Cinerama Theater

Here is a link to a newspaper article with a description of the Cinerama Theatre and includes photos of the theatre itself.
http://cinerama.topcities.com/ctsandiego.htm

According to daily listings, the Cinerama 6- which replaced this theater in 1988, has closed.

CINERAMA PART I (1963 to 1970): RESERVED SEAT ENGAGEMENT ERA
5889 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92115

The Cinerama Theatre opened on November 20, 1962 with The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm and was heralded by local media as the first major movie theater in San Diego in over 25 years. Unlike other theaters, this was the first theater constructed exclusively for widescreen movies in San Diego. The Cinerama served as the premier house for the biggest films of its day and often played many films for several months. Tickets were sold at various locations around San Diego and guaranteed a specific seat.

RE = Re-Issue/ Return Engagement
MO = Move-over (i.e. continuation of engagement from another theater)
RSE = Reserved-Seat Engagement

Listings include regular engagements only. Dates for this part represent the first day of release or premiere, and, where known, the presentation format has been provided. Test screenings, sneak-preview screenings, midnight screenings, exclusive premieres and other private events are not included. Unless noted, presentations are all 35mm – mono sound presentation.
All listing from San Diego Union, San Diego Tribune and “70mm in San Diego” “70mm in San Diego” by Michael Coate and William Kallay.


11/20/62 … THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE BROTHERS GRIMM (RSE, 19 weeks, 3-Strip Cinerama)

04/05/63 … HOW THE WEST WAS WON (RSE, 55 weeks, 3-Strip Cinerama)

04/22/64 … IT’S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD (RSE, 50 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)

04/05/65 … closed
04/14/65 … THIS IS CINERAMA (6 weeks, 3-Strip Cinerama)
05/26/65 … SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD (10 weeks, 3-Strip Cinerama)
08/04/65 … THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (MO, 9 weeks)
10/06/65 … SOUTH SEAS ADVENTURE (10 weeks, 3-Strip Cinerama)
12/17/65 … CINERAMA HOLIDAY (7 weeks, 3-Strip Cinerama)

02/02/66 … OTHELLO (4 weeks)
03/02/66 … THE KING AND I (RE, 4 weeks)
03/31/66 … DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (RSE, 46 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)

02/14/67 … HAWAII (RSE, 34 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
10/11/67 … REFLECTIONS IN A GOLDEN EYE (10 weeks)
12/21/67 … CAMELOT (RSE, 41 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)

10/02/68 … PETULIA (5 weeks)
11/06/68 … FINIAN’S RAINBOW (RSE, 15 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)

02/20/69 … SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN (RSE, 12 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
05/15/69 … SWEET CHARITY (RSE, 13 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
08/13/69 … THAT COLD DAY IN THE PARK (4 weeks)
09/12/69 … THE LEARNING TREE (6 weeks)
10/22/69 … THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT
10/29/69 … THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT / RACHEL, RACHEL (2 weeks)
11/12/69 … DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (RE, 5 weeks)
12/17/69 … GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS (RSE, 11 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)

CINERAMA PART II (1970 to 1984): SAN DIEGO EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT ERA

Films that played during these years often premiered and remained at the Cinerama exclusively during their run. While this was represented by extended runs of films like Deliverance or One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, on many occasions, films that didn’t perform well were paired with a second feature for the last part of their runs. Return Engagements of other popular hits were even returned to the Cinerama when even those pairings proved to be of limited appeal.

RE = Re-Issue/ Return Engagement
MO = Move-over (i.e. continuation of engagement from another theater)

Listings include regular engagements only. Dates represent the first day of commercial release and, where known, the presentation format has been provided. Test screenings, sneak-preview screenings, midnight screenings, premieres and other private events are not included. Unless noted, presentations are all 35mm – mono sound presentation.
All listing from San Diego Union, San Diego Tribune and “70mm in San Diego” by Michael Coate and William Kallay.

03/04/70 … JENNY (3 weeks)
03/27/70 … ZABRISKE POINT (3 weeks)
04/15/70 … ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS (10 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
06/26/70 … DARLING LILI (4 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
07/22/70 … GONE WITH THE WIND (MO, 70mm-Stereo)
07/29/70 … DOCTOR ZHIVAGO(RE, 70mm-Stereo)
08/05/70 … THE OUT OF TOWNERS (MO, 6 weeks)
09/18/70 … TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME, JUNIE MOON (2 weeks)
10/09/70 … HOTEL
10/14/70 … LOVE AND OTHER STRANGERS (3 weeks)
11/04/70 … LOVE AND OTHER STRANGERS / WAIT UNTIL DARK (7 weeks)
12/23/70 … DIARY OF A MAD HOUSEWIFE (6 weeks)

02/03/71 … JULIUS CAESAR (2 weeks)
02/19/71 … MY FAIR LADY (RE, 3 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
03/12/71 … THE PRIEST’S WIFE / FRAIZER-ALI FIGHT (2 weeks)
03/24/71 … PAINT YOUR WAGON / ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER
04/02/71 … FLIGHT OF THE DOVES
04/09/71 … GONE WITH THE WIND / HOW THE WEST WAS WON (3 weeks)
04/30/71 … THE NIGHT VISITOR
05/07/71 … PUZZLE OF A DOWNFALL CHILD / ACT OF THE HEART (2 weeks)
05/19/71 … THIS MAN MUST DIE
05/27/71 … THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN (12 weeks)
08/18/71 … THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN / COLOSSUS: THE FORBIN PROJECT (3 weeks)
09/08/71 … SHINBONE ALLEY/ A NEW LEAF
09/15/71 … ROMANCE OF A HORSE THIEF / VALDEZ IS COMING
09/22/71 … CARNAL KNOWLEDGE / THE BABY MAKER (6 weeks)
11/03/71 … KOTCH (6 weeks)
12/15/71 … SCROOGE / A NEW LEAF (2 weeks)
12/25/71 … STAR SPANGLED GIRL / BLACK BEAUTY (2 weeks)

01/05/72 … THE TWELVE CHAIRS / BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMMAGE
01/14/72 … WALKABOUT (4 weeks)
02/09/72 … POCKET MONEY / THE LAST RUN (5 weeks)
03/15/72 … THE LAST MOVIE / THE HIRED HAND
03/22/72 … SILENT RUNNING
03/29/72 … SILENT RUNNING / THE TWELVE CHAIRS (2 weeks)
04/12/72 … KLUTE / SUMMER OF '42 (2 weeks)
04/26/72 … MINNIE AND MOSKOWITZ / TAKING OFF
05/03/72 … STAMPING GROUND
05/10/72 … PATTON / M*A*S*H (2 weeks)
05/24/72 … SKYJACKED / THE HONKER (4 weeks)
06/21/72 … THE GRADUATE / CAPTAIN APACHE
06/28/72 … THE GRADUATE / GOODBYE COLUMBUS (2 weeks)
07/12/72 … PRIME CUT / SOMETHING BIG (4 weeks)
08/09/72 … SNOOPY, COME HOME / WHO SAYS I CAN’T RIDE A RAINBOW! (2 weeks)
08/23/72 … SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE (7 weeks)
10/11/72 … THE BANK DICK / MY LITTLE CHICKADEE
10/18/72 … DRACULA / FRANKENSTEIN
10/25/72 … NEVER GIVE A SUCKER AN EVEN BREAK / YOU CAN'T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN
11/01/72 … ELVIRA MADIGAN / THE VIRGIN AND THE GYPSY (3 weeks)
11/22/72 … RAGE / JUNIOR BONNER (2 weeks)
12/04/72 … closed (3 weeks)
12/22/72 … DELIVERANCE (22 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)

05/25/73 … THE DAY OF THE JACKAL (6 weeks)
07/04/73 … THE DAY OF THE JACKAL/ PETE ‘N TILLIE (6 weeks)
08/17/73 … THIS IS CINERAMA (4 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
09/14/73 … STATE OF SIEGE (2 weeks)
09/26/73 … STATE OF SIEGE / CESAR AND ROSALIE
10/03/73 … YOUR THREE MINUTES ARE UP / WHERE DOES IT HURT? (2 weeks)
10/17/73 … A DAY IN THE DEATH OF JOE EGG / IMAGES
10/26/73 … THE NEW LAND (3 weeks)
11/16/73 … THE NEW LAND / BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON (3 weeks)
12/05/73 … THE NEW LAND / A WARM DECEMBER (2 weeks)
12/21/73 … CAMELOT / FINIAN’S RAINBOW
12/25/73 … ASH WEDNESDAY

01/02/74 … ASH WEDNESDAY / PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM(3 weeks)
01/23/74 … THE LONG GOOD-BYE
01/30/74 … THE LONG GOOD-BYE / WHERE’S POPPA
02/06/74 … CHARIOTS OF THE GODS / THE HELLSTROM CHRONICLE
02/13/74 … THE EXORCIST (27 weeks)
08/21/74 … 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (RE, 6 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
10/02/74 … LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE ROLLING STONES (2 weeks)
10/18/74 … LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE ROLLING STONES / MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN (2 weeks)
10/30/74 … DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (RE, 4 weeks)
11/27/74 … THE CLANSMAN / CHRISTINA (2 weeks)
12/11/74 … THE CLANSMAN / CINDERELLA LIBERTY (2 weeks)
12/25/74 … LENNY (18 weeks)

05/02/75 … THE REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUND (4 weeks)
05/28/75 … THE REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUND / NIGHTWATCH (2 weeks)
06/11/75 … THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER (5 weeks)
07/16/75 … ROLLERBALL (9 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
09/17/75 … A CLOCKWORK ORANGE / DELIVERANCE (3 weeks)
10/10/75 … A BOY AND HIS DOG (2 weeks)
10/24/75 … LISZTOMANIA (2 weeks)
11/05/75 … FAREWELL, MY LOVELY / CRAZY MAMA
11/12/75 … ROYAL FLASH
11/19/75 … ROYAL FLASH / W.W.AND THE DIXIE DANCE KINGS
11/26/75 … GUITAR PICKS AND ROACH CLIPS / BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME? (2 weeks)
12/10/75 … MANSON / CAPONE
12/17/75 … ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST (22 weeks)

05/21/76 … THE MISSOURI BREAKS (4 weeks)
06/18/76 … MIDWAY (11 weeks, Sensurround)
08/30/76 … MIDWAY / ROOSTER COGBURN (4 weeks)
09/29/76 … BURNT OFFERINGS
10/02/76 … BURNT OFFERINGS / ALI-NORTON HIGHLIGHTS (2 weeks)
10/20/76 … ALEX AND THE GYPSY / HARRY AND TONTO (4 weeks)
11/17/76 … CARRIE (4 weeks)
12/15/76 … THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN (6 weeks)

01/28/77 … ROCKY (8 weeks)
03/25/77 … AIRPORT ‘77 (6 weeks)
05/04/77 … AIRPORT ’77 / SWASHBUCKLER (2 weeks)
05/20/77 … PUMPING IRON
05/25/77 … PUMPING IRON / MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL(3 weeks)
06/15/77 … A BRIDGE TOO FAR (8 weeks)
08/10/77 … THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (7 weeks)
09/28/77 … FIRE SALE
10/05/77 … FIRE SALE / FANTASTIC ANIMATION FESTIVAL (2 weeks)
10/21/77 … FANTASIA (RE, 6 weeks, Stereo)
12/02/77 … ROCKY (RE, 3 weeks)
12/23/77 … THE CHOIRBOYS (2 weeks)

01/06/78 … THE CHOIRBOYS / TAXI DRIVER (3 weeks)
01/25/78 … THE CHOIRBOYS / HUSTLE (2 weeks)
02/08/78 … COMA (5 weeks)
03/15/78 … COMA / SWEET REVENGE (5 weeks)
03/31/78 … THE BIG SLEEP (2 weeks)
04/12/78 … THE BIG SLEEP / CARRIE
04/19/78 … THE BIG SLEEP / BLUME IN LOVE
04/26/78 … F.I.S.T. (5 weeks)
05/31/78 … F.I.S.T. / THE SAILOR WHO FELL FROM GRACE WITH THE SEA
06/07/78 … F.I.S.T. / COMA (2 weeks)
06/23/78 … COMING HOME
06/28/78 … COMING HOME / THE DOMINO PRINCIPLE
07/05/78 … COMING HOME / ISLANDS IN THE STREAM (2 weeks)
07/19/78 … REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER (7 weeks)
09/06/78 … REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER / INTERNATIONAL VELVET
09/13/78 … REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER / AVALANCHE
09/20/78 … REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER / TELEFON
09/29/78 … SOMEBODY KILLED HER HUSBAND
10/04/78 … SOMEBODY KILLED HER HUSBAND / THE CHEAP DETECTIVE
10/09/78 … SOMEBODY KILLED HER HUSBAND / THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
10/18/78 … TOMMY (RE, Stereo)
10/27/78 … MIDNIGHT EXPRESS (8 weeks)
12/20/78 … THE LORD OF THE RINGS (6 weeks, Dolby Stereo)

02/01/79 … THE LORD OF THE RINGS / FANTASTIC ANIMATION FESTIVAL
02/07/79 … THE LORD OF THE RINGS / REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER
02/14/79 … THE LORD OF THE RINGS / THE ONE AND ONLY
02/23/79 … HARDCORE (4 weeks)
03/21/79 … HARDCORE / PRETTY BABY
03/28/79 … HAIR (5 weeks, 4-Track Stereo)
05/02/79 … HAIR / THE LAST WALTZ
05/09/79 … HAIR / THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY
05/18/79 … WINTER KILLS
05/25/79 … WINTER KILLS / MURDER BY DECREE
05/30/79 … UP IN SMOKE (RE)
06/06/79 … COMING HOME (RE)
06/15/79 … BUTCH AND SUNDANCE: THE EARLY YEARS
06/20/79 … BUTCH AND SUNDANCE / THE OUTLAW JOSIE WALES
06/29/79 … MOONRAKER (7 weeks)
08/17/79 … HOT STUFF (2 weeks)
08/31/79 … HOT STUFF/ CALIFORNIA SUITE
09/07/79 … THE CHAMP / THE BIG FIX
09/14/79 … THE WIZ / SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND (Stereo / Stereo)
09/21/79 … THE TURNING POINT / AN UNMARRIED WOMAN
09/28/79 … THE ONION FIELD (3 weeks)
10/17/79 … APOCALYPSE NOW (16 weeks, Dolby Stereo)

02/08/80 … BEING THERE (6 weeks)
03/21/80 … LITTLE DARLING (9 weeks)
05/21/80 … THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (30 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
12/19/80 … THE COMPETITION (7 weeks)

02/06/81 … ALTERED STATES (9 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
04/10/81 … EXCALIBUR (12 weeks)
06/26/81 … DRAGONSLAYER (7 weeks, Vistasonic)
08/21/81 … FIRST MONDAY IN OCTOBER (6 weeks)
10/02/81 … PRINCE OF THE CITY (3 weeks)
10/23/81 … THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT’S WOMAN (6 weeks)
12/04/81 … REDS (14 weeks)

03/12/82 … QUEST FOR FIRE (9 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
05/14/82 … WRONG IS RIGHT (3 weeks)
06/04/82 … STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (8 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07/28/82 … AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN (19 weeks)
12/08/82 … 48 HOURS (10 weeks)

02/18/83 … THE LORDS OF DISCIPLINE (5 weeks)
03/25/83 … THE KING OF COMEDY (3 weeks)
04/15/83 … LOCAL HERO (3 weeks)
05/06/83 … EXPOSED (2 weeks)
05/20/83 … TRON (RE, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
05/27/83 … SOPHIE’S CHOICE / THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY
06/03/83 … WAR GAMES (17 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
09/30/83 … BRAINSTORM (11 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
12/16/83 … THE KEEP (4 weeks, Dolby Stereo)

01/13/84 … FANNY AND ALEXANDER

MOONRAKER, THE COMPETITION, and 48 HOURS were all released with Dolby Stereo prints, however, there is no evidence any of them were ever presented in Dolby Stereo at the Cinerama

CINERAMA PART III (1984 to 1988): SATURATION AND GÖTTERDÄMERUNG

As the release patterns of movies changed, the Cinerama lost its distinguished role as being one of the few theaters that offered exclusive engagements in San Diego. Films would no longer open at one theater for their premiere run. Instead, they would open at several theaters on their opening day. Despite this, the Cinerama would continue to host significant runs for such films as Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Amadeus, and Top Gun.
In 1988, against the wishes of its parent, the Cinerama was closed and demolished by the land owner, the Douglas Allred Company.

RE = Re-Issue/ Return Engagement
MO = Move-over (i.e. continuation of engagement from another theater)

Listings include regular engagements only. Dates represent the first day of commercial release and, where known, the presentation format has been provided. Test screenings, sneak-preview screenings, midnight screenings, premieres and other private events are not included. Unless noted, presentations are all 35mm – mono sound presentation.
All listing from San Diego Union, San Diego Tribune and “70mm in San Diego” by Michael Coate and William Kallay.

01/20/84 … SCANDALOUS (2 weeks)
02/03/84 … AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS (RE, 2 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
02/17/84 … BROADWAY DANNY ROSE (5 weeks)
03/23/84 … TENDER MERCIES (RE)
03/30/84 … GREYSTOKE: THE LEGEND OF TARZAN (9 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
06/01/84 … STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK (7 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07/20/84 … BEST DEFENSE (3 weeks)
08/10/84 … THE NATURAL (MO, Dolby Stereo)
08/17/84 … SHEENA (Dolby Stereo)
08/24/84 … SHEENA / GREYSTOKE (Dolby Stereo / Dolby Stereo)
08/31/84 … BOLERO (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
09/14/84 … THE RIGHT STUFF (RE, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
09/19/84 … AMADEUS (11 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
12/05/84 … BEVERLY HILLS COP (19 weeks, Dolby Stereo)

04/19/85 … THE COMPANY OF WOLVES (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05/03/85 … STOP MAKING SENSE (Dolby Stereo)
05/10/85 … RUSTLERS’ RHAPSODY (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05/31/85 … RUSTLERS’ RHAPSODY / PLACES IN THE HEART (Dolby Stereo / Mono)
06/07/85 … A PASSAGE TO INDIA / THE COTTON CLUB (Dolby Stereo / Dolby Stereo)
06/14/85 … D.A.R.Y.L. (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
06/28/85 … D.A.R.Y.L. / DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN (Dolby Stereo / Mono)
07/03/85 … AMADEUS (RE, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07/12/85 … EXPLORERS (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
07/26/85 … THE HEAVENLY KID (Dolby Stereo)
08/02/85 … THE HEAVENLY KID / ST. ELMO’S FIRE (Dolby Stereo / Dolby Stereo)
08/09/85 … AMADEUS (RE, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
08/16/85 … THE BRIDE (Dolby Stereo)
08/23/85 … THE BRIDE / THE EMERALD FOREST (Dolby Stereo / Dolby Stereo)
08/30/85 … ST. ELMO’S FIRE / THE EMERALD FOREST (Dolby Stereo / Dolby Stereo)
09/06/85 … ST. ELMO’S FIRE / THE BREAKFAST CLUB (Dolby Stereo / Mono)
09/13/85 … ORDEAL BY INNOCENCE (3 weeks)
10/04/85 … JAGGED EDGE (9 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
12/04/85 … YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES (6 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)

01/17/86 … RUNAWAY TRAIN (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
01/31/86 … WHITE NIGHTS / ENEMY MINE (Dolby Stereo / Dolby Stereo)
02/07/86 … WHITE NIGHTS / WITNESS (Dolby Stereo / Dolby Stereo)
02/14/86 … QUICKSILVER (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
02/28/86 … PRETTY IN PINK (7 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
04/18/86 … PRETTY IN PINK / YOUNGBLOOD (Dolby Stereo / Mono)
04/25/86 … JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS / MURPHY’S ROMANCE
05/02/86 … BLUE CITY (2 weeks)
05/16/86 … TOP GUN (20 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
10/03/86 … CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD (8 weeks)
11/25/86 … CROCODILE DUNDEE (MO, 2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
12/12/86 … THE GOLDEN CHILD (7 weeks, Dolby Stereo)

01/30/87 … PLATOON (16 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05/20/87 … BEVERLY HILLS COP II (9 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
07/22/87 … SUMMER SCHOOL (2 weeks)
08/07/87 … BACK TO THE BEACH
08/14/87 … CAN’T BUY ME LOVE (2 weeks)
08/28/87 … HAMBURGER HILL (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
09/18/87 … FATAL ATTRACTION (13 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
12/18/87 … EDDIE MURPHY RAW (4 weeks, Dolby Stereo)

01/15/88 … MOONSTRUCK (10 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
03/25/88 … A NEW LIFE (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
04/08/88 … ABOVE THE LAW (4 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05/06/88 … SALSA (2 weeks)
05/18/88 … TOP GUN (RE, Dolby Stereo)

05/23/88 … CLOSED

CINERAMA PART IV: OWNERSHIP

Gordon and Lockwood: 20 November 1962 to 31 January 1966
Pacific Theaters: 01 February 1966 to 22 May 1988

The architect of this theater was the noted San Diego modernist, Richard George Wheeler. Boxoffice Magazine featured an illustrated article on the San Diego Cinerama Theatre in its issue of December 7, 1964.

Pretty looking place. Shame it's gone.