'DigiNext':Partnership Bringing New In-Venue Film Festival to Digiplex Circuit

Hello DigiFriends!  We have some big surprises coming up this fall of 2012. One of them is our new partnership with Nehst, which is an innovative digital content financier, developer, producer and distributor.

The DigiNext In-Venue Film Festival is a unique theatrical exhibition program that pairs multimedia company Nehst Out with Digiplex Destinations, a fast growing state of the art digital theatrical exhibitor.

A breakthrough for filmmakers and consumers, the In-Venue Film Festival is re-creating the film festival experience in local theaters and will showcase high-end American independents, and award winning foreign language films from the top 20 film festivals around the world.  

As part of an enhanced movie-going experience, films in the series will include live and Skyped Q&A sessions with filmmakers as well as celebrity appearances and gift bags for attendees.

DigiNext is committed to providing opportunities for filmmakers without previous distribution a chance to reach the consumer. Conversely, the In-Venue Film Festival offers consumers access to highly praised but underexposed films without having to attend film festivals all over the world.

Nehst co-founder and Chairman, Larry Meistrich originated this concept with the successful and critically acclaimed “Shooting Gallery Film Series at Lowes Cineplex Entertainment” which was responsible for such breakout hits as “Croupier” and “Judy Berlin.”

 Stay tuned to learn more about DigiNext by visiting our website www.digiplexdest.com

Happiest Baby and Happiest Toddler Live With Dr. Karp

Moms and dads, parents of infants and toddlers – even grandparents, nurses and nannies – will want to visit their local Digiplex digital cinema to watch America’s favorite pediatrician, Dr. Harvey Karp, reveal the surprising tips and tricks that have made his celebrated books and DVDs among the top parenting guides in history.

            The live one night event will be hosted by former Miss USA Ali Landry at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 21 at the Digiplex Rialto Theater in Westfield, N.J., and Digiplex Bloomfield 8 theater in Bloomfield, Conn. Ticket prices are $12.50. Check here for details.

Dr. Karp uses modern science and folk wisdom to help new families get the rest they need, and raise happy, patient, cooperative children. This live presentation will bring to life teachings from Dr. Karp’s books The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block. Audiences will enjoy live demonstrations, watch footage of parents in action, learn simple solutions to help them raise happy, well-behaved young children – and get more sleep.

“Even loving parents can feel pushed to the limit by their baby’s screams or by toddler explosions,” said Dr. Karp. “But some simple steps give parents the tools to calm even colicky babies, soothe tantrums fast and boost cooperation in just days. You almost feel like you’re ‘flipping a switch.’”

            

Adds A. Dale “Bud” Mayo, Digiplex Destinations chairman/CEO, “This special event is a perfect complement to our Wednesday afternoon ‘Mommy & Me’ film screenings where parents and caregivers can come with young children and not worry about harsh looks if their children get fidgety – the lights are brighter, the sound is a bit lower during these special performances. 

            “We started this at the Digiplex Rialto Westfield and will expand ‘Mommy & Me’ to our other locations this fall,” Mayo said. 

            The Digiplex Bloomfield 8 Theater is located at 863 Park Avenue (Wintonbury Mall), Bloomfield, Conn., and the Digiplex Rialto Theater is located at 250 East Broad Street in Westfield, N.J.  Click here for more information. 

DANNY BOYLE’S FRANKENSTEIN COMES TO N.J./CT. DIGIPLEX THEATERS

Director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later) has directed a revolutionary stage production of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in which actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternate playing Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his monster on successive nights. The play, recorded in March 2011, will be shown at Digiplex digital cinemas in Cranford, N.J., and Bloomfield, Conn., on June 6 and 7 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $15.

JONNY LEE MILLER as Victor Frankenstein. Photo by Catherine Ashmore

The play, written by Nick Dear, has won a number of awards, including the 2012 Olivier Award for best actor for Cumberbatch (Sherlock, War Horse) and Miller (Trainspotting, Dexter), as well as best lighting design; two Evening Standard Awards; two Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards and the What’s on Stage Awards for best director. It was filmed twice to allow audiences to see each actor in both roles.

“This is not the Frankenstein most people have ever seen. The play is an adult version of the famed classic horror tale that we believe fans of Broadway plays and other genres of alternative content at our theaters will thoroughly enjoy,” said A. Dale “Bud” Mayo, Digiplex Destinations chairman/CEO.

The Digiplex Cranford Theater is located at 25 North Avenue, Cranford, N.J., and the Digiplex Bloomfield 8 Theater is located at 863 Park Avenue (Wintonbury Mall), Bloomfield, Conn.

For more information: www.digiplexdest.com

Watch the trailer here!

Summer Movies 2012

We had a great two weekends of The Avengers, movie that kicked off the summer 2012 movie season. But that's not all! We've got some great flicks to keep you entertained all summer long, and with so many of them, we've chosen  25 films that we are most excited about here at Digiplex. You may also check out the trailers...

Get ready for a summer filled with some of your favorites stars, including Cameron Diaz, Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones,Tom Cruise, Christian Bale, Kristen Stewart,  Emma Stone and so many more!

Title: The Dictator
Paramount
Release date: May 16
Buzz: When Sacha Baron Cohen makes a movie, he doesn’t shy away from controversy…or big laughs and his latest, where he plays an oppressive dictator visiting America, should get everyone talking.
Watch the trailer now!

 

Title: Battleship
Universal
Release date: May 18
Buzz: Director Peter Berg uses the old Milton Bradley game as a jumping off point for a Transformers-on-the-ocean action movie that stars Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgard and Brooklyn Decker. And who doesn't want to see how Rihanna fares in her first big-screen role?
Watch the trailer now!

Title: What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Alliance
Release date: May 18
Buzz: You can expect a lot of laughs from this ensemble comedy about five couples in various stages of pregnancy. The moms-to-be get their fair share of chuckles in the trailer but the dads in “Dudes Group” will have you laughing-out-loud laughing out loud. Starring Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Rock, Dennis Quaid, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Matthew Morrison and a slew of other stars.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Men In Black III
Sony
Release date: May 25
Buzz: Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are back as Agents J and K and frankly, they're still making 'this' look good. With new aliens to fight and a little trip back in time, this third film in the popular franchise is set to top the trilogy in style.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Snow White and the Huntsman
Universal
Release date: June 1
Buzz: Kristen Stewart swaps vampires and angst for an evil queen and a warrior’s fierceness in this year’s second adaptation of the famous fairytale. And in case you haven’t had enough of Chris Hemsworth yet, he co-stars as the Huntsman.
Watch the trailer now!

 

Title: Prometheus
Fox
Release date: June 8
Buzz: With a viral campaign that continues to pique interest across the blogosphere, Ridley Scott's tale of a team of explorers who discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, looks to take audiences on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
Paramount
Release date: June 8
Buzz: Your favorite animal castaways join a traveling circus in an effort to get back to their home in New York City. Packed with more dancing, more laughs, and more penguins, this furry gang is on a European trip of a lifetime. It’s impossible to keep a straight face while watching zebra Marty (voiced by Chris Rock) practice his circus moves in the trailer.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Rock of Ages
Warner Bros.
Release date: June 15
Buzz: Like karaoke come to life, but with really famous people singing instead of your tone-deaf friends, this ensemble musical based on the Broadway production has all the ‘80s ballads you’d ever want in a soundtrack AND Tom Cruise plays a washed-up rocker.
Watch the trailer now!

 

Title: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Fox
Release date: June 22
Buzz: What if the 16th president of the United States was a skilled axe-swinging vampire hunter? When Abe Lincoln discovers that vampires are plotting to take over his country, he makes it his mission to destroy them and save the human race. There’s guaranteed to be lots of action and cool fight sequences courtesy of director Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Night Watch). The movie is based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith (who also wrote the screenplay).
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Brave
Disney
Release date: June 22
Buzz: The latest from Pixar finds Scottish Princess Merida defying a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. With a lot of humour, a great message and a to-die-for voice cast, this one could be the studio's next big hit.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: People Like Us
Disney
Release date: June 29
Buzz: Chris Pine, Olivia Wilde, Elizabeth Banks, and Michelle Pfeiffer star in this story about a man who inherits a big chunk of cash in his father’s will, only to discover he must share it with the sister he never knew he had. This will be the summer movie you want to take Mom to since you’ll want to hug it out after all the heartwarming, tear-inducing, family drama. Watch the trailer now! 

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
Sony
Release date: July 3
Buzz: Some may argue that it's too soon for a Spidey re-boot but I would direct those naysayers toward the trailer and point out that re-boot or not, this version looks to be one entertaining flick. Though to be fair, they've had us on the edge of our seats in anticipation ever since they announced Andrew Garfield as this film's Peter Parker. The Studio's already sold too - they've already ordered the sequel.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Savages
Universal
Release date: July 6
Buzz: A cast of hot-young-things that includes Taylor Kitsch, Blake Lively and Aaron Johnson, directed by Oliver Stone and co-starring Salma Hayek as a ruthless drug matriarch and Benicio del Toro as her muscle? Yup.
Watch the trailer now!

 

Title: To Rome with Love
Mongrel
Release date: July 6
Buzz: Woody Allen continues his tour of Europe and settles on Rome as his cast of characters, including Jesse Eiseneberg, Penelope Cruz, Alec Baldwin, Greta Gerwig and Roberto Benigni navigate life and love in the Italian capital. Bonus points: this comedy features Allen on-camera for the first time in six years.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Katy Perry: Part of Me
Paramount
Release date: July 6
Buzz: California Gurl Katy Perry is a worldwide musical sensation. With this documentary we get a backstage pass to the superstar’s life on and off the stage, from her rise to fame as a struggling singer through to her divorce from comedian Russell Brand as she continues to conquer the music charts.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Ice Age: Continental Drift
Fox
Release date: July 13
Buzz: Our prehistoric friends are back for another adventure that’s fun for the whole family. When the continental divide begins courtesy of acorn-loving Scrat, the gang is set adrift on an iceberg, only to come face-to-face with a brand new world of creatures and pirates.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Ted
Universal
Release date: July 13
Buzz: Seth MacFarlane makes the move from the small to big screen as writer, director and voice star of this tale centered on a man (Mark Wahlberg) and his teddy bear (MacFarlane), who comes to life as the result of a childhood wish. If the teddy bear is anything like Brian from "Family Guy", we're sold.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: The Dark Knight Rises
Warner Brothers
Release date: July 20
Buzz: The Caped Crusader emerges from the shadows to fight villain Bane and protect the metropolis of Gotham, a city that has turned against him. Still shrouded in secrecy, director Christopher Nolan has promised The Dark Knight Rises will be the end-all of his Batman trilogy. Expect it to be epic, dark, and filled with brand-new bat toys. Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard and Joseph Gordon-Levitt join Batman-regulars Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Neighborhood Watch
Fox
Release date: July 27
Buzz: Written by comedic duo Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, who previously penned Superbad and Pineapple Express, this one stars Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and British writer-director-actor Richard Ayoade as a group of suburban dads who take their neighborhood watch gig seriously and have to really prove themselves when aliens decide to drop by. Betcha didn't see that one coming.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Step Up Revolution
Studio: eOne
Release date: July 27
Buzz: The fourth film in the series brings dancing to the streets of Miami where dance-mobbers fight to save their beloved neighbourhood from being demolished by a corporate development plan. The trailer has our toes tapping, ready to bust a move with the Miami dance crew and hopefully pick up a few steps for the dance floor along the way.
Watch the trailer now!

 

Title: The Bourne Legacy
Studio: Universal
Release date: August 3
Buzz: If you'd thought the heart-stopping big-screen Bourne adventures had come to a close, it's time to think again. Tony Gilroy, the architect behind the first three film chapters, takes the helm again as we're introduced to a new hero (Jeremy Renner) whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: Total Recall
Sony
Release date: August 3
Buzz: Len Wiseman puts his own spin on the classic 1990 sci-fi tale about a man (Colin Farrell) who gets virtual memories implanted only to find out that he's not who he thinks he is. Expect lots of questions about identity and truth in this Toronto-filmed remake.
Watch the trailer now!

Title: The Campaign
Warner Bros.
Release date: August 10
Buzz: We're thinking this one might lean more toward the underrated Charlie Bartlett than some of Jay Roach's other, broader comedies. But with Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis as two rival North Carolina politicians with presidential aspirations, we do know it will be darn funny. 

Watch the trailer now! 

Title: The Expendables 2
Alliance
Release date: August 17
Buzz: Stallone and company prove that age is just a number in this revenge-driven sequel starring action heavyweights Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, and the man whose roundhouse kick can stop time, Chuck Norris. These guys can teach a thing or two to youngster Liam Hemsworth who’s also along for the ride. 

Watch the trailer now!

 

Title: ParaNorman
Alliance
Release date: August 17
Buzz: He’s freaky and he knows it. It’s a good thing Norman can talk to the dead, because he needs to save his parents and his town from a centuries-old curse. This stop-motion animated feature comes to us from the producers of Coraline, so you can expect the visuals to be whimsical and creepy.
Watch the trailer now!

Top 5 Movies to Watch with Mom on Her Day

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday May 13, and we bet you have some plans or gifts for mom this weekend. If you are looking for the perfect movie to watch with her during the week or after Sunday's brunch; check out this top 5 list of movies to laugh, cry, and cuddle together.

1.  Stepmom (1998)

Susan Sarandon is Jackie Harrison, a terminally-ill mom who decides to make the best of things and teach the new woman (Julia Roberts) in her ex-husband’s life how to be a good stepmom to her kids.

Why You Should Watch It: It's kind of sad seen a character dying in a movie, but Susan Sarandon’s Jackie Harrison still believes in celebrating her family’s time together until her last day on earth, as she does one scene where she joyously dances with her kids to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” She helps Julia (stepmom) to become a good friend for her children.

2. Erin Brockovich

An unemployed single mom (Julia Roberts) becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city’s water supply.

Why You Should Watch It: Because Erin is invincible, she does not let anyone fool her and her people. She fights for the future of her kids and community.

 

3. Chocolat (2000)

Vianne Rocher and her daughter, Anouk, are drifters who arrive in a small French village and open a chocolate shop during lent, shocking the devout villagers. But everyone soon finds that more than chocolate is brewing in the shop as the lives of the townspeople begin to change.

Why You Should Watch It: Vianne and Anouk are a dynamic mother-daughter duo who share a unique relationship that holds them together even in the face new challenges. And Johnny Dep is a great love-addition.

 

4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

A young Greek woman named Toula (Nia Vardalos) falls in love with a non-Greek guy (John Corbett), then struggles to accept a culture which says: “Nice Greek girls are supposed to do three things in life: marry Greek boys, make Greek babies, and feed everyone…until the day we die.”

Why You Should Watch It:  Even if a mom feels her job is to cook “foods filled with warmth and wisdom, and never forgetting that side dish of steaming hot guilt,” you know she does it out of love. In this film, Toula’s mom Maria convinces Toula's father to 'let her be' and achieve her dreams. 

  

5. The Blind Side (2009)

Sandra Bullock scored a touchdown at the Oscars when she won Best Actress for this inspiring true story about a mom who forms a bond with a young homeless man bound for athletic stardom.

Why You Should Watch It:  Because besides being a wealthy and powerful woman, Leigh Anne is a sweet mother who only wants to do good and help Michael succeed in life. She is a great example of kindness and generosity.

This 5 de Mayo: Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto

05/05/2012

Are you a boxing fan? Then, you probably know about the biggest and most awaited boxing match of the year. That's right! This Saturday May 5th, Whether you live around Westfield, NJ or Bloomfield, CT. you will be able to bring your friends, spouse or kids (it's a save environment and we do not serve alcohol) to watch the fight at your local Digiplex theater.

NCM Fathom, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Golden Boy Promotions are celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a mega fight LIVE from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto plus Alvarez vs. Mosley comes to movie theaters nationwide- including your local Digiplex- on May 5 at 9:00pm ET. Ring Kings brings boxing superstar Floyd "Money" Mayweather face to face with World Champion Miguel Cotto, who will attempt to defend his WBA Super Welterweight World title. This is a step up in weight for Mayweather and will be a gargantuan showdown between two future Hall of Famers who bring excitement and fierce competition every time they step into the ring. Canelo Alvarez Plus don’t miss the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion and Mexican sensation Canelo Alvarez as he takes on Six-Time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley in a fight that will be sure to pull any sports fan out of their seats. Remember the red-head who won against Alfonso Gomez last September 9/17/11 before the Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight? This kid is pretty awesome as well! Don’t miss the Ring Kings knockout event with seats that put you ringside! TICKETS Tickets on sale now! Visit www.digiplexdest.com or get them earlier at your Digiplex box office.

Our Newest Digiplex Theaters are: Cinema Centers in PA

Since our company has gone public, now we are acquiring more theaters to be part of the Digiplex Destinations chain. See the article by Matt Hutchinson below to learn more about Cinema Centers.

Cinema Center sold to NJ company

April 21, 2012

By MATT HUTCHINSON - mhutchinson@sungazette.com , Williamsport Sun-Gazette

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Ownership of the city's multiplex theater has changed hands as of Friday afternoon.

The Cinema Center, 300 W. Fourth St., was purchased by Digital Cinema Destinations Corp., according to a news release from Cinema Centers, Inc.

Digital Cinema Destinations Corp. - known as Digiplex - is based in Westfield, N.J. Cinema Centers, which is the largest independently-owned family theater circuit in Pennsylvania, is based in Millersburg, about 30 miles north of Harrisburg.

The purchase includes all five of Cinema Center's locations, including Bloomsburg, Selinsgrove, Camp Hill and Reading. Marvin and Doris Troutman, founders and owners of Cinema Center, will continue to operate a seasonal drive-in theater in Gratz.

Trudy T. Withers, Cinema Center executive vice president of operations, said the only noticeable changes will be good ones.

"They're keeping all employees. Everything will run the same," she said. "We're not doing anything drastic; just making it better."

In addition to movies, Digiplex offers other entertainment options such as live sports events, concerts, opera, and auctions that are streamed in live via technology.

"These guys really have lots of cool ideas," Withers said. "They want to have all five of our locations totally digital in 60 days."

All Cinema Center locations will remain open daily and operate on similar schedules, according to Gina Troutman DiSanto, Cinema Center CEO.

"We feel strongly Digiplex will continue to serve the communities with quality entertainment and provide the technology to take Cinema Center into the future," DiSanto added.

The purchase price was not disclosed. The Cinema Center opened in May 2008.

"We have a lot of faith in this company," Withers said.

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