Cinemas In Linz
Since the end of the 19th century, Linz, capital of Upper Austria, has had a rich and varied cinema scene. From early film screenings on variety shows to contemporary multiplexes on the outskirts, the city has seen the growth and collapse of many cinemas.
The First Cinemas: Lifka, Bläser, and Roithner
Presented on September 1, 1896, as part of a variety show at “Roithner’s Varieté” in Linz, the first film program in Upper Austria. The moving images projected by a device known as the “Cinématographe Lumière”, developed by the French brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière stunned the public. On March 20, 1897, Johann Bläser’s traveling cinema visited the “Hôtel zum Goldenen Schiff”, on the main shopping avenue of Landstrasse. Inspired by German brothers Max and Emil Skladanowicz, Bläser’s films used a technique known as “Bioscop”.
However, the first permanent cinema with a regular schedule closed at the end of 1908. Karl Friedrich Lifka (1874(?)-1929) exhibited his “Grand Electric Theater of Lifka” in the same building where the inaugural screening of the film took place for the city. took place earlier, in “Roithner’s Varieté” at the time. Having traveled throughout Europe and Asia with his photographic equipment since 1897, Lifka was a precursor of Austrian cinema. After settling in Linz, he opened his cinema with a range of films, from comedies and dramas to documentaries and current affairs. Additionally, Lifka created several of his own images, including “Linz in Flammen” (Linz in Flames), which shows the fire that destroyed the city’s main bridge in 1909.
A few months later, the city’s second cinema opened its doors. Upon his arrival in Linz, traveling theater owner Johann Bläser bought the Schiff Hotel, where he had previously presented sporadic screenings, and installed a permanent cinema there, the “Bio-Kinématographe”, later known as the “Central – Bläser Cinematograph”. Bläser had 600 seats and his film was more opulent and spacious than Lifka’s. Using a technique developed by French inventor Léon Gaumont, Bläser also expanded his cinematic repertoire by introducing sound films in 1910 using the “Chronophon”.
Around 1910, variety show entrepreneur Karl Roithner founded the city’s third permanent cinema called “Kino Kolosseum”. Originally the venue was the historic Volksfesthalle on Hessenplatz. But four years later, the film had to close its doors again when the army transformed the building into barracks. After the war, in 1919, Roithner recovered the structure and restored its cinema room. The first move took place in 1928. The Kolosseum Kino moved to Mozartstraße (4-14). In 1936 it moved to its current location on Schillerplatz. The four-screen cinema there remained open until the turn of the millennium. Then the impressive theater building became a nightclub, closing its doors in 2006 and transforming the area into a budget brand.
The Golden Age of Cinema: The 1920s and 1930s
In Linz, as everywhere in the world, the 1920s and 1930s were the golden age of cinema. Sound films, the rise of genres and stars, and the growing acceptance of cinema as a means of mass entertainment all helped foster cinema culture in the city. Many recently opened cinemas in Linz during this period were the “Capitol” (1921), the “Union” (1923), the “Apollo” (1925), the “Admiral” (1927), the “Urania” (1928), “Scala” (1930) and “Hollywood” (1935). From Hollywood blockbusters and European art films to local productions and propaganda films, these cinemas showed a diverse range of films. Among the most watched films of the era were “Metropolis” (1927), “The Jazz Singer” (1927), “The Blue Angel” (1930), “King Kong” (1933), “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. ” (1937) and “Gone with the Wind” (1939).
Political and social developments of the time also shaped the Linz film scene. Established in 1918 with the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the First Republic of Austria encountered political and financial difficulties, including hyperinflation, unemployment and fascist development. Cinema allows individuals to express their hopes and worries as well as escape the terrible realities of their lives. Films that reflect the attitude of the times include “Die Stadt ohne Juden” (The City Without Jews, 1924), “Sodom und Gomorrah” (Sodom and Gomorrah, 1922) and “Die Verrufenen” (The Slums of Berlin , 1925). Many directors, actresses and critics were forced to escape, banned or persecuted during Austria’s Anschluss to Nazi Germany in 1938, thus affecting the film industry. Using cinema as a means to disseminate its philosophy and elevate its leader, Adolf Hitler, the Nazi government strictly documented and propagated propaganda on cinema. Among the films that most embodied Nazi propaganda were “Triumph des Willens” (Triumph of the Will, 1935), “Der ewige Jude” (The Eternal Jew, 1940) and “Jud Süß” (Jew Suss, 1940).
The Post-War Era: The 1940s and 1950s
Like everywhere else in Europe, Linz was devastated and destroyed during World War II. The Allies bombed the city extensively and many of its buildings, including some of its cinemas, were either destroyed or severely damaged. Along with the end of the war, the Nazi government also ended and the Allied occupation of Austria began. Divided into four areas under American, British, French and Soviet administration, Linz was the occupation had an impact on the Linz film scene since the Allies wanted to re-educate and de-Nazify the population and imposed their own message and censorship. movies. Among the films exhibited in Linz during the occupation were “The Most Beautiful Years of Our Lives” (1946), “The Third Man” (1949), “Sunset Boulevard” (1950) and “Roman Holiday” (1953).
For Linz, as for the rest of Austria, the 1950s were a period of reconstruction and rehabilitation. After the signing of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955, the nation regained its sovereignty and neutrality. The city rebuilt its economy and infrastructure, then developed into a center of business and culture. With the opening of new cinemas – the “Donau” (1951), the “Park” (1952), the “Corso” (1954) and the “Royal” (1956) – the Linz cinema scene also came alive. From French and Italian to American and British productions, these theaters presented a range of films. Among the most viewed films of the era were “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952), “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957), “Some Like It Hot” (1959) and “Ben-Hur” ( 1959).
The Modern Era: The 1960s and Beyond
For Linz as for the rest of the world, the 1960s and beyond were a time of invention and change. New technologies include television, computers, and the Internet, and new social movements, including feminism, environmentalism, and human rights, have emerged in the city. As new genres, styles and forms emerged and new markets and audiences developed, the Linz film scene also evolved. The New Wave movements in France, Italy and Germany, the emergence of independent and experimental cinema, the growth of television and video, and the globalization and digitalization of the film industry are some developments that influenced the film culture of Linz.
New difficulties for the Linz film scene included the loss of local identity, rivalry from other media and the disappearance of conventional cinemas. Among the first, second and third cinemas in Linz, several of the old theaters have closed their doors: the “Lifka”, the “Central” and the “Colosseum”. Large maintenance and renovation expenses, low attendance and revenue, and lack of diversity and quality of films were among the various causes of the closure. New cinemas, including the “Cineplexx” and the “Megaplex”, located on the outskirts of the city, replaced the old ones.
The large chains of these theaters include multiple screens, comfortable seating, contemporary sound and projection equipment, and a selection of snacks and drinks. However, these theaters also have certain disadvantages, including high costs, long distances, inadequate public transport, and the homogeneity and commercial nature of the films. Among the films screened in these theaters are “Avatar” (2009), “The Avengers” (2012), “Frozen” (2013) and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015).
Apart from these two cinema complexes, the “Megaplex” is not a Linz cinema since it is located in the Paschingstands district; Linz has only two other theaters in regular operation. The “Moviemento” and the “City Kino” function as simultaneous programming venues. Among local and regional productions as well as alternative and independent films, these cinemas are the only ones to offer these options. They also organize film events such as the “Ars Electronica Animation Festival”, the “Crossing Europe Film Festival” and the “Linz International Short Film Festival”. In addition to individual sponsors and donors, the federal government, the state of Upper Austria and the city of Linz support these theaters. Among the films shown in these theaters are “Amour” (2012), “Boyhood” (2014), “Toni Erdmann” (2016) and “Parasite” (2019).
Today’s Linz cinemas
City-Kino and Moviemento
Fans of independent and foreign films should definitely visit City-Kino and Moviemento, two arthouse cinemas in downtown Linz offering coordinated programming. In operation since 2000 and 1990 respectively, these cinemas each have two and three rooms. Usually in the original version with German subtitles, they present a wide selection of films from around the world. At these cinemas you can also enjoy film festivals, special screenings and discussions with directors and actors. City-Kino and Moviemento are the best places to find fresh and interesting films from many genres and cultures outside of the Hollywood mainstream.
Cinematograph
Visit Cinematograph, a distinctive cinema with roots dating back to 1912, if you are nostalgic and want to enjoy the wonders of cinema history. The cinema is installed in the former Tabakfabrik tobacco factory, which has become a creative and cultural center. The cinematograph sporadically screens silent images (usually accompanied by live piano), post-war films and early childhood films. At the theater you can also find original and rare movie posters, tools and souvenirs. For film buffs who wish to travel back in time and promote the profession of filmmaker, cinema is absolutely essential.
Cineplexx Linz
Visit Cineplexx Linz, the multiplex cinema located in the industrial area of Linz, if you want a contemporary and welcoming cinema experience. Consisting of 10 screens, Cineplexx Linz debuted on December 8, 1999 and is the largest cinema in the city. It has ScreenX panoramic screens, 4DX motion seats and a Dolby Atmos audio system among the latest technologies. It is possible to watch the latest and greatest films from Hollywood and beyond in multiple languages and formats. In addition to entertainment venues including bowling, billiards and arcade games, Cineplexx Linz has a restaurant. The Cineplexx Linz is the ideal place for a fun day with friends or family.
Megaplex Pasching
Although not a Linz film, Megaplex Pasching is nevertheless an important part of the Linz film scene due to its proximity. Just a 15-minute drive from Linz, Megaplex Pasching is located in the PlusCity shopping complex in Pasching. With 14 theaters, including Austria’s largest IMAX theater, Megaplex Pasching currently has a multiplex cinema. Its first and only 270-degree screen, which offers an immersive and panoramic visual experience, also sets it apart across Europe. From blockbusters to documentaries, you can watch plenty of movies in multiple languages and formats. In addition to entertainment and dining options including a sports bar, lounge and children’s zone, Megaplex Pasching also offers. For all types of movie buffs, Megaplex Pasching is the best cinematic journey.
Wanderkino Steininger
Wanderkino Steininger is a mobile cinema company offering film screenings in multiple formats and locations if you’re looking for a more personal and intimate cinema experience. The family business Wanderkino Steininger has been in business since 1989. It offers digital cinema screenings, 35 mm (standard cinema format), 16 mm, video projection and equipment rental. From classics to cult films, you have a wide choice of films and show them in the location of your choice, such as a garden, a park, a hall or a tent. Wanderkino Steininger is a great way to enjoy movies in a small, personalized environment.
