Growing up in the 90s, going to Blockbuster was something to look forward to once the weekend arrived. Going to the movie theater was always something a little more exciting. A new movie, expensive popcorn, a big screen, comfy seats, the movie trailers, were all things that made the experience memorable as a kid. When Blockbuster announced their closure people looked back at the experience of picking out a movie on a Friday night. Similarly, when Toys R Us closed, I, like many thought about my future kids not being able to have that in person experience of choosing a toy, running around each aisle, and crying when I tell them they can only have one. Some of these thoughts came to mind as Pacific Theaters and ArcLight Cinemas announced on April 12, 2021 that they will not be reopening and are closing their doors permanently after having closed for a year due to the pandemic.
Living in Los Angeles we have had quite a few options when going out to the movies. AMC at Universal Hollywood City Walk, multiple options (most now closed) in Glendale, the ArcLight Cinema Dome on Sunset, the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, Pacific Theaters at The Grove and more. The closures can be largely attributed to the impact of the pandemic but it is also a reminder of services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and others taking over the industry bringing movies to your television screens, laptop, and phones. Recently, WarnerMedia announced its decision to adjust its strategy with theatrical releases. WarnerMedia decided its remaining 2020 films and its entire 2021 films would be released on its popular steaming platform HBO Max in addition to releasing them in theaters. The announcement was another major blow to the movie theater industry. In the summer of 2020 Netflix finalized a deal to purchase the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood where they planned to host special events, screenings and movie premieres. It will be interesting to see if any of the major streaming services end up looking into getting into the movie theater industry now that a major player is no longer in the game.
Los Angeles is also home to a number of small, historic, independent movie theaters that provide an old school feel and experience. Like Pacific Theaters and ArcLight Cinemas, these smaller businesses have struggled through 2020 and can use the support as things start to get back to normal. Here are a few of these historic theaters you can support next time you head out to check out the latest movie.
The Los Feliz 3 Cinema has been around since 1934 and is now owned by Vintage Cinemas. Located in Los Feliz just a walk down from Griffith Park, it is in a perfect area filled with locally owned shops and popular restaurants. The historic theater offers regular snacks and non alcoholic beverages, more than reasonably priced movie tickets, 3 different screening rooms, and a vibe filled with intimacy.
Address: 1822 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
The Vista Theater is located minutes away from Los Feliz 3 and is also owned by Vintage Cinemas. The historic single screen movie theater was originally named the “Lou Bard Playhouse” when it opened back in 1923. The theater has an Egyptian style theme, a capacity of 400 guest, and features celebrity handprints similar to the Chinese Theater in Hollywood featuring stars like Sally Kirkland, Jon C. Reilly, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Address: 4473 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
The New Beverly Cinema opened in the 1920s with different names including the New Yorker Theater and various uses including a nightclub before it became a theater. The theater is located in the Fairfax district between The Grove and Hancock Park and has a capacity of over 200. In 2007, legendary director Quentin Tarantino took ownership of the theater making some upgrades and taking over programming.
Address: 7165 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Built in the late 1920s, the Nuart Cinema is located on Santa Monica Boulevard near Westwood Village and UCLA. The Nuart is now part of Landmark Theatres which bought the site in 1974 making it their first theater. The theater showings include independent movies, foreign films and classics with enough seating for just over 300 guests.
Address: 11272 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90025
Kevin R Linares 