Lux Theatre, Banff AB, Canada
The opening of the Lux Theatre in May of 1913 marked the beginning of a new entertainment era in Banff. Constructed in the years before either radio or television was available, the theatre screened features, comedies and newsreels which would bring the world to this small mountain town. Patrons would enjoy musical productions while film reels were changed, courtesy of an early victrola machine that played vinyl records.
The Lux theatre is thought to be one of the first cinema houses in Alberta to screen movies with fully synchronized sound in 1930. The films incorporating synchronized dialogue were known as "talking pictures" or 'talkies'. Then came Technicolor, a trademark process known and celebrated for its hyper-realistic, saturated levels of color film. These innovations increased audiences for the movies and contributed to the sustained popularity of Banff's Lux Theatre.
Affectionately known as "The Lux", the existing local landmark opened in 1989 and has four separate theatres that provide daily screenings of popular new releases. The theatre also hosts feature evenings to showcase Canadian and foreign films, documentaries and special interest productions. The Lux remains a popular destination in Banff, especially for the Tuesday evening ticket deals and live broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
