Landmark Chez Artiste

Opened on November 3, 1972 with Tom Laughlin in “Billy Jack” & Walt Disney’s “Fantasia” as the University Hills 2, adjacent to the University Hills Shopping Center in south Denver. An additional auditorium was created from a neighboring store-front in the 1980’s, finalizing the three-screen footprint.

Acquired by Commonwealth Theatres and later United Artists Theatres (circa 1989), the venue was renamed “Chez Artiste” and relaunched as an art-house venue in the early-1990’s. Landmark Theatres took over the theatre in 1992, and it has been a successful part of the Denver art-house scene ever since. Recent upgrades in projection, seating and concessions have improved the viewing experience at this surviving example of rapidly disappearing neighborhood movie theatres.

Recent comments (view all 3 comments)

kennyjames on January 9, 2019 at 11:31 am

the university hills twin opened 11/4/72. i am currently putting together books on the history of the denver area’s drive-ins and indoor theatres, including several booking histories. if anyone has questions on the subject, please feel free to contact me at . i am always happy to share my research. see you at the movies !

MichaelKilgore on December 1, 2019 at 3:39 pm

Boxoffice, Sept. 9, 1974: “Russ Berry, vice-president and general manager, Highland Theatres, has announced the acquisition of the University Hills Twin Cinema, located in the University Hills section of southeast Denver. The theatre had been opened and operated by Tom Goldfarb and Marvin Davis.”

MichaelKilgore on February 11, 2020 at 8:42 am

The University Hills twin cinema opened on Nov. 3, 1972, based on a Boxoffice note three days later. “Billy Jack” was the first movie in one auditorium, and “Fantasia” was the first in the other.