Comments from DonSolosan

Showing 1 - 25 of 546 comments found

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about Mayfair Theatre on Jun 13, 2013 at 2:49 pm

I went by the other day. The construction barriers are still up. There’s a marquee and blade sign (no name) on the front of the building now, but I’m not sure where they came from. Maybe they found the blade sign somewhere in the building; it wasn’t hanging up before this conversion. Also, the marquee is different (original 2-sided, now 3-sided), and the “Box Office” and “Alumni Bar” signs that were on either side have not returned.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about NuWilshire Theatre on Jun 10, 2013 at 9:14 am

Well, the general idea was that the theatre could be restored at some future date, but they didn’t install the type of floor that can easily be removed (ala some of the theatres downtown). They dug down to create underground parking and put in a new floor. So I don’t think the act can be undone without a huge expense…

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about NuWilshire Theatre on Jun 8, 2013 at 12:43 pm

Yes, they stripped the building down to the walls, leveled the floor, etc.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on May 30, 2013 at 3:58 pm

The auditorium is in danger of being demoed. The city doesn’t have the funds to update/improve it.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about Mayfair Theatre on May 30, 2013 at 3:54 pm

I think it’s covered in the older comments, but this is yet another mixed retail/residential building that will keep the facade of the theater. The building is almost done. The last time I went by, the facade was in good shape, but all the signage, etc., had been stripped. I don’t know what, if anything, they are planning on putting back.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about NuWilshire Theatre on May 30, 2013 at 3:49 pm

The owners threw out Landmark so they could reconfigure the building for retail use, so it’s hard to see them going with another exhibitor. On the other hand, it has been empty for over 5 years…

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about National Theatre on May 30, 2013 at 3:40 pm

I was in Westwood about a week ago and saw men working in the lot where the National stood, so it looks like they might actually be ready to build something there… five and a half years after they tore it down.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about Criterion Theatre on Apr 6, 2013 at 6:06 pm

Nixols and Navan, the Criterion Theatre was (mostly) demolished. The Criterion 6 which stands there now (and has its own page here, where this discussion is ongoing) is the historic facade of the old building on a brand new structure.

Also, where did you get the idea that they’re going to demolish this? The article only talks about converting the building…

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about AMC Criterion 6 on Mar 29, 2013 at 11:41 pm

Hey, I just finished reading the article linked above, and the last line cites CT!

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about AMC Criterion 6 on Mar 29, 2013 at 11:36 pm

Bad news, Brade48: The AMC Criterion 6 closed yesterday. Front page news in the Santa Monica Daily Press. It looks like the space will be turned into retail.

http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/033013.pdf

Status should be changed accordingly.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about Hilltop 2 Theatre on Jan 25, 2013 at 4:27 pm

I lived in the area in 1979/80 and saw “Where the Buffalo Roam” here. “Mad Max” was on the other screen.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about AMC Criterion 6 on Dec 7, 2012 at 11:48 pm

May not be open for much longer. According to an article in this issue of the Santa Monica Daily Press —

http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/120812.pdf

— the owner has received permission from the city to convert the theatre space to retail. The majority of the article deals with the proposed new multiplex AMC wanted to build on Fourth, but the author dropped this bombshell in the last two paragraphs. See page 10.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about Fox Theatre on Nov 9, 2012 at 10:47 am

The Fox was approved today for national landmark status at the preservation meeting in San Diego. Congrats to everyone involved with the nomination.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about El Capitan Theater on Sep 4, 2012 at 9:14 am

It’s “Throwback Thursday,” and I missed it too. I didn’t see it on their web page, but it is on their Facebook page. They had people voting for which film they wanted to see.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about Wyandotte Theater on Aug 22, 2012 at 7:49 pm

Bobcat, I saw the X rated “Adventures of Emmanuelle” at the Wyandotte. However, I don’t recall if they were showing X rated movies regularly at the time.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about United Artists Theatre on Sep 11, 2011 at 12:54 pm

One of the “Jesus Saves” signs was removed from the back of the building the other night. No news on where it’s going, or what is going on.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about Loew's Pittsford Triplex on Sep 11, 2011 at 12:07 pm

I had the 22x28 poster which featured just those four images at the top, the apes wrestling with Taylor at the bottom, and without the cage. Nova’s full shot is visible, including her clothing-covered crotch. My mother still thought it indecent. I never liked the horrible grimace she’s making.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about Tower Theatre on Sep 6, 2011 at 4:37 pm

Again, not abandoned. It’s used as a filming location and for special events.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about United Artists Theatre on Sep 6, 2011 at 4:36 pm

Luis, the UA is not “abandoned.” University Cathedral did a good job of maintaining the theater over the decades (see my videos as proof), and even though they’ve moved out and the building is for sale, they are set on finding buyers who will do right for the theater, not gut it or whatever.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about Georgia Theatre on Aug 23, 2011 at 10:23 am

Status should be changed to OPEN. Here’s an article on the restored theater:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/16/georgia.theatre.reopens/index.html?&hpt=hp_c2

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about 3-D glasses vending machines rolling out on Aug 22, 2011 at 5:13 pm

Get with what? Paying extra for a 2D-converted-to-3D disappointing experience? And why should we stay home when what we want is the big movie experience? You need to get with the fact that a lot of people don’t see any extra value in a 3D release.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about State Theatre on Aug 19, 2011 at 5:22 pm

By the way, my understanding is that the State has a drop-down ceiling over the stage which precludes lowering the screen or closing the curtains. So even if the church was receptive to the idea of allowing movie fans in, it wouldn’t be practical…

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about State Theatre on Aug 19, 2011 at 5:20 pm

Yes. Mainly that’s the Los Angeles Conservancy’s big fundraising event, Last Remaining Seats. Starting on the last Wednesday in May, we show six classic movies, usually in the downtown theaters, but sometimes branch out to other parts of LA.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about 3-D glasses vending machines rolling out on Aug 18, 2011 at 10:53 am

3D films have not “been gaining steam,” they’ve been in decline. For several recent big releases, audiences have been seeking out the 2D versions over their more expensive counterparts.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan commented about State Theatre on Aug 15, 2011 at 4:48 pm

Rafaelstorm, in terms of these theaters ever operating solely as movie theaters again, maybe. In the near-term picture, no. There’s a larger, more diverse population living there now. They’re cleaning up the buildings, fixing the sidewalks, and talking about putting in a streetcar. For a certain type of person (single, interested in an urban lifestyle), downtown is very attractive. And businesses are moving in to support them. The Belasco and Palace have recently reopened as a multi-purpose entertainment venue and a theater, respectively. Of course, the Orpheum, Globe, Mayan and Million Dollar have been operating for a while now in various capacities. The UA may open a new chapter in its history, if the right buyer can be found.