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.
Great memories, Kyle. This was one of my favorite theaters growing up. Cinema Center across the street was awesome too! The last time I saw a movie at this location was in 1996… it was the Hellraiser set in outer space, I believe it was called Bloodline. I have to say, the theater was in pretty bad shape at this point. I wonder if they spruced it up for Star Wars. If memory serves they closed it shortly thereafter. Anyway, glad to see other movie geeks showing love for Edwards.
Saw The Dark Knight Rises IMAX yesterday… haven’t been to this theater in a couple of years since it was the Bridge… it’s still a great place to see a film and the IMAX is true!
I can’t help thinking about the kids at last night’s THE DARK KNIGHT RISES screening in Aurora, Colorado. How excited they must have been – perhaps they were anticipating it all day before loading up into the car and going to the movies. We’ve all been there. I feel something like that every time I sit down to a new movie, and especially the big ones like this, I always feel like a kid again.
This tragedy has struck the heart of our community. These people are us. Who else goes to midnight screenings but we crazy few movie geeks – yes, even Batman movies – and that excitement is palpable. I wish I could bottle it for the bad days, because it’s one of those times in my life where true joy is found. Going to the movies is my favorite thing in the world, other than spending time with my family and friends. It’s literally what I live for.
This weekend, go to a movie. No, it’s not about keeping the bad guys from winning, or making a statement, although if you want it to be, that’s okay. Go to the movies this weekend because it’s a joy. One of the last great joys we have left these days, it seems. Plant youself in a theater, and see whatever you fancy. It’s the place dreams come true. It’s the magic land. That screen isn’t a window – it’s a door. An inviting door that lets in everyone. All are welcome in that world, and we get to wonder in the power of imagination and beauty.
I don’t normally post like this and I’m sorry if this upsets some of you. I’m grieving for the losses in Aurora, Colorado, and I am trying very hard not to play the political games of finding where to put blame. This community took a real loss today, and I mourn those who were killed, pray for the wounded, and celebrate that magic that we all chase every time we sit down in a movie theater. Theaters are my church, and today we’re all hurting.
I love movies, and you do too. Let’s celebrate them.
Saw Prometheus under the dome at the midnight show. Amazing presentation. Jerry Goldsmith’s haunting Alien score playing before the movie inside the cavernous auditorium really set the mood. A+
In the mid to late 80s I visited this theater many times. It was quite nice for its day. Located in the mall above the ice skating rink. Great memories seeing some classics there with my Grandma: Critters, Ruthless People, Color of Money, At Close Range… she’d take us to see just about anything. It was closed when the mall transformed from an indoor to outdoor venue. A new theater was built on the same level a few stores over. Still a great place to see a movie.
My bad… saw a piece on the news about the closing of the Music Hall due to lease issues… seemed like the theater was closing THIS weekend… drove past today and it looks like business as usual.
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+
Saw The Master today under the dome in glorious 70mm!
Great memories, Kyle. This was one of my favorite theaters growing up. Cinema Center across the street was awesome too! The last time I saw a movie at this location was in 1996… it was the Hellraiser set in outer space, I believe it was called Bloodline. I have to say, the theater was in pretty bad shape at this point. I wonder if they spruced it up for Star Wars. If memory serves they closed it shortly thereafter. Anyway, glad to see other movie geeks showing love for Edwards.
Although I’m not 100% behind the concept of iPic, it comforts me to know that the Avco will live on in some capacity.
Boo.
Saw The Dark Knight Rises IMAX yesterday… haven’t been to this theater in a couple of years since it was the Bridge… it’s still a great place to see a film and the IMAX is true!
Profoundly disturbing. Some thoughts from AICN:
Nordling here.
I can’t help thinking about the kids at last night’s THE DARK KNIGHT RISES screening in Aurora, Colorado. How excited they must have been – perhaps they were anticipating it all day before loading up into the car and going to the movies. We’ve all been there. I feel something like that every time I sit down to a new movie, and especially the big ones like this, I always feel like a kid again.
This tragedy has struck the heart of our community. These people are us. Who else goes to midnight screenings but we crazy few movie geeks – yes, even Batman movies – and that excitement is palpable. I wish I could bottle it for the bad days, because it’s one of those times in my life where true joy is found. Going to the movies is my favorite thing in the world, other than spending time with my family and friends. It’s literally what I live for.
This weekend, go to a movie. No, it’s not about keeping the bad guys from winning, or making a statement, although if you want it to be, that’s okay. Go to the movies this weekend because it’s a joy. One of the last great joys we have left these days, it seems. Plant youself in a theater, and see whatever you fancy. It’s the place dreams come true. It’s the magic land. That screen isn’t a window – it’s a door. An inviting door that lets in everyone. All are welcome in that world, and we get to wonder in the power of imagination and beauty.
I don’t normally post like this and I’m sorry if this upsets some of you. I’m grieving for the losses in Aurora, Colorado, and I am trying very hard not to play the political games of finding where to put blame. This community took a real loss today, and I mourn those who were killed, pray for the wounded, and celebrate that magic that we all chase every time we sit down in a movie theater. Theaters are my church, and today we’re all hurting.
I love movies, and you do too. Let’s celebrate them.
Saw Prometheus under the dome at the midnight show. Amazing presentation. Jerry Goldsmith’s haunting Alien score playing before the movie inside the cavernous auditorium really set the mood. A+
In the mid to late 80s I visited this theater many times. It was quite nice for its day. Located in the mall above the ice skating rink. Great memories seeing some classics there with my Grandma: Critters, Ruthless People, Color of Money, At Close Range… she’d take us to see just about anything. It was closed when the mall transformed from an indoor to outdoor venue. A new theater was built on the same level a few stores over. Still a great place to see a movie.
Thanks, Zubi… great insight!
Still going strong after ten years.
My bad… saw a piece on the news about the closing of the Music Hall due to lease issues… seemed like the theater was closing THIS weekend… drove past today and it looks like business as usual.
Sad news. Theater to close this weekend.