Coolidge Corner Theatre ::

One of Brookline’s treasured landmarks, the fully restored art deco movie palace has three distinctive theatres: the main 600-seat theatre for presenting independent films, classic revivals (including 70mm), and a
selection of world cinema; and a 250-seat stadium for 16 and 35mm films
as well as live musical performances and other special events; and two
video screening rooms.

The Coolidge’s theatre owners pride themselves on offering the best film presentation around, so when they embarked on a major upgrade

of their cinema sound and projection automation systems, they chose BL&S for the job. Installing equipment to support such diverse product can be challenging; each theatre had two projectors, so the automation systems and sound systems required customization.

The BL&S team installed and tuned state-of-the-art Dolby cinema sound systems in both theatres, enabling the Coolidge to present a wide variety of product and support live performances. Finally, they installed custom automation systems, enabling a projectionist to automatically run both theatres.

BL&S also assists the Coolidge with its special presentation needs. In June 2005, BL&S sponsored its first ever 3D film festival. “We consider this an opportunity to give something back to our client and our community,” said Chapin Cutler, principal of BL&S. “Besides, this is the fun part of what we do.”

“BL&S has brought our historic 1933 theatre up to the standards that our film audience wants and expects in today’s tough competition to survive in the movie industry,” said Joe Zina, Executive Director of the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation. “...we now offer a superior theatrical experience in picture and sound, thanks to the upgrades that BL&S designed specifically for our theater.”

A superior theatrical experience

“BL&S has brought our historic 1933 theatre up to the standards that our film audience wants and expects in today’s tough competition to survive in the movie industry. We now offer a superior theatrical experience in picture and sound, thanks to the upgrades that BL&S designed specifically for our theater.”

— Joe Zina, Former Executive Director, Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation

Martin Scorsese’s Screening Room ::

Often considered one of America’s most important living filmmakers, Martin Scorsese has directed more than 25 films. He is said to find inspiration
for his own masterpieces in older films. In addition to screening answer
prints during film productions, he often screens movies from his extensive archival collection.

Based on its strong relationship with Universal Pictures, BL&S was hired to
install Mr. Scorsese’s personal screening room at the company’s facility in Manhattan. The BL&S team interfaced with architects and consultants to

ensure every detail met the company’s and Mr. Scorsese’s exacting standards. This required reconfiguring projection, sound, and control equipment to integrate well with the design elements of the room. The system also is equipped for use in small audio post production operations.

When Mr. Scorsese’s organization decided to move the screening room to their new facility more than a decade later, they entrusted BL&S with the complex job of shoehorning the 16mm and 35mm projection equipment into a smaller space. The team collaborated with architects, contractors, and electricians to ensure that every detail of the room, such as angular correction for many formats in several projectors, was perfected for optimal picture and sound presentation.

The company continues to provide service and periodic upgrades for the screening room, still located in midtown Manhattan.

New England Institute of Art Screening Room ::

BL&S served as consultant for the design and implementation of a high-performance screening room at the New England Institute of Art. The room features multi-source high-definition content, an automated touch-panel control system, and a state-of-the-art Genelec active audio system. The Media Arts Department was thrilled with the results; the new screening room is in constant use as both a screening venue and an interactive teaching space.