As to TLSLOEWS question: General Cinemas bought a group of Loews venues in the early 70’s. The Tustin Theatre was never a Loews, the reference was tied in to other sites GCC had listed in the advertisement.
As to the screen described by Douglas above. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, AMC utilized Taurus curved screens in some locations and these screens did utilize a vacuum system (there was obviously a problem in your auditorium, as the screen shouldn’t have been making an audible sound during your movie).
The Crown Valley was a prototypical 80’s Edwards multiplex; shallow two story lobby (restrooms on second floor), one large (500+ seat) auditorium directly off of the lobby, and additional auditoriums down an adjoining hallway.
The theatre was converted in to a church, circa 2002.
Unless there have been dramatic changes with the new operator, the tour doesn’t involve any non public areas. It’s more about pointing out architectural details, trivia, and the general history of the theatre. While that may sound a bit disappointing, I found the tour enjoyable. If you go to the first tour of the day, prior to any showtimes, they also allow you to look around on your own (i.e. you are afforded some private time in the theatre, before they open for business). If a movie is playing during your tour, they spend less time in the auditorium (the guide communicates via a headset that is issued). I had heard there were plans to expand the tour’s coverage a bit; so, it may have changed since Mann.
The closure was the end result of a legal dispute between the property owners and the theatre’s, now former, operator; naturally, each side has a different take on the scenario. However, the property owners are actively seeking a new operator and are committed to reopening as soon as possible. This is NOT a case of a site which doesn’t make money and there are no plans to operate it as anything other than a live theatre.
This was one of the better OC multiplexes, until Edwards lost interest in keeping it up and a less desirable element began frequenting the theatre. I recall the two large auditoriums having impressive screen sizes (for the time) and waterfall curtains (quite a rarity for the multiplex era). The entire theatre was a notch above most multiplexes of the day. Unfortunately, the Hutton Center’s glory days were relatively brief and the site went downhill fast, after Edwards moved on to megaplexes. The last time I went there (circa 96')it had already turned in to the kind of theatre one had second thoughts about going to.
In recent years, the Island 7 was generally a B-film/move over location, with the occasional indie release. Prior to that, I recall there being some decent bookings,but the Big Newport always took the top releases, due to the larger seating capacity. I don’t recall them ever sharing bookings, but it may have happened with really big movies, from time to time.
I would imagine they will place some special effort in to booking the Island, to help launch the theatre (as they did when it first opened). However, I doubt they will neglect the Big Newport, long term. The Big Newport has more seats in one auditorium than the Island does as a facility. The Island’s higher prices and extras simply can’t replace the Big Newport’s raw capacity and potential for big attendance numbers. They will likely go to double bookings by summer.
Hopefully, the new owner is interested in reopening the theatre as an entertainment venue and the alleged hotel concept simply involves the adjoining commercial space.
Dr. Gene Scott’s widow/successor, Melissa Scott, is a bit “controversial” and has been liquidating a number of the ministry’s holdings in a questionable fashion. So, I seriously doubt the building’s historical value was considered in the sale, from her side.
All three theatres they chose are excellent modern megaplexes, but I wish they would have tried thinking outside the box and created a more interesting list. There is quite a varied and colorful landscape of theatres in Orange County, offering more than “located in a popular shopping destination”, “top grossing”, and “featuring (insert stock list of modern amenities)”.
While semi open for a few years now, the Yost is celebrating it’s official reopening this weekend, after a $2.7 mil remodel/upgrade. The venue is now focused on live concerts and use as a club, with a full bar and restaurant in place.
This was initially slated to be an Edwards project. After Edwards fell in to bankruptcy, Krikorian was brought in to open/manage the theatre. I’ve been told conflicting stories as to whether Krikorian was intended to be a temporary operator or not; however, that obviously ended up being the case, as Krikorian was replaced in short order.
Opened on 12/16/83
Initially operated jointly by SocCal Cinemas and Edwards; Edwards later took over full operation. The theatre is currently operated by the Parth Theatre Group.
When Mann took the theatre over for a second time, there was a significant refurbishment. It was in near pristine condition during it’s final years.
After closing, the theatre remained fully equipped and in “turn key” condition. When I went on a speculative walk-through, it literally looked like the theatre was ready to reopen on a moment’s notice (there were even unused office supplies neatly organized in the office). Unfortunately, the lease and track record just didn’t lend themselves to procuring a new operator. Had there been more space for support areas and a kitchen, I think it might have been a prime candidate for a “fork and screen” conversion, but that will forever be confined to speculation.
For some reason, the map above is showing this theatre in the wrong area. The Pierside Pavilion was on Pacific Coast Highway, across the street from the ocean.
The Pierside Pavilion 6 was opened on May 24, 19991 by Mann Theatres. Located directly across the street from Huntington Beach’s famous pier and main beach, on the second level of a shopping plaza, the theatre always struggled to compete with the city’s outdoor draws and thriving downtown nightlife. Sold to Edwards in the early 90’s, the theatre would return to the Mann fold after Edward’s bankruptcy, before finishing out it’s days under the operation of SoCal Cinemas/The Movie Experience. The Pierside Pavilion (renamed the Pierside Surf City 6 under SoCal) closed in March of 2008 and sat vacant until December 2010, when the theatre was converted in to 33,049 square feet of office and restaurant space.
Constructed in an compact “L” shape, two small auditoriums were accessed directly off the shallow two story lobby’s left side, while the remaining four auditoriums were located down a hallway on the right. The facility featured two THX certified auditoriums (#4 & #6) and 70 mm capabilities in #6. Auditorium six was also built with pseudo stadium seating (the rest of the complex was traditional slope).
Nice eye King Biscuits! The exterior poster pylons (removed in 97') were used for coming attractions; so, those two would have been pending at the time. But we did have them and I even built up the James & the Giant Peach print.
Today (5/31/11), they will begin removing the 50’s era marquee and box office as part of the ongoing renovation; thus, restoring the theatre’s original look.
Concerning the whole Mann issue; it is my understanding Mann’s last contracted day of operation was 5/19/11. However, there was an extention made to 5/26/11, to aid in the transition process. After completing the change over (the reason they are currently closed), the theatre will reopen under a new owner and operator (as movielover23 mentioned “Chinese Theatre LLC”). I believe the theatre’s new website will soon be chinesetheatres.com.
As to TLSLOEWS question: General Cinemas bought a group of Loews venues in the early 70’s. The Tustin Theatre was never a Loews, the reference was tied in to other sites GCC had listed in the advertisement.
Starplex Cinemas has taken over operation of the theatre, effective 5/3/12.
As to the screen described by Douglas above. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, AMC utilized Taurus curved screens in some locations and these screens did utilize a vacuum system (there was obviously a problem in your auditorium, as the screen shouldn’t have been making an audible sound during your movie).
The Pittsburg 8 opened in 1990 and was Brenden Theatres' first venue. The company’s founder/CEO, Johnny Brenden, is the grandson of Ted Mann.
This would be the Brookhurst Theatre. The Loge is located in a neighboring unit.
The cosmetology school moved and the unit is currently (3/12) vacant.
The Crown Valley was a prototypical 80’s Edwards multiplex; shallow two story lobby (restrooms on second floor), one large (500+ seat) auditorium directly off of the lobby, and additional auditoriums down an adjoining hallway.
The theatre was converted in to a church, circa 2002.
Unless there have been dramatic changes with the new operator, the tour doesn’t involve any non public areas. It’s more about pointing out architectural details, trivia, and the general history of the theatre. While that may sound a bit disappointing, I found the tour enjoyable. If you go to the first tour of the day, prior to any showtimes, they also allow you to look around on your own (i.e. you are afforded some private time in the theatre, before they open for business). If a movie is playing during your tour, they spend less time in the auditorium (the guide communicates via a headset that is issued). I had heard there were plans to expand the tour’s coverage a bit; so, it may have changed since Mann.
The closure was the end result of a legal dispute between the property owners and the theatre’s, now former, operator; naturally, each side has a different take on the scenario. However, the property owners are actively seeking a new operator and are committed to reopening as soon as possible. This is NOT a case of a site which doesn’t make money and there are no plans to operate it as anything other than a live theatre.
This was one of the better OC multiplexes, until Edwards lost interest in keeping it up and a less desirable element began frequenting the theatre. I recall the two large auditoriums having impressive screen sizes (for the time) and waterfall curtains (quite a rarity for the multiplex era). The entire theatre was a notch above most multiplexes of the day. Unfortunately, the Hutton Center’s glory days were relatively brief and the site went downhill fast, after Edwards moved on to megaplexes. The last time I went there (circa 96')it had already turned in to the kind of theatre one had second thoughts about going to.
In recent years, the Island 7 was generally a B-film/move over location, with the occasional indie release. Prior to that, I recall there being some decent bookings,but the Big Newport always took the top releases, due to the larger seating capacity. I don’t recall them ever sharing bookings, but it may have happened with really big movies, from time to time.
I would imagine they will place some special effort in to booking the Island, to help launch the theatre (as they did when it first opened). However, I doubt they will neglect the Big Newport, long term. The Big Newport has more seats in one auditorium than the Island does as a facility. The Island’s higher prices and extras simply can’t replace the Big Newport’s raw capacity and potential for big attendance numbers. They will likely go to double bookings by summer.
After the remodel, seating is now 670 total.
Hopefully, the new owner is interested in reopening the theatre as an entertainment venue and the alleged hotel concept simply involves the adjoining commercial space.
Dr. Gene Scott’s widow/successor, Melissa Scott, is a bit “controversial” and has been liquidating a number of the ministry’s holdings in a questionable fashion. So, I seriously doubt the building’s historical value was considered in the sale, from her side.
All three theatres they chose are excellent modern megaplexes, but I wish they would have tried thinking outside the box and created a more interesting list. There is quite a varied and colorful landscape of theatres in Orange County, offering more than “located in a popular shopping destination”, “top grossing”, and “featuring (insert stock list of modern amenities)”.
While semi open for a few years now, the Yost is celebrating it’s official reopening this weekend, after a $2.7 mil remodel/upgrade. The venue is now focused on live concerts and use as a club, with a full bar and restaurant in place.
This was initially slated to be an Edwards project. After Edwards fell in to bankruptcy, Krikorian was brought in to open/manage the theatre. I’ve been told conflicting stories as to whether Krikorian was intended to be a temporary operator or not; however, that obviously ended up being the case, as Krikorian was replaced in short order.
Opened on 12/16/83 Initially operated jointly by SocCal Cinemas and Edwards; Edwards later took over full operation. The theatre is currently operated by the Parth Theatre Group.
When Mann took the theatre over for a second time, there was a significant refurbishment. It was in near pristine condition during it’s final years.
After closing, the theatre remained fully equipped and in “turn key” condition. When I went on a speculative walk-through, it literally looked like the theatre was ready to reopen on a moment’s notice (there were even unused office supplies neatly organized in the office). Unfortunately, the lease and track record just didn’t lend themselves to procuring a new operator. Had there been more space for support areas and a kitchen, I think it might have been a prime candidate for a “fork and screen” conversion, but that will forever be confined to speculation.
Miscellaneous trivia: The South Coast opened as National General Corp’s 263rd theatre.
Today, the site is a well maintained grass lot; popular for office breaks and as a walkway to/from the Orange County Performing Arts Center.
For some reason, the map above is showing this theatre in the wrong area. The Pierside Pavilion was on Pacific Coast Highway, across the street from the ocean.
The picture was taken from the stairs that lead to auditorium #6. The lobby is located on the opposite end of the hall, to the right.
The Pierside Pavilion 6 was opened on May 24, 19991 by Mann Theatres. Located directly across the street from Huntington Beach’s famous pier and main beach, on the second level of a shopping plaza, the theatre always struggled to compete with the city’s outdoor draws and thriving downtown nightlife. Sold to Edwards in the early 90’s, the theatre would return to the Mann fold after Edward’s bankruptcy, before finishing out it’s days under the operation of SoCal Cinemas/The Movie Experience. The Pierside Pavilion (renamed the Pierside Surf City 6 under SoCal) closed in March of 2008 and sat vacant until December 2010, when the theatre was converted in to 33,049 square feet of office and restaurant space.
Constructed in an compact “L” shape, two small auditoriums were accessed directly off the shallow two story lobby’s left side, while the remaining four auditoriums were located down a hallway on the right. The facility featured two THX certified auditoriums (#4 & #6) and 70 mm capabilities in #6. Auditorium six was also built with pseudo stadium seating (the rest of the complex was traditional slope).
Nice eye King Biscuits! The exterior poster pylons (removed in 97') were used for coming attractions; so, those two would have been pending at the time. But we did have them and I even built up the James & the Giant Peach print.
Today (5/31/11), they will begin removing the 50’s era marquee and box office as part of the ongoing renovation; thus, restoring the theatre’s original look.
Concerning the whole Mann issue; it is my understanding Mann’s last contracted day of operation was 5/19/11. However, there was an extention made to 5/26/11, to aid in the transition process. After completing the change over (the reason they are currently closed), the theatre will reopen under a new owner and operator (as movielover23 mentioned “Chinese Theatre LLC”). I believe the theatre’s new website will soon be chinesetheatres.com.