CineStarz to open on Brant Street June 5th - play bill not yet decided on.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

May 29, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

There is no business like show business – the bright lights and the Hollywood Stars and the Red Carpet and the dress that reveals more than the one your wife wears – the glitter and the glamour – some of it is working its way to downtown Burlington.

Cinestarz logoThe frumpy bumpy theatre that operated out of Upper Canada Place shut down their marquee for the last time a number of months ago and the place remained dark. The previous owners found that the cost of upgrading the equipment to run digital operations was more than they were able to handle.

Cinestarz Gaetien with film drive

Gone are the days when cans of 35mm film were shipped to theaters around the country – today the flick comes loaded onto a hard drive tat is slipped into a server and programmed fr viewing. CineStarz technician is testing the system before a planned June 5th opening.

CineStarz, an organization with six movie theatres under its management is doing a major upgrade to the space and the facilities.

“I’m putting more money that I planned on spending into the renovation” said Bruce Gerburg, the man overseeing the opening of the new location.

Cinestarz projector

Projector is one of seven in the room – one for each theatre at the CineStarz.

Cinestarz server

Server sits beneath the projector. Films are loaded onto a hard drive and just slide into the server.

The renovation and upgrade of the theatre that will have everything its predecessor didn’t have.
Bigger screens, better projection equipment and a much more modern look.

Cinestarz Bruce Gerburg in projector room with chairs

Bruce Gerburg, who lives on his cell phone, runs a six theatre operation and will open the latest one in Burlington on June 5th. He prowls through the projection room where equipment is being wired and programmed for the big opening.

Painters, carpenters, electricians and video technician are crawling all over the place to have things ready for the opening on June 5th
What will projected on the screens? – Gerburg can’t or won’t say until he has firm information from his booking agent.

The intention is to have all the current cinema offerings with at least one of the six screens devoted to “art” films.

Art wasn’t a term that Gerburg defined.

The biggest difference, besides the look of the place, is going to be on the second floor where all the projection equipment is located.

Movies are all digital now – there are very few that have reels of 35mm film trucked in. “These days we get what is basically a hard drive that we slip into the server” said Gerburg. “We program the projectors from a lap top or from something as simple as a smart phone”

CineStarz - programa from a smart phone

Technician can program any server in the seven theatre set up from a smart phone.

“I can have the guy who is selling popcorn in the lobby program a projector in another city” – the technology makes all this possible.
New seats are being installed and “there isn’t a seat with a poor sight line” said Gerburg.

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6 comments to CineStarz to open on Brant Street June 5th – play bill not yet decided on.

  • Doris Moorcroft

    Am trying to find info re when you are opening and what’s on. Had to drive by yesterday to see “Now Open” sign outside theatre. For heaven’s sake advertise. My friend and I go every week but we need to know what is on.
    Been told I said this before. Not me. You need to advertise !!!!

  • Doris Moorcroft

    Am trying to find info re when you are opening and what’s on. Had to drive by yesterday to see “Now Open” sign outside theatre. For heaven’s sake advertise. My friend and I go every week but we need to know what is on.

  • MARILYN HARTLEY

    Just happened to notice CineStarz on walking through Upper Canada Place this afternoon. Advertising is the main thing you need. Why don’t you contact the Burlington Post Newspaper and have them do an article similar to the one listed above.
    It will take time but it’s great to see the old place up and running again.
    Good Luck

  • Lynne Gagnon

    Can’t wait for you guys to open!! WELCOME BACK!!!

  • Lynne Gagnon

    Can’t wait for the theatre to open and see what will be playing. I live very close and remember just walking over for a movie night. Please update the info ASAP!! So happy you guys back bigger and better!!

  • Shannon Gillies

    Great news. Looking forward to having movie theatres downtown again, whether they play artsy films or second-run movies.