Blue Movie

Hidden within Karlsruhe’s bustling Kaiserstraße, the Blue Movie beckons with a history as vibrant as the city itself. This isn’t just any cinema; it’s a place where the past and present intertwine, whispering tales of transformation and resilience. The Blue Movie stands at Kaiserstrasse 35, in the heart of Karlsruhe. It began its life in 1951 as the Rex Kino, a single-screen cinema with 375 seats, designed by architect Karl Götz. Imagine the excitement as “Försterchristl” graced the screen for its premiere, marking the beginning of a new era in entertainment. The Rex Kino, nestled in a repurposed building on the ruins of the “Grüner Berg” ballroom, was a testament to post-war reconstruction and the enduring human spirit. Its owner, Anneliese Schützler, envisioned a space for sophisticated cinema, showcasing a mix of premieres and critically acclaimed films. The cinema featured a long, brightly lit passage, adorned with display cases and windows. This led to a richly colored foyer with red upholstered benches. The main theater boasted parquet flooring, loges, and a mezzanine, equipped with state-of-the-art Zeiss-Ikon projectors and a Uniphon sound system. The Rex Kino thrived as a student and art house cinema through the 1970s. A renovation in 1964 saw the interiors and façade refreshed with vibrant colors, new wall coverings, and updated lighting. Even the upholstered seats received a makeover, while the projection room acquired new Ernemann X projectors. The Rex Kino, a hub of intellectual and cinematic exploration. However, the sale of the building marked a turning point. The programming shifted, and adult films began to share the screen, mirroring the offerings of its neighbor, the “Atlantik.” The once grand single screen was divided. By 2004, the Rex Kino had transformed into the Blue Movie, catering to a different audience. Over time, it expanded, growing from four screens in 2008 to eight screens by 2020, solidifying its presence as a prominent adult cinema in Karlsruhe. The Blue Movie, a testament to the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. It stands as a reminder that even in the face of transformation, the allure of the silver screen persists.