Full disclosure: I am totally biased. I really liked the former theater ownership. The newbies annoy me. Perhaps, I am getting nostalgic about the way things used to be.

Following the pandemic, ticket prices were higher and it felt as if the new owners wanted to recover some of the lost profits caused by the prolonged shutdown (dictated by the current Illinois governor which was more severe than elsewhere in the USA). Separate admissions generated more profits than selling double feature tickets which resulted in savings to movie patrons.

Logistically, the Music Box Theater is probably the best Chicago area venue for Noir City. It is a 95 year old neighborhood theater that has retained some its former architectural charm. The festival would be taking a big gamble and if it set up shop in the suburbs where other cinema palaces exist. I am not sure if that is a workable solution. I recall when the San Francisco festival switched from the Castro Theater to the Palace of Fine Arts. It seemed as if some patrons struggled with the relocation.

I am happy that the festival is returning to Chicago.