The Angelika Film Center & Cafe
July 13, 1999
Contact. Ellen M Cotter (212) 521-9408 (716) 855-3096 (theater)
 

BUFFALO New York (July 13, 1999). The Angelika Film Center & Cafe, Buffalo's newest arthouse cinema and cafe, opens on July 16, 1999 across from Shea's Performing Arts Center in the former Market Arcade Cinema. With eight auditoriums devoted to the latest in art, independent and foreign films, the Angelika will become Buffalo's premier arthouse. The original Angelika Film Center & Cafe is in New York City's Soho district. The Angelika has become a cultural institution in NYC, For years, the Angelika NYC has been devoted to cutting edge cinema, making it the most successful arthouse in the U.S_ Because it has consistently demonstrated significant grossing power, it is the theater of choice for distributors of independent films. Buffalo will. Be the home of the third Angelika Film Center & Cafe- the Houston, Texas Angelika opened in late 1997. "Research has shown that Buffalo has a receptive audience for art films," said Ellen Cotter, Vice President-Business Affairs. She added "our Company is delighted to open are Angelika in Buffalo and take part in the revitalization of Downtown Buffalo,"

"The success of Downtown Buffalo depends on a variety of activities that include a thriving and vibrant ente7tainment district," stated Mayor Anthony M, Masiello, "that is why the City of Buffalo is thrilled with the arrival of the Angelika Film Center & Cafe, which will only further strengthen our increasingly diverse Theater District along Main Street arid the surrounding neighborhoods, The commitment of the Angelika is further proof that the foundation that has been laid along Main Street by the various theater owners and restauranteurs is a prescription for the success of the Theater District, The unique films exhibited at the Angelika and the gourmet cafe it- the lobby, make the Angelika more than just another movie house,"

Films, Not Movies.

The Angelika-Buffalo will show FILMS, NOT MOVIES. The Angelika, will exhibit art, independent and foreign films, as well as the more thought provoking films from the major studios, We will strive to provide Buffalo with cutting edge cinema, which includes critically acclaimed films from visionary directors, Many of cur films will not be available at other commercial cinemas, John Sayle's "Urn", "Stearr, The Turkish Bath", "Three Seasons", "Lovers of the A7ctic Circle", "Hands on a Hard Body" and "King of Masks" will open exclusively at the Angelika beginning July 16. Information about these films can be provided upon request

The Angelika programming will allow for certain important studio films that are thought provoking. For example, on July 16 the Angelika will open the late Stanley Kadbrick's film "Eyes Wide Shut" starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman for TiWarner Bros. However, you will not see "Tarzan" or "The Matrix" at Vie Angelika.

The Angelika will also offer alternative midnight shows for the discerning film lover, On July 16, we will feature "Meeting People is Easy, ` a documentary that follows the British band, Radiohead, on their OK Computer Tour.

Interactive Cafe Lobby

The lobby of the Angelika has been stylishly renovated to create a great social environment, Oak floors have added --character and warmth] to the lobby, The walls have been painted white to showcase artwork from local artists. The lobby's signature feature is a sparkling 200 pound crystal chancellor with blue neon accents, which was inspired by the original chandelier at the NYC Angelika, The conoessionSt2rid has been converted to a coffee bar serving light meals, specialty coffees, espresso and teas, as well as our Signature desserts, Comfortable couches, chairs and cafe Seating will make the Angelika the perfect place for lunch or coffee or tea before or after the cinema- The lobby is open to the public, even if you do not intend to see a film We encourage people to use the lobby, One of the old ticket booths has been converted to a signal library offering free literature and media related magazines. There is an oversized mahogany table, which would be a perfect venue for lively debates and discussions about films or other topics.

Encouraging people to see Angelika -films is our mission, many of the films at the Angelika will not have the marketing and advertising budgets of movies like "Austin Powers". Mainly Angelika films must rely on strong "word of mouth" Despite Telemarketing dollars to these independent films, many of them should not be missed by audiences, The Angelika will try to increase the awareness of these films through various less conventional tactics. A. ANGELIKA TRAILER LUNCH

Periodically, the Angelika will show, free of charge, 30-45 minutes of film trailers during lunch time- Downtown office workers can grab a quick lunch at our Cafe and then watch the trailers for the upcoming season Each Angelika Trailer Lunch will I showcase trailers from different film companies and promises to be an entertaining way to spend a lunch hour,

B. VIEWER'S VOICE WALL

Everyone is a film critic, Now patrons can have their chance to let the Public know what they think about a film. In the lobby, the "Viewer's Voice Wall is a scoreboard for each of the current films, After a film, each patron has the opportunity to jot down their thoughts And comments for their fellow Buffalo film lovers,

C. THE ANGELIKA FILM GUIDE: Buffalo's magazine of independent film

Once each season we will circulate a free magazine describing the upcoming films at the Angelika. Each issue will also include a letter to the filmgoers from Angelika, herself, in which she gives her keen insights on scheme of the films. The summer 1999 issue of the Angelika Film Guide car. Be found at the theater and local coffee shops and bookstores. D. WWWANGELIKAFILIVICENTER.COM

The Angelika will soon establish a web site where you can get information on ShowTime's. Parking, transportation and ticketing, In addition, film lovers can got information), on current and future film releases. Links to reviews and film distributors web sites will give our patrons a clear understanding of the independent films a", the Angelika, Join our E-mail list to get information on screenings, film festivals, etc.

Downtown Buffalo is undergoing a period of rebirth and the Angelika is thrilled to be part of it, The renovation of Shea's Perforr4ng Arts Center, title opening of great restaurants (e.g. Brownstone Bistro and Gallery 101 Bistro' and the entertainment on Chippewa Street will help to ensure that our cinema will be a success. A night cut in Downtown Buffalo can be one of culture and Cuisine. Having a great meal downtown at the Bijou Grill, Gallery 101 Bistro or Brownstone Bistro before or after enjoying a film at the Angelika would make for a uniquely entertaining night out. We are delighted a-bout the Angelika Film Center arriving this week," said Michael Militello, owner of the Bijou Grill. "I look forward to the many opportunities to promote dining and film packages and get 1rvolved with Different film events at the Angelika Film community needs this type of vitality and Excitement"

The ticket prices are competitive with other area cinemas. General Admission is $6-00 and seniors are $4.50. All shows before 5 PM are $4.50. Patrons can also buy a 'Film Lovers Discount Book" which gives them five tickets for $22,50 These tickets are valid for any show, any time for six months from the issue date, These books would make the perfect inexpensive gift. Corporations, schools and other businesses can buy "Golden Entertainment Books" which give them 100 tickets for $450. These tickets are valid for any show, any time, one year from the issue date; The Theater also offers other group rates. The Angelika would also be a perfect, creative venue for corporate events.

Operating - -information

The Angelika Film. Center & Cafe is located at 639 Main Street, Downtown Buffalo in the former Market Arcade Cinema across from Shea's Performing Arts Center, There is also an entrance to the theater on Washington Street, Parking is free for theater patrons in the M&T Bank parking lot behind the Angelika (entrances on Washington Street and Chippewa Street) after 4 PM on weekdays and all day Saturday. Sunday and ho[days. Also, the MetroRail stops in front of the theater (Theater District stop). The theater telephone numbers are 716-855-3022 (ShowTime) and 716-35.5-3096 (information,

About the Owner of Angelika

The Angelika Film Center & Cafe is owned by Reading Entertainment, Inc., a public company (NASDAQ~ RDGE) engaged in the real estate, cinema exhibition and live theater businesses. You may recognize the "Reading" name from the Monopoly game board, The company was established in 1833 as the Reading Railroad, Today, the Company operates (a) cinemas in New York City, Texas, New Jersey, Minnesota, California, Puerto Rico, Australia and New Zealand, (b) live theaters in Chicago and (c) entertainment centers with restaurant and retail in Australia and New Zealand,

Grand Opening

The grand opening of the theater will be on July 14, 1999 Mayor Masiello arid other tenants of the Theater District are expected to welcome the Angelika to Downtown Buffalo beginning at 8:00 PM, At this grand event, the Angelika is proud to present the Buffalo premiere of the Miramax Film "My Life So Far', the memoir of a most unusual family as seen through the eyes of one very adventurous child This film is from the Academy Award winning producer of "Chariots of Fire," "The Mission" and "The Killing fiefs' stars Colin Firth, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantorlo, Irene Jacob, Rosernary Harris and Malcolm McDowell.

NEWS RELEASE

For Release: Immediate Contact: Peter K. Cutler

Date: July 13, 1999 851-4841

MAYOR MASIELLO ANNOUNCES FREE ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

BUFFALO (7/13/99) - Mayor Anthony M. Masiello today announced that the City of Buffalo and Regal Cinemas will co-host "Cinema Festa Italiano" to coincide with this year's Greater Buffalo Italian Heritage & Food Festival. The film festival is free of charge.

The Film Festival will run from Wednesday, July 14 1h through Sunday, July 18"'. The schedule includes two of the most respected films in recent Italian feature film history: Cinema Paradiso and 11 Postino. The films will be shown at 12:00 noon on the following schedule: Cinema Paradiso (7/14, 7/16 & 7/18); 11 Postino (7/15 & 7/17).

"Thanks to the generosity of Regal Cinemas, these excellent films will be included in this year's Italian Festival, marking the first time a film festival has been associated with one of Buffalo's great ethnic events," stated Mayor Masiello. "I encourage anyone interested in quality cinema to take advantage of this great opportunity."