Caught “Avengers: Age of Ultron” over the weekend at one of the newly remodeled stadium theaters(Auditorium # 4)and have to say I was very impressed.
Seats are reserved now(either at the box office or online) and your seat number is stamped on the tray tables attached to the new leather recliners. The seats are very comfortable and glide back with considerable ease at the touch of a button. The swivel tray tables are very handy for cell phones and snacks and can be pulled close or pushed off to the side.
Every other row of seats has been removed so one can fully recline in maximum comfort. I sat in the second-to-last row (G)and never felt a kick or anything. A nice change.
The floors are now wood laminate and provide a nice classy touch. Instead of stale popcorn, everything smells of wood and leather. It’s like being inside a Lexus.
The price for a 3D matinee was the same as before the upgrade. We’ll see how long they can maintain that. My guess is since they’ve lost half the seats, prices will have to rise eventually.
Overall a very enjoyable experience, one which gives me considerable hope that the big-screen re-do might be a good thing after all. We shall see in July.
I actually just spoke with someone at the Newport who said the big screen will be closed until June or July. Apparently theaters 3 and 4 will be done by the end of April. She thought it was strange that they did the stadium theaters first, too. She offered that they probably wanted the smaller theaters done first because they take less time.
Still, how do you not have your biggest theater available for the start of the summer movie season? Especially when you’re removing 50 percent of the seats in the small theaters.
Richie_T: I notice that the three stadiums theaters are now listed as having reclining seats and reserved seating. They were closed when I visited on March 16, the big screen was still open. Were you able to look inside the stadium theaters? I find it odd that they renovated the stadium theaters first and not the big screen. We’re a month away from the start of the summer movie season. Is the big screen really going to be ready for The Avengers May 1?
There are special screenings at the Egyptian, Cinerama Dome and a handful of other classic venues in the area. You’d think someone would make a comment or two, on any page. Instead we get posts on juice bars. I’m envious of you guys who live in L.A. and have the opportunity to catch these classic films at the only movie palaces still standing. If you really love film and the venues that show them, seek out these special screenings and share your experiences.
Thanks for the info on the “1941” screening, Coate. Getting anybody to comment on special screenings these days is like pulling teeth. Spielberg didn’t make a surprise appearance Sunday? I did read your Digital Bits article and enjoyed it. Keep ‘em coming.
Looks like both Blade Runner and Apocalypse Now will get one-shot screenings at the Dome this month as part of Arclight Presents…Crew Picks: Blade Runner on Wed., 3/18 and Apocalypse on Wed., 3/11. Tickets on sale now. Apocalypse is listed as a digital presentation with Blade Runner screening in 35mm.
Actually caught “Unbroken” on the big screen over the weekend (I figured it was most likely the last time I’d see a film here in its original configuration). Asked about the pending renovation and was told things would get started next month, beginning with the big-screen auditorium and then the smaller theaters after that. Apparently the big screen will become one of Regal’s proprietary RPX theaters, not IMAX. RPX features reclining seats, giant screen, dual digital projection, immersive sound, etc. Basically like IMAX without the licensing fees. The employee I spoke with said the big screen would be closed for 2-4 months during renovation. My guess is they’ll have it ready for “Avengers 2” on May 1.
I drove by this theater last week – it’s still called the Festival Cinemas. No mention of Regal anywhere on the building. There’s definitely an ‘80s vibe to the place.
Actually caught “Gone Girl” here a couple of weeks back, my first visit in over 20 years. Still a very nice theater with plenty of leg room. I visited on a Thursday and the matinee ticket was only $4. The cashier said “it’s a special price today.” Works for me.
You sure about that stat, RobertAlex? Regal signed a deal with Sony back in 2009 to equip all of its theaters with 4K projection over the next 3-5 years. It’s pretty mind-boggling to think they haven’t updated their premier auditorium in OC by now, especially since they promote 4K projection on most of their smaller screens before the start of each movie.
Hey, Regal, if your listening: It would have been nice to see the Ghostbusters re-release on the big screen this week. The Cinerama Dome in Hollywood had it.
Good stories, Imissoldanaheim. I hear you, going to the movies just isn’t the same as when we were kids. The Cinedome, Big Newport, South Coast Plaza, they were palaces that made the great flicks even better. At least we have our memories.
Avoided the Big Newport this weekend and caught the 10AM Star Trek Into Darkness at the AMC Tustin. Very nice presentation; especially in 3D. For fun, checked the showtimes for Trek at the Big Newport. First show wasn’t until 1:15 PM. Why such a late start for a major release on opening weekend? So they could show Pain and Gain at 10:30 AM, silly.
Seriously? A four-week-old film gets the first big-screen showing on a Saturday? Unless Regal was hosting a screening for fitness professionals that morning, that film has absolutely no business on the big screen after four weeks.
Both films have virtually the same running times so that shouldn’t have played into their thinking. I mean is it possible Regal actually thought Pain and Gain would do better on the big screen at that time over Star Trek opening weekend? If so, I’d really like to meet their focus groups.
With each passing week, Regal makes it easier to avoid the Big Newport all together. Kind of sad. I guess I’ll just have to remember the good times, when Edwards used to run things.
Looks like they’re trying the Dome “2001” screening again: Sunday, May 10 @ 5PM & 8:45 PM.
Caught “Avengers: Age of Ultron” over the weekend at one of the newly remodeled stadium theaters(Auditorium # 4)and have to say I was very impressed.
Seats are reserved now(either at the box office or online) and your seat number is stamped on the tray tables attached to the new leather recliners. The seats are very comfortable and glide back with considerable ease at the touch of a button. The swivel tray tables are very handy for cell phones and snacks and can be pulled close or pushed off to the side.
Every other row of seats has been removed so one can fully recline in maximum comfort. I sat in the second-to-last row (G)and never felt a kick or anything. A nice change.
The floors are now wood laminate and provide a nice classy touch. Instead of stale popcorn, everything smells of wood and leather. It’s like being inside a Lexus.
The price for a 3D matinee was the same as before the upgrade. We’ll see how long they can maintain that. My guess is since they’ve lost half the seats, prices will have to rise eventually.
Overall a very enjoyable experience, one which gives me considerable hope that the big-screen re-do might be a good thing after all. We shall see in July.
Two pictures added for your reference.
I’d love to see one with “The Empire Strikes Back” on the marquee.
Great shot, Richie_T. Looks like late ‘74 or early '75. Where’d you find it?
Make that theaters 2 and 3 by the end of April.
I actually just spoke with someone at the Newport who said the big screen will be closed until June or July. Apparently theaters 3 and 4 will be done by the end of April. She thought it was strange that they did the stadium theaters first, too. She offered that they probably wanted the smaller theaters done first because they take less time. Still, how do you not have your biggest theater available for the start of the summer movie season? Especially when you’re removing 50 percent of the seats in the small theaters.
Richie_T: I notice that the three stadiums theaters are now listed as having reclining seats and reserved seating. They were closed when I visited on March 16, the big screen was still open. Were you able to look inside the stadium theaters? I find it odd that they renovated the stadium theaters first and not the big screen. We’re a month away from the start of the summer movie season. Is the big screen really going to be ready for The Avengers May 1?
There are special screenings at the Egyptian, Cinerama Dome and a handful of other classic venues in the area. You’d think someone would make a comment or two, on any page. Instead we get posts on juice bars. I’m envious of you guys who live in L.A. and have the opportunity to catch these classic films at the only movie palaces still standing. If you really love film and the venues that show them, seek out these special screenings and share your experiences.
Thanks for the info on the “1941” screening, Coate. Getting anybody to comment on special screenings these days is like pulling teeth. Spielberg didn’t make a surprise appearance Sunday? I did read your Digital Bits article and enjoyed it. Keep ‘em coming.
So no one was at the “1941” screening this past Sunday?
The Final Cut.
Looks like both Blade Runner and Apocalypse Now will get one-shot screenings at the Dome this month as part of Arclight Presents…Crew Picks: Blade Runner on Wed., 3/18 and Apocalypse on Wed., 3/11. Tickets on sale now. Apocalypse is listed as a digital presentation with Blade Runner screening in 35mm.
Actually caught “Unbroken” on the big screen over the weekend (I figured it was most likely the last time I’d see a film here in its original configuration). Asked about the pending renovation and was told things would get started next month, beginning with the big-screen auditorium and then the smaller theaters after that. Apparently the big screen will become one of Regal’s proprietary RPX theaters, not IMAX. RPX features reclining seats, giant screen, dual digital projection, immersive sound, etc. Basically like IMAX without the licensing fees. The employee I spoke with said the big screen would be closed for 2-4 months during renovation. My guess is they’ll have it ready for “Avengers 2” on May 1.
I drove by this theater last week – it’s still called the Festival Cinemas. No mention of Regal anywhere on the building. There’s definitely an ‘80s vibe to the place.
Actually caught “Gone Girl” here a couple of weeks back, my first visit in over 20 years. Still a very nice theater with plenty of leg room. I visited on a Thursday and the matinee ticket was only $4. The cashier said “it’s a special price today.” Works for me.
What’s the issue with the projectionist?
A 50 percent reduction in seating with both sloped and stadium seating, not to mention IMAX? My beloved Big Newport is truly dead.
Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” will screen in 70mm at the Dome starting Tue., Nov. 4. Tickets on sale now.
You sure about that stat, RobertAlex? Regal signed a deal with Sony back in 2009 to equip all of its theaters with 4K projection over the next 3-5 years. It’s pretty mind-boggling to think they haven’t updated their premier auditorium in OC by now, especially since they promote 4K projection on most of their smaller screens before the start of each movie.
Hey, Regal, if your listening: It would have been nice to see the Ghostbusters re-release on the big screen this week. The Cinerama Dome in Hollywood had it.
Anybody catch Ghostbusters in the Dome over the weekend?
I can remember seeing both King Kong (1976) and Future World here as a kid.
Anybody catch “JFK” in the Dome this past Tuesday night? If so, do tell.
Good stories, Imissoldanaheim. I hear you, going to the movies just isn’t the same as when we were kids. The Cinedome, Big Newport, South Coast Plaza, they were palaces that made the great flicks even better. At least we have our memories.
Avoided the Big Newport this weekend and caught the 10AM Star Trek Into Darkness at the AMC Tustin. Very nice presentation; especially in 3D. For fun, checked the showtimes for Trek at the Big Newport. First show wasn’t until 1:15 PM. Why such a late start for a major release on opening weekend? So they could show Pain and Gain at 10:30 AM, silly.
Seriously? A four-week-old film gets the first big-screen showing on a Saturday? Unless Regal was hosting a screening for fitness professionals that morning, that film has absolutely no business on the big screen after four weeks.
Both films have virtually the same running times so that shouldn’t have played into their thinking. I mean is it possible Regal actually thought Pain and Gain would do better on the big screen at that time over Star Trek opening weekend? If so, I’d really like to meet their focus groups.
With each passing week, Regal makes it easier to avoid the Big Newport all together. Kind of sad. I guess I’ll just have to remember the good times, when Edwards used to run things.