A very nice theater, though like all Westwood places becoming a bit rundown. It’s amazing how far Westwood has fallen since its 70’s/early 80’s glory period. Back then so many people crowded the streets you had to park blocks away and take a shuttle, and no cars were allowed in the area. By the late 80’s, it became a hip place for gangs to hang out, and after a shooting where a tourist was killed, the area was quickly abandoned.
During the school year, the area’s old single-screen theaters still fill up with UCLA kids. As a result audiences are sometimes a bit on the young/impolite/unsophisticated side, but definitely full of energy.
I agree 100 percent with the last poster, the Arclight is incredible. The Grove is nice, but much more of a suburban kind of outing, with crowds, teenagers, and families.
It may be the best theater in the country…or maybe that is the Chinese. Not that I’ve been in every theater, but is there a better one?
As for the Dome, why aren’t they showing more Cinerama presentations? I missed the first round.
My best memory of the Wiltern is being caught recording a Santana concert in the mid-80’s, and being shuffled out a side door! Luckily, when they asked for the tape, I handed them a blank one. So I missed the encore of Europa but still had the rest of the show!
As mentioned, the most unique aspect to this spot is the legroom. You can stretch out your legs completely and not even touch the seat in front of you! Unheard of!
I must disagree with the poster who loved the loud sound. I find it irksome and always ask them to turn it down.
Currently this theater shows double features at a reduced rate. The inside is easily the dirtiest theater I have ever been in. Smelly and disgusting. Would be wonderful if someone would revive this poor place.
I remember seeing Citizen Kane here in the 90’s. It was definitely in pretty bad shape then, but at least it was open. I had no idea it was so old!
It is indeed strange that the Raymond gets so much attention, while this place slipped away quietly.
In Pasadena’s defense, although their downtown is filled with Starbucks outlets and Gaps, at least they’ve successfully revitalized that section of town, quite rapidly. In the late 80’s it was a ghost town, save for a few peep show arcades and pawn shops. In just a few years it became the mecca it is today.
Somehow this place is always showing French movies. It is very looooong and sloping inside. I think I’ve fallen asleep at more movies here than anywhere else – Howard’s End, for example.
I really hope they don’t divide up the Rialto, and that South Pasadena recognizes the importance of preserving her, just as they want to preserve their entire town from the 710 freeway. There are plenty of places to see mainstream movies.
The Rialto has a lot of great historical memorabilia in their lobby, and is fun to visit. The gargoyle is indeed unique. Beware that the Rialto is not heated – I froze seeing a movie there in the winter. The balcony, while fun and home to thickly padded old chairs, has horrendous sound.
Currently, they are showing cult movies Saturdays at midnight, which makes sense as this was one of the Rocky Horror spots. They seem to run their art house movies forever. I remember Life is Beautiful playing there for what seemed like 6 months.
The Rialto needs a faithful restoration, continuation as single screen, and no change in programming!
Everyone loves the Nuart. They could use a better sound system, though. I saw a concert film there recently and was disappointed. Their schedule is amazingly varied, adventurous, and ecelctic.
There used to be so many of these themed “revival” houses around, in the days before VCR, and now of course DVD. Anyone of a certain age will remember the New Beverly’s monthly fliers, almost always featuring a Monty Python or Woody Allen double feature. Those fliers are still to be found at local record stores! Amen!
This theater was a great single screen, but was split into three absolutely tiny theaters at some point during the 90’s. They still show very eclectic fare as part of the Laemelle chain. Lately, perhaps due to the population changes in Beverly Hills, they are showing many Persian films.
The Fine Arts, down the road a bit on Wilshire, is a sort of twin to the Music Hall, but is luckily still a single screen.
Like Westwood itself, the Bruin is in need of a makeover inside.
scooty
commented about
Vidiotson
Aug 6, 2004 at 6:08 am
The Eagle is a legend to anyone who attended Occidental College in Eagle Rock. I was a student there from 1987-1991. Contrary to another post, it was not a Pussycat theater during that time, although it may have been so much earlier. During my time, it was famous for its 75 cent Thursday double features. That’s right. Two movies for 75 cents, in the late 80’s. The theater was a single screen, and absolutely filthy, but come Thursday there would be lines down the block of local residents and Occidental students. It was often sold out if you didn’t make it early enough. The floors were always super-sticky, and the house lights were NEVER turned up, apparently so nobody would see the grime.
I remember seeing The Untouchables at this theater, and having a stray 2-year-old peek over a chair while a guy was clubbed on-screen. (The theater played host to many local families, whose children would run up and down the aisles with abandon.)
At some point in the 90’s, after I’d graduated, the theater closed, and was available for rent. Lately I’ve seen it as a church.
A very nice theater, though like all Westwood places becoming a bit rundown. It’s amazing how far Westwood has fallen since its 70’s/early 80’s glory period. Back then so many people crowded the streets you had to park blocks away and take a shuttle, and no cars were allowed in the area. By the late 80’s, it became a hip place for gangs to hang out, and after a shooting where a tourist was killed, the area was quickly abandoned.
During the school year, the area’s old single-screen theaters still fill up with UCLA kids. As a result audiences are sometimes a bit on the young/impolite/unsophisticated side, but definitely full of energy.
I agree 100 percent with the last poster, the Arclight is incredible. The Grove is nice, but much more of a suburban kind of outing, with crowds, teenagers, and families.
It may be the best theater in the country…or maybe that is the Chinese. Not that I’ve been in every theater, but is there a better one?
As for the Dome, why aren’t they showing more Cinerama presentations? I missed the first round.
This place had the most comfortable chairs of all time. I wish I had been around to visit when it seated 1400!
My best memory of the Wiltern is being caught recording a Santana concert in the mid-80’s, and being shuffled out a side door! Luckily, when they asked for the tape, I handed them a blank one. So I missed the encore of Europa but still had the rest of the show!
As mentioned, the most unique aspect to this spot is the legroom. You can stretch out your legs completely and not even touch the seat in front of you! Unheard of!
I must disagree with the poster who loved the loud sound. I find it irksome and always ask them to turn it down.
Currently this theater shows double features at a reduced rate. The inside is easily the dirtiest theater I have ever been in. Smelly and disgusting. Would be wonderful if someone would revive this poor place.
Never went in there, but they had a very cool sign that read “Topanga” that did indeed stand out.
I remember seeing Citizen Kane here in the 90’s. It was definitely in pretty bad shape then, but at least it was open. I had no idea it was so old!
It is indeed strange that the Raymond gets so much attention, while this place slipped away quietly.
In Pasadena’s defense, although their downtown is filled with Starbucks outlets and Gaps, at least they’ve successfully revitalized that section of town, quite rapidly. In the late 80’s it was a ghost town, save for a few peep show arcades and pawn shops. In just a few years it became the mecca it is today.
Somehow this place is always showing French movies. It is very looooong and sloping inside. I think I’ve fallen asleep at more movies here than anywhere else – Howard’s End, for example.
I really hope they don’t divide up the Rialto, and that South Pasadena recognizes the importance of preserving her, just as they want to preserve their entire town from the 710 freeway. There are plenty of places to see mainstream movies.
The Rialto has a lot of great historical memorabilia in their lobby, and is fun to visit. The gargoyle is indeed unique. Beware that the Rialto is not heated – I froze seeing a movie there in the winter. The balcony, while fun and home to thickly padded old chairs, has horrendous sound.
Currently, they are showing cult movies Saturdays at midnight, which makes sense as this was one of the Rocky Horror spots. They seem to run their art house movies forever. I remember Life is Beautiful playing there for what seemed like 6 months.
The Rialto needs a faithful restoration, continuation as single screen, and no change in programming!
Everyone loves the Nuart. They could use a better sound system, though. I saw a concert film there recently and was disappointed. Their schedule is amazingly varied, adventurous, and ecelctic.
There used to be so many of these themed “revival” houses around, in the days before VCR, and now of course DVD. Anyone of a certain age will remember the New Beverly’s monthly fliers, almost always featuring a Monty Python or Woody Allen double feature. Those fliers are still to be found at local record stores! Amen!
This theater was a great single screen, but was split into three absolutely tiny theaters at some point during the 90’s. They still show very eclectic fare as part of the Laemelle chain. Lately, perhaps due to the population changes in Beverly Hills, they are showing many Persian films.
The Fine Arts, down the road a bit on Wilshire, is a sort of twin to the Music Hall, but is luckily still a single screen.
Like Westwood itself, the Bruin is in need of a makeover inside.
The Eagle is a legend to anyone who attended Occidental College in Eagle Rock. I was a student there from 1987-1991. Contrary to another post, it was not a Pussycat theater during that time, although it may have been so much earlier. During my time, it was famous for its 75 cent Thursday double features. That’s right. Two movies for 75 cents, in the late 80’s. The theater was a single screen, and absolutely filthy, but come Thursday there would be lines down the block of local residents and Occidental students. It was often sold out if you didn’t make it early enough. The floors were always super-sticky, and the house lights were NEVER turned up, apparently so nobody would see the grime.
I remember seeing The Untouchables at this theater, and having a stray 2-year-old peek over a chair while a guy was clubbed on-screen. (The theater played host to many local families, whose children would run up and down the aisles with abandon.)
At some point in the 90’s, after I’d graduated, the theater closed, and was available for rent. Lately I’ve seen it as a church.