Plans to renovate the South Coast were approved by the Laguna Beach Planning Commission on 1/6/2021. Rivian, an Irvine based electric car manufacturer, intend to reopen the venue, in late 2021, as a film, live event, meeting, and auto showroom space. The original stage, proscenium, and star shaped auditorium lighting fixture will be restored, but there will be a significant “repurposing” for the rest of the theatre. The current 653 seat twin layout will be converted back to a single auditorium and downsized to 127 seats. Further alterations include an elevator, skylights, a reconfigured lobby (doubling as a two vehicle showroom), and conversion of the second floor projection booth & storage areas to conference rooms. While Rivian has stated that there will be up to two movie screenings a week and the space will be made available for quarterly live events, it appears the venue’s primary use will be tied to their business interests. The Laguna Beach Historical Preservation Coalition has voiced their opposition to the plan.
The 1982 documentary “What Would Your Mother Say” features the Bijou’s marquee in an opening montage of Hollywood area adult theatres, bookstores, and motels. Unfortunately, the theatres (The Cave, X, Pussycat, and Bijou) are only seen in brief passing shots, as the film focuses on sit down interviews with adult actors of the era.
As for the first run/subrun discussion from 2007. When Starplex took over in 2005, they were fully aware there would be a need to convert to subrun down the line and the theatre continued to make good money after the switch. Also, after Cinemark purchased Century in 2006, there was somewhat of a link involved. Cinemark founder/chairman Lee Roy Mitchell was financially involved in Starplex at the time. So, it was a win/win scenario behind the scenes.
Back when Interstate Theatres (later merged into Starplex Cinemas) was entering the Southern California market the, then vacant, Plaza 10 was scouted as a potential site. Unfortunately, the facility was stripped down to the point of being unusable without a significant investment. Screens, seating, and fixtures being removed or purposely damaged was expected at vacated sites, but even a stairwell had been taken out at the Plaza 10.
It was always interesting to see how former operators had left venues after departing. In rare cases they were basically turnkey. More often than not, vacating tenants were “creative” with their lease requirements. I remember one site which had required the seating to remain and the former operator left the seats disassembled and scattered throughout the theatre.
The theatre was a modest performer under Starplex, with concession sales suffering from a senior citizen heavy customer base. Thus, when Cinema Holdings approached the company about purchasing the theatre, Starplex readily agreed to sell.
Cinema Holdings struggled with the theatre from day one and caused a few headaches for Starplex, as the new operator failed to fully establish new branding and their mismanagement regularly connected back to Starplex (mistakenly so). In less than a year Cinema Holdings had dropped the proverbial ball so badly that they were forced to sell. A nearby church purchased the theatre and continued operations, under new management, but I am unsure if they were still involved during the venue’s final years.
For many years this venue’s most memorable feature was the showtime phone message, which showcased a very animated greeting, voiced by the theatre’s longtime general manager, Hal.
The building started out as the Holly Food Mart (1937 – c 1950). In the 1950’s and 60’s it served as the offices for Trend Publishing (a precursor to Peterson Publishing). After being converted in to a theatre (late 60’s), it ran as the Adam and Eve for a few years before Carlos Tobalina bought the property in 1974, for $220,000, and rebranded it the X 1&2. Tobalina died in 1989 and his family gradually sold off their adult holdings (the X, Mayan, and Star theatres). Aside from a very brief sublet, for use as a theatre (Johnny Legend’s exploitation film revival series), the building was abandoned/sealed from 1992 until it’s demolition; the property’s value being rental parking and long term development speculation.
The theatre was operated by Carlos Tobalina during its' adult film years. A former car salesman and spanish language radio announcer, Tobalina carved out a highly lucrative career producing and directing adult films in the 70’s and 80’s. In addition to the Star, he was also the long time operator of the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles and the X Theater on Hollywood Blvd.
I always enjoy the marketing spin and exaggeration of opening ads. “Seven Giant Auditoriums”; even for the time period,the reality was two large auditoriums (3 & 4), three decent sized (5, 6, & 7), and two small (1 & 2). About the only things that were truly “giant” in the facility were the screen in auditorium three and the upstairs stock room.
During the theatre’s tenure as Studio Adultland the venue featured one unique/disturbing amenity,a hot tub. How long this feature lasted and whether anyone actually dared to utilize the tub is unknown.
It looks like the Hologram USA operation may have closed. While there is still Hologram USA signage above the marquee, the theatre’s windows and marquee are advertising a recreational marijuana lounge. Additionally, the Hologram USA website is currently (7/2019) down.
dfc – It’s not a bad area. For decades the neighborhood was basically main street for the area’s large Jewish community (kosher markets, delis, etc.). However, in recent years that stretch of Fairfax has been transitioning in to a trendy youth fashion scene (sneaker and hip-hop fashion stores). You might encounter a random homeless person or street weirdo, but the bulk of the foot traffic will be people shopping for expensive shoes and clothing these days.
The setting and mechanics of the moving going experience have always presented challenges with cleanliness (dimly lit, hidden/difficult to access areas, food/drink being discarded on the floor,etc.). However, the modern trend towards expanded menu options, tighter turnaround times, and ever decreasing staffing to meet diminishing payroll budgets have only added to the problem.
The annoying thing about the news pieces, “whistle blowers”, etc. is that they rarely address or aid in the problem. More often than not they merely result in hurting people who are doing their best under difficult circumstances. Following such publicity, staff members/managers are fired or face disciplinary action and there is pressure placed on the operation to “clean up their act”. Yet, customers continue to treat the venue like a dumping ground and companies continue to cut back on resources to do the job.
The 2017 price increase/move to first run was primarily due to a growing difficulty in securing bookings. Many of the top tittles simply weren’t being made available for subrun anymore. Couple that with AMC’s business approach (i.e. they were never exactly on board with subrun)and the change was basically unavoidable. As for pitting the Woodbridge against local full price theatres, there was a belief that it would attract people who wouldn’t pay full price, but not draw from people who would pay more for added amenities elsewhere (i.e. Tustin). The ultimate success/failure of the change is debatable.
The marquee removal was the result of a company wide movement to eliminate marquees; viewing them as antiquated and no longer cost effective. Personally, I always felt this particular site benefited greatly from having a marquee, but there was no room for a “unique” case and a blanket corporate policy took precedence.
About the only movement/change I’ve noted over the past eight years is that they finally secured the theatre a year or so ago. For many years the boarded up entry had a large gap along the top which allowed birds to fly in/out, garbage to be thrown over, and potentially people to climb in. I also used to see some of the rear exit doors propped open from time to time. Fortunately, they closed off the entry gap and I haven’t noticed any open doors in quite some time.
Between the long leaking roof, years of bird/vermin/homeless access, and general neglect, I would hate to even imagine the shape the interior is in. I also seem to recall that they demoed much of the lobby shortly after closing.
AMC will be reopening the former Movie Experience/Ultra Star Garden Walk theatre (the side which wasn’t converted in to the House of Blues). So, the area will have a movie theatre after Downtown Disney closes.
Not that I agree with the non marquee approach, but the idea is generally:
Less maintenance costs – Annual replacement of bulbs, periodic repairs, regular cleaning, and replacement of aged/broken tiles. The replacement of bulbs and repairs are often quite expensive, as a specialty vendor is required.
Less time/effort in keeping the marquee up to date – Titles and showtimes (for those who utilize the marque for times) change far more often these days. Where once it was a weekly (or greater) endeavor, now it is often a daily change.
Accuracy/liability/professionalism issues – Some titles are controversial, some require abbreviation due to length, there are human errors (spelling, incorrect info, etc.), weather and vandalism alterations, etc. All of these factors can result in potential problems for the operator.
I drove by the theatre this evening (8/20/16). They razed the auditorium, but the facade/lobby has been left intact. I don’t know if they plan on leaving this section of the structure or if it’s simply awaiting a second phase of demolition.
Shortly before the theatre was razed, I caught a peek of the interior. Unlike the neighboring South Coast, Edwards had left the Plaza basically intact. The theatre almost looked as if it was ready for business at a moments notice. A state of affairs which made its' demolition extra sad.
Plans to renovate the South Coast were approved by the Laguna Beach Planning Commission on 1/6/2021. Rivian, an Irvine based electric car manufacturer, intend to reopen the venue, in late 2021, as a film, live event, meeting, and auto showroom space. The original stage, proscenium, and star shaped auditorium lighting fixture will be restored, but there will be a significant “repurposing” for the rest of the theatre. The current 653 seat twin layout will be converted back to a single auditorium and downsized to 127 seats. Further alterations include an elevator, skylights, a reconfigured lobby (doubling as a two vehicle showroom), and conversion of the second floor projection booth & storage areas to conference rooms. While Rivian has stated that there will be up to two movie screenings a week and the space will be made available for quarterly live events, it appears the venue’s primary use will be tied to their business interests. The Laguna Beach Historical Preservation Coalition has voiced their opposition to the plan.
The 1982 documentary “What Would Your Mother Say” features the Bijou’s marquee in an opening montage of Hollywood area adult theatres, bookstores, and motels. Unfortunately, the theatres (The Cave, X, Pussycat, and Bijou) are only seen in brief passing shots, as the film focuses on sit down interviews with adult actors of the era.
As for the first run/subrun discussion from 2007. When Starplex took over in 2005, they were fully aware there would be a need to convert to subrun down the line and the theatre continued to make good money after the switch. Also, after Cinemark purchased Century in 2006, there was somewhat of a link involved. Cinemark founder/chairman Lee Roy Mitchell was financially involved in Starplex at the time. So, it was a win/win scenario behind the scenes.
Back when Interstate Theatres (later merged into Starplex Cinemas) was entering the Southern California market the, then vacant, Plaza 10 was scouted as a potential site. Unfortunately, the facility was stripped down to the point of being unusable without a significant investment. Screens, seating, and fixtures being removed or purposely damaged was expected at vacated sites, but even a stairwell had been taken out at the Plaza 10.
It was always interesting to see how former operators had left venues after departing. In rare cases they were basically turnkey. More often than not, vacating tenants were “creative” with their lease requirements. I remember one site which had required the seating to remain and the former operator left the seats disassembled and scattered throughout the theatre.
And the word, meaning “place of stones”, originated from the indigenous people who once inhabited the region.
The theatre was a modest performer under Starplex, with concession sales suffering from a senior citizen heavy customer base. Thus, when Cinema Holdings approached the company about purchasing the theatre, Starplex readily agreed to sell.
Cinema Holdings struggled with the theatre from day one and caused a few headaches for Starplex, as the new operator failed to fully establish new branding and their mismanagement regularly connected back to Starplex (mistakenly so). In less than a year Cinema Holdings had dropped the proverbial ball so badly that they were forced to sell. A nearby church purchased the theatre and continued operations, under new management, but I am unsure if they were still involved during the venue’s final years.
For many years this venue’s most memorable feature was the showtime phone message, which showcased a very animated greeting, voiced by the theatre’s longtime general manager, Hal.
The building started out as the Holly Food Mart (1937 – c 1950). In the 1950’s and 60’s it served as the offices for Trend Publishing (a precursor to Peterson Publishing). After being converted in to a theatre (late 60’s), it ran as the Adam and Eve for a few years before Carlos Tobalina bought the property in 1974, for $220,000, and rebranded it the X 1&2. Tobalina died in 1989 and his family gradually sold off their adult holdings (the X, Mayan, and Star theatres). Aside from a very brief sublet, for use as a theatre (Johnny Legend’s exploitation film revival series), the building was abandoned/sealed from 1992 until it’s demolition; the property’s value being rental parking and long term development speculation.
The theatre was operated by Carlos Tobalina during its' adult film years. A former car salesman and spanish language radio announcer, Tobalina carved out a highly lucrative career producing and directing adult films in the 70’s and 80’s. In addition to the Star, he was also the long time operator of the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles and the X Theater on Hollywood Blvd.
I always enjoy the marketing spin and exaggeration of opening ads. “Seven Giant Auditoriums”; even for the time period,the reality was two large auditoriums (3 & 4), three decent sized (5, 6, & 7), and two small (1 & 2). About the only things that were truly “giant” in the facility were the screen in auditorium three and the upstairs stock room.
The structure at 1717 Wilcox has been razed. Only the concrete footprint and a pole mounted sign for the defunct Vegan restaurant remain.
During the theatre’s tenure as Studio Adultland the venue featured one unique/disturbing amenity,a hot tub. How long this feature lasted and whether anyone actually dared to utilize the tub is unknown.
Mike – Yes, this was the theatre she was referring to.
The adult business closed in the spring of 2019 and the entire block is currently (summer 2019) undergoing a structural gutting/re-purposing.
It looks like the Hologram USA operation may have closed. While there is still Hologram USA signage above the marquee, the theatre’s windows and marquee are advertising a recreational marijuana lounge. Additionally, the Hologram USA website is currently (7/2019) down.
dfc – It’s not a bad area. For decades the neighborhood was basically main street for the area’s large Jewish community (kosher markets, delis, etc.). However, in recent years that stretch of Fairfax has been transitioning in to a trendy youth fashion scene (sneaker and hip-hop fashion stores). You might encounter a random homeless person or street weirdo, but the bulk of the foot traffic will be people shopping for expensive shoes and clothing these days.
After sitting vacant for over a decade the theate and adjoining strip mall were converted in to a UHaul rental/storage center.
The setting and mechanics of the moving going experience have always presented challenges with cleanliness (dimly lit, hidden/difficult to access areas, food/drink being discarded on the floor,etc.). However, the modern trend towards expanded menu options, tighter turnaround times, and ever decreasing staffing to meet diminishing payroll budgets have only added to the problem.
The annoying thing about the news pieces, “whistle blowers”, etc. is that they rarely address or aid in the problem. More often than not they merely result in hurting people who are doing their best under difficult circumstances. Following such publicity, staff members/managers are fired or face disciplinary action and there is pressure placed on the operation to “clean up their act”. Yet, customers continue to treat the venue like a dumping ground and companies continue to cut back on resources to do the job.
The 2017 price increase/move to first run was primarily due to a growing difficulty in securing bookings. Many of the top tittles simply weren’t being made available for subrun anymore. Couple that with AMC’s business approach (i.e. they were never exactly on board with subrun)and the change was basically unavoidable. As for pitting the Woodbridge against local full price theatres, there was a belief that it would attract people who wouldn’t pay full price, but not draw from people who would pay more for added amenities elsewhere (i.e. Tustin). The ultimate success/failure of the change is debatable.
The marquee removal was the result of a company wide movement to eliminate marquees; viewing them as antiquated and no longer cost effective. Personally, I always felt this particular site benefited greatly from having a marquee, but there was no room for a “unique” case and a blanket corporate policy took precedence.
About the only movement/change I’ve noted over the past eight years is that they finally secured the theatre a year or so ago. For many years the boarded up entry had a large gap along the top which allowed birds to fly in/out, garbage to be thrown over, and potentially people to climb in. I also used to see some of the rear exit doors propped open from time to time. Fortunately, they closed off the entry gap and I haven’t noticed any open doors in quite some time.
Between the long leaking roof, years of bird/vermin/homeless access, and general neglect, I would hate to even imagine the shape the interior is in. I also seem to recall that they demoed much of the lobby shortly after closing.
Renovations are underway and appear to be quite extensive. The front exterior wall/entry, box office, and foyer are striped down to the studs.
AMC will be reopening the former Movie Experience/Ultra Star Garden Walk theatre (the side which wasn’t converted in to the House of Blues). So, the area will have a movie theatre after Downtown Disney closes.
Not that I agree with the non marquee approach, but the idea is generally: Less maintenance costs – Annual replacement of bulbs, periodic repairs, regular cleaning, and replacement of aged/broken tiles. The replacement of bulbs and repairs are often quite expensive, as a specialty vendor is required. Less time/effort in keeping the marquee up to date – Titles and showtimes (for those who utilize the marque for times) change far more often these days. Where once it was a weekly (or greater) endeavor, now it is often a daily change. Accuracy/liability/professionalism issues – Some titles are controversial, some require abbreviation due to length, there are human errors (spelling, incorrect info, etc.), weather and vandalism alterations, etc. All of these factors can result in potential problems for the operator.
The Empire (NYC) and Burbank (Burbank, CA) are the top two most visited AMC locations. Third place varies slightly week to week.
I drove by the theatre this evening (8/20/16). They razed the auditorium, but the facade/lobby has been left intact. I don’t know if they plan on leaving this section of the structure or if it’s simply awaiting a second phase of demolition.
Shortly before the theatre was razed, I caught a peek of the interior. Unlike the neighboring South Coast, Edwards had left the Plaza basically intact. The theatre almost looked as if it was ready for business at a moments notice. A state of affairs which made its' demolition extra sad.