History
Film was always a part of Brooklyn Center since opening its doors in 1955. At first the technology was simple - 16mm equipment was used to show older titles in the small Gershwin Theatre. It soon became apparent that to do justice to the great works of motion picture art, the best state-of-the-art, professional projection and sound systems had to be installed; soon the Cinema arm of the Center moved to the much larger Walt Whitman Theatre and could show both the classics as well as the latest, first run titles, rivaling the best cinema houses in Manhattan. We worked to obtain the best prints available of the classics so we could be as true to the intent of the directors and cinematographers as possible. The major studios were so impressed with our presentation values that many times they would arrange sneak previews with us before opening their new releases in Manhattan in order to showcase a new picture and generate positive word-of-mouth within the Brooklyn community.
Specialties
Brooklyn Center Cinema is a unique component of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts. Our mission is to screen classic, independent, and foreign, films in our magnificent, art deco Walt Whitman Theatre located on the Brooklyn College Campus, sporting breathtaking 6 Channel Total Surround MegaSound and a 40 foot, true CinemaScope Screen. Due to the film industry's conversion to digital projection, like many art house cinemas, Brooklyn Center has had to suspend regular screening programs while we regroup to find ways to fund the very expensive conversion to digital projection now necessary to show current motion pictures. We will have special CinEvents when we are able to find good film prints. Be sure to leave your email contact information on our website, www.BrooklynCenter.com, so we can inform you of special film screenings. While there, be sure to look over the live concert events -- music, dance and theatre, as well as Children's programs, many of which are free.