Sprawling Cinerama screens are a classic moviegoing experience and a treasure for true film buffs, and they’re threatened to the point of extinction. The Indian Hills Theater was one of three remaining members of this dying breed when it caught Film Threat’s attention in the summer of 2001. The Theatre’s doors (and walls, and huge screens) have since been plowed into the ground to make way for another ugly parking lot.
The Indian Hills Theater in Omaha, Nebraska, was constructed in 1962. 800 moviegoers enjoyed films on its incredible 110-feet wide by 35-feet tall screen. Unfortunately, the theatre’s last owner filed for bankruptcy nationally in September 2000 and the Indian Hills was forced to close, despite the fact that renovations had just been completed at a cost of $250,000, which included 1,550 new seats, a new curtain for the big theatre and a new SDDS/DTS-capable sound system. On April 1st, 2001, Methodist Health Systems purchased the land and later announced it would be tearing down the theatre for good.
Luckily, filmmaker Jim Fields began filming a documentary about the efforts to save the theater. Fields is now completing post-production, but in the meantime, you can check out the documentary’s website Saving the Indian Hills to learn more about the fight.
