Famous Players Limited Partnership was a Canadian -based subsidiary of Cineplex Entertainment . As an independent company, it existed as a film exhibitor and cable television service provider. Famous Players operated numerous movie theatre locations in Canada from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador . The company was owned by Viacom Canada but was sold to Cineplex Galaxy LP (now Cineplex Entertainment ) in 2005.
39-466: This is a list of Canadian movie theatres operated by Cineplex Entertainment under its numerous brands, including Galaxy , Cineplex Odeon , SilverCity , Cinema City , Famous Players , Coliseum , Colossus , Scotiabank Theatre , Cineplex Cinemas , Cineplex Junxion and Cineplex VIP Cinemas . Cineplex, however, has discontinued the Coliseum and Colossus banners, created by Famous Players in
78-634: A higher proportion of titles rated 14A and 18A, and such movies can even be exclusive to VIPs within locations that play them. For example, the screenings for No Escape and Straight Outta Compton at the Lansdowne location are exclusive to VIP. Ten Cineplex complexes use the Scotiabank Theatre ( Cinémas Banque Scotia in Quebec) branding; the banner is part of a naming rights agreement with Scotiabank established in 2007, which also saw
117-577: A minority shareholder in several other cable companies, until it was purchased by Rogers Cablesystems Ltd. in 1978. Most famously, Famous Players Theatres allowed the lease on a property containing the entrance of one of its flagship Toronto locations, the Imperial Six, to lapse in 1986. Cineplex immediately took over the lease, denying Famous Players Theatres access to the portion of the property that they already owned outright. Famous Players eventually sold its property to Cineplex Odeon Cinemas, on
156-455: A rectangular design and characters hanging above, while newer SilverCity theatres have a standardized Cineplex Odeon/Galaxy Cinemas design with a red and silver motif. A total of 32 SilverCity and StarCité locations have been built to date. Of these, more than half were either closed or rebranded. Notably, the St. Catharines location that introduced the brand was sold to Empire Theatres in 2005, while
195-531: A regular (Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Atlantic locations) or UltraAVX (others) theatre. The Scotiabank Theatre locations in Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver added Barco Escape premium large-format theatres in July 2016. The traditional Famous Players brand encompasses a number of different banners and theatre designs, many of which were developed during the chain's suburban expansion, such as power centres in
234-535: A subsidiary of Cineplex. At its peak, Famous Players operated 101 theatres in 2003 with 882 screens. In 2011, a total of 10 locations used the Famous Players brand. Most of these have since closed, or they were rebranded by Cineplex. Prior to merging with Cineplex, Famous Players operated five theatre brands: Famous Players , SilverCity ( French : StarCité ), Coliseum ( French : Colisée ), Colossus and Paramount . Of these, Cineplex only preserved
273-438: Is UltraAVX; Scarborough also has a D-Box screen and a second UltraAVX screen among its 12 screens. The Mississauga location has 13 screens with both 70 mm film and digital IMAX technology as well as an AVX screen. The Calgary location only has 10 screens, of which one is The Extra Experience, a competing technology by Landmark comparable to UltraAVX. Scarborough and Ottawa also each feature an Xscape Entertainment Centre, replacing
312-598: Is a condensed location in Ottawa that has a VIP ticket booth on the first floor and four VIP screens on one section of the third floor. The Queensway location at Etobicoke, on the other hand, has a separate building and entrance for its VIP cinemas and lounge. Cineplex VIP Don Mills is first VIP-only location. It features five screens, three of which are 3D-capable. The VIP area has a stylized entrance, licensed lounge, and bar with alcohol available to be served, alternative and traditional concessions food/drink products available in
351-423: The Coliseum ( French : Colisée ) banner, and are notable for their round façade. They were the first round theatres in the world with their wedge-shaped auditoriums, located on two levels, fan out from their entrances, located off the main lobby area. In the lobby, hangs several figures with costumes, objects, and characters from popular movies on display, and bright neon lights (since removed). The first location
390-719: The Gatineau and Montreal cities of Quebec. The first SilverCity opened in St. Catharines on November 7, 1997, and the first StarCité opened in Gatineau in December 1999. Both brands combined peaked at 29 locations as of spring 2001. Cineplex acquired these in 2005, but divested five SilverCity and two StarCité in 2006 to fulfill regulatory requirements, only to later reacquire the previously divested Empress Walk and Gatineau locations. The company also opened three new SilverCity locations,
429-626: The 1990s. In 1993, Barbara Turnbull made a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission over lack of accessibility in cinemas operated by Famous Players; in 2001 the commission ruled in her favor, however two cinemas were closed instead of made fully accessible. Under chairman John Bailey, Famous Players re-built its infrastructure from 1996 to 2003 with new "megaplex" theatre brands featuring stadium seating , such as SilverCity and Coliseum, with food courts and video games. Around that time, AMC Theatres entered
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#1732780322544468-543: The Canadian market, and most of the traditional ties between the existing chains and the major studios began to unwind, putting all three chains in full-on competition in several major markets. The company once operated a number of drive-in theatres, but most have been closed and replaced with modern theatres. Until 2004, it operated theatres in the Maritimes , none of which were branded-concept theatres; these were sold to
507-608: The Canadian market. Each Colossus features 19 screens, or 18 in Laval, using the following technologies: Real D 3D (seven to eight screens), UltraAVX (one or two screens), D-Box (one screen), and IMAX (one screen, excluding Laval). The two theatres excluding Laval have a licensed lounge named "The Pod". All locations feature an Xscape Entertainment Centre to replace their older TechTown arcades. Colossus debuted on February 12, 1999, in Vaughan , north of Toronto , Ontario. One of its screens
546-599: The Cineplex-Famous Players merger. There are 30 Galaxy locations as of 2019, all of which have been built since the mid-1990s, although some were renovated from (or replaced) smaller Cineplex Odeon or Famous Players locations. These locations feature six to twelve screens, branded concessions, and stadium-style seating, with a few locations offering UltraAVX and the Waterloo location offering a separate D-Box theatre. The Galaxy Saskatoon theatre built in 2006
585-760: The Famous Players chain were the Imperial and the Uptown in Toronto , and the Capitol, Orpheum , Stanley , and Strand in Vancouver . Originally began with 13 theatres located in Ontario and British Columbia, the company quickly expanded its holdings to 100 by the end of 1926. Until the 1950s, the company continued to build its operations in the movie theatre sector. In 1952, however, Famous Players began to invest in
624-884: The Mississauga location closed on May 1, 2014. The StarCité at Sainte-Foy, Quebec City opened on April 12, 2000, and closed on February 27, 2007, because the Cineplex Odeon Ste-Foy next door outperformed it. Another three former SilverCity locations now carry the Scotiabank Theatre brand: the West Edmonton Mall location was rebranded on May 2, 2007, while Ottawa and the Polo Park location in Winnipeg were rebranded in June 2016. Five larger suburban theatres were originally built by Famous Players under
663-551: The adoption of a subscription service scheme similar to Regal and Cineworld. The deal between Cineworld and Cineplex Entertainment fell through due to breaches in agreement and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020. As of January 2023, only three theatres in Lasalle, Prince George and Prince Rupert remain open under the Famous Players brand. However, the corporate entity, Famous Players LP, remains nominally active as
702-902: The companies launch the Scene loyalty program. The brand initially launched in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto , and Vancouver, replacing the Paramount Theatres brand previously used by Famous Players. These are treated as flagship theatres for their area/region and represent a premium corporate brand within the company, offering corporate and group events to wealthier/privileged clientele such as stockholders and company executives. Each location offers pizza, coffee, TimePlay, and one to four premium large format screens featuring IMAX (except for Vancouver) and one or two UltraAVX screens (except for Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Atlantic locations). All locations feature D-Box motion picture technology in
741-721: The condition it never again be used to show filmed entertainment. Cineplex's live-theatre division renovated the theatre; renamed the Pantages Theatre , it hosted The Phantom of the Opera for ten years. The theatre was renamed the Canon in 2001 and then again in 2011 as the Ed Mirvish Theatre , which it is currently known, in honour of the popular businessman and ironically Mr. Drabinsky's main competitor in live theatre in Toronto. Famous Players expanded throughout
780-440: The first president of the resulting entity, Famous Players Canadian Corporation Limited. In 1923, Famous Players bought out rival Allen Theatres , acquiring many buildings in the process. The Famous Players Theatres chain was always strongly linked with Paramount, and was a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount Communications at the time that firm was acquired by Viacom in 1994. Some of the most high-profile and popular theatres in
819-911: The first two brands, which amount to 20 locations as of 2019. The Coliseum and Colossus theatres sold to Cineplex were renamed to Cineplex Cinemas, though the unique features of the original brands were preserved. Similarly, Paramount theatres now use the Scotiabank Theatre brand since 2007. In addition, Landmark Cinemas also acquired many of the Famous Players theatres that were formerly operated by Empire Theatres . Many theatres had served Pepsi products in addition to popcorn with restaurants such as Burger King , New York Fries , Wetzel's Pretzels , Taco Bell , TCBY , Baskin Robbins and Starbucks . Those were heavily replaced by Coca-Cola and Outtakes with some theatres retaining Starbucks. More than 400,000 television service subscribers. Barco Escape Too Many Requests If you report this error to
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#1732780322544858-704: The former Famous Players locations in Atlantic Canada that were owned by Empire when it began to shut down operations in 2013. In December 2019, UK-based Cineworld plans to acquire the now renamed Cineplex Entertainment which will see the former 47 Famous Players theatres into the fold. The sale will make Cineworld the largest cinema chain in North America with the ownership of Regal Cinemas . The company stated that Cineplex's operations were to be integrated with Regal and that it planned to reach $ 120 million in cost efficiencies and revenue synergies including
897-489: The industry grew, starting in the mid-1960s, so did the assets of Famous Players in this segment. In 1971, the company sold off the majority of its shareholdings in its movie theatre and other non-TV-related entertainment holdings to Gulf + Western Canada and subsequently changed its name to Canadian Cablesystems Limited , reflecting the new focus of its operations. Canadian Cablesystems was the owner and operator of Metro Cable , which served parts of Metro Toronto , as well as
936-420: The last being CrossIron Mills on June 30, 2010. Each of the remaining locations features 7 to 19 screens, typically 12, of which one to three (except for Mission and Burlington) consist of premium large format screens such as IMAX or UltraAVX. Three current SilverCity locations, plus StarCité Montréal and many former SilverCity locations, feature an Xscape arcade. SilverCity theatres built by Famous Players have
975-535: The late 1990s, replacing them with the Cineplex Cinemas ( French : Cinémas Cineplex ) banner, but the unique architectural features of these theatres have been preserved. As a result, theatres built in this fashion will feature the name of their former banner in the "Format" column of this list. Cineplex Cinemas ( French : Cinémas Cineplex ) is the company's most widespread banner, with 102 locations as of June 2015. Although 42 of these locations carry
1014-608: The late 1990s. There are four Famous Players theatres as of 2022, with three to ten screens and traditional concessions at each location, located in Prince George, Prince Rupert, and LaSalle. Each theatre has two to four RealD 3D digital screens. One location, Famous Players Kildonan Place Cinemas, was converted to Famous Players Cineplex Cinemas in 2021. Cineplex announced the closure of three Famous Players locations from 2018 to 2022: The group runs 12 SilverCity cinemas outside of Quebec , plus two StarCité locations in
1053-481: The lounge space, at a concession stand, and through in-theatre service. Due to the service of alcoholic beverages to guests, these spaces are only for guests who are 19+ (18+ in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec). Inside each auditorium, there is reserved luxury seating complete (in most locations) with wide, leather, recliner-style seats and swing-out tray tables. The movie selection is also adapted to this demographic, with
1092-804: The majority of its theatres until 2022 when Cineplex phased out the name in favour of the "Cineplex Cinemas" banner, although the SilverCity name continues to be used. Prior to its retirement, Famous Players operated its theatres under its traditional namesake, SilverCity, Paramount, Coliseum, and Colossus brands. Famous Players Canadian Corporation dates back to the early days of Famous Players Film Company (later Paramount Pictures ), founded in 1912, as its earliest predecessor, though that company did not have any operations in Canada until 1920, when it bought Nathan Nathanson's Paramount Theatre chain, which Nathanson had established four years earlier. Nathanson became
1131-526: The new technology. First, the company purchased the rights to a coinbox system that connected to television sets. A year later, it purchased its first broadcasting assets, CKCO-TV in Kitchener, Ontario and CFCM-TV in Quebec City . At the end of the 1950s, the company acquired the first of many cable TV companies it would come to own, thus adding control over the distribution of its TV product. As
1170-426: The older Cineplex Odeon banner, the concept is the same. The newest locations feature a wide variety of movies and a variety of branded concessions. Locations range from small mall multiplexes to large, ultra-modern locations. Most locations are designated in larger populated cities. Galaxy Cinemas is the predominant brand in mid-sized markets where there has historically been little or no competition, even prior to
1209-666: The older TechTown arcades at these locations. The former Coliseum Shawnessy in Calgary was acquired by Empire Theatres on September 30, 2005. The theatre was renamed to Studio 10 and was completely renovated on the interior. The round façade at Shawnessy remains intact but was repainted grey and white. The theatre was later sold to Landmark Cinemas on October 29, 2013. The Ottawa and Calgary locations now feature fully reclining leather seats in all of their auditoriums. Larger than Coliseum were Famous Players' three Colossus theatres, re-branded to Cineplex Cinemas in 2015. In its design,
List of Cineplex Entertainment movie theatres - Misplaced Pages Continue
1248-550: The region's dominant exhibitor, Empire Theatres . In February 2005, Viacom announced the sale of Famous Players for $ 400 million. Cineplex Galaxy , controlled by Onex Corporation acquired Famous Players from Viacom for $ 500 million (about US$ 397 million) in June 2005, with the deal being completed on July 22. To satisfy antitrust concerns, on August 22, 2005, the group announced the sale of 27 locations in Ontario and western Canada to Empire Theatres . Cineplex re-acquired
1287-410: The same site). Junxion features larger amusement and restaurant areas, as well as a space for live entertainment performances.. The Kildonan site has six auditoriums, one of which being an UltraAVX screen. The Cinema City brand is used at one location in Winnipeg's Garden City area that predominately shows second-run films. The former Cinema City McGillivray in Winnipeg now plays first-run films and
1326-438: The top of the buildings has a giant UFO landing site with the flying saucer sitting on top of the foyer and flanked by lights that appear to be afterburners. Passing through the massive main entrance were automatic ticketing machines with an alien figure appearance. These are now replaced by generic Cineplex ticketing machines. This brand focused on city suburbs and was built to challenge then-competitor AMC Theatres entry into
1365-577: The two remaining locations have been up for sale since the summer of 2005. In February 2013, Cineplex acquired Festival Cinemas , which owned two independent cinemas in Vancouver—Fifth Avenue Cinemas and Park Theatre . In 2015, the Fifth Avenue Cinemas underwent a $ 2-million renovation influenced by its VIP Cinemas format. Famous Players The Famous Players brand name and its sub-banners continued to be used in
1404-404: Was opened in Mississauga on May 16, 1997. The second location opened in Calgary on November 27, 1998. The Ottawa, Scarborough, and Kirkland locations were opened in parts of 1999. Four of the five Coliseums that were a part of the 2005 acquisition from Cineplex have since been rebranded and renamed to Cineplex Cinemas. The Ottawa, Scarborough, and Kirkland locations feature 12 screens, of which one
1443-517: Was rebranded as Scotiabank Theatre Saskatoon and VIP, while former Galaxy locations in Sherwood Park and Regina were rebranded as Cineplex Cinemas in 2015. Cineplex currently has 24 Cineplex VIP Cinemas; Cineplex debuted this purpose-built concept around 1998 at Cineplex Odeon Varsity & VIP in Toronto, Ontario. VIP Cinemas are enclosed spaces separate from the rest of the theatre, but implementation varies per theatre. For example, Lansdowne
1482-644: Was renamed Cineplex Odeon McGillivray and VIP Cinemas in 2012. The Cinema City Movies 12 in Edmonton closed on January 8, 2023, due to age and unpopularity, and the Cineplex Cinemas Manning Town Centre up north outperformed it as well. Cineplex also owns a minority interest in Alliance Cinemas , in partnership with Alliance Films . At its peak the chain had five locations; three locations have been sold or closed, while
1521-523: Was the first IMAX 3D theatre in Ontario. The second location opened in the Langley suburb of Vancouver on May 19, 1999. As of July 20, 2017, both of these locations offer IMAX 70 mm film playback. The final Colossus was opened in the Laval suburb of Montreal on November 17, 2000. Cineplex Junxion launched in 2022, with its first location being at Winnipeg's Kildonan Place (replacing a Famous Players at
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