CAPA Summer Movie Series – Keeping 35mm Films Alive

Rich Corsi, CAPA’s VP of Programming, takes us behind-the-scenes of the CAPA Summer Movie Series. Now in its 46th year, the CAPA Summer Movie Series is the longest-running classic film series in the United States.

The Ohio Theatre opened in 1928 as a silent-movie palace, and we pride ourselves in keeping that history alive. One way we preserve that authenticity, is by showing as many films as possible in the 35mm format.

“You know, I really do think there is something to be said about showing a film in the format that it was shot in, like 35mm,” says Corsi. “There’s just something about seeing it on that big screen in the theatre, knowing audiences back in the ‘30s saw the same thing, the same way. There’s a beauty about it travelling for the past 60 years.”

Because of the fragility of 35mm films, many distribution companies are opting for the risk-free option of digital. “Obviously it would be easier to get a Blu-Ray,” says Corsi. “You can order a Blu-Ray, and they can deliver it by envelope the next day. Or, you can order six, 20 pound reels delivered by truck, and hope the reel doesn’t get crushed, or spliced in the wrong place. But we pride ourselves in getting as many of the 35mm films as possible.”

This year, 18 of the 27 films shown will be in 35mm format. Many film purists flock to the Ohio Theatre for that experience. “People want the grain and the crackle,” says Corsi.

The CAPA Summer Movie Series runs through August 7 at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $4 at the door, or a strip of 10 tickets is $25 through July 24.