friday 11/13 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Laemmle Glendale Theatre – 207 N. Maryland Avenue, Glendale 91206

Saturday 11/14 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Laemmle Glendale Theatre – 207 N. Maryland Avenue, Glendale 91206

‘Monsoon’ and Other New Films

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

There’s mixed news on the Coronavirus this week, as new treatment approvals and encouraging reports of vaccine effectiveness have been overshadowed by rising case counts and positivity rates across the nation. As we approach the holidays, it’s important to maintain vigilance, and continue to practice the safety guidelines established by the medical community: keep washing your hands, keep wearing your masks, and keep watching movies on Laemmle Virtual Cinema. Or something like that…

New releases this week include the steamy romantic drama Monsoon, starring Henry Golding as a British man returning to Vietnam after fleeing the American war years prior. Other dramas include Dirty God, a character study and societal critique from the United Kingdom, and Antigone, a modern French-Canadian re-interpretation of the Greek tragedy.

Next up is Divine Love, a dystopian science-fiction romance set in a futuristic neon Brazil. Theres also the enigmatic thriller Make Up, from talented first-time director Claire Oakley, as well as today’s only new documentary: Queen of Hearts, concerning the groundbreaking feminist artist Audrey Flack.

We’re also offering a variety of excellent action-oriented films, a slight departure from our traditional programming. New releases include the WWII drama Recon, the satirical law enforcement training video Survival Skills, and the home-grown American thriller Blindfire, detailing the aftermath of a police shooting gone wrong. Last up in the genre category is a special presentation of Action USA, a re-release of the “extremely bonkers” 1980’s stunt film (Entertainment Weekly).

We conclude this week’s list of virtual titles with three other re-released classics: there’s 1985’s Smooth Talk (featuring a breakthrough role from a young Laura Dern), the French New Wave compilation film Six In Paris, and lastly Francisca, the opulent masterpiece from Portuguese director Manoel de Oliveira. Whether you’ve seen these throw-back films or not, try watching any classic movie this weekend… though the times may have changed, the stories – and the lessons therein – remain the same.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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P.S. Make sure to stop by our Glendale location this weekend for some hot buttered popcorn, and more of your favorite movie snacks! We’ll be open on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, and on Saturday from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, as part of our Pop-Corn Pop-Ups program.

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for Friday November 13 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

                                                

‘The German Lesson’ and Other New Films

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

To those of you who have never visited our blog before, welcome – this is a place where we share information about special events, discount opportunities, and new programs, as well as our weekly film releases. In order to save space in our email newsletter, my weekly update (this written post) has been relocated here, to the blog. You’ll be able to access my weekly update from a link in the email newsletter, or you can bookmark this page (blog.laemmle.com) for access at any time.

In other news, the presidential election is finally behind us, although results are still too close to call. It may be several days before we know any more information, and many are struggling to manage their anxiety in the meantime. My personal recommendation is this: turn off the news, switch your TV to Laemmle Virtual Cinema, and escape with one of this week’s excellent new independent films (CLICK HERE for support on how to connect your TV).

We begin with The German Lesson, adapted from the seminal post-war novel of the same name. Other dramas include Luxor, starring Andrea Riseborough in an archaeologically-themed romance, and Ainu Mosir, the Japanese coming-of-age film presented by Ava DuVernay’s Array. We’re also offering the modern-day Christmas drama The Family Tree, and a re-release of Raining in the Mountain, the 1979 period piece from prolific wuxia director King Hu.

Moving towards funnier fare, we have Call Me Brother, starring long-time Saturday Night Live writer Andrew Dismukes, who just joined the show’s cast last month as it’s newest featured member. Next on the comedy list is 18 to Party, described by one critic as the would-be “lovechild” of John Hughes’s and Richard Linklater’s filmmaking. Other genre films include the Oakland-based dark thriller Disrupted, from indie filmmaker Andre Welsh, and the twisted Swedish horror film Koko-Di Koko-Da.

New documentaries this week include The Tree Man, which digs deep into the roots (pun intended) of Rolling Stones pianist and noted environmentalist Chuck Leavell. There’s also Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Talking, from CNN presenter and radio host Michael Smerconish, as well as Sky Blossom, a candid look at the millions of teens caring for injured veterans in family homes across America. Last up is Frederick Wiseman’s Hospital, the final film in our retrospective promoting his newest effort, City Hall (also available).

Lastly, while we’re glad to see that our new platform seems to have addressed many of your concerns, we understand that there are some in our audience who are still having difficulty accessing Laemmle Virtual Cinema. In addition to our pre-existing automated support functions, we’re now available for LIVE-CHAT support, several hours every day. You’ll see an optional pop-up chat window on your screen whenever a qualified representative from Laemmle Theatres is available to speak.

That’s all for now – leave a comment below, and we’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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P.S. Make sure to stop by our Pasadena location this weekend for some hot buttered popcorn, and more of your favorite movie snacks! We’ll be open on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, and on Saturday from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, as part of our Pop-Corn Pop-Ups program.

In addition to our usual offerings, you can pick up a $3 LARGE POPCORN SPECIAL, and show proof of a virtual cinema purchase to redeem a $2 MOVIE NIGHT DISCOUNT. I’m not a mathematician, but that adds up to a pretty good deal (no recount necessary).

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for Friday November 6 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

                                                

‘The Donut King’ and Other New Films

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

2020 has been an exceptionally difficult year for us all, but Tuesday night offered a silver lining: after thirty-two long years, the Dodgers finally regained their rightful position as World Series champions! And if you’re wondering what to watch now that the baseball season has ended, Laemmle Virtual Cinema has a variety of upcoming films in the pipeline which you can track (and even pre-purchase) on our new platform.

We begin this week’s virtual selections with The Donut King, Alice Gu’s standout documentary about Cambodian-immigrant-turned-pastry-magnate Ted Ngoy. Next up is prolific documentarian Frederick Wiseman’s City Hall, a four-hour-long expose on the inner workings of local government. Other docs focus on Philadelphia Eagles fans during their 2017 Super Bowl run, the re-emergence of “vogue” dancing in the United Kingdom, a record-breaking father-son ultra-marathoning team, and a diplomatic mission in the Egyptian desert (also by Frederick Wiseman).

Narrative offerings include the historical drama Radium Girls, the chilling Spanish indie Madre, and a re-mastered version of Fellini’s 1954 classic La Strada. There’s also the Italian drama Alone With Her Dreams, as well as A Place Among the Dead, the genre-bending art film from first-time director Juliet Landau (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for October 30 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

                                        

‘Coming Home Again’ and Other New Films

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

For those who haven’t already done so, please consider renting a film on the new-and-improved Laemmle Virtual Cinema! You can now pay with your premiere card, and show proof of purchase at this weekend’s Pop-Corn Pop-Up for a discount on a movie night combo special. We think it’s a real home-run of a deal. Speaking of which… go Dodgers!

We begin today’s new releases with Coming Home Again, the highly affecting drama from prolific Hong Kong director Wayne Wang, whose work has been a fixture of our programming for nearly 40 years. Next up is Citizens of the World, the critically-acclaimed Italian comedy from another favorited filmmaker, Gianni Di Gregorio (Mid August Lunch). You can find the film alongside other hand-curated selections in my new Greg’s List category of recommended virtual releases that I personally enjoyed.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for October 23 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

                                    

 

‘Harry Chapin’ and Other New Films

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In case you missed the news last week, our new-and-improved virtual cinema now accepts Premiere Cards and Gift Cards, with universal discounts for members! And for those who really want to recreate the Laemmle Theatres experience at home, make sure to stop by our Glendale location this weekend, where we’ll be hosting back-to-back Pop-Corn Pop-Up events on Saturday and Sunday (click here for details and combo specials).

New on virtual cinema this weekend is Martin Eden, adapted from the Jack London novel of the same name, alongside bio-documentaries focusing on songwriter Harry Chapin, journalist Robert Fisk, and a trio of controversial alt-right political figures. There’s also White Riot, which looks at Britain’s Rock Against Racism movement, and The Accidental President, a deep dive into the 2016 election.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for October 16 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

                                                

 

‘Aggie’ and Other New Films

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

At long last, we’re proud to announce the new-and-improved Laemmle Virtual Cinema! As touted previously, customers will now be able to rent movies online using Gift Cards and Premiere Cards, with special discount pricing for members. With one login, you’ll be able to access all of your virtual cinema rentals in a single library, and even watch on your preferred device (click here for support info).

This week’s virtual lineup features a wide range of documentaries, about winemaking in the Middle East, art collector Agnes Gund, illegal psychedelic medicines, and more. Fans of our Anniversary Classics may want to note the one-day-only virtual event Cinema ’62 A-Go-Go, hosted by Stephen Farber and Michael McClellan this Saturday. We’re also offering the indie drama Senior Love Triangle, the dry comedy The Planters, and the Vietnamese Opera film Song Lang.

In addition to the new release above, we’re re-introducing a number of popular titles that opened virtually over the past few months. Returning favorites include bio-docs on Jimmy Carter, Ellis B. Haizlip, and Oliver Sacks, as well as dramas The Artist’s Wife and The Keeper. And as always, know that every purchase you make helps support Laemmle Theatres while we eagerly seek allowance to reopen.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for October 9 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.