http://www.klipsch.com/The Show Must Go On: Historic Picture Palace gets Revitalized with Klipsch
by Sarah Knight
Unlike many historic picture palaces, Cameo Cinemas has survived the test of time. Since first opening in 1935, this theater has changed ownership five times and closed its doors twice. But a 2003 makeover, including new Klipsch loudspeakers, and re-launch has given the Cameo a renewed energy that takes it well beyond its initial heyday.
Located amongst the mountainous Dandenong Ranges in the quaint township of Belgrave, Australia, the cherished Cameo is once again a focus of social activity for the community. Presenting a mix of first-run arthouse films, quality blockbusters and Hollywood classics, this revitalized cinema has something for everyone.
To accommodate its variety of films, the Cameo now features four theaters. In order to give moviegoers the most dynamic sound experience available, Atlab Image and Sound Technology installed best-of-class Klipsch professional cinema systems in each auditorium.
With 323 seats, Cinema 1 is the Cameo's largest and oldest auditorium. It features three THX®-certified KPT-942-T behind-the-screen loudspeakers, 14 THX®-certified KPT-8001 surrounds and two THX®-approved KPT-684 high-output, bass-reflex subwoofers. Despite its new sound system, projection equipment and seating, Cinema 1 will retain its historic foot-warmers and a 48-seat section of its renowned and instantly recognizable red leather chairs.
Cinemas 2 and 3 are also equipped to deliver amazing performances by utilizing KPT-904 mid-sized behind-the-screen loudspeakers, KPT-8001 surrounds and a KPT-684 subwoofer. Even the small 65-seat Cinema 4 has enough power to blow audiences away. It incorporates three space-saving KPT-325 behind-the-screen loudspeakers, eight KPT-8001 surrounds and a compact, high-output KPT-484 subwoofer.
According to Atlab's Senior Technical Manager Bob Lucas, Klipsch cinema systems are his company's best selling loudspeakers. “With Klipsch speakers, the sound on dialog is very natural without the typical horn ‘croak' that a lot of other cinema speakers have. The bass is strong, the high frequencies are not harsh and metallic, and, at high levels, Klipsch has great impact without sounding loud or hurting your ears.”
“I first heard Klipsch's cinema systems at Malco's Majestic Theater in Memphis. The Majestic has a number of top manufacturers' cinema systems, which provides a good opportunity to compare them against each other. After critical listening, I felt that the Klipsch speakers sounded the best. They definitely stood out from the rest.”
To preserve the spirit of its past, the Cameo retains its finest historical features from the Art Deco period, together with decorative flourishes from its post-1970s life. The cinema foyer has also kept its 1980s chrome spotlights and mirrored tiles, but with additional chrome and glass features. Reeded wallpaper has been used throughout to create a fine bamboo effect along with a cream and brown color scheme.
Even the Cameo's snack bar has a distinctive look, with glass and chrome features, and old-style confectionary and sweets from the local area. In addition, the cinema features a new sidewalk café that offers indoor and outdoor seating along with a variety of light meals, snacks, desserts and great coffee.
Because of its new owner Eddie Tamir, the Cameo is one of the few architecturally notable, decorative cinemas still operating in Victoria; the second smallest but most densely populated state in Australia.
Tamir purchased the Cameo in September 2003 because he wanted to return it to its former glory and make it part of the resurgence of the area by providing audiences with movies that make them laugh, cry and commune.
“I'm drawn to old cinemas that resonate with the laughter and tears of audiences who have been moved by films in the past. The Cameo is a cinema that has always engaged the community, and I'm allowing this tradition to continue. There's a magic in the forests of the Dandenongs, and this is a fitting environment for the magic of film.”
By breathing new life into this treasured cinema, Tamir has proven that the show must go on. And if you're visiting the Land Down Under anytime soon, be sure to add the Cameo to your list of stops.