The two brands operated more than 300 screens in California, including the coveted Cinerama Dome in Hollywood.
In a blow for California moviegoers — and those in Los Angeles in particular — the ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres are closing all of their locations for good after seeing their business decimated by the pandemic.
ArcLight's stable includes the prized Cinerama Dome in Hollywood. The Dome, built in 1963, is the crown jewel of the small theater complex constructed in more recent years.
ArcLight Hollywood is a bastion for both first-run movies and independent titles and, at one time, was one of the first L.A. cinemas to offer high-end food. It has also been a favorite site place to stage premieres of indie titles and smaller studio titles, and is beloved by many cinephiles.
News of ArcLight's demise promoted a litany of tributes from filmmakers on Twitter. Moonlight director Barry Jenkins succinctly summed up the prevailing mood about the closure with a one-word expletive. Jon M. Chu wrote, "What sad news. I loved this theater. And I had my first premiere for my first movie Step Up 2 the Streets there. I snuck out of the movie early so I could cut a piece of the red carpet out and keep it. It sits on my desk. Man this is hard to read." Old Guard helmer Gina Price-Bythewood tweeted, "This is so painful. The ArcLight is my go-to. Clean, great sound, assigned stadium seating, great popcorn, usher movie introductions. A true movie-going experience."
ArcLight's locations in Hollywood and elsewhere, including Sherman Oaks, are operated by Pacific Theatres. The Pacific side of the aisle includes such popular locations as the Grove in West Hollywood.
"This was not the outcome anyone wanted, but despite a huge effort that exhausted all potential options, the company does not have a viable way forward," said a statement issued by Pacific Theatres, which is owned by the Decurion Corporation.
No ArcLight or Pacific location has reopened since the pandemic began. On Monday afternoon, word quickly spread across Hollywood that they will remain dark for good.
It wasn't immediately clear who the pool of potential buyers might include for the more high-profile locations, should they be up for sale, such as the ArcLight Hollywood complex.
Last year, Netflix closed a deal to operate the Egyptian, another landmark Hollywood theater that's not far from the Cinerama Dome. Among the mega chains, Cinemark only has two L.A. locations (one in Baldwin Hills and the other in Playa Vista).
"To all the Pacific and ArcLight employees who have devoted their professional lives to making our theaters the very best places in the world to see movies: we are grateful for your service and your dedication to our customers," the statement continued. "It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you."
The National Association of Theatre Owners has warned all along that smaller and regional independent chains, such as Pacific and ArcLight, might never recover from the COVID-19 crisis.
"To our guests and members of the film industry who have made going to the movies such a magical experience over the years: our deepest thanks," read the statement issued by Pacific Theaters. "It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you."
"Hollywood" - Google News
April 13, 2021 at 07:12AM
https://ift.tt/2Qhwo5d
ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres to Close - Hollywood Reporter
"Hollywood" - Google News
https://ift.tt/38iWBEK
https://ift.tt/3fdiOHW
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres to Close - Hollywood Reporter"
Post a Comment