The pandemic was the final act for some movie theaters but others found a way to bounce back.

And it’s these innovative theater owners, who not only survived the shut down and surge in streaming subscriptions implemented new ways to engage audiences and are now enjoying what the industry calls the next great era of cinema.

“I think movie theaters will always be around,” said Joel Kincaid, vice-president of operations for MJR Theatres, during last week’s grand opening of MJR’s new state-of-the-art IMAX auditorium at MJR Troy Cinema.

“As long as they continue to adapt and evolve,” Kincaid added, while greeting a wave of guests excited to see “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” on what is a really big screen.

Not to mention a really big investment for MJR.

“It’s in the millions,” Kincaid said, of the second IMAX screen to be installed at one of MJR’s 10 Michigan theaters.

Patrons of MJR Southgate were the first to experience MJR’s IMAX screen two years ago.

“We’re thrilled to bring this next level IMAX experience to our guests at MJR Troy,” said the VP prior to the opening. “Combining the cutting-edge visuals and sound of IMAX’S 4K laser technology with our signature zero-gravity recliners, VIP privacy pods and LUX Loungers this will undoubtedly be the golden standard for moviegoing in Metro Detroit.”

Among those who would agree is Paul Gantz.

“We have seen investments in the future of moviegoing payoff in a big way,” said Gantz, co-founder of Emagine Entertainment, who was featured in a special report by Cinema United, a trade organization founded in 1948, representing more than 31,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries worldwide. “The enthusiasm that our customers show is undeniable.”

Big changes

Watching movies from the comforts of home is nice but it’s nothing like the experience of IMAX as many fans will tell you.

The rumble in your seat.

The sounds.

The amazing details in the big picture.

“You feel connected to the movie,” said Jordan Kitson of Eastpointe, who attended MJR’s IMAX event featuring free food, drinks, popcorn, candy and a short film highlighting why IMAX is as incredible as everyone says it is.

Among the Hollywood directors promoting the fantastic screens is writer-director Christopher Nolan, who has been shooting with IMAX cameras since “The Dark Knight,” according to an article by the Associated Press.

“The sharpness and the clarity and the depth of the image is unparalleled,” Nolan said. “The headline, for me, is that by shooting on IMAX 70mm film you’re really letting the screen disappear. You’re getting a feeling of 3D without the glasses. You’ve got a huge screen and you’re filling the peripheral vision of the audience.”

A recent example is Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”

The film about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist who oversaw the development of the first atomic bomb during World War II, Nolan and his effects teams were faced with the immense task of recreating the blast with all of its blinding brilliance.

“We knew that this had to be the showstopper,” Nolan said, adding that high resolution cameras are enabling directors to do all of the amazing things with pictures that they’ve only been able to do with sound in terms of an oversize impact for the audience.

Paul Feig concurred.

However, the Clinton Township native and Hollywood director of such blockbuster films as “Bridesmaids,” “The Heat,” “Spy,” and “Ghostbusters” said the medium has to match the content.

“There are movies that benefit from the scale and filmic quality of the large format physical 70mm film. But digital technology has gotten so advanced that most audiences will be hard put to tell the difference between 70mm and high-end digital. For 70mm to be effective it needs to be shown in a large format venue like IMAX, of which there are fewer theaters,” Feig told The Macomb Daily. “When I made ‘Ghostbusters,’ we released an IMAX version that had been shot on digital cameras and the scope and quality were comparable to 70mm without us having to incur the higher costs of that format. So, to me, 70mm is more of a personal creative choice for a filmmaker but not necessarily something that most audiences will be aware of unless it’s advertised to them.”

When they do know their movie is on IMAX that’s where they want to see it.

“We see patrons exchanging their tickets all the time in order to see a movie on IMAX,” said Gantz, who built one of the state’s largest movie screens just before the pandemic at their Canton location as part of Emagine’s Super EMX branding.

Construction of the screen required a 15,000 square foot addition to the complex, and was completed in a breakneck pace of only 104 days.

Since then, two other screens, measuring roughly the size of a regulation NBA basketball court have been added in Novi and Batavia and according to Gantz are always the first to sell out.

“We served 5.7 million guests last year and we’re ahead of the pace in 2025,” he said, of their attendance in all theaters.

AMC, which has 9,789 screens at 871 locations in 11 countries, announced XL at AMC last year, which was an initiative that boosts existing extra large screens with stunning 4K laser projection. According to Cinema United the concept was piloted in Europe at the company’s ODEON Cinemas locations and after encouraging customer feedback decided to expand to 50-100 screens in the U.S.

Theater goers

Technology plays a big role in movies.

But it’s not everything.

Brian Kitson of Eastpointe is a reader and when Warner Bros. Pictures started releasing the film adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s world of wizards in movie theaters across the country he was there.

“I’ll never forget those midnight releases,” he said, recalling the thrill of waiting in line late at night in order to be the first among his friends to see the latest installment in the “Harry Potter” franchise.

“I read all of the books so getting to see them come to life on the big screen was magical,” said Kitson, who attended MJR’s big screen debut.

Joining him was Nicholas Miller of Hamlin Park, whose fondest memory was going to the movies with his grandfather, who died not long after they enjoyed a night out together.

“We love going to the movies,” said Micah Moss of Detroit, who attended MJR’s big screen debut along with her husband Caleb Moss. “The popcorn. The VIP seats. “We probably go once a week.”

VIP seats are cozy vignettes that theaters are providing for audiences who want a little more comfort and privacy, for a little more money, that feature leather recliners and a side table like you might have at home.

“It’s a lot different from watching a movie at home,” said Caleb, who was particularly excited to see “Black Panther” among other Marvel movies on the big screen.

Micah said she’s always been a fan of movie theaters.

“I will never forget seeing ‘Aladdin,’ for the first time,” said Micah, recalling one of her earliest memories of going to the movies with her family. “I went with my parents. It was such a good experience.”

Caleb said he had a similar experience with “Indiana Jones.”

Troy Mayor Ethan Baker said it is all about the experience that theaters are providing now.

“Just think about it. Back in the 80’s and 90’s we were all sitting on uncomfortable seats (very close together) because it was our only option,” said Baker, who was very pleased to see MJR investing in their business and replacing the old seats with new recliners. “Now the theaters are competing with streaming movies at home so they have to be able to provide that family room atmosphere here.”

Even still, Baker said theaters have always provided audiences with a fun escape.

As a young man working his way through law school, Baker said the theater was a break from his usual studies. It also gave him a fun place to take his girl, Bethany, now his wife and the mother of their three children.

“The movie theater brings families together and it’s a good way for them to bond,” added Baker, remembering how excited his daughter was after seeing Disney’s “Up.” “For years after she would always say, ‘Remember when we went to see ‘Up’ dad?’”

“Movies mean a lot to people,” Baker said.

They also mean a lot to actors, many of whom have gone out of their way to promote movie theaters.

“If it weren’t for folks like Tom Cruise and Christopher Nolan I think it’s entirely conceivable that the studios could have cut their ties with us and left us in the dust pile,” Gantz said, referring to the golden era of streaming television mined during the pandemic. “They believe in the value of the communal experience and services that come with seeing a movie on the big screen.”

“It’s just a different experience,” Gantz said, adding that he believes that there’s room for everyone to be successful but that movie theaters have to get better in order to compete.”

Industry report

“Every single day, exhibitors (theaters) around the world strive to find creative ways to elevate the moviegoing experience,” said the report by Cinema United highlighting what movie theaters are doing to achieve that goal.

These goals include:

• Reinvesting in their communities,• Technological innovation• And more than a movie: this includes everything from new food offerings, special screenings for autism and dementia viewers to heated seats and special merchandising such as collectible popcorn tins.

Emagine has two major partners who provide the collectible tins, which right now are as hot as Johnny Storm, on a regular basis including Goldenlink and Snap Company. The recent release of “The Fantastic Four” featured a Galactus Tub popcorn vessel that had a price tag of $70. Gantz said they only ordered 108 tubs for the entire chain thinking because of the price they wouldn’t move.

“We sold 105 on the first day,” Gantz said. “This is an emerging avenue for our industry and we will continue to look to provide items and merchandise that our guests clearly want.

Many theaters across the country are also partnering with groups and organizations in their community.

One example in the report was The State Theatre in Iowa.

Since 1897, movie goers have shared a communal experience at the State Theatre, and it remains an irreplaceable part of the community.

The team that runs the day-to-day operations, Fridley Theatres has 97 screens and 17 locations throughout the state, and while it has a storied past it doesn’t rely solely on its history as the main draw.

The theatre regularly partners with the chamber of commerce for events like last fall’s Halloween movie and theatre ghost tour. Every April, the State Theatre participates in Washington’s annual Farm to Film Fest, hosting opening ceremonies for the festival and screenings of local films.

“In an age of megaplexes, the State Theatre is an anomaly in the movie industry,” said Adam Nihart, director of Theatre Operations for Fridley Theatres. “It isn’t lost on us that the perfect combination of historical significance, community support, and caring management makes it a success.”

According to Cinema United, watching a movie on the big screen is here to stay.

“Theatres are the cornerstones of small towns, rural communities, and major cities all around the world,” Cinema United said in their March report. “Going to the movies is ingrained in our social fabric, and movie fans of all ages continue to flock to theatres of all sizes to see movies on the big screen.”

As a filmmaker Feig said he makes movies for large groups of people to see and enjoy.

“We engineer our films to have maximum impact for a live audience to interact with and react to,” Feig said. “While the advent of streamers making movies has thankfully allowed us to get some of our films made, nothing can ever replace the effectiveness of having our movies play to full theaters of people versus individuals watching in their homes. Simply put, I believe movies just mean more to people when they first experience them on the big screen.”

It’s summertime in Macomb County and that means the return of the Summer Discovery Cruises program.

The voyageurs and fur traders, shipwrecks, lighthouses, science and the birds who migrate to the area are just a few of engaging topics that will be covered during the leisurely cruises on Lake St. Clair.

MSU Extension along with Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) and Michigan Sea Grant will be offering the educational on-boat experiences for individuals and families July 11 through Aug. 9.

“We’re happy to be able to offer the Summer Discovery Cruise program again this year,” Andrew Cox, director/health officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services (MCDHCS), which oversees the MSU Extension department said, in a news release. “It’s a fun, educational way to experience the wonders of Lake St. Clair in Macomb County.”

The cruise alone is a great way to spend a day on the lake.

Adding to the experience are engaging programs led by a variety of professionals, some of whom are involved in the preservation and conservation of the Great Lakes and its surrounding watersheds.

The leisurely cruises depart from Lake St. Clair Metropark North Marina and are usually about two hours long.

“Our Summer Discovery Cruises are perfect for families, group leaders and anyone looking for an opportunity to learn about and enjoy Lake St. Clair,” said Kristi Evans, district director of Michigan State University Extension. “I would encourage anyone who is looking for a unique summer experience to make their reservations as soon as possible.”

The cruise and programs covering a variety of topics will start July 11 and run through Aug. 9. Departure times are at 10 a.m. and 1, 4 and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $30 per person.

Seating is limited and early registration is highly encouraged at metroparks.com/summer-discovery-cruises/.

“I’m excited about this year’s program,” said Angela Scapini, an MSU Extension sea grant educator who works with local communities, partners and networks promoting Great Lakes literacy and community resiliency through paced-based education programs like the Summer Discovery Cruise.. “We have an excellent lineup of cruise themes and I’m looking forward to sharing them with everyone.”

Reservations for any cruise is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.

For more information visit metroparks.com/summer-discovery-cruises/

Calling all golfers.

Got a child that could be the next Tiger Woods or Nelly Korda?

Bank of America’s Golf With Us program gives children who cannot afford access to a course the opportunity to get on one and develop their skills.

However, Saturday is the last day to register.

“Through ‘Golf with Us,’ Bank of America is opening doors for young people in Metro Detroit, demonstrating that with dedication and support, they can achieve great things both on and off the golf course,” said Star Crawford, senior vice-president and market executive with Bank of America Detroit, in a news release. “By providing accessible opportunities to engage with the game, we’re helping to build confidence and life skills that extend far beyond the fairway.”

The program that has partnered with Youth on Course gives Metro Detroit kids affordable access to local golf courses, helping develop confidence, life skills, and a lifelong love of the game.

The initiative was launched during this year’s Masters Tournament, where Bank of America served as Champion Partner. In addition to subsidized rounds, Golf with Us will host free clinics across select U.S. cities, including Metro Detroit, featuring professional golfers, athletes, and other notable figures.

Those interested can register for the program at BofA.com/GolfwithUs.

Once registered, families can take advantage of a free one-year Youth on Course membership, courtesy of Bank of America.

Among the courses in Macomb County participating in this national initiative offering $5 or less rounds of golf for youth between the ages of 6 and 18 is Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Macomb Township.

Other participating sites include: Chandler Park Golf Course at 12801 Chandler Park Dr., Detroit and Royal Oak Golf Center at 3500 Edgar Ave., Royal Oak.

Sycamore Hills Golf Club is at 48787 North Ave., Macomb

The special needs bicycle for Max Davidson has not arrived but the smile on his face says he knows it’s coming.

“I like to put my feet on the pedals,” said Max, 7, and one of 100 children in Southeast Michigan invited to Bike Day at Corewell Health’s Center for Children’s Rehabilitation in Royal Oak, where a team of experts worked to fit them for a no-cost custom, adaptable bicycle.

The bicycles are not something you can buy at any store.

They range in price from $1,300 to $5,000 and can be adapted to meet the needs of a variety of riders, and ages.

Some can even be pedaled by hand.

Such technology comes at a cost but thankfully covered by the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Corewell Health Foundation, not to mention the community that supports them.

“When we round up to donate coins at a Speedway gas station or contribute to a Dairy Queen Children’s Network fundraiser that money pays for these bicycles,” said Charlotte Alex, director of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Corewell Health Children’s. “I would be remiss if I did not stress we are also incredibly grateful to our expert and caring vendors, our dedicated volunteers and the extraordinary generosity of the people of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. It’s you who make these adaptive bicycles possible.”

While a few pennies in a jar doesn’t seem like a big contribution, it adds up and every bike purchased makes a huge difference in people’s lives.

“They offer a fun and dynamic opportunity for exercise, socialization and family togetherness,” said Ryan Barto, Corewell Health bike day coordinator and senior pediatric occupational therapist. “The physical benefits, including improved strength and coordination, are numerous.”

Bike Day has also become a tradition for parents of children with special needs like Max, who was born with hemimegalencephaly, a rare neurological disorder that causes seizures and is drug resistant.

Before the age of one Max had to undergo a hemispherectomy, which involved removing the right side of his brain, which was causing the seizures. Since then, he has been in therapy to help the left side of his brain to take over the duties of the right side.

What’s been a great help is the bicycle.

“I notice his back is straighter and his gait is strong after he rides his bike,” said Kelly Davidson, while watching Max and his sister Eleanor playing in the driveway of their Shelby Township home. “It’s just a wonderful program. It gives kids an opportunity to get a bike they’re able to ride.”

Max concurred.

“I like going fast,” he said of the bicycle he will receive in July.

Delta Airlines and Tubby’s Sub Shops are also sponsors of Bike Day.

Motorists in Michigan preparing to travel during Memorial Day Weekend are hoping gas prices continue to decrease.

This weekend motorists were paying an average of $3.06 per gallon, which was 6 cents less than this time last month.

“Michigan drivers are seeing lower prices at the pump this week,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA-The Auto Club Group in Monday’s report. “If demand stays low, alongside increasing gasoline stocks, motorists could continue to see gas prices decline.”

This price is 6 cents less than this time last month and 59 cents less than this time last year.

Across the state motorists were paying an average of $45 for a full 15-gallon tank of gasoline; a discount of about $12 from 2024’s highest price last July.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9.09 million barrels of oil per day to 8.71. Total domestic gasoline supply slightly increased from 225.5 million barrels to 225.7. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.7 million barrels per day.

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $1.02 to settle at $58.07 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 2 million barrels from the previous week. At 438.4 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year.

A weekly comparison of prices showed Metro Detroit’s average daily gas price decreased. Metro Detroit’s current average is $3.09 per gallon, about 8 cents less than last week’s average and 51 cents less than this same time last year.

AAA report on state and metro gas averaged showed:

• Most expensive gas price averages:  Ann Arbor ($3.11), Marquette ($3.10), Metro Detroit ($3.09)• Least expensive gas price averages: Traverse City ($2.94), Jackson ($2.95), Flint ($2.98)

Find local gas prices

According to AAA’s report, daily national, state, and metro gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com Motorists can find the lowest gas prices on their smartphone or tablet with the free AAA Mobile app. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance.

Tips to save on gas

• Limit driving time by combining errands.• Use the apps and shop around for best gas prices in your community before you venture onto the roads.• Some retailers charge more per gallon when using a credit card, so consider paying cash. .• Remove excess weight in your vehicle.• Keep to the speed limit. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.• Find a savings program. AAA Members who enroll in Shell’s Fuel Rewards program can save 5 cents per gallon when they fill up at Shell.

For more information visit acg.aaa.com/.

The only thing worse than the need for community food pantries is having a pantry and not being able to store perishable goods.

That’s what makes the food pantry grant for a new refrigeration unit offered by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan in collaboration with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and the BCBSM Foundation such a blessing.

“Last year we served 75,665 people and because of the refrigeration unit we were able to store milk between pantry days for emergency food,” said Sue Ostosh, executive director of Harvest Time Christian Fellowship Church’s pantry and among the organizations that have received the grant that’s now open for new applicants.

Emergency food as Ostosh explained is a term that pantries use for people who are in a crisis situation.

“They have no food in the house. No food in the cupboards. Their children are hungry and they don’t know what to do,” Ostosh said. “We probably serve three to five families in this situation every week.”

Harvest Time in Warren is one of 179 organizations in 54 counties that have received a grant to help people facing food insecurity, which includes about 14% of people in Michigan or one in seven Michiganders, according to a report by Feeding America. Older adults, seniors over the age of 60, are also at risk with a food insecurity rate of 6.5%.

According to the BCBSM, the situation is even worse for children, with nearly one in six lacking enough to eat and more than 20 counties having 20% or more kids without reliable access to healthy food.

“When families have consistent access to fresh, nutritious foods like milk, cheese and yogurt it supports their health, development and well being,” said Amiee Vondrasek, health and wellness senior manager for the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, in a news release. “Through this grant program, we’re proud to partner with organizations across Michigan to ensure food pantries are equipped to provide the dairy foods their communities want and need, especially for children and seniors facing food insecurity.”

Todd Anderson concurred.

“Access to fresh produce is critically important for growing children and families who are making ends meet with fewer resources,” said the market president for Blue Cross Complete. “Having these basic needs met creates a positive shift in a person’s overall health and wellbeing. It helps bring them out of survival mode, and that ripples out and allows whole communities to thrive.”

The refrigeration units cost $7,000.

In addition to the refrigeration unit, food pantry grantees will also receive personalized technical assistance to enhance pantry operations and $250 in dairy match funding to purchase additional eligible dairy products for their pantry.

“Food pantries play a vital role in providing individuals and families with access to nutritious food and BCBSM and the BCBSM Foundation are proud to offer resources to help expand their reach and impact,” said Tiffany Albert, senior vice president of community relations for BCBSM. “By investing in food pantries, we can address the immediate need of our communities and equip pantries with the necessary resources, tools and support to serve those in need for years to come.”

Ostosh, whose pantry in Warren serves families in Macomb and parts of Oakland and Wayne counties, said she appreciates what BCBSM is doing.

She just wishes more companies were doing it.

“I could use another refrigerator,” she said. “Even a walk-in cooler or freezer would be great.”

Grant applications are due June 22. They must be submitted using the online application.

For more information and to apply visit the Food Pantry Grant Program site at milkmeansmore.org/dairy-in-the-community/food-pantry-grant-program/

Harvest Time Christian Fellowship Church food pantry is 8204 East 9 Mile Rd., in Warren.