ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -February 22 was the last day to see a movie at the Landmark Spectrum 8 Theatre. Fans lined up to form the biggest crowd moviegoers said they have seen recently in the Pine Hills neighborhood.
“It’s just kind of a really mixed day in terms of emotions after coming here for decades and having such great times and great memories,” said Janet Nally.
Fans of the theatre told NEWS10’s Anthony Krolikowski they enjoyed the variety of mainstream and niche films that larger theatres pass over. “I’ve come here for years to see the specialty films and artsy films,” described Carolyn O’Donnell.
“The international features and foreign films. Fellow students used to come here just to hear the French or Italian films. With subtitles, it was all good!” added Manon Robichaud.
Even though movies are available instanty in our own homes, the shared viewing of the movie theatre experience is hard for some to substitute.
“The problem with streaming a feature film sometimes is that I want to pause it so often. I like to look at it again and rewind and say, that was a cool little part right there. You go to the movie theatre and you don’t have that choice. You’re there with it when it’s happening and then it’s over,” explained Jackson Gray.
One group of friends recalls coming to the Spectrum 8 to see Harry Potter as children and say other Pine Hills businesses will suffer without continued support.
“It’s funny because it takes a closure to get all these people out. Come support the small businesses. It’s really important for this area, especially with the pandemic. The movies are still kind of special,” stated Brian Rhatigan.
