I've loved going to the Ritz Theatres as long as I've lived here in Philly. They show an incredible mix of indie releases which I would never otherwise see. I simply cannot browse through the [incredible] selection at TLA Video and go through and watch them as easily as I can head to a showing at one of the Ritz theatres and watch previews of upcoming releases.
I read late Friday, updated story Saturday, about the pending sale of the Ritz local chain to the Landmark Theatres group. I was saddened by the news. Yes, Landmark is the gold standard of a national chain sticking to indie releases, but still, the Ritz will simply not be the same, it can't. There will be change - maybe a slight shift in the films which are screened, maybe not. I don't know.
From the Inky:
"Of all the companies out there, Landmark is the best fit," said Jay Ayrton, director of operations for the Ritz Theatres, one of the last locally owned arthouses outside California. He informed his managers of an impending change in ownership by memo Wednesday night. Because Landmark shows the same mix of movies as the Ritz, the movie menu is unlikely to change.
Here's to hoping for continued excellence in programming at the Ritz Theatres in Philly. Anybody have any fond memories of indie films watched at the Ritz Theatres? And how do they compare to other moviehouses in the area?
oh no!
This can't be! I've been to the Ritz a couple of times, and each time, I've loved it! I hope they reconsider this decision. The Ritz plays awesome films like no other, and it's so Philly!
~Janette Parangan - San Francisco-born, East Coast-bound
yep, sold
The local chain was indeed sold. I've been going the The Ritz before and after the sale and the quality of films is still wonderfully high.
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