I created this cache for movie fans, film aficionados and for those who saw futuristic design & Hollywood mary before their eyes. I dedicate this cache to PROGRESS since history is being preserved because it's finally deemed as being "old enough" & therefore, can be considered historically relevent.
Before the multiplex, IMAX or DBOX, there were Cinerama Domes (aka, Cinedomes).
The Century 21 dome theater in San Jose, California was the first of its kind.
This is how it looked fifty years ago, in November 1964. (Ampex Corp / Syufy Enterprises)
The Century 21's roof no longer bears the same starburst design, and shows some wear.
The Century 21 pioneered widescreen cinema in its day. The screen curved 164 degrees, around the audience, and measured 70 feet diagonally. (Meridian Studio / Syufy Enterprises)
The first movie shown at the Century 21 in 1964, on the original marquee. (Syufy Enterprises)
One of the final marquees.
The Century 21 sat nearly 1,000 people, and originally offered reserved seating. Going to the dome was a social occasion. (Syufy Enterprises)
In 2014, the Century 21 isn't nearly as fancy a place, but "dinner and a movie" is still a traditional date.
March 30, 2014. The final show at the domes.
***All of the above images & captions are found on the following site: http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/21/5635454/silence-of-the-domes-1964-2014
Century 21 dome theater granted historical status by city council
On June 6, 2014, it was voted that the show will go on for the iconic dome theater near Santana Row after the City Council voted to grant the building historic status despite pleas from several council members and developers to reconsider.
The 7-4 vote in favor of the status came after dozens of community members pleaded with council members to save one of the oldest and most intact dome-style theaters that was remembered by many not only as a place of fond memories, but as a lasting image of midcentury futuristic architecture that has not been preserved anywhere else.
***More of the above information can be found on the following site: http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_25940589/san-jose-city-council-grants-century-21-dome