Super Bowl hits big screen

Rumors of its demise are highly exaggerated.

The Colusa Theater is as popular today as it was in the 1930s when films like "Gone With the Wind," "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Bride of Frankenstein" flashed across the big screen.

Although romantic figures like Clark Gable and Errol Flynn have been replaced as leading men by vampire and werewolf heartthrobs Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, people flock to Colusa Theater to see Hollywood's hottest new releases — exactly as they did in the 1950s, during the B-movie marvel of classic horror films, and the 1970s, when disaster films dominated the box office.

"The theater is still the center for family entertainment, said Peerless Entertainment owner Mike Wilkinson, who also owns Riverside Lanes, the Main Street bowling alley in Colusa.

The popularity of Colusa Theater for the latest blockbuster, however, doesn't stop Wilkinson from thinking outside the box.

Sunday, Wilkinson will be playing the big game on the big screen for those looking to celebrate the Super Bowl as the de facto American national holiday it's come to symbolize.

"I've been looking to do something different for some time," Wilkinson said. "What better way to start than having the big game on the big screen."

Sunday's partnership between the Colusa Theater and Louie Cairo's is the first of several special events planned at the Colusa Theater.

Wilkinson plans to open the theater for alternative uses during the industry's slowest season, between December's last-minute Oscar releases and the summer's big super blockbusters.

"There is about six months when there are not a lot of first-rate movies," Wilkinson said. "It leaves open the possibility of doing other things, like hosting live concerts."

Wilkinson started having live concerts in 2006, but put them aside to concentrate on his business in San Francisco. Peerless Entertainment operates one of San Francisco's oldest theater — The Vogue — which was built in 1910.

Tom Indrieri, a Colusa County supervisor and Louie Cairo's chef and caterer, is excited about Sunday's big event and sees it as a way everyone can prosper.

"By working together, both businesses will provide great entertainment for the community, while hopefully turning a profit in this ever increasing uncertain economy," Indrieri said. "It's a great way to support the businesses that employ people in our community."

Indrieri said alternative uses for the theater opens the possibility for a variety of organization and businesses to work together.

"It helps support the theater and it's good for the organization or business," Indrieri said.

During the "Super Sunday" event, people can watch the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts on a 25-foot screen, while having food and cocktails served to them in their seats.

"It's going to be a great party," said Colusa Theater projectionist Chris Middleton. "We will even give you a ride to and from the event, so it's an opportunity to enjoy the game in a safe environment."

Super Sunday starts at 1 p.m. and wraps up around 9 p.m. Preferred seating is $25, and includes the game, pulled pork sandwich lunch and chance to win a 40 inch flat screen television. V.I.P. tickets are $50, and includes lunch, tri-tip dinner, cocktail, personal waiter and three chances to win the television. Viewers must be 21 to attend.

Those looking to attend the event and need a place for kids, Riverside Lanes will be open all day, Wilkinson said.

But even with a host of possibilities for other uses, the Colusa Theater remains the center for movie entertainment in the county.

Wilkinson said improvements to the theater, including the latest in 3-D technology, will keep people returning to the historic theater. He's also building a 49-seat screening room, which will allow a second feature to run simultaneously, and be available for private parties.

"The industry is really changing, and we are changing with it," Wilkinson said. "We're going to remain every bit as competitive as the cineplexes in Yuba City."