After the lights went up in the Dryden after the June 26 screening of I Shot Jesse James and our patrons left the theatre, the two Century 35mm projectors that had served us for 55 years were cleaned, covered in packing blankets, and wrapped in plastic. That action was one step in the process of preparing the Dryden booth for two-and-a-half weeks of intensive work. This break in our regular programming was necessary for the next crucial work in our Dryden technical upgrade project: the installation of new Kinoton FP 38 E dual 35mm/16mm projectors, new speakers and amplifiers, a new PA and infrared hearing-impaired system, and a new projection screen. This long-awaited phase was made possible by a $500,000 grant from the New York State Dormitory Authority that was championed by our New York State Senators: Michael F. Nozzolio, James S. Alesi, George D. Maziarz, and Joseph E. Robach. Additional support was provided through the capital grants program of the New York State Council on the Arts.

Perhaps the only change that our audience will immediately notice in the Dryden Theatre when it reopens on July 13 (celebrated that evening with visiting actor Farley Granger and his film Strangers on a Train) will be enlarged port windows in the projection booth wall. But the audience members will see the real changes when the credits roll and they begin to enjoy a film-going experience of exceptional quality.

These technical upgrades have been long awaited and will greatly improve the Dryden’s archival projection capabilities. At press time, word has reached us that George Eastman House has been awarded an additional New York State grant for further work on the Dryden Theatre. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting news.

Welcome back to the new, improved, and continually surprising Dryden Theatre, where we care enough to project the very best!

—Caroline Yeager, Assistant Curator, Motion Picture Department