Long Beach's Art Theater Needs Help Going Digital

When Long Beach's historic Art Theatre on Fourth Street hosts the sole theater screening of the film The Shot of the Living Dead Saturday afternoon, it will be projecting the flick from a 35mm film projector.

However, as Hollywood begins to distribute films digitally, that projection method is slowly being phased out leaving small theatres like Art House to begin costly upgrade processes to keep current with the new digital projection standards.

Art Theatre owner Mark Vidor recently told ABC7 that it will cost him around $50,000 to upgrade the single screen theatre to accommodate digital projection and is looking to the Long Beach community and loyal patrons for some help.

According to Art Theatre's Facebook page, the theatre is looking to "continue in our quest to be your independent alternative to the corporate multiplex experience." 

"Please help us continute to show first run films by donating to our Digital Projector Fund," a post states.

Those wanting to help the theatre's cause can donate to its digital projection fund and in return, receive rewards ranging from $10 in free concessions (a $25 donation) to a lobby dedication, free movie tickets and concessions for life ($10,000 donation). 

Donations are being accepted through the theatre's Paypal page. The theatre also pointed out that because it is not a nonprofit, donations are not tax deductible.