Ronni Hannaman: Galaxy Theatre provides immersive experiences for movie fans

Many of the baby boomers grew up going to the movies. Parents dropped you off on a Saturday morning to see the latest kid movies, many of which were made by Disney Studios that were preceded by news reels, cartoons, and action series that were continued from one week to the next.

If you had a TV, the screens were small, there were no remotes, the channels were few, and all offerings ended at midnight. It was a big deal to go to the movies whether indoor or outdoor with your family, friends or, most especially, on a date.

Movie theaters have been around since 1896 and have thrilled countless fans. Research shows that theaters rarely shut down for any reason as fully as was mandated by the pandemic of early 2020 that shuttered theaters and many other businesses for over six months. During the 1918 flu pandemic, theaters did close for a few weeks at the height of the pandemic but bounced right back.

For many businesses, including theaters, the mandated closure continues to be challenging to attract business even three years post pandemic. However, the new management at Carson’s Galaxy Theatre is confident moviegoers will be flocking back to theatres now that a selection of great movies are forthcoming.

Tony Angeles, general manager, and Sam Tripp, assistant general manager, have a long history in theater management. Angeles was a fixture at the Legends Galaxy in Sparks before being tapped to revive our theater. Tripp came from the Galaxy in Tulare, Calif. and just became a resident of Carson City.

Both can do anything needed to make movie-going a safe and relaxing experience. They can operate all the concession machines – most importantly the popcorn machine – and make sure the theater is clean.

What has streaming done to the in-house movie experience? Angeles states, “Theatre goers are coming back, especially when we are able to show blockbusters not yet on the streaming services.” Audiences flocked to the sci-fi thriller “Tenet,” the first movie shown when theatres reopened.

He did admit that when HBO/MAX was able to launch a new movie at the same time it hit theatres, it was a challenge to compete. But, he added, “Popcorn made at home just can’t compete with what we make inhouse and freshly made movie popcorn is a staple for movie fans.” Plus, watching a movie at home, no matter how large the screen, can’t begin to compare with the immersive experience found in a darkened theater along with the sound and screen quality.

I couldn’t agree more! In your mind’s eye, when Tom Cruise pilots his jet, you’re right in the seat behind him. When dancers did their amazing scenes on the L.A. freeway in LaLa Land, you can feel your feet sliding across the pavement or landing on cars. In the Barbie movie, you are skating with Barbie and Ken at the Venice Beach Skate Park. Sci-fi and comic-book fans love the big screen to be able to fully see every amazing detail of their hero or the galaxy.

The Galaxy is a separate entity from the Casino Fandango. The building and ground is owned by Olympia Gaming and leased by Galaxy Theatres with the two entities partnering in many promotions.

Angeles is very interested in making the theatre available for corporate and community meetings, special events, and for any reason a group may wish to gather. Tripp reminds us that their amazing popcorn is available in five-pound bags for “take out,” think Super Bowl, birthday parties and more.

All ages will love the “Flashback Cinema” series showing Sundays and Wednesdays with the first January showing of that crazy movie “Airplane,” on Jan. 7 and Jan. 10. Harry Potter and Sorcerer’s Stone is the following week and if you didn’t get enough of Titanic, it’s coming Jan. 28. The cost is only $5.

Sign up for the free reward members to see movies all day on Tuesdays for only $7.50. For a full list of movies and times go to https://www.galaxytheatres.com/movie-theater/carsoncity.

While watching movies at home may be convenient, the full experience of watching the latest movie in our Galaxy Theatre just can’t be beat!