70mm Resurgence: Somerville Theatre Keeps Film Alive, One Heavy Reel at a Time

The Price of Purity: Preserving the 70mm Experience

In an era dominated by digital projection and streaming platforms, the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square stands as a bastion for traditional film exhibition. The venerable institution, which first opened its doors in 1914, remains the sole venue in the Greater Boston area capable of projecting films in the full Todd-AO array, complete with 6-track magnetic sound. This capability is not merely a nostalgic nod, it is a demanding commitment to a format that offers unparalleled visual and auditory immersion, a fact underscored by the theater's recent 70mm screenings of Tim Burton's Batman.

The logistical and technical challenges of exhibiting 70mm film are substantial. Unlike the ease of digital files, 70mm prints are physical, heavy, and require expert handling. The image of two individuals carrying a full-format film up a staircase is not a marketing stunt, it is a stark illustration of the labor involved. Each reel can weigh upwards of 50 pounds, and a feature film often comprises ten such reels, all of which must be meticulously changed throughout a single screening by a skilled projectionist.

The Unforgiving Craft of Film Projection

The dedication required for 70mm exhibition is often invisible to the audience but is absolutely critical to the experience. Head projectionist David Kornfeld, speaking to GBH News in March 2024, described 70mm as "unforgiving." This is not hyperbole. The larger film gauge, while offering superior resolution and clarity, also magnifies any imperfections in projection. Misfocus, misframing, or a faulty splice can instantly detract from the cinematic impact. The craft demands precision, experience, and a deep understanding of the mechanics involved.

Adrianne Jorge, a projectionist at the Somerville Theatre with three decades of experience, exemplifies this dedication. Having learned the trade at just 19 years old, her tenure predates the widespread adoption of digital projection. Her ability to execute ten reel changes a night, managing the immense weight and delicate handling required, speaks volumes about the physical and mental demands of the job. These individuals are not just operating machinery, they are preserving a piece of cinematic history and ensuring that audiences can still experience films as their creators originally intended, or as close to it as possible in a modern theatrical setting.

The commitment to 70mm at the Somerville Theatre is part of a broader, albeit niche, resurgence of film formats in theaters worldwide. While digital projection offers convenience and cost savings, a growing contingent of filmmakers and cinephiles champion the unique aesthetic and archival qualities of actual film. The tactile nature of film, its distinctive grain structure, and the ritual of its projection continue to captivate, offering a counter-narrative to the prevailing digital tide.

This ongoing dedication to film exhibition, especially in demanding formats like 70mm, is more than just a nod to nostalgia. It is a critical cultural effort. As the industry grapples with the future of moviegoing, the Somerville Theatre's continued investment in the integrity of the projected image serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most profound cinematic experiences are still found in the weight and whir of physical film. It's a high-stakes, heavy-lifting proposition, and for cinephiles, it is worth every ounce.

Related reading: The Art of Film Projection: A Beginner's Guide.