Farmington Civic Theater Closes Monday, Tuesday for Digital Conversion

The Farmington Civic Theater is scheduled to convert both of its screens to a digital projection system Monday, July 15 and Tuesday, July 16.  The theater, which first opened in 1940, has been showing movies from 35mm film since day one.  So, this is quite a leap.

Theater general manager Scott Freeman said the change is a necessary one.  "Film is nostalgic and surely adds to an old-time charm.  But, the production of 35mm film is being phased out."  He noted, "If we don't adapt, we'll be unable to continue showing current movies."  

The upgrades don't come cheap.  The theater will spend about $155,000 on the project which is being handled by Progressive Cinema Solutions of Farmington.

The conversion will include digital infrastructure to support the new additions.  Items that will provide the most impact for movie-goers are digital projectors, a sound upgrade to Dolby 7.1 surround, new speakers and the ability to show 3D movies in the upstairs theater.  Because the screen in the downstairs theater needs to remain retractable, a 3D screen won't work there.

Due to the installation project, the theater will be closed on July 15 and July 16.  The Miss Farmington Pageant will be held at the venue July 17.  Plans are to debut the new system for late movies after the pageant.

Movies and showtimes are available at www.theFCT.com and 248-474-1951.