Detroit
Movie Palaces
The
Film Programs of the Detroit Film Theatre, Michigan Theater, and
Redford Theatre
The Film Programs of the Detroit Film Theatre, Michigan Theater, and Redford Theatre
Your Guide to Classic Movie Theater Filmgoing!
|
Read
about recent events
in the Detroit Movie Palaces blog! |
Explore
theater history Gaylord Carter Plays at Redford (May 1981) |
Look What's Coming!
|
Get
a world of laughs at the Alliance
Francaise Comedy Film Shorts Series at the DFT
May 31.
|
|
Learn more about the grieving process in the documentary Transforming
Loss at the Michigan
May 30.
|
|
The renovated Redford re-opens with Julie Andrews flying high as Mary Poppins July 12-13. |
Home
Upcoming Films
| DFT | |
| Michigan | |
| Redford |
Detroit Film Theatre
| Essay | |
| Fact Sheet | |
| Web Site | |
| Blog Entries | |
| Images | |
| Videos |
Michigan Theater
| Essay | |
| Fact Sheet | |
| Web Site | |
| Blog Entries | |
| Images | |
| Videos |
Redford Theatre
| Essay | |
| Fact Sheet | |
| Web Site | |
| Blog Entries | |
| Images | |
| Videos |
Lobby
| Blog | |
| Links | |
| Looking Back | |
| Other Venues |
Books By Web Site Author
Michigan Theater
Multiple Viewing Options
The two auditoriums have added variety to both the programming and design of the Michigan Theater. The main theater glitters with its symmetrically inlaid gold patterns that are highlighted by a brightly lit chandelier. The intimately detailed lamps, stucco walls, and finely preserved woodwork also enhance the setting.
The Michigan Theater Building (521-109
E. Liberty St.) was added to the National Register of Historic Places
on November 28, 1980. In May 2009, the Michigan was designated a National
Marquee Theatre by Boxoffice Magazine, 
"for
its unique character, historical significance, and continued commitment
to excellence in film exhbition."
Before many films in the main theater, an organist plays some friendly tunes on the Barton theater organ near the stage. The warm, vibrant tones of the organ spread throughout much of the theater. Anticipation for the feature film climaxes with audience applause as the organ descends to the final notes of the organist's last selection.
Unlike other expansions of old movie houses, the smaller Screening Room was not carved out of the main theater. Filmgoers enjoy its dynamic acoustics, comfortable seating, and decorative images of old Ann Arbor movie theaters. The elegantly crafted corridors around the Screening Room evoke the feeling of a richly adorned home. Roomy restrooms are also nearby, with red cushioned seats in the hallway.
Perhaps the most impressive visual feature
of the Michigan is the palatial grandeur of the upper part of the Grand
Foyer. Its beauty almost blinds you, 
with
a dazzling mixture of mirrors, gilded patterns, and glass-laden chandeliers.
You have many views of this splendor from the sweeping arc of the balcony
railing, and from the two long wide staircases that meet in the center
of the Grand Foyer.
The Michigan recently expanded its viewing options even further. A grant from the state of Michigan helped with the installation of new digital projectors. This new equipment has increased the available offerings in the auditoriums. Visitors also enjoy digital presentations in the new MicroCinema Galleries in the theater lobbies. In the summer of 2009, the theater started showing digital 3-D movies, including the family favorite Up.
Next Page: Homegrown Gratitude
