Book Review: Abandoned Cinemas of the World by Simon Edelstein

"Abandoned Cinemas of the World" by Simon Edelstein is a stunning photo book that takes readers on a journey through the remnants of cinema theaters and drive-in cinemas that have been left to decay around the globe. With its breathtaking collection of photographs, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies and the grandeur of old cinemas.

The cover itself is unassuming; it transports you to a world of faded grandeur and forgotten dreams. The photographs within are nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the essence of these abandoned cinemas in all their crumbling glory.

One of the standout features of this book is its diverse range of locations. From the iconic cinemas of Havana, Cuba, to the forgotten drive-ins of California, USA, and the majestic theaters of India, this book takes readers on a visual journey across the globe. Each photograph is meticulously captured, showcasing not just the exterior facades of these cinemas but also the intricate details of their interiors.

The photos of the interiors are particularly striking, offering a glimpse into the past when these cinemas were bustling with life. The decaying seats, the faded hand-painted film posters, and the abandoned projection rooms all tell a story of a bygone era. It's almost as if the reader is stepping into these forgotten spaces, feeling the weight of history and the passage of time.

The book covers an impressive array of cinemas, including the Campoamor in Inglewood, California, the Tower in Ajmer, India, and the Studio in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Each location is unique, with its own story to tell, and Edelstein's photographs do justice to these forgotten landmarks.

The book has received rave reviews from Goodreads users, with many praising its stunning photography and nostalgic value. One reviewer noted, "This book is a treasure trove for film buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. The photographs are stunning, and the variety of locations is impressive." Another reviewer praised the book's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia, saying, "This book is a must-have for anyone who loves old cinemas. The photographs are hauntingly beautiful, and the stories behind each location are fascinating."

In conclusion, "Abandoned Cinemas of the World" is a beautifully crafted photo book that is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in film, architecture, or history. With its stunning photographs and poignant storytelling, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies. Whether you're a film buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of forgotten places, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Here is a partial list of photos of cinemas in this book:

1. Havana, Cuba, Campoamor Theatre
2. Inglewood, California, USA, 5th Avenue Theatre
3. San Francisco, California, USA, Tower Theatre
4. Ajmer, India, Ajanta Cinema
5. Delhi, India, Filmistan Cinema
6. Allahabad, India, Lakshmi Talkies
7. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Huntridge Theater
8. Arad, Romania, Studio
9. Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Hemakcheat Cinema
10. Chicago, Illinois, USA, Chicago Theater
11. Alexandria, Egypt, Plaza Cinema
12. Kingsville, Texas, USA, Texas Theater
13. Edna, Texas, USA, Edna Theatre
14. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Harpos Concert Theatre
15. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Senate Theater
16. Houston, Texas, USA, OST (Old Spanish Trail Theater)
17. Yuba City, California, USA, Sutter Theatre
18. Varanasi, India, Natraj Cinema
19. Havana, Cuba, Cine Mantilla
20. Gujan-Mestras, France, Eldorado
21. Stretford, England, Essoldo Stretford
22. Alleppey, India, Vidya Cinema
23. Durgapur, India, Chitralaya Cinema
24. Hospet, India, Vijaya Karnataka
25. Beawar, India, Royal Talkies
26. Brooklyn, New York, USA, Loew’s Kings Theatre
27. Los Angeles, California, USA, Huntington Park Warner
28. Staten Island, New York, USA, Paramount
29. Le Havre, France, Normandy
30. Saint-Jean-d’Angely, France, Eden
31. Biscarosse Plage, France, Atlantic
32. Lisbon, Portugal, Cinema Paris
33. Jaipur, India, Samrat
34. Langoiran, France, Cinéma Splendid
35. Blairgowrie, Scotland, Picture House
36. Sete, France, Rio Cinema
37. Beam, France, Idéal Cinéma
38. Costa Nova (Porto), Portugal, Avenida
39. Delhi, India, Gianand Cinema
40. Gaya, India, Sudha Cinema
41. Casablanca, Morocco, Cinema Opera
42. Delhi, India, Alpana Cinema
43. Havana, Cuba, Cine Cosmos
44. Havana, Cuba, Cine Apolo
45. Perris, California, USA, The Perris
46. Beeville, Texas, USA, Rialto Theatre
47. Bronte, Texas, USA, Texas Theatre
48. Havana, Cuba, Cine El Megano
49. Bakersfield, California, USA, Nile Theatre
50. Inglewood, California, USA, Fox Theater
51. Varanasi, India, Lalita Cinema
52. Tripoli, Lebanon, Cinema Empire
53. Bankura, India, Kusum Cinema
54. Hollywood, California, USA, Hollywood Palladium
55. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Guild Theatre
56. Ubrique, Spain, Gran Cinema Alcázar
57. Vicenza, Italy, Cinema Corso
58. Mumbai, India, Diana Talkies
59. Agra, India, Roxy Cinema
60. Brussels, Belgium, Mirano Cinema
61. San Jose, California, USA, Mexico Theatre
62. Kyaukse, Myanmar, Han
63. Montreuil-sur-Ille, France, Armor
64. Marrakesh, Morocco, Cine Theatre Palace
65. Newark, New Jersey, USA, RKO Proctor's Theatre
66. Havana, Cuba, Cine Campoamor
67. Tangier, Morocco, Gran Teatro Cervantes
68. Ambala, India, Nishat Cinema
69. Allahabad, India, Rupbani Cinema Hall
70. Jaipur, India, Ram Prakash Cinema
71. Marrakesh, Morocco, Cinéma Zohra
72. Kyaukse, Myanmar, Han
73. Chekka, Lebanon, Picadilly Theater
74. Chittagong, Bangladesh, Cinema Palace
75. Mumbai, India, Palace Talkies
76. Mumbai, India, Bharatmata Cinema
77. Portland, Oregon, USA, Laurelhurst Theater
78. Kilgore, Texas, USA, Crim Theatre
79. Beverly Hills, California, USA, Saban Theatre
80. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Fox Theatre
81. Berlin, Germany, Astor Cinema
82. Berlin, Germany, Intimes Kino
83. Viviez, France, Guy Brunet
84. Dallas, Texas, USA, Circle Theater
85. Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, Stanley Theatre
86. Brussels, Belgium, ABC Cinema

Here is my note at Goodreads:

Abandoned Cinemas of the World by Simon Edelstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a stunning photo book that takes you on a journey through the remnants of cinema theaters and drive-in cinemas that have been left to decay around the globe. With its breathtaking collection of photographs, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies and the grandeur of old cinemas. From the iconic cinemas of Havana, Cuba, to the forgotten drive-ins of California, USA, and the majestic theaters of India, this book takes readers on a visual journey across the globe. Each photograph is meticulously captured, showcasing not just the exterior facades of these cinemas but also the intricate details of their interiors.

"Abandoned Cinemas of the World" is a beautifully crafted photo book that is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in film, architecture, or history. With its stunning photographs and poignant storytelling, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies. Whether you're a film buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of forgotten places, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

View all my reviews

Sarcasm: Grandma Used to Say

GRADMA USED TO SAY: "Sometimes you have to hug the people you don't like so you know how big to dig the hole in your backyard."

The XHDATA D-328 Full Band AM/FM/SW MP3 Radio: Review

The XHDATA D-328 is a mini-sized AM/FM/SW radio I picked up during a nostalgic craving for real broadcast radio at home. Compact and ultra-lightweight, it measures just 12.5 x 3.8 x 7.5 cm and weighs around 160 grams. The unit comes encased in a slim plastic shell with a foldable telescopic aerial on top for better reception. A microSD (TransFlash) card slot is also included, allowing you to play MP3 files directly from the device. For more private listening, there’s a 3.5 mm headphone jack to reroute the audio output. One minor downside: the back panel lacks a serial number label or certifications—only a “Made in China” marking is present.

The XHDATA D-328 MP3 Radio

The model I’m reviewing here was purchased in June 2020 from Amazon India, priced at ₹1,626 before tax and ₹1,919 after 18% GST. Delivery was prompt—the radio arrived within two days. It came packaged in a sturdy cardboard box containing the radio unit, a generic BL-5C lithium-ion rechargeable battery, a mini-USB charging cable, a lanyard, a user manual, and a contact card. This review, written in 2023, reflects my experience using the device over the past three years.

For those in search of a reliable radio that can tune into local AM and FM stations while also offering MP3 playback, the XHDATA D-328 holds up remarkably well. Despite its small size, the audio quality is surprisingly decent. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of analog-style tuning on DSP-based radios—I find them a bit clunky when trying to precisely navigate between stations. But for the average listener who simply wants to tune in and enjoy, this radio more than delivers on expectations.

Setup

Setting up the XHDATA D-328 is quick and hassle-free. Simply insert the BL-5C battery into the slot located at the back of the radio, and power it on using the mode selector shuttle switch on the top—choosing either Radio or MP3 mode depending on your preference. If the battery runs low, recharging is just as straightforward. Use the included USB charging cable and connect it to a suitable power source, such as a wall adapter, power bank, or even a laptop. Within moments, you're ready to enjoy your favorite stations or MP3 tracks with minimal fuss.

Radio

The XHDATA D-328 radio supports FM, AM, and shortwave (SW) reception, all handled by a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) demodulation chip built into the Silicon Laboratories Si4825-A10 integrated circuit. Tuning is done via an analog thumbwheel dial located on the side of the unit, offering a tactile and intuitive experience. Given the compact form factor and limited dial width, the FM and SW bands are cleverly split into 2 and 9 sub-bands, respectively, allowing for more precise calibration across the frequency range. This band segmentation helps users fine-tune stations with surprising accuracy for an analog-style interface. The supported frequency ranges are listed below:

• FM: 64~106 MHz
• AM: 520~1620 kHz
• SW: 4.75~22 MHz

Whether you're tuning in to your favorite morning talk show or catching the latest chart-topping hits, this radio delivers a commendable listening experience. In my usage, FM reception has been consistently reliable, and the audio clarity noticeably improves when using headphones. The built-in speaker does the job for casual listening, but plugging in a decent pair of earphones really enhances the sound quality, making it a more enjoyable experience overall.

Radio Reception

During June-July 2025, the XHDATA D-328 successfully processed these 32 FM stations in Perrysburg in Ohio:

1. Band: FM, Frequency: 88.9 MHz, Name: 88.3 FM WXUT, Format: Alternative Music, Call Sign: WXUT, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
2. Band: FM, Frequency: 88.9 MHz, Name: WBCL, Format: Contemporary Christian Music, Call Sign: WTPG, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
3. Band: FM, Frequency: 89.3 MHz, Name: Yes FM, Format: Christian Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR), Call Sign: WYSZ, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
4. Band: FM, Frequency: 89.7 MHz, Name: EWTN Radio, Format: Catholic Religious, Call Sign: WNOC, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
5. Band: FM, Frequency: 90.3 MHz, Name: Family Radio, Format: Christian Religious, Call Sign: WOTL, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
6. Band: FM, Frequency: 91.3 MHz, Name: WTGE Public Radio FM 91, Format: Public Radio, Call Sign: WTGE, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
7. Band: FM, Frequency: 91.7 MHz, Name: Michigan Public Radio, Format: Public Radio, Call Sign: WUOM, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
8. Band: FM, Frequency: 92.5 MHz, Name: 92.5 KISS FM, Format: Top 40 (CHR) (Contemporary Hit Radio), Call Sign: WVKS, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
9. Band: FM, Frequency: 92.9 MHz, Name: NewsRadio 1370 AM & 92.9 FM, Format: News/Talk, Call Sign: W225AM (WSPD-AM), Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
10. Band: FM, Frequency: 93.5 MHz, Name: 93.5 WRQN, Format: Classic Hits Music, Call Sign: WRQN, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
11. Band: FM, Frequency: 93.9 MHz, Name: 93.9 Virgin Radio, Format: Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR), Call Sign: CIDR, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
12. Band: FM, Frequency: 94.1 MHz, Name: Relevant Radio, Format: Catholic Talk Radio, Call Sign: W231EF (WPAY-AM), Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
13. Band: FM, Frequency: 94.5 MHz, Name: 94.5 XKR, Format: Classic Rock Music, Call Sign: WXKR, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
14. Band: FM, Frequency: 94.9 MHz, Name: 94.9 The Beat (HD2 channel of WVKS), Format: Urban Adult Music, Call Sign: W235BH, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
15. Band: FM, Frequency: 95.7 MHz, Name: Mix 95.7, Format: Urban Adult Contemporary Music, Call Sign: WIMX, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
16. Band: FM, Frequency: 96.9 MHz, Name: K-Love, Format: Christian Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR), Call Sign: WNKL, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
17. Band: FM, Frequency: 97.3 MHz, Name: HOT 97.3 FM, Format: Hip Hop and R&B Music, Call Sign: WJZE, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
18. Band: FM, Frequency: 98.3 MHz, Name: Nash Icon 98.3 FM, Format: Country Music, Call Sign: WMIM, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
19. Band: FM, Frequency: 99.5 MHz, Name: CSN Radio, Format: Religious, Call Sign: W258BT, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
20. Band: FM, Frequency: 100.7 MHz, Name: ESPN 100.7 FM: The Ticket, Format: Hot Adult Contemporary Music, Call Sign: WQQO, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
21. Band: FM, Frequency: 101.5 MHz, Name: 101.5 The River, Format: Adult Contemporary Music, Call Sign: WRVF, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
22. Band: FM, Frequency: 102.3 MHz, Name: Proclaim FM 102.3, Format: Contemporary Christian Music, Call Sign: WPOS, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
23. Band: FM, Frequency: 102.9 MHz, Name: W4Country, Format: Country Music, Call Sign: WWWW, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
24. Band: FM, Frequency: 103.3 MHz, Name: Smile FM, Format: Contemporary Christian Music, Call Sign: TBD, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
25. Band: FM, Frequency: 103.7 MHz, Name: Buckeye Country 103.7 CKY, Format: Country Music, Call Sign: WCKY, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
26. Band: FM, Frequency: 102.9 MHz, Name: 104.7 WIOT Toledo's Rock, Format: Mainstream Rock, Call Sign: WIOT, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
27. Band: FM, Frequency: 105.5 MHz, Name: Q105 Toledo, Format: Hot Adult Contemporary Music, Call Sign: WQQO, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
28. Band: FM, Frequency: 106.1 MHz, Name: We Act Toledo Radio WAKT 106.1, Format: Variety, Call Sign: WAKT, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
29. Band: FM, Frequency: 106.5 MHz, Name: The Truth Toledo (OH), Format: Christian Talk, Call Sign: WTOD, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
30. Band: FM, Frequency: 106.9 MHz, Name: Son Life Radio, Format: Christian Radio, Call Sign: W295DB (WJYM-AM), Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
31. Band: FM, Frequency: 107.3 MHz, Name: The Juice 107.3, Format: Contemporary Music, Call Sign: WJUC, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator
32. Band: FM, Frequency: 107.7 MHz, Name: 107.7 The Wolf Country, Format: Country Music, Call Sign: WPFX, Website, FCC Public Files, Radio-Locator

In November 2023, I tested the XHDATA D-328 in Pune, a city in the state of Maharashtra, India. The radio performed well when it came to processing FM signals—stations came through clearly, and tuning was relatively smooth. However, its performance on the AM and shortwave (SW) bands left much to be desired. In my experience, there was hardly any reception on those frequencies, rendering them practically unusable in this location. FM turned out to be the only reliable mode of listening on this device during my testing.

1. Band: FM, Frequency: 91.1 MHz, Name: Radio City
2. Band: FM, Frequency: 93.5 MHz, Name: Red FM
3. Band: FM, Frequency: 94.3 MHz, Name: Radio One
4. Band: FM, Frequency: 95.0 MHz, Name: Big FM
5. Band: FM, Frequency: 98.3 MHz, Name: Radio Mirchi
6. Band: FM, Frequency: 101.0 MHz, Name: Vividh Bharati
7. Band: FM, Frequency: 104.2 MHz, Name: Radio Mirchi Love
8. Band: FM, Frequency: 107.8 MHz, Name: Puneri Awaz
9. Band: AM, Frequency: 792 kHz, Name: All India Radio (AIR) Pune

MP3 Playback

MP3 playback is supported via a microSD (TransFlash) card slot conveniently located on the top of the device. Impressively, it handles larger storage capacities like 32GB and even 64GB cards without issue. Listening to MP3 files on this little radio is surprisingly enjoyable—the audio quality exceeds expectations for a device in this price range. However, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. There’s no screen to display track info, and no shuffle mode either. Instead, songs are played strictly in alphabetical order based on their file names. On the plus side, you can skip forward in batches of 10 tracks, which helps when navigating larger playlists.

Audio Quality

The radio features a built-in 5.5 cm speaker capable of delivering up to 5 watts of mono audio output. Given the compact size of the device, there’s naturally limited room for deep bass response or rich audio dynamics. That said, the sound quality is surprisingly clear and crisp—especially when reception is strong. While you won’t get room-filling sound or punchy lows, it performs well enough for casual listening, news broadcasts, or talk radio, making it a solid choice for on-the-go use or small spaces.

Battery

The radio is powered by a removable 3.7V BL-5C 1020mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery. It comes with a generic, factory-included battery, which—at least in my experience—didn’t hold up well over time. Within a year, the battery had bloated and become unusable, a common issue with lower-quality Li-ion cells. Thankfully, the device doesn’t rely solely on battery power. It can operate just fine without the battery installed, as long as it's plugged in via USB and receiving live power. This makes it convenient for stationary use or when a reliable power source is available, even if the battery fails.

Warranty

The product comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty on the device.

Reviews

On Amazon the radio is rated 4.3 out of 5 based on 1,500 customer reviews.

Conclusion

In summary, the XHDATA D-328 is a decent radio for its price, but for a bit more, you can find radios with more features. It's compact, offers decent audio quality, and handles local stations and MP3 podcasts effectively. It's a solid choice, especially if you're on a tight budget, but there are other radios in the same price range that provide even better value. If you're interested in small and affordable radios, there are various options from manufacturers like Tecsun, Tivdio, Degen, and others, so it's worth doing some research to find the one that best suits your preferences. While it may not excel in all areas, its affordability and features make it a compelling option for radio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

The D-328 product page at xhdata.com.cn

The product page for the D-328 is here

The user manual is available here at TEKLIB.

First published: November 4, 2023