Tag: movies

Historic Balboa Theatre adds beauty downtown.

Distinctive dome of the restored Balboa Theatre seen from Broadway.
Distinctive dome of the restored Balboa Theatre seen from Broadway.

It’s going to be chilly and drizzly today, so I might not be going out for my customary walk. Instead, I thought I’d share a few photos of downtown’s beautiful Balboa Theatre that I took at various times last summer.

The Balboa Theatre has a long and interesting history. Built in 1924 as a vaudeville and movie palace, the large multi-story building containing offices overlooking Fourth Avenue has undergone a complex series of transformations. During World War II, it was used to house sailors waiting to ship out from San Diego. At one point the aging building was saved from demolition; finally it was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, the Balboa Theatre reopened after a thorough remodel, and it is now considered one of the foremost performance venues in the world. It was recently named by CNN Travel as one of the world’s 15 most spectacular theatres! Not bad!

Here are a few more pics of the exterior. I often steer my feet so that I walk past this beautiful building!

Balboa Theatre sign is a landmark in San Diego's Gaslamp.
Balboa Theatre sign is a landmark in San Diego’s Gaslamp.
People walk past box office of the historic Balboa Theatre.
People walk past box office of the historic Balboa Theatre.
Close look at artwork on Balboa Theatre's cool marquee.
Close look at artwork on Balboa Theatre’s cool marquee.
The Balboa Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Balboa Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Balboa Theatre stands adjacent to downtown's equally famous Horton Plaza.
The Balboa Theatre stands next to downtown’s equally cool Horton Plaza.

One more pic I added on a later date:

Old photo and letter B from Balboa Theatre sign on display by sidewalk next to Horton Plaza.
Window display of old photograph and letter B from Balboa Theatre sign.  These can be seen a short distance down the sidewalk.

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Adventure is out there! It’s a breeze!

Adventure is out there! Just attach a bunch of balloons!
Adventure is out there! Just attach a bunch of balloons!

Okay, here’s a quick pic of some rather simple street art. I saw this colorfully painted utility box while walking up Bankers Hill a few days ago.

I love the symbolism in the image. A riot of small uplifting balloons whisking one’s home and carefully controlled life away on a carefree, restoring breeze was a theme that I really enjoyed in the Pixar movie Up!

Tomorrow I’m planning on a long walk. No telling where my legs will take me!

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Comic-Con morning near the convention center.

Huge Resurrection ad on Petco Park baseball stadium.
Huge Resurrection ad on Petco Park baseball stadium.

Early this morning, shortly after sunrise, I headed down toward the Gaslamp to see what was going on at 2014 San Diego Comic-Con. Thousands of people had gravitated around the convention center and were waiting in long lines to be the first inside and attend popular panels.

I walked from the east side of Petco Park, over the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge, and past the Hilton Hotel to the back of the convention center. I then walked back around to the front and across the street to the Gaslamp trolley station. Here is what I saw:

Sleepy Hollow covered bridge recreated in Petco Park parking lot.
Sleepy Hollow covered bridge recreated in Petco Park parking lot.
This big Once Upon a Time banner is falling off Petco Park!
This big Once Upon a Time banner is falling off Petco Park!

I walked a bit northwest along Tony Gwynn Drive to get this picture.

Workers push huge Homer Simpson eyeball into a big yellow head.
Workers push huge Homer Simpson eyeball into a big yellow head.

Now I’m across Harbor Drive directly in front of the Hilton.

Homer's Dome area opened on Friday behind the convention center.
Homer’s Dome area opened on Friday behind the convention center.
One of the fun Simpsons games set up on the grass by the Hilton hotel.
One of the fun Simpsons games set up on the grass by the Hilton hotel.
Gotham skyline contains Riddler's and Penguin's not-so-secret lairs.
Gotham skyline contains Riddler’s and Penguin’s not-so-secret lairs.

This is between Homer’s Dome and the San Diego bay.

A long zip line lets daring Comic-Con guests fly past Gotham City!
A long zip line lets daring Comic-Con guests fly past Gotham City!
Comic-Con fans wait in long lines for popular panels.
Comic-Con fans wait in long lines for popular panels.
Vehicle from Into the Storm, a new movie about storm chasers.
Vehicle from Into the Storm, a new movie about storm chasers.
Fan sitting by the bay behind San Diego Convention Center looks wicked.
Fan sitting by the bay behind San Diego Convention Center looks wicked.
Looks like a huge Godzilla is on the rampage in San Diego!
Looks like a huge Godzilla is on the rampage in San Diego!
The fearsome monster rises darkly into the sky and now I'm worried.
The fearsome monster rises darkly into the sky and now I’m worried.
Smiling Wonder Girl is here to handle the dire situation!
Smiling Wonder Girl is here to handle the dire situation!
Someone inside this costume will keep us all safe, thank goodness.
Someone inside this costume will keep us all safe, thank goodness.
News reporter talks with very elegantly dressed Star Wars characters.
News reporter talks with very elegantly dressed Star Wars characters.
Cool cosplayers were in front of the convention center before it opened.
Cool cosplayers were in front of the convention center before it opened.
Batman zoomed by. I used Gimp cartoon mode to make blurry pic fun!
Batman zoomed by. I used Gimp cartoon filter to improve blurry pic!
Captain America and others head across Harbor Drive to the Gaslamp.
Captain America and others head across Harbor Drive to the Gaslamp.

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Pics of 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night!

Thousands crammed San Diego Convention Center for Preview Night!
Thousands crammed San Diego Convention Center for Preview Night!

I finally sorted through a bunch of photos from 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night, which ended just a few hours ago! Many images came out blurry, poorly composed or marred by glare from bright lights in the convention center’s ceiling. I did manage to capture a few decent pics which provide an idea of the extraordinary, mind-blowing experience. Three hours raced by in a flash as I wandered with a friend about the endless and amazing displays. I hope you enjoy this small glimpse…

Loads of awesomely cool stuff was literally everywhere one turned.
Loads of awesomely cool stuff was literally everywhere one turned.
Anything imaginable could be bought, including Star Trek uniforms.
Anything imaginable could be bought, including Star Trek uniforms.
Models of science fiction and fantasy characters were everywhere.
Models of science fiction and fantasy characters were everywhere.
Spiderman figurine just one of hundreds on display.
Spiderman figurine just one of hundreds on display.
Rocket Raccoon was a very popular character.
Rocket Raccoon was a very popular character.
Huge Marvel mural contained the new Thor and Captain America.
Huge Marvel mural contained the new Thor and Captain America.
I recognized this tiny alien from Men in Black.
I recognized this tiny alien from Men in Black.
Mace Windu in a movie clip shown above huge Star Wars exhibit.
Mace Windu in a movie clip shown above huge Star Wars exhibit.
Cool detailed model of Boba Fett.
Cool detailed model of Boba Fett.
One of many Darth Vaders at Comic-Con!
One of many Darth Vaders at San Diego Comic-Con!
This is a special, huge Darth Vader Hot Wheels car!
This is a special, huge Darth Vader Hot Wheels car!
I spotted the DeLorean from Back to the Future!
I spotted the DeLorean from Back to the Future!
Super scary looking Predator head.
Super scary looking Predator head.
Looks like a T. Rex devouring a nearby Nazgul.
Almost looks like this T. Rex is devouring a nearby Nazgul.
I modified this blurry image of the DC exhibit.
I tried to jazz up this sadly blurry image of the DC exhibit.
Wonder Woman in a glass case and passing fans.
Wonder Woman in a glass case and passing fans.
Cowl used by Michael Keaton in first Batman movie.
Cowl used by Michael Keaton in first Batman movie.
Cowl used by George Clooney in Batman and Robin.
Cowl used by George Clooney in Batman and Robin.
Batarangs used as props in various movies.
Batarangs used as props in various movies.
Clown masks used in heist scene in The Dark Knight.
Clown masks used in heist scene in The Dark Knight.
MAD magazine's Alfred E. Neuman.
Mosaic of MAD magazine’s Alfred E. Neuman.
Alfred E. Neuman evolves from a caveman.
Alfred E. Neuman evolves from a caveman.
Swag bags were handy for 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night.
Swag bags were handy for 2014 San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night.
Art, prints, comics, collectibles, you name it was for sale and on display.
Art, prints, comics, collectibles, you name it was for sale and on display.
Huge Alien pod was an isolation chamber for video game players.
Huge Alien pod was an isolation chamber for video game players.
Lots of video games could be sampled including realistic racers.
Lots of video games could be sampled including realistic racers.
Comic books are a staple of San Diego Comic-Con.
Comic books are a staple of San Diego Comic-Con.
Even Sponge Bob has his own crazy comic.
Even Sponge Bob has his own crazy comic.
Horror paintings from Clive Barker's Imaginer art book on display.
Horror paintings from Clive Barker’s Imaginer art book on display.
Gollum with a tasty fish poses with Tolkien fan.
Gollum with a tasty fish poses with Tolkien fan.
Elven helmet from Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Elven helmet from Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Smaug from The Hobbit was a popular attraction during Preview Night.
Smaug from The Hobbit was a popular attraction during Preview Night.
Bright cartoon faces hover above the Nickelodeon exhibit.
Bright cartoon faces hover above the Nickelodeon exhibit.
Another sample of sheer fun and eye-catching delights.
Another sample of sheer fun and eye-catching delights.
You could buy official Wonder Woman bracelets!
You could buy official Wonder Woman bracelets!
Batman and his rogue's gallery are always popular.
Batman and his rogue’s gallery are always super popular.
Warner Bros. was promoting their superheroic television lineup.
Warner Bros. was promoting their superhero television lineup.
Fantastic art filled row upon row. You could spend hours just looking.
Fantastic art filled row upon row. You could spend hours just looking.
Geek Nation did a fine job creating this fellow.
Geek Nation did a fine job creating this fellow.
Kids young and old were just having a big load of fun.
Kids young and old were just having a big load of fun.
You could win a White Walker mask from Game of Thrones.
You could win a White Walker mask from Game of Thrones.

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Pics of early San Diego Comic-Con preparation.

Gaslamp trolley station has superhero sign about a ticket app.
Gaslamp trolley station has superhero sign about a ticket app.

Here are a few pics of new Comic-Con related things I’ve spotted around the Gaslamp in the past two days. The 2014 San Diego Comic-Con is now just one week away! It seems that most of the important preparation will take place early next week, and perhaps over this weekend. I’ll post new stuff as I discover it!

Several long banners with faces advertise The Leftovers on HBO.
Several long banners with faces advertise The Leftovers on HBO.

Several of these banners run along the trolley tracks opposite the convention center. I saw one being put up yesterday morning.

Jay and Silent Bob will eat Comic-Con!
Jay and Silent Bob will eat Comic-Con!

Looks like The American Comedy Co. has a bunch of hilarious Comic-Con entertainment ready to go!

This odd Hulk is on a window of Gaslamp's Rockin' Baja.
This unusual Hulk is on one window of Rockin’ Baja.
Lobster with pointed ears. Steam me up, Scotty!
Lobster with pointed ears. Steam me up, Scotty!

I wonder if Spock would ever put on a sombrero.  He probably would if it were logical.

Electric Dreams Factory sign applied to Hard Rock Hotel window.
Electric Dreams Factory sign applied to Hard Rock Hotel window.

Huge signs concerning an upcoming Adam Sandler movie called Pixels were going up all over the Hard Rock Hotel as I walked by early this morning.  Sony will host a special event during Comic-Con called the Pixels Electric Dreams Factory Arcade, where gamers will be able to play classic arcade games from the 80’s!

San Diego Comic-Con logo being painted on a taco shop window.
San Diego Comic-Con logo being painted on a taco shop window.

Okay, I added the above photo from Little Italy on Friday afternoon.  I was walking home from work. So now, technically, all these pics aren’t from the Gaslamp.

UPDATE!

I just learned I’ll probably be attending Preview Night this coming Wednesday, so stay tuned for (hopefully) a whole bunch of awesome stuff!

ANOTHER UPDATE!

Here come more pics… I snapped these in the days leading up to Comic-Con!

Poster by trolley station promotes another season of Blacklist.
Poster by trolley station promotes another season of Blacklist.
Alex Ross cool Justice League graphic above a Gaslamp door.
Alex Ross cool Justice League graphic above a Gaslamp door.
The Haunted Hotel has two scary Comic-Con dates.
The Haunted Hotel has two scary Comic-Con dates.
The Strain television show advertisement on Old Town Trolley Tours bus.
The Strain television show advertisement on Old Town Trolley Tours bus.

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Guardians of the Galaxy Comic-Con banners!

Gamora of Guardians of the Galaxy on a banner.
Gamora of Guardians of the Galaxy on a cool banner!

I took these quick photos this morning during a meandering walk through downtown. 2014 San Diego Comic-Con is only three weeks away!

A couple days ago I saw a San Diego trolley with an awesome Gotham television show wrap. I didn’t whip out my camera fast enough, unfortunately. Next time I have a chance, I’ll snap a pic and post it!

I started this blog last year, just a few weeks after Comic-Con had ended, so this year I plan to get a load of interesting images! Stay tuned!

Star-Lord in action on a San Diego Gaslamp street lamp!
Star-Lord in action on a San Diego Gaslamp street lamp!
Groot and Rocket are ready to fight cosmic evil.
Groot and Rocket are ready to fight cosmic evil.
Drax on a cool San Diego Comic-Con sign.
Drax on Comic-Con banner near San Diego Convention Center.
Big Hero 6 banners line Broadway in downtown San Diego.
Big Hero 6 banners line Broadway in downtown San Diego.

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Little Italy street banners celebrate Oscar winners.

mira sorvino
Mira Sorvino

Banners celebrating Italian American Academy Award winners are on display up and down India Street in San Diego’s Little Italy.  Here are some photos…

joe pesci
Joe Pesci
frank capra
Frank Capra
francis ford coppola
Francis Ford Coppola
ernest borgnine
Ernest Borgnine
anne bancroft
Anne Bancroft
anna magnani
Anna Magnani
al pacino
Al Pacino
sophia loren
Sophia Loren
robert de niro
Robert De Niro

The real sleazy bar of Top Gun.

People dine where scenes from Top Gun were filmed.
People dine where scenes from Top Gun were filmed.

Walking through downtown San Diego recently, I happened to pass Kansas City Barbeque, so I got some pics.

Do you remember the hit movie Top Gun? The 80’s movie about Navy fighter pilots that turned Tom Cruise into a mega-superstar? You might recall the great sleazy bar scene, where Maverick and Goose sit at a piano and sing “Great Balls of Fire”. That was shot at this location! You might also remember the line spoken by Meg Ryan, “Goose, you big stud! Take me to bed now or lose me forever!” That was filmed in the dining area. The bar also appears at the end of the movie as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” is heard playing on the jukebox.

Today you can eat some tasty barbeque while checking out a huge collection of memorabilia, a virtual shrine to Top Gun.

F-14 Tomcat depicted on outside wall at Kansas City Barbeque.
F-14 Tomcat depicted on outside wall at Kansas City Barbeque.
The very popular Kansas City Barbeque in downtown San Diego.
The very popular Kansas City Barbeque in downtown San Diego.

The above photo was taken around Christmas. I see Santa Pig!

Kansas City Barbeque was a location used in the movie Top Gun.
Kansas City Barbeque was a location used in the movie Top Gun.
Pigs fly on the rear wall of Kansas City Barbeque!
Pigs fly on the rear wall of Kansas City Barbeque!

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Big movie stars seen at Hotel Del Coronado!

photo of clark gable at hotel del coronado

Over the decades, many of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars have stayed at the world famous Hotel Del Coronado. Most checked in for personal pleasure; others were working. The Hotel Del Coronado has been used in the filming of over a dozen movies.

Outside the hotel, a few steps from the sidewalk, you’ll find a glass display containing photos of movie superstar guests. I tried to take a bunch of photos, but most didn’t come out so great.

In my first decent pic, you see a photo with the caption: Screen legend Clark Gable stayed at the Del during the filming of Hell Divers, shot in 1931.

tony curtis, jack lemmon and marilyn monroe at hotel del coronado

I also recorded a photograph from 1958 of the acting trio starring in Some Like It Hot. The caption reads: Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe proved to be a winning combination for Billy Wilder’s romantic comedy.

And here’s a third photo (which I took on a later date) with the caption: Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe’s steamy love scenes still heat up the screen more than fifty years after the 1959 film was released.

Photo of Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe movie love scene.
Photo of Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe movie love scene.

Here come even more pics!

Esther Williams and sons on the beach.
Esther Williams and sons on the beach.
Rosalind Russell out in the water.
Rosalind Russell out in the water.
Kirk Douglas seems to have quite an appetite!
Kirk Douglas seems to have quite an appetite!