Regency Village Theatre

One thing’s for sure. They’ll still get premieres. Studios couldn’t/wouldn’t book with Mann’s operation uncertain.

O, ye of little faith. As long as that attitude holds, it’ll be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Regency isn’t in the business of losing money, nor would they be expanding in this economic climate specifically to do so. They made money at the Fairfax, when others couldn’t. Perhaps, the lower monthly rent they negotiated with the Skouras survivors who still own both theatres will make the difference between win and lose – profit or loss. If nothing else, both houses will have a much different feel than under the long, slow death march of all Mann’s properties as they fulfill their announced intention of leaving the exhibition business. Rule #1 in exhib. – the property takes on the personality of its management.

Regency also operates the Tamarac Square Cinema in Denver which was originally a Mann house.
The Tamarac was one that Mann actually built.

Here’s the release: Variety is mis-reporting that Regency bought the theatres. They’re just leasing for now.

WESTWOOD, CA — Regency Theatres is pleased to announce the acquisition of two of the most legendary movie theaters in Los Angeles. Beginning on Thursday, April 1, Regency Theatres will be the proud operators of the historic Village and Bruin Theaters located in the heart of Westwood Village.

“We are excited to be adding the iconic Village and Bruin Theaters to the Regency family of theaters” said Lyndon Golin, President of Regency Theatres. “These celebrated movie houses have been landmarks in Los Angeles since the 1930’s and we plan to extend their legacy far into the future.”
Built in 1930 and opened in 1931, the Village Theater has been a popular location to see movies for several generations of moviegoers. The theater’s grand architecture, large auditorium (which seats over 1,300 patrons) and state-of-the-art presentation make it a destination movie theater for film fans everywhere. The most striking feature of the theater is the 170-foot white Spanish Revival-style tower which looms high over the Broxton and Weyburn intersection.
The theater is a favorite among movie studios, which frequently select the theatre to premiere their top films. The Village Theater will soon celebrate its 80th Anniversary.
The Bruin Theater, a streamlined Art Deco cinema, opened its doors in 1937 directly across the street from the Village Theater and the two have stood side-by-side for over seven decades.
The Regency Village Theater is located at 961 Broxton Avenue and the Regency Bruin is located just across the street at 948 Broxton Avenue. Movie information and ticketing is available at www.regencymovies.com

About Regency Theatres:
Based in Calabasas, family-owned Regency Theatres was founded in 1996 and operates 22 locations in Southern California as well as theaters in Nevada and Colorado.

Look for Regency Theatres to make the Village/Bruin announcement today, March 30. I’ll post the release as soon as I get clearance from Regency. Such wonderful news! Having been forced out of the Fairfax, Regency now steps up to operate two gems. It’s up to us to actually support them and buy tickets – and lots of their fresh-popped popcorn. While you’re in the neighborhood, support the Crest with your $$, too.

It somewhat makes sense. Regency seems to want to be a player. They have taken over a few Mann theatres already. My guess is they will take more…or what is remaining. Yes, end of an era. The Village was my first job in 1980. Mann has always been a big part of Westwood. But hey, the theatres are staying open and Regency is anxious to make a name.

does any one have any inside info on the length of Regency’s lease?

now that its over, my compliments to Mann theaters. I hope Regency maintains the same high level of presentation quality and theater upkeep that Mann has right up to the end. I think this theater has the best overall sound of any of the big movie palaces in L.A. (though I never got to hear the big downstairs auditorium at the Avco before they twinned it, nor the old Plitt century plaza before it was chopped up). For overall presentation quality I rate the Village the highest out of all the palaces in westwood and hollywood.

But now that the Mann era is over, what do you guys think of the job Mann did with the Village theater over the years?

well that’s it – the end of the Mann era in Westwood. Just ten years ago Mann had all the theaters in the village north of Wilshire Blvd.

Village
National
Bruin
Festival
Regent
Plaza
Westwood 4 plex

I think that was all of them.

wow! So there it is. They’re taking over the Bruin too.

OH MY GOD. It’s REGENCY! It’s REGENCY! http://regencymovies.com/

April 1st comes this week….let’s hope some national theater chain, or maybe some film heavyweight/billionaire, gets serious about taking over the leases for these two national treasures. Losing them would be a tragedy.