UA 8 Movies
Buena Park Mall,
8700 On the Mall,
Buena Park,
CA
90620
Buena Park Mall,
8700 On the Mall,
Buena Park,
CA
90620
1 person
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: United Artists Theater Circuit Inc.
Functions: Gymnasium
Previous Names: UA Buena Park, Buena Park 8
Nearby Theaters
Opened on August 17, 1984 by manager Mark Naify, scion of the Lebanese-American family who owned United Artists Theatres from the late-1940’s to the late-1980’s, UA Buena Park was that chain’s Orange County flagship for several years. The lobby interior was bright mauve, pink, and Indian red, and featured electronic mini-marquees. The main auditorium was 70mm-capable and THX-equipped; seating capacities ranged from 595 to 98.
July 4, 1986 UA Buena Park was one of the theatres where Columbia Pictures, “thanking America”, presented a single free performance of “The Karate Kid, Part II”. Well intentioned and clearly advertised on a first-come/first-serve basis, the event nevertheless became problematic when thousands showed up and there were only 500 or so seats available.
Buena Park 8 closed in 1999; later replaced by a Krikorian megaplex.
Contributed by
Buena Park Mall
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.
Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
“The Rocketeer” was presented at the UA Movies in 35mm Dolby Stereo beginning on Friday June 21, 1991.
August 17th, 1984 grand opening ad in photo section
Used to go to this theatre a lot with my friends. Remember seeing “Forest Gump” there.
“Buena Park 8 closed in 1999; later replaced by a Krikorian megaplex.”
The UA Theater building itself is still there, currently occupied by a 24 Hour Fitness, while the Krikorian was built just to the southwest. The original theater entrance, as well as the geometric sculpture above it, still survives on the building’s eastern side.
They’re largely obscured by the 2000s-era Walmart that now occupies the land that formerly held the May Company/Fedco store and the theater parking lot, but nonetheless still visible from a narrow pedestrian path that runs between 24 Hour Fitness and Walmart. That rest of the former theater building has been updated to a more contemporary style in line with 24 Hour Fitness' brand standards, but for those that know where to look, some of that sweet, sweet kitschy ‘80s glory lives on.