Last week, the Cedar Lee Theatre (2163 Lee Rd., 216.321.5411) started its month-long "Hi-Def Hitch" series, during which it's showing eight classics by Alfred Hitchcock in digitally remastered High Definition. It's already screened Rear Window; Torn Curtain has one more screening at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8. The series continues this week with screenings of Frenzy (April 11 and 15) and Psycho (April 11 and 14). The lineup for the rest of the month includes The Trouble with Harry (April 18 and 22), Vertigo (April 18 and 21), Topaz (April 25 and 29) and The Birds (April 25 and 28). Admission is only $5, and Saturday double-feature matinee tickets are $8. A series pass for all the films is $35. Go to clevelandcinemas.com for show- times and more information.
AMC Ridge Park Square (4788 Ridge Rd., 216.749.4344) will host special screenings of the upcoming Hannah Montana: The Movie on Saturday, April 18, for families with autistic children. It's part of the AMC Sensory Friendly Films program (at these special screenings, the lights are all slightly turned up and the sound is slightly turned down). The theater will also suspend AMC's "Silence is Golden" policy so that guests can "get up and dance, walk, shout or sing." The idea is to create a safe environment for families that might feel uncomfortable bringing their autistic children to a regular screening. Come to think of it, even moviegoers without autism might find the suspension of the "Silence is Golden" policy advantageous. AMC is also developing a workforce program to hire autistic teens to work at its theaters.
Recession? What recession? This year's just-concluded 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival broke all kinds of attendance records, despite the slumping economy. If you stopped by Tower City Cinemas to check out any of the 143 feature films that showed over the 10-day period, you know the place was packed. Organizers also topped the $33,000 fundraising goal they set at the festival's start. Go to clevelandfilm.org to read about the Audience Choice Award winner Cherry Blossoms and see a list of other winners.
