Hollywood was the hub of the movie business in the 1920s. Some of the most well-known films of history were made during this period, such as “Gone with the Wind” or “The Wizard of Oz”. Movie theaters became an integral part of American culture and people of all ages enjoyed going to the movies.

Sound is now available

The feature film “The Jazz Singer” made use of synchronized sound in 1927. altoona movie theater was a major breakthrough for the movie industry and opened the door to the “talkies”, which were movies with sound. Because sound was introduced, movie theaters had the challenge of upgrading their sound systems.

The Post-War Era

After World War II, there was a slump in the movie industry. The rise of television meant that people could watch movies from the comfort of their own homes, and attendance at movie theaters began to drop. Cinemas opened new experiences like drive-in cinemas and cinemascope. This format allowed for an immersive viewing experience.

1960s and Beyond

In the 1960s and 1970s, the movie industry experienced a resurgence. This was in part due to the rise and popularity of independent films as well the blockbuster hits “Jaws” (and “Star Wars”) that dominated the 1960s and 1970s. In addition, movie theaters experienced a transformation as they offered more amenities and luxurious features such as reclining seating and gourmet food options.

Multiplexes on the Rise

Multiplexes became a standard in the 1980s, 1990s. These theaters featured multiple screens, allowing for a wider variety of movies to be shown at the same time. The theaters offered additional amenities, such as stadium seating or digital audio systems, that enhance the movie-going experience.

The Digital Age

The introduction of digital technology in the 2000s marked a major shift in the movie industry. Digital projection was replaced by traditional film and theaters were able to offer 3D or IMAX experiences. The popularity of streaming services had a significant impact on movie theaters as people started to watch movies at home more often.