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…
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.
— 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
“Many, if not movies coming out today reflect a trend that’s been going on for several decades; the dumbing down of America.”
It may look that way to an adult, but what’s happened is that adults largely fled the moviegoing market and abandoned theaters to their kids. So movies made for adults have become few and far between, and the studios cater to the audience they have: kids. Naturally it has nothing to do with people being “dumber,” it has everything to do with appealing to kids' standards of entertainment, which are much different than adults.
But if you want to argue that today’s “Jackass” is so much dumber than yesteryear’s “Three Stooges,” you go right ahead…
“The sale that matters to the theatre (popcorn/soda) would have been lost”
John, the ticket sale matters just as much as the concessions. It’s not like the studios take 100% of the ticket. The theaters' cut of the ticket helps cover their overhead, with concessions covering the rest and providing profit. Cutting the ticket price will only hurt theaters' profit margin.
I asked the Conservancy about the level of protection the interior of the Chinese enjoys. This is what they wrote back: “The local landmark (HCM) designation mandates a review process that addresses the exterior and interior.”
There aren’t likely to be any nasty surprises concerning this building.
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…
Hey, I just finished reading the article linked above, and the last line cites CT!
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.
I lived in the area in 1979/80 and saw “Where the Buffalo Roam” here. “Mad Max” was on the other screen.
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.
The Fox was approved today for national landmark status at the preservation meeting in San Diego. Congrats to everyone involved with the nomination.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Again, not abandoned. It’s used as a filming location and for special events.
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.
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
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
“Many, if not movies coming out today reflect a trend that’s been going on for several decades; the dumbing down of America.”
It may look that way to an adult, but what’s happened is that adults largely fled the moviegoing market and abandoned theaters to their kids. So movies made for adults have become few and far between, and the studios cater to the audience they have: kids. Naturally it has nothing to do with people being “dumber,” it has everything to do with appealing to kids' standards of entertainment, which are much different than adults.
But if you want to argue that today’s “Jackass” is so much dumber than yesteryear’s “Three Stooges,” you go right ahead…
Rafaelstorm, the Palace was always a live venue and TV studio, never a movie theater.
“The sale that matters to the theatre (popcorn/soda) would have been lost”
John, the ticket sale matters just as much as the concessions. It’s not like the studios take 100% of the ticket. The theaters' cut of the ticket helps cover their overhead, with concessions covering the rest and providing profit. Cutting the ticket price will only hurt theaters' profit margin.
Joe, I believe the “Hawaiian Gardens” days of the X 1 & 2 started in the early 90s. That’s when I attended screenings there anyway…
No, Kylee. The NuWilshire remains empty, a large dead spot in the neighborhood…
I asked the Conservancy about the level of protection the interior of the Chinese enjoys. This is what they wrote back: “The local landmark (HCM) designation mandates a review process that addresses the exterior and interior.”
There aren’t likely to be any nasty surprises concerning this building.
Nice to hear the report on TCM. Are the events in the Chinese selling out?