Watch: Chicago’s Music Box Theatre Featured in Cinema Video Series

Watch: Chicago’s Music Box Theatre Featured in Cinema Video Series

by Alex Billington
March 31, 2025
Source: Cinema United

“We have the ability to give the experience of 35mm, 70mm, 16mm… We care about it.” Theater association Cinema United has revealed the first of their 2025 videos in their Behind the Screens series, taking a quick look at some iconic movie theaters around the US. This video was launched at the CinemaCon expo for movie theaters in Las Vegas this week. “This series shines a long overdue light on people who embody what is really special about theatrical exhibition,” states Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “[The series] puts a human face on why going to the theatre is an incredible experience. Their passion and commitment to movie fans shines through in every video. It is no wonder that people from across the [film] industry have reacted so positively to their stories.” The first of their new videos highlights the landmark Music Box Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. A world famous cinema, the Music Box has been showing movies for the last three decades – though it was originally built in 1929. Eventually restored as a two-screen cinema in Lakeview, Chicago. You’ll hear more from general manager Ryan Oestreich in the video below – enjoy.

Cinema United will be highlighting stories from innovativetheater owners during this week for CinemaCon

Their first online video focuses on Ryan Oestreich from The Music Box Theater in Chicago, one of the few independent theaters to show films in 35mm, 70mm & 16mm formats. pic.twitter.com/tu0dEJn0XO

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 31, 2025

You can get tickets to see films + learn more about the Music Box Theatre by visiting their official site here.

Thanks to @DiscussingFilm on Twitter for the tip on these videos. This video series comes directly from the Cinema United association (formerly called NATO – National Association of Theatre Owners). Revealed at CinemaCon this week, it’s the second season of Behind the Screens: The Faces of Exhibition highlighting the theater experience. This innovative series tells the unique and compelling stories of people from across the global cinema industry from the world’s largest chains to single-screen independent cinema owners. Behind the Screens was created and produced by Cinema United in association with FilmFrog. The 2025 videos will introduce us to the cinemas & their caretakers from: Polson Theatres in Montana, Cineplex in Toronto, Music Box Theatre in Chicago, Cranford Theater in New Jersey, and Regal Edwards Mira Mesa in San Diego. “You can feel their energy and dedication. That is what comes across in these videos and what makes them so special.” For more info on Behind the Screens, visit CinemaUnited.org. Go watch some films.

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