As controversial as the new owners and the various rumors might be, I’m holding out hope this change will mark a rebirth. That the new owners/operators will initiate some efforts which will ultimately lead to more people entering the theatre to watch a movie, rather than treating it as just a courtyard sightseeing stop/photo op. It’s a beautiful historic theatre, with an unsurpassed pedigree, but it’s true value is found in being a living cinema treasure, not as a marker of what once was.
As i pointed out on Grauman’s CT page, the rumor involves the Chinese 6 being converted to a nightclub, not Grauman’s. The only alleged changes to Grauman’s, thus far, have been expanded food service and moving towards mixed use; which suggests the theatre would have it’s stage back.
If you examine the rumors (especially Hollywood Elsewhere and it’s “inside source”) the alleged dramatic changes are centered more on the Chinese 6 than Grauman’s.
If the Chinese 6 were to be convereted to a nightclub style venue, would anyone really care? It’s not like that annex holds the same historical/cultural significance.
As for Grauman’s, the only changes that have been rumored, to a significant extent, are transitioning to “multi use”; which would suggest the need for a stage, thus restoring an original feature of the theatre. About the only questonable alteration suggested, thus far, involves removable seating.
While I’m just as concerned as the next guy, especially considering the track records of the parties involved, I could see the potential for some of these alleged changes being beneficial. Say, Grauman’s continues to screen movies and adds the option of hosting live events once again. Perhaps, the kitchen/bar adds a luxury service to the theatre. And, the former 6 supplements the venue with post event options and extra drawing power via alternative entertainment choices. Yes, that involves a great deal of speculation and wishful thinking on my part, but, at this point, it’s no more speculative than saying “this is the end”.
This theatre’s construction was a pain in the butt for me. At the time, I was a manager at the AMC Fullerton 10 (the expansion to 20 hadn’t taken place yet) and AMC’s western division office wanted someone to keep tabs on Century’s latest venture in the market (they voiced a concern that it might be a threat to their business). So, every week I would have to go out to the construction site to compile an update. They wanted pictures, hand drawn maps/diagrams, and a detailed summary of what I saw. The big problem was that this was conducted during the project’s earliest stages; i.e. I was basically providing surveillance of a dirt lot. The end result being reports like “ten foot pile of soil now located on western corner of property (see photo 3)”. When the theatre structure actually started to go up, they stopped having me go out to the site. I never quite understood why they lost interest in monitoring the competition at this more relevant juncture.
Despite early concerns, the Stadium Promenade never had much of an impact on AMC’s area theatres. Fullerton served an entirely different market, the Block would later carve out it’s own highly successful niche, and Mainplace folded more as the result of the Block opening.
Great that councilwoman Gardner made the effort to keep everyone informed and the Port in the news; not so great that she throws in the “count me out” and “I’d just as soon watch it on my tv” comments, in reference to food service being added.
I would have to agree with Scott. Between the project taking almost a year and the number of adjoining units they’ve closed for the expansion (i.e. all of the former second floor foodcourt), I’m thinking they are basically building a new theatre on the site.
Today, 1/12/11, was the last day of operations before the year long remodel/expansion begins. There were no advertisements for the remodel in place, nor did management have any idea as to who the operator would be for the “new” theatre (they appeared very downbeat when asked). I basically walked away suspecting it wouldn’t be Edwards/REG.
Fortunately, not only wasn’t there significant visible damage, I also didn’t note any musty/damp smells whe I stopped by this weekend. So, here is hoping there won’t be any mold or mildew issues down the road.
Don S hit the nail on the head when he mentioned, “Personally, I had a home theater, and I ended up selling it. One of the main reasons: no communal experience. I love the energy that a crowd makes when they’re really into a movie.”
The industry critics and those fortelling “the end is near” have always failed to consider the communal aspect of movie going. While there are certainly a host of desirable viewing options available, none can truly replace the experience of watching a film with a large audience. While one might enjoy watching a film in the comfort and privacy of their own home (as we all do), there remains a different experience to be had through going to a cinema. Just as people continue to go to live concerts, sporting events, etc., they will continue to go to the movies. Attendance and habits might fluctuate, the industry will unquestionably change, but, as long as humans remain a social creature, there will be a desire to share experiences with others.
As for his 30+ age observation. Every day, I see those 30+ year olds taking their families to the movies. Thus, introducing a new generation to the magic of movie theatres.
On July 23, 2010, the Woodbridge will begin offering digital projection in two auditoriums (#2 & #3), with 3-D capabilities. By year’s end, all five auditoriums will be converted to digital.
This center was planned before the economy collapsed. They had wagered, not only that the area would continue to boom, but that there would be a demand for more screens in the immediate future. Obviously, it was a bet they lost.
SoCal/The Movie Experience was originally supposed to operate the theatre, but they dropped out shortly before the development was completed (perhaps, they saw the proverbial writting on the wall). Krikorian stepped in to manage the theatre (i.e. they didn’t build or own it).
While I’m sure someone else will take over management of the theatre, the entire complex is folding up at an alarming rate. The Dos Lagos center simply suffers from poor timing; a situation which doesn’t show any signs of improving in the near future.
Barring a drastic development, on July 10, 2010, the Strand had it’s final public curtain call with the shorts:
Our Gang in “The Big Premiere"
"A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody” (from The Great Ziegfeld)
The Box Office Magazine feature, linked above, ultimately held true (regaurding easy conversion to retail). Aside from remodeling the entry facade, the present day building did exactly what the article mentioned; they removed the false floor (to achieve level), extracted the theatre fixtures, and converted the booth to an office, creating the store that inhabits the site today. Stepping inside the skate shop this afternoon (7/5/10), there was no mistaking it’s former life as a theatre; with the exception of the above mentioned alterations and racks of skateboard supplies, it remains relatively unchanged.
Another odd feature I seem to recall; at least one of the auditoriums was located at a slightly higher level than the lobby. A small set of stairs (maybe three or four steps) was located on the right side of the concession stand, accessing the auditorium from the left rear. I am unsure if this was the case for the second auditorium, as I only attended this theatre once.
This was the first theatre in the Krikorian chain. Company founder/namesake George Krikorian grew tired of driving a distance, in order to take his family to the movies, and speculated that there was a need for a local cinema; thus, launching Krikorian Premiere Theatres in 1984. The Penninsula 9, along with the rest of Krikorian’s pre stadium chain, was sold to Regal in 1996. The chain was relaunched a few years later, with a series of modern stadium builds.
The Penninsula 6’s first general manager was John Dolmage.
The Stockdale 6 was from the generation of “disposable” multiplex theatres AMC built. By “disposable”, I mean that the venue was purposely designed for easy transition to other uses, once it had run it’s course as a cinema; ground level booths, thin interior walls, simplistic box design, and budget conscious amenities throughout. However, the theatre ultimately far outlived it’s expected life span and even saw business that warranted a few upgrades over the years.
The Triangle Square 8 opened in June of 1992, as Edwards' 34th theatre. As with the Triangle Square center, the theatre started off as an area “hot spot”, but fell out of favor within a few years. After major center tenants, like Niketown and Virgin Megastore, departed, the theatre (and surrounding shopping center) became a virtual ghost town.
During it’s heyday, the Triangle Square 8 featured a large cafe and expanded arcade; located in an angular shaped room, off the lobby’s southern side. After attendance fell, the area was converted in to a birthday party rental space.
This theatre was formerly known as the Valley View Twin and dates back to the mid 70’s (circa 1975). It was later divided up in to four long, narrow, auditoriums and renamed “Four Star Cinemas”. I believe the theatre was independently owned/operated by the same family, up until Starlight took over the site. Starlight added digital projection and began a lower priced first run business model.
“After selling/closing most of the original chain of NGC Theatres, he sold or closed most of the theatres he built.”
While Ted Mann did close/sell most of the old National General sites, in favor of multiplexes, he wasn’t involved with the company’s slide in to irrelevance. When Mann stepped down as company chairman in 1991, the company was still a regional powerhouse, with 510 screens. The real decline began around 1997, when Mann Theatres was purchased by Westar and continued after WF Cinema Holdings took over in 2000. They failed to make the transition from aging multiplexes to viable megaplexes.
The Gelndora 6 exemplifies what happened throughout the Mann chain. Success in the multiplex era, but a failure to keep up with industry changes in later years.
Apparently, the Miramar is in the process of being sold yet again. LAB Holdings, owners of the historic Casino San Clemente ballroom, have announced plans to renovate the theatre and neighboring bowling alley, for use as a performing arts center and restaurant, once the sale is complete.
Along with celebrating the theatre’s 85th anniversary this month, it was announced that phase one of the site’s renovation will begin in the Fall of 2010. Apparently, this first phase will primarily focus on the complex’s exterior and adjoining commercial units; the idea being that the commercial spaces can provide a steady income, once tenants are able to occupy them.
As controversial as the new owners and the various rumors might be, I’m holding out hope this change will mark a rebirth. That the new owners/operators will initiate some efforts which will ultimately lead to more people entering the theatre to watch a movie, rather than treating it as just a courtyard sightseeing stop/photo op. It’s a beautiful historic theatre, with an unsurpassed pedigree, but it’s true value is found in being a living cinema treasure, not as a marker of what once was.
Proved to be a short run; the Brookhurst has been closed once again.
As i pointed out on Grauman’s CT page, the rumor involves the Chinese 6 being converted to a nightclub, not Grauman’s. The only alleged changes to Grauman’s, thus far, have been expanded food service and moving towards mixed use; which suggests the theatre would have it’s stage back.
If you examine the rumors (especially Hollywood Elsewhere and it’s “inside source”) the alleged dramatic changes are centered more on the Chinese 6 than Grauman’s.
If the Chinese 6 were to be convereted to a nightclub style venue, would anyone really care? It’s not like that annex holds the same historical/cultural significance.
As for Grauman’s, the only changes that have been rumored, to a significant extent, are transitioning to “multi use”; which would suggest the need for a stage, thus restoring an original feature of the theatre. About the only questonable alteration suggested, thus far, involves removable seating.
While I’m just as concerned as the next guy, especially considering the track records of the parties involved, I could see the potential for some of these alleged changes being beneficial. Say, Grauman’s continues to screen movies and adds the option of hosting live events once again. Perhaps, the kitchen/bar adds a luxury service to the theatre. And, the former 6 supplements the venue with post event options and extra drawing power via alternative entertainment choices. Yes, that involves a great deal of speculation and wishful thinking on my part, but, at this point, it’s no more speculative than saying “this is the end”.
This theatre’s construction was a pain in the butt for me. At the time, I was a manager at the AMC Fullerton 10 (the expansion to 20 hadn’t taken place yet) and AMC’s western division office wanted someone to keep tabs on Century’s latest venture in the market (they voiced a concern that it might be a threat to their business). So, every week I would have to go out to the construction site to compile an update. They wanted pictures, hand drawn maps/diagrams, and a detailed summary of what I saw. The big problem was that this was conducted during the project’s earliest stages; i.e. I was basically providing surveillance of a dirt lot. The end result being reports like “ten foot pile of soil now located on western corner of property (see photo 3)”. When the theatre structure actually started to go up, they stopped having me go out to the site. I never quite understood why they lost interest in monitoring the competition at this more relevant juncture.
Despite early concerns, the Stadium Promenade never had much of an impact on AMC’s area theatres. Fullerton served an entirely different market, the Block would later carve out it’s own highly successful niche, and Mainplace folded more as the result of the Block opening.
Great that councilwoman Gardner made the effort to keep everyone informed and the Port in the news; not so great that she throws in the “count me out” and “I’d just as soon watch it on my tv” comments, in reference to food service being added.
I would have to agree with Scott. Between the project taking almost a year and the number of adjoining units they’ve closed for the expansion (i.e. all of the former second floor foodcourt), I’m thinking they are basically building a new theatre on the site.
Today, 1/12/11, was the last day of operations before the year long remodel/expansion begins. There were no advertisements for the remodel in place, nor did management have any idea as to who the operator would be for the “new” theatre (they appeared very downbeat when asked). I basically walked away suspecting it wouldn’t be Edwards/REG.
You could try Cy Young Industries. They are widely used for seating renovations in the theatre industry.
Fortunately, not only wasn’t there significant visible damage, I also didn’t note any musty/damp smells whe I stopped by this weekend. So, here is hoping there won’t be any mold or mildew issues down the road.
Don S hit the nail on the head when he mentioned, “Personally, I had a home theater, and I ended up selling it. One of the main reasons: no communal experience. I love the energy that a crowd makes when they’re really into a movie.”
The industry critics and those fortelling “the end is near” have always failed to consider the communal aspect of movie going. While there are certainly a host of desirable viewing options available, none can truly replace the experience of watching a film with a large audience. While one might enjoy watching a film in the comfort and privacy of their own home (as we all do), there remains a different experience to be had through going to a cinema. Just as people continue to go to live concerts, sporting events, etc., they will continue to go to the movies. Attendance and habits might fluctuate, the industry will unquestionably change, but, as long as humans remain a social creature, there will be a desire to share experiences with others.
As for his 30+ age observation. Every day, I see those 30+ year olds taking their families to the movies. Thus, introducing a new generation to the magic of movie theatres.
On July 23, 2010, the Woodbridge will begin offering digital projection in two auditoriums (#2 & #3), with 3-D capabilities. By year’s end, all five auditoriums will be converted to digital.
This center was planned before the economy collapsed. They had wagered, not only that the area would continue to boom, but that there would be a demand for more screens in the immediate future. Obviously, it was a bet they lost.
SoCal/The Movie Experience was originally supposed to operate the theatre, but they dropped out shortly before the development was completed (perhaps, they saw the proverbial writting on the wall). Krikorian stepped in to manage the theatre (i.e. they didn’t build or own it).
While I’m sure someone else will take over management of the theatre, the entire complex is folding up at an alarming rate. The Dos Lagos center simply suffers from poor timing; a situation which doesn’t show any signs of improving in the near future.
Barring a drastic development, on July 10, 2010, the Strand had it’s final public curtain call with the shorts:
Our Gang in “The Big Premiere"
"A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody” (from The Great Ziegfeld)
The Box Office Magazine feature, linked above, ultimately held true (regaurding easy conversion to retail). Aside from remodeling the entry facade, the present day building did exactly what the article mentioned; they removed the false floor (to achieve level), extracted the theatre fixtures, and converted the booth to an office, creating the store that inhabits the site today. Stepping inside the skate shop this afternoon (7/5/10), there was no mistaking it’s former life as a theatre; with the exception of the above mentioned alterations and racks of skateboard supplies, it remains relatively unchanged.
Another odd feature I seem to recall; at least one of the auditoriums was located at a slightly higher level than the lobby. A small set of stairs (maybe three or four steps) was located on the right side of the concession stand, accessing the auditorium from the left rear. I am unsure if this was the case for the second auditorium, as I only attended this theatre once.
Yes, they are the same theatre.
This was the first theatre in the Krikorian chain. Company founder/namesake George Krikorian grew tired of driving a distance, in order to take his family to the movies, and speculated that there was a need for a local cinema; thus, launching Krikorian Premiere Theatres in 1984. The Penninsula 9, along with the rest of Krikorian’s pre stadium chain, was sold to Regal in 1996. The chain was relaunched a few years later, with a series of modern stadium builds.
The Penninsula 6’s first general manager was John Dolmage.
The Stockdale 6 was from the generation of “disposable” multiplex theatres AMC built. By “disposable”, I mean that the venue was purposely designed for easy transition to other uses, once it had run it’s course as a cinema; ground level booths, thin interior walls, simplistic box design, and budget conscious amenities throughout. However, the theatre ultimately far outlived it’s expected life span and even saw business that warranted a few upgrades over the years.
The Triangle Square 8 opened in June of 1992, as Edwards' 34th theatre. As with the Triangle Square center, the theatre started off as an area “hot spot”, but fell out of favor within a few years. After major center tenants, like Niketown and Virgin Megastore, departed, the theatre (and surrounding shopping center) became a virtual ghost town.
During it’s heyday, the Triangle Square 8 featured a large cafe and expanded arcade; located in an angular shaped room, off the lobby’s southern side. After attendance fell, the area was converted in to a birthday party rental space.
This theatre was formerly known as the Valley View Twin and dates back to the mid 70’s (circa 1975). It was later divided up in to four long, narrow, auditoriums and renamed “Four Star Cinemas”. I believe the theatre was independently owned/operated by the same family, up until Starlight took over the site. Starlight added digital projection and began a lower priced first run business model.
“After selling/closing most of the original chain of NGC Theatres, he sold or closed most of the theatres he built.”
While Ted Mann did close/sell most of the old National General sites, in favor of multiplexes, he wasn’t involved with the company’s slide in to irrelevance. When Mann stepped down as company chairman in 1991, the company was still a regional powerhouse, with 510 screens. The real decline began around 1997, when Mann Theatres was purchased by Westar and continued after WF Cinema Holdings took over in 2000. They failed to make the transition from aging multiplexes to viable megaplexes.
The Gelndora 6 exemplifies what happened throughout the Mann chain. Success in the multiplex era, but a failure to keep up with industry changes in later years.
Apparently, the Miramar is in the process of being sold yet again. LAB Holdings, owners of the historic Casino San Clemente ballroom, have announced plans to renovate the theatre and neighboring bowling alley, for use as a performing arts center and restaurant, once the sale is complete.
Along with celebrating the theatre’s 85th anniversary this month, it was announced that phase one of the site’s renovation will begin in the Fall of 2010. Apparently, this first phase will primarily focus on the complex’s exterior and adjoining commercial units; the idea being that the commercial spaces can provide a steady income, once tenants are able to occupy them.
The seating counts for the theatre are as follows:
Aud 1 – 144
Aud 2 – 164
Aud 3 – 218
Aud 4 – 159
Aud 5 – 209
Aud 6 – 132
Aud 7 – 143
Aud 8 – 192