I found it on line. I used to work for Edwards, many years ago. My girlfriend at the time worked upstairs at the corporate office. I have recently been in touch with her and she is working on acquiring many photographs from the early 90s all the way back through the late 60s. Once I get the ok I will post them here!
My guess is that it makes more sense to have five theaters up and running by May 1st… I imagine July 4th would be a good of day as any to unveil the new big screen. Perhaps Terminator Genysis will kick things off. I can’t wait to see the finished product. I grew up watching films at Big a Newport. I worked there from 1990 through 1992. I can barely articulate how much this place means to me. I live in LA now but will happily make the trek down south to see what’s doing. I can guarantee my attendance in late December for Star Wars.
They have not twinned this theater. It is a legend in Orange County and thankfully has been well looked after over the years. However… Plans are in motion to “upgrade” the auditorium with spacious stadium seating as well as state of the art IMAX screen. I have mixed feelings about this. If they can pull off what the Chinese Theater did just a few years ago this might be a worthwhile endeavor… Time will tell.
I’ve been inside and I really like what they’ve done. The AVCO has been reborn. Is it the cinema we remember from the 70s? No. Is it ten times better than the cinema we remember post split? Ten thousand times. This is a classy spot and I urge you to come see for yourself.
Just recognized the National in all its living glory while watching David Fincher’s Zodiac. The house is packed with a 70s era audience while Dirty Harry plays on the big screen. The lobby is also featured as the film lets out. Check it out if you’re feeling nostalgic.
It’s official. The Rialto has been converted into an Urban Outfitters. The interior is pretty cool. They were projecting old black and white films onto the former screen wall during their grand opening. Will drop by with my camera soon.
What’s done is done. I’m sad to see our heritage lost but at the same time I’m optimistic that this new design will carry on the tradition of first class presentation at one of our most beloved theaters.
The Family Four was a little run down but a decent place for broke neighborhood kids like me to camp out in all day long. There were lots of second run double features and a fair amount of hard core slasher flicks which always seemed odd for the Family Four.
Spent a night on LOCK DOWN inside this theater as a hostage situation unfolded across the way at Nordstrom Rack… free movies and popcorn…. strange night.
This theater was awesome… so many Rocky Horror memories, great audiences and performers, I remember a night back in 1987 where the band INXS attended a screening after shooting a video down at the arcade… amazing times… Pizza Pete’s and the old Balboa Theater, damn… the last film I saw here was AKIRA back in 1990… it’s a shame this theater isn’t better taken care of… RIP
Attended an Academy screening of Lincoln last night followed by a Q and A panel including the likes of Daniel Day Lewis, Steven Speilberg, John Williams, Kathleen Kennedy, etc. The theater was packed. First time I’ve seen it this way in years. Made me miss the glory days of Westwood. The old house still has it. Excellent presentation.
I found it on line. I used to work for Edwards, many years ago. My girlfriend at the time worked upstairs at the corporate office. I have recently been in touch with her and she is working on acquiring many photographs from the early 90s all the way back through the late 60s. Once I get the ok I will post them here!
My guess is that it makes more sense to have five theaters up and running by May 1st… I imagine July 4th would be a good of day as any to unveil the new big screen. Perhaps Terminator Genysis will kick things off. I can’t wait to see the finished product. I grew up watching films at Big a Newport. I worked there from 1990 through 1992. I can barely articulate how much this place means to me. I live in LA now but will happily make the trek down south to see what’s doing. I can guarantee my attendance in late December for Star Wars.
The renovation of the big screen has begun… Fingers crossed.
They have not twinned this theater. It is a legend in Orange County and thankfully has been well looked after over the years. However… Plans are in motion to “upgrade” the auditorium with spacious stadium seating as well as state of the art IMAX screen. I have mixed feelings about this. If they can pull off what the Chinese Theater did just a few years ago this might be a worthwhile endeavor… Time will tell.
I love this theater more than any other. I hope they do right by her. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be on December 18th, 2015.
Is this theater closed?
I’ve been inside and I really like what they’ve done. The AVCO has been reborn. Is it the cinema we remember from the 70s? No. Is it ten times better than the cinema we remember post split? Ten thousand times. This is a classy spot and I urge you to come see for yourself.
Just recognized the National in all its living glory while watching David Fincher’s Zodiac. The house is packed with a 70s era audience while Dirty Harry plays on the big screen. The lobby is also featured as the film lets out. Check it out if you’re feeling nostalgic.
This was a cool theater back in the day. Saw ET and Jedi there. Jedi was 70mm. The building now houses a BABY’S R US. You can see it from the 405.
It’s official. The Rialto has been converted into an Urban Outfitters. The interior is pretty cool. They were projecting old black and white films onto the former screen wall during their grand opening. Will drop by with my camera soon.
What a short life…
What’s done is done. I’m sad to see our heritage lost but at the same time I’m optimistic that this new design will carry on the tradition of first class presentation at one of our most beloved theaters.
That’s too bad… That was the nicest theater on the promenade… the nicest in Santa Monica even…
Anybody know when this place relaunches…?
Wow… this theater reminds me exactly of my beloved, late Orange Cinedome… next time I’m up north I will visit for sure. Good to see.
The Family Four was a little run down but a decent place for broke neighborhood kids like me to camp out in all day long. There were lots of second run double features and a fair amount of hard core slasher flicks which always seemed odd for the Family Four.
I saw RAMBO III and COMING TO AMERICA there while on vacation in 1988… Great theater!
The Folks at Alamo Drafthouse need to check out this venue! It’s stripped bare and ready to go.
Spent a night on LOCK DOWN inside this theater as a hostage situation unfolded across the way at Nordstrom Rack… free movies and popcorn…. strange night.
This theater was awesome… so many Rocky Horror memories, great audiences and performers, I remember a night back in 1987 where the band INXS attended a screening after shooting a video down at the arcade… amazing times… Pizza Pete’s and the old Balboa Theater, damn… the last film I saw here was AKIRA back in 1990… it’s a shame this theater isn’t better taken care of… RIP
Well said, hdtv267… Any hope of another company moving in?
I’ll be there for the Lord of the Rings marathon… can’t wait… loved this theater back in the day… thrilled to have it back!
Attended an Academy screening of Lincoln last night followed by a Q and A panel including the likes of Daniel Day Lewis, Steven Speilberg, John Williams, Kathleen Kennedy, etc. The theater was packed. First time I’ve seen it this way in years. Made me miss the glory days of Westwood. The old house still has it. Excellent presentation.
Amen, lukesky7
The Premier Cinema is quite impressive. Love the balcony. A+