KULIFE
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Wednesday. August 18, 1993
11C
At Liberty Hall, what's different makes it unique
By Angelique L. Lower Special to the Kansan
Liberty Hall, 642 Massachusetts, is one of the most unique entertainment buildings in Lawrence
It combines a video rental and two theaters, one that features alternative movies and another that can be rented for private functions.
Tim Griffith, general theater manager, said the hilled prided itself on bring the other alternative movie theater in the city.
"If it weren't for us, these types of films would never be seen in Lawrence." Griffith said.
Jeff Johnston, movie manager at Liberty, said people could expect a distinct atmosphere at the theater.
"Liberty Hall combines a variety of venues that some may not associate together," Johnston said. "If they're interested in one particular genre they may not connect it to Liberty Hall. If someone comes here for a concert, they have no idea we also rent movies."
In 1856, the hall became Lawrence's center for theatrical and musical entertainment, but in 1911 a backstage fire gutted the structure.
A new owner rebuild the hall in 1912 with a fireproof structure, and the building still stands today.
Griffith said "The Crying Game" had been a breakthrough for Liberty because the national media hype interested people in town to go see it.
"People realized it's not as different as other hints and opened people up for a new experience," he said. "It opened people's eyes to what else is here. A lot of those people have come back because they've realized there is an alternative to the mall movies."
Liberty is also known for its live events.
"Liberty was the first rock'n' roll house, and now everybody has their version of live music," Griffith said.
Cashiers at a local movie theater take money for movie tickets, Lawrence has several movie theaters which show first-run movies and video rental stores.
Many nationally known acts have passed through Liberty's doors, including Ice T., Skinny Puppy. The Sundays and Smashing Pumpkins. There is no north of Liberty towards the river, but
At one time there was nothing north of Liberty towards the river, but in the past three years the block has expanded into something unique
After a film at Liberty, a short walk down the street allows one the option to drink espresso at La Prima Tazza, have dinner at Free State Brewery or enjoy a night out at Quinton's Bar & Deli.
At Liberty, video rental is from noon to 11:30 p.m. Sunday through
Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
Movies are shown everyday but Christmas with varying times. The matinee costs $3 and other showings usually cost $4.25 for students and $4.75 for general admission.
Live events vary, so check your calendar.
Movie magic at budget prices
There are many methods to see favorite films
Jim Wilcox / KANSAN
By David Stewart Kansan staff writer
Seeing movies can provide a great way to spend an evening or a good study break, but students with limited income may consider the price for first-run movie tickets a luxury.
Fortunately for those students on tight budgets, both KU and Lawrence provide inexpensive outlets to watching movies conveniently and cheaply.
The Lawrence Public Library offers the best price in town for getting movie videos: free. The library, 707 Vermont St., allows patrons to check up out to three feature videos for up to three days.
Viewers have a selection of over 2000 videos, said Wayne Mayo, director of the library.
"We order new videos all year long," May said. "We usually wait three or four months until the price of the current videos have dropped before buying new releases."
All that is required to check out videos is a current Lawrence Public Library card, Mayo said. To apply for a library card, KU students must bring in valid identification to the library.
Hastings also offers a good deal on rentals. Price range from 49 cents for older releases all week long to $1.49 for Monday through Thursday rentals of new releases, said Lewis Windham, Hastings store manager.
Unlike other video outlets, Windham said that Hastings does not require a credit card or deposit to become a member, just a current driver's license. The 99-cant membership fee gives customers the choice of 8,000 different titles in stock, he
Two other outlets for the cost-conscious video consumer are Liberty Hall Video, 644 Massachusetts St., and Hastings Books Music & Video in the Southwest Plaza at the corner of Iowa and 23rd streets.
said.
"We get most major new releases on Wednesday and Thursday," Windham said. "It's hard to say how soon we'll receive a movie after it stops playing in the theater, but for hit movies, it can be about six months."
For those video watchers wanting to save money and to rent more off-beat movies, Liberty Hall Video might be the ticket.
Manager Jill Johns said that Liberty Hall Video rented many of the current popular releases along with independent, foreign and art-house films.
New releases rent for $2 Monday through Thursday with older releases costing $150, said John. All Friday and Saturday rentals cost $3. The
store does require a $2 membership fee.
The true movie buff must not be satisfied with watching a big-screen production cut down to video form. All four of the first-run movie houses in Lawrence have matinee discounts available. The Cinema Twin at 31st and Iowa streets, offers a discount price of $1.25 for all movies, which have previously run at other theaters.
For those students who want to go to movies on campus and save money, they should consider taking in the films presented by the Student Union Activities. With a $35-a-year movie card, student cards have complete access to any of the almost 50 movies shown each semester at Woodruff
Auditorium in the Kansas Union.
Shannon Scotton, who co-head the Spectrum Film Committee, said there were several special events planned for the fall semester.
"We're having an Asian Film Festival and a Women in Film week this October," Skelton said. "We will also debut six films to Lawrence next semester."
Among the films debuting at Woodruff are "Al Marichi," "Gas Food Lodging" and "Rain Without Thunder."
Those students not interested in purchasing a movie card may see individual films for $2.50 Tuesday through Thursday and $3 on Friday, Saturday, and the midnight movie.
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