The Rialto in Spanish Springs

[sam&rog]

When is the theater scheduled to open if ever? It seems it has been closed for at least a year if not more. It would be a stretch to blame it on the covid outbreak.

Or maybe this is a scheme to convert it into apartments or condos while battling with Lady Lake officials.

[JSR22]

When is the theater scheduled to open if ever? It seems it has been closed for at least a year if not more. It would be a stretch to blame it on the covid outbreak.

Or maybe this is a scheme to convert it into apartments or condos while battling with Lady Lake officials.

I doubt that it is a scheme. The theater in Brownwood has not reopened and the theater in Sumter is only open 4 days a week.

[Two Bills]

A lot of films go straight to Netflix, Apple tv. etc.these days.
Movie theatres could be going the way of the dinosaur!

[Wyseguy]

A lot of films go straight to Netflix, Apple tv. etc.these days.
Movie theatres could be going the way of the dinosaur!

We need an old fashioned drive in here at TV

[graciegirl]

When is the theater scheduled to open if ever? It seems it has been closed for at least a year if not more. It would be a stretch to blame it on the covid outbreak.

Or maybe this is a scheme to convert it into apartments or condos while battling with Lady Lake officials.

Tell ya what. We don't know. I have already guessed on similar threads that the people who OWN it may be rethinking opening it as a movie theater since the business of movie going is failing and movie chains are closing everywhere;

movie theater permanent closures - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=movie+theater+permanent+closures&qs=RI&pq=movie+theater+closures+&sk=SC1&sc=3-23&cvid=B912AE126DAD41D88CF42B4C735B4CA2&FORM=QBRE&sp=2)

people not going to movie theaters. - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=people+not+going+to+movie+theaters.&cvid=5cdfe938368541ccbd644e9e4c8e92fe&aqs=edge..69i57.11538j0j1&pglt=43&FORM=ANSPA1&PC=DCTS)

[Two Bills]

Just look back to how the whole industry has changed.
One film, one movie theatre, 3-4-5 shows a day, and full most days of the week when I was young.
Now multiple screen venues, multiple films, and the places are mostly empty after first day.
People want to watch this stuff at home now.
The movie magic of yesterday has been fading quietly for some time.
It is now terminal!
JMO.

[Dan9871]

We need an old fashioned drive in here at TV

There is one in Ocala

Ocala Drive In (https://ocaladrivein.info)

[Stu from NYC]

Thinking the days of large movie theatres has passed.

Few months ago saw picture in Lake Sumter and was nice but no rush to go back. TV gives us large enough picture with a good sound system.

[Blueblaze]

They probably just can't find a movie made in the last year that people would pay $8 to see.

[New Englander]

We need an old fashioned drive in here at TV

No way. There would be too much hanky panky going on.

[Michael G.]

When was the last time you seen a good movie enough to pay a entrance of $10,
then buy a box of popcorn that a 400% markup???

Spend $100,000 to remodel the The Rialto to watch some crappy movie on a large screen.
The whole world is going to hell.

[maryrusso]

When is the theater scheduled to open if ever? It seems it has been closed for at least a year if not more. It would be a stretch to blame it on the covid outbreak.

Or maybe this is a scheme to convert it into apartments or condos while battling with Lady Lake officials.

I have long believed this is the latest Church on the Square, Kate Belle's, ... debacle. It starts with the lies about closing for renovations and then disappears. They lie to avoid conflict so they can do what they want. What's next--condos at the soon-to-be former school complex on 466?

[Girlcopper]

When is the theater scheduled to open if ever? It seems it has been closed for at least a year if not more. It would be a stretch to blame it on the covid outbreak.

Or maybe this is a scheme to convert it into apartments or condos while battling with Lady Lake officials.

Most theaters arent open yet or open part time. We still have a pandemic going on. Remember? Also, within a couple of years, you can kiss theaters goodbye. Who goes anymore?
And not everything has a hidden agenda or has a “scheme” in the works.

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

We need an old fashioned drive in here at TV
Just 12 miles from TV Spanish Springs on US 441 in Ocala there is an old fashioned Drive In Movie theater, I believe only open on weekends, just like the “good ole days”. Go on 441 North, past Belleview, past Santos, on left.

[msilagy]

The good ol days at a drive in would never even minutely resemble being there as a teen!

[Driver8]

We need an old fashioned drive in here at TV

Ocala Drive in
4850 Pine Ave (Hwy 27)
Ocala

Nice little drive in

[mraines]

My thoughts exactly!

[glsatterlee]

I love going to movies. It’s the experience! Relax with some popcorn and a beer, and see bigger than life experiences! ������. They need to open up Brownwood!!

[Dgodin]

I also am concerned that the Rialto has been under rehab for so long. But this morning a glimpse of hope.

Work is being done on the Marquee!

I would be happy if the work was finished, even if it doesnt open. The construction barrier is an eyesore.

[Aloha]

How many apartments could be fitted into that expansive footprint?

[collie1228]

They finally did paint the marquee a gold color, which is a major improvement to the eyesore that it was just a couple weeks ago. But they still haven't painted the trim. I don't care if the theater stays or goes, as the movie industry left me behind several years ago (or maybe I left it behind), but they need to take more care of the appearance of the place while under construction.

[thelegges]

I have long believed this is the latest Church on the Square, Kate Belle's, ... debacle. It starts with the lies about closing for renovations and then disappears. They lie to avoid conflict so they can do what they want. What's next--condos at the soon-to-be former school complex on 466?

Developers were up front with the church on the square, and it’s new venue. As for KB’s they tried to revive it by making a smaller venue, that finally failed, and it was closed.

As for movie theaters p, haven’t been once in 10 years, so they are losing money on me.

As for the school, I would think the developers will be looking at renovating, then into a memory care. Gym, large kitchen, grounds to have variety of outdoor activities. It would be perfect for that idea. Second post since 2012, this thread must have really woke you up.

[VILLAGER 2011]

When is the theater scheduled to open if ever? It seems it has been closed for at least a year if not more. It would be a stretch to blame it on the covid outbreak.

Or maybe this is a scheme to convert it into apartments or condos while battling with Lady Lake officials.

This was promised to be a state of The Art theatre in a number of articles printed in the Daily Sun. Going the same way as Katie Belles, The Church on the Square etc. The Village Corporation main focus is now primarily building houses.

[OhioBuckeye]

When is the theater scheduled to open if ever? It seems it has been closed for at least a year if not more. It would be a stretch to blame it on the covid outbreak.

Or maybe this is a scheme to convert it into apartments or condos while battling with Lady Lake officials.

Yea I hear what you’re saying but Covid by the news has never ever completely went away & we still have the people out there that still get it, & ignor it. You know Covid is starting to ramp up a bit again.

[VILLAGER 2011]

Another broken promise and more broken faith in the community ...Katie Belles...church on the Square.

[PugMom]

We need an old fashioned drive in here at TV

:clap2::a040::coolsmiley: i wish!

[butlerism]

Katy Belles should buy it out.
Play corny movies we all can watch with out caring what they are saying. (like airplane.... "Shirley I can't be serious").

Put in a big old dance floor.

Sell loofahs instead of popcorn.

Create new drinks like sex on the square. Make it fun, I would make a killing.

Have raffle nights, where all the cougars come out.
Let the Titans throw down some change and get lucky.

Simple

[butlerism]

Fact check.
Does anyone really give a damn to watch the garbage coming out of Hollywood?

I have more fun doing shadow hand animals on the wall with a flashlight.

Hollywood is too "wake" (intentional misspelling as I will get another infraction by the admin) and not worth the energy to go to the movies anymore.

Myself and my beloved, we just shack up and make our own movies late a night!!!!!!!!

;)

[Taltarzac725]

Black Widow (2021) - Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/black_widow_2021)

Numerous movies at the Rialto which we first started going to in June of 2005 have had every seat occupied.

And Black Widow is doing extremely well right now.

[DaddyG]

Obviously we don't know the answer. I suspect it's due to lack of movies, the same reason Brownwood is still closed and Sumter Landing is limited.

[graciegirl]

This was promised to be a state of The Art theatre in a number of articles printed in the Daily Sun. Going the same way as Katie Belles, The Church on the Square etc. The Village Corporation main focus is now primarily building houses.

The Village "corporation" isn't our mother. They are a for profit business, looking to maintain or better their status quo and in so doing they IMPROVE much that was good in this area of Florida. They employ people, they attract population that supports industry that is the source of jobs that put bread and butter on a lot of tables.

Big businesses are not bad or good. They can be run poorly or well. They can have a lot of good stuff to them. They can run better and cheaper than other large ummm organizations, most of the time. I personally think that The Villages as a company does a VERY GOOD JOB.

Good business must respond to changing conditions in the market place. They cannot survive to please the few.

[JMintzer]

Black Widow (2021) - Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/black_widow_2021)

Numerous movies at the Rialto which we first started going to in June of 2005 have had every seat occupied.

And Black Widow is doing extremely well right now.

Well, it's pretty much the only movie out right now, and it's been heavily anticipated for well over a year...

[Taltarzac725]

Well, it's pretty much the only movie out right now, and it's been heavily anticipated for well over a year...

New Movies 2021 (https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/new-movies-2021/#27)

There are a lot of movies out right now but many of these are on platforms other than movie theaters-- cable, pay-per-view, and similar places.

[Chi-Town]

Going to see the Jungle Cruise movie in a theater. Even though I have a high end surround sound system and a large screen TV I have missed the going to the movies experience.

[stebooo]

It's over a year. Because of covid there are minimal movies made to show.

[Taltarzac725]

Going to see the Jungle Cruise movie in a theater. Even though I have a high end surround sound system and a large screen TV I have missed the going to the movies experience.

That looks like it will be fun.

Have not been to a movie since News of the World months ago. I do hope to return soon though.

[JMintzer]

New Movies 2021 (https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/new-movies-2021/#27)

There are a lot of movies out right now but many of these are on platforms other than movie theaters-- cable, pay-per-view, and similar places.

I was talking about theaters... Your link proves that point...

It opened with an $80 Million box office (theater only), plus almost the same in downloads... That's pretty impressive...

[OhioBuckeye]

Fact check.
Does anyone really give a damn to watch the garbage coming out of Hollywood?

I have more fun doing shadow hand animals on the wall with a flashlight.

Hollywood is too "wake" (intentional misspelling as I will get another infraction by the admin) and not worth the energy to go to the movies anymore.

Myself and my beloved, we just shack up and make our own movies late a night!!!!!!!!

;)
I agree with you butlerism!

[aletarw]

The Villages is the largest rumor mill in the country. When I saw this topic, I got a bag of popcorn and prepared to be entertained. As usual, only The Villages owners know what the plans are, but I love the creativity that you all have shown.

BTW... hubby and I go to the Ocala drive-in on occasion. It's cheap and only 30 minutes away. So grab your honey and take a trip down memory lane.

[Taltarzac725]

It looks like the Old Mill Playhouse will be showing movies on more days starting tomorrow. It will be showing movies every day but Wednesday.

[dewilson58]

It looks like the Old Mill Playhouse will be showing movies on more days starting tomorrow. It will be showing movies every day but Wednesday.

Good to know.

I thought it was going to be a go-cart track. :1rotfl:

[kkingston57]

Agree with most of the comments about movie theatres. We really enjoy going to the movies, especially AMC theatres with the over sized seats. Sound system is good. Would not call it great as it is a little too loud. We go to Leesburg on Tuesdays for $5.00 movies and way overpriced popcorn($8.00 a bucket). Starting to feel that we are now starting to be in the group who now go less and less to a theatre.

Do feel that Covid excerbated the probable demise of seeing a movie in a theatre

Most of us have 65 inch TV's and higher sizes. Now movies are being streamed faster than DVD's and VCR tapes than they were in past. Going out to movie theatres might be another obsolete form of enterertainment.

[Chi-Town]

Interesting link. Things are brightening up in the going to the movies world. And this is domestic; worldwide is really heating up.

https://screenrant.com/october-box-office-2021-record-number-details/

[coffeebean]

Agree with most of the comments about movie theatres. We really enjoy going to the movies, especially AMC theatres with the over sized seats. Sound system is good. Would not call it great as it is a little too loud. We go to Leesburg on Tuesdays for $5.00 movies and way overpriced popcorn($8.00 a bucket). Starting to feel that we are now starting to be in the group who now go less and less to a theatre.

Do feel that Covid excerbated the probable demise of seeing a movie in a theatre

Most of us have 65 inch TV's and higher sizes. Now movies are being streamed faster than DVD's and VCR tapes than they were in past. Going out to movie theatres might be another obsolete form of enterertainment.

There is nothing like the immersive experience that a movie theater offers. Unless, a home has a very well equipped home theater, the experience can not equal a movie theater, especially when in a theater with a really big screen. My opinion of course.

[Sbrothnj]

Anyone have a thought on what makes people so cynical? Half of the responses are from people who are just so distrustful and seemingly unhappy with The Villages and life here, that i wonder why they dont go someplace else. Has any other developer in the WORLD created an environment like this for people to live in? Yet there is suspicion, gripes, and nasty statements about them everywhere i turn. Im questioning whether i want to live here permanently because i don’t want to live surrounded by negative ****ed off people who have little positives to say in acknowledgement of what a wonderful place has been created here. Or anything actually. I promise y’all wouldn’t have trouble selling your homes. This is the fastest growing area in the country and the demand is crazy. (I wonder why?) Stop griping and accusing, will you? Try to be happy with what you are fortunate enough to have!

[Stu from NYC]

Anyone have a thought on what makes people so cynical? Half of the responses are from people who are just so distrustful and seemingly unhappy with The Villages and life here, that i wonder why they dont go someplace else. Has any other developer in the WORLD created an environment like this for people to live in? Yet there is suspicion, gripes, and nasty statements about them everywhere i turn. Im questioning whether i want to live here permanently because i don’t want to live surrounded by negative ****ed off people who have little positives to say in acknowledgement of what a wonderful place has been created here. Or anything actually. I promise y’all wouldn’t have trouble selling your homes. This is the fastest growing area in the country and the demand is crazy. (I wonder why?) Stop griping and accusing, will you? Try to be happy with what you are fortunate enough to have!

We have been here almost two years and so glad we live here. However nothing in life is perfect and nothing wrong with constructive criticism if done politely and fairly.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Anyone have a thought on what makes people so cynical? Half of the responses are from people who are just so distrustful and seemingly unhappy with The Villages and life here, that i wonder why they dont go someplace else. Has any other developer in the WORLD created an environment like this for people to live in? Yet there is suspicion, gripes, and nasty statements about them everywhere i turn. Im questioning whether i want to live here permanently because i don’t want to live surrounded by negative ****ed off people who have little positives to say in acknowledgement of what a wonderful place has been created here. Or anything actually. I promise y’all wouldn’t have trouble selling your homes. This is the fastest growing area in the country and the demand is crazy. (I wonder why?) Stop griping and accusing, will you? Try to be happy with what you are fortunate enough to have! Don’t get to upset about the negative attitude of some here, it can be hard sometimes to ignore and frankly the real hate that some have for the developer seems almost unhinged at times .I’ve had 6 homes from one end of the villages to the other and most people feel like I do and I love this place and everything they do .

[Bogie Shooter]

Anyone have a thought on what makes people so cynical? Half of the responses are from people who are just so distrustful and seemingly unhappy with The Villages and life here, that i wonder why they dont go someplace else. Has any other developer in the WORLD created an environment like this for people to live in? Yet there is suspicion, gripes, and nasty statements about them everywhere i turn. Im questioning whether i want to live here permanently because i don’t want to live surrounded by negative ****ed off people who have little positives to say in acknowledgement of what a wonderful place has been created here. Or anything actually. I promise y’all wouldn’t have trouble selling your homes. This is the fastest growing area in the country and the demand is crazy. (I wonder why?) Stop griping and accusing, will you? Try to be happy with what you are fortunate enough to have!

The only time I hear from these people is on TOTV.

[Byte1]

I haven't been to a movie theater in about 40 years, so the absence of them here is not a problem to me. That said, my wife still enjoys going with her girlfriends. Since I can get any movie I wish to see on my TV and the lower prices on large TVs, I enjoy the quiet and spacious freedom of my living room. I can pause a movie or program and use the restroom or fetch a drink and fresh popcorn from the microwave is great. Shoot, an 80" TV mounted on the wall is as good as some of those small screens in a theater.
Renting a movie is cheaper than going out and paying for two to watch in a theater with cell phones interrupting or not being able to pause the film while you use the facilities. If it is the "experience" you wish, then get your experience by watching the clowns and odd folks in the Square for FREE.
Sorry for those of you that miss the theater. I can't feel your pain but I do empathize with you. Or should I say "sympathize?"

[kkingston57]

A lot of films go straight to Netflix, Apple tv. etc.these days.
Movie theatres could be going the way of the dinosaur!


Agree,we go to the AMC theatre in Leesburg on Tuesdays and it is like a ghost town. Also, it seems to me that most movies are made and marketed to the younger crowd. A lot of sci fi and animated movies.

Doubt that someone is going to come and build apartments. Not enough square footage.

[Bogie Shooter]

Agree,we go to the AMC theatre in Leesburg on Tuesdays and it is like a ghost town. Also, it seems to me that most movies are made and marketed to the younger crowd. A lot of sci fi and animated movies.

Doubt that someone is going to come and build apartments. Not enough square footage.

What is the point of your last sentence?

[justjim]

[QUOTE=Michael G.;1973654]When was the last time you seen a good movie enough to pay a entrance of $10,
then buy a box of popcorn that a 400% markup???

Spend $100,000 to remodel the The Rialto to watch some crappy movie on a large screen.
The whole world is going to hell.[/

The Developer spent a lot more money on the Katie Belles remodel and then closed it. Of Course, billionaires can spend their money as they please. :popcorn:

[buzzy]

How many apartments would fit in the Rialto?

[collie1228]

I guess I'm one of the "gripers". I look at the Rialto, which is in my neighborhood, and see an eyesore. If my home was in this condition for two years, by now I would have accrued hundreds if not thousands of dollars in fines. Why can't the developer finish the outside of this theater, to at least make it look presentable? It seems like a small investment.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Movies are dead ? Hmmm Spider Man just made over $500 million over the weekend , I saw the House of Gucci last week and every seat was filled. Hopefully more movies will come on line but there have been some pretty good small movies and there is no substitute for a movie theater experience ,as it is I have to watch foreign films at home because of scarcity of venues, when I would rather see them in theaters, and FYI I don’t miss anything going to the counter I haven’t eaten or drank anything in a theater since I was a teenager , TV was supposed to bury movies, then cable, and now Covid , but it will always come back

[EdFNJ]

Agree,we go to the AMC theatre in Leesburg on Tuesdays and it is like a ghost town. That's because Leesburg is like a ghost town and their "ghost-mall" is an example. Surprised they haven't torn it down and expanded The Villages onto that property. "The Village of Leesburg" coming soon. :) That being said, get your AMC theater movie watching in while you can as it isn't long for this world because as you said "it was like a ghost town." Can't survive wih people not buying soda & popcorn because it's probably 2/3rds of their incoming cash.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

From what I see at villages movie showings , there not losing any money on concessions, some people eat more calories at one movie then I do in a whole day, I would rather get a bite to eat after the show , FYI movies for me are not just for entertainment , it’s usually part of date night or at least a social event with a woman friend

[karenzeee]

I love the movie theaters for date day. Nothing like hitting the movies on a rainy day to get out of the house! Hope they do reopen soon!

[La lamy]

I also am concerned that the Rialto has been under rehab for so long. But this morning a glimpse of hope.

Work is being done on the Marquee!

I would be happy if the work was finished, even if it doesnt open. The construction barrier is an eyesore.

Agreed about the eyesore.

[Stu from NYC]

Agreed about the eyesore.

Of course if a property owner did the same thing it would not be allowed.

[Topspinmo]

Tell ya what. We don't know. I have already guessed on similar threads that the people who OWN it may be rethinking opening it as a movie theater since the business of movie going is failing and movie chains are closing everywhere;

movie theater permanent closures - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=movie+theater+permanent+closures&qs=RI&pq=movie+theater+closures+&sk=SC1&sc=3-23&cvid=B912AE126DAD41D88CF42B4C735B4CA2&FORM=QBRE&sp=2)

people not going to movie theaters. - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=people+not+going+to+movie+theaters.&cvid=5cdfe938368541ccbd644e9e4c8e92fe&aqs=edge..69i57.11538j0j1&pglt=43&FORM=ANSPA1&PC=DCTS)

Agree, they will be as rare as phone booth in few years. :faint::faint:

[Topspinmo]

How many apartments would fit in the Rialto?

Well, if anything like patio or court yard villas designs quite few :1rotfl:

[Fredman]

Probably will be torn down for more apartments

[davem4616]

If there was enough demand, those movie houses would be open

[Boomer]

Are those whippersnappers on Reddit still messing with AMC stock?

(I don’t know anything about Reddit or AMC stock — other than stuff has been happening involving both.)

Just wondering,
Boomer

[Wyseguy]

We need an old fashioned drive in here at TV

A drive in for golf carts. With a cow pasture behind the screen, and some very questionable snacks. Drive in hold a place in the hearts of many our age. Still one in NY I would go to almost every weekend prior to moving to Fl.. Was so successful l it went to three screens and on many weekends would sell out an hour prior to showtime.

[RICH1]

The Villages as we know it is Over! Make way for a huge influx of Retirees coming down from the North with their demands and wants! We are just old senile Men & Women who are caught up in the Old Days! The Good part is we are on our way out, and need not worry about Memes Stock or Chip manufacturing

[Stu from NYC]

If there was enough demand, those movie houses would be open

We wanted to go to the one at Sumter Landing as we always go to the movies on Christmas day but to our surprise and many others closed Sat and Sunday.

Strangely they had an add in the paper with times on Saturday.

Seems like more movies are coming out now so hopefully at least some will survive.

[Love2Swim]

We have been here almost two years and so glad we live here. However nothing in life is perfect and nothing wrong with constructive criticism if done politely and fairly.

Thank you ! :bigbow:

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

The Villages as we know it is Over! Make way for a huge influx of Retirees coming down from the North with their demands and wants! We are just old senile Men & Women who are caught up in the Old Days! The Good part is we are on our way out, and need not worry about Memes Stock or Chip manufacturingthe old days were nice memories that’s all they are , I like the changes in my life and in the villages ,more things to do and use , also the changes in everything we use in our life from phones to cars to TVs and so much more , I’m 83 looking forward to what the future will bring and how much fun it’s going to be

[justjim]

the old days were nice memories that’s all they are , I like the changes in my life and in the villages ,more things to do and use , also the changes in everything we use in our life from phones to cars to TVs and so much more , I’m 83 looking forward to what the future will bring and how much fun it’s going to be

I like your optimism Charlie. Movie theaters will survive as there is just a “thinning of the herd” and some adjustments to make in the movie industry. The drive-in theater in Ocala has been mentioned in other posts and there are still a few others scattered across the country including a double screen one in my adopted hometown. We have many great memories of the popularity of drive-in movies especially during the 50’s and 60’s. :popcorn::popcorn: