AMC AVCO Center

The Avco has been a fixture since the 1960's in Westwood. It currently is a 4plex, but I beleive started as a twin, then both auditoriums split. It was built by General Cinemas, and remained so until AMC Took it over when it bought GCC.

The Avco Center Cinemas started out as a tri-plex theatre, not a twin. The main theatre was twinned in the mid 90's. The main theatre used to be as wide as the Mann's National Theatre but with a smaller screen and lower ceiling. The main theatre at the Avco was the first THX certified theatre in Los Angeles for the opening of "The Return of the Jedi". The Avco Theatre opened all three of the original "Star Wars" features. When the Avco Theatre opened it was a two man booth, one projectionist ran the main theatre and the other ran the twin upstairs. Before the theatre was plexed into 4 screens, the three screens were all equipped with 70MM Dolby Stereo. The Avco Theatres were a major theatre that ran alot of Hollywood premieres. I worked the Avco Center Cinemas many time as a projectionist, during the early 90's.

The Avco opened in 1972, not in the 1960s. It initially played films from Paramount. Then in the 80s, it primarily played films from Universal, which it still does today.

The Avco Center Cinemas also initially played films from Avco Embassy pictures.

Any possible way all the Westwood theatres (Bruin, Village, National, Crest) can be re-classified as actually being in Westwood, not Los Angeles?

The Avco was GCC's west coast flagship in the 70s - when it was mentioned in internal company memoranda in regards to a premiere or other noteworthy events it was always referred to as "Our Prestigious Avco Center Cinema".

GCC had two other theatres that could be called Prestigious, they were the Paramount Theatre on Hollywood Blvd. & the Beverly Theatre on Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. Both theatres were bought when Loew's Theatres moved out of the California market.

The screen split is very noticeable - just a wall down the centre of auditoriums 1 and 2...

During that time they needed an extra screen to remain profitable in that market of Westwood.

I haven't been to the Avco in many years. Sorry to hear the main auditorium was split up. I saw "Return of the Jedi" in '83, when they ran the very first THX trailer. The interior layout of this place was always a liitle confusing. They would line people up and let them in via the side doors or something. You went down these halls and climbed stairs (or downstairs, don't remember) but in a large crowd I always felt in danger of getting lost in there! They always put on a great show, though! "Die Hard" and "The Abyss" were state of the art presentation.

General Cinema ruined the Theatre when they split the Largest theatre into 2 smaller screens. The AVCO was on of L.A. Countys prime theatres. They should many exclusive films like most theatres in Westwood did in the 1970's. It was a very well designed theatre for its time and along with the Village, Bruin, and National were the most popular theatres in Westwood.

It was named the AVCO Not because of AVCO Embassy films but because it shared the same area with AVCO Finance, which is now something else.

I was an assistant manager of the Avco Center Cinemas in Westwood when it opened in May of 1972. I was promoted from Assistant Manager of the Crest in Westwood. Our opening attractions were "PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM" from Paramount, the Shirley MacLaine film THE POSSESSION OF JOEL DELANEY from Paramount and ARUZA from Avco Embassy - film on the life of bullfighter Aruza. Soon after opening, our first change was BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE with Goldie Hawn. Our seating capacities were #1 at 1124, #2 at 424 and #3 at 714. I have many great memories and many many stories to tell from my days at the Avco.

For John, did you manage the theatre when the first three 'Star Wars' films played?

The AVCO Company (I used to know what AVCO meant, but I have forgotten) was some kind of conglomerate and owned that finance company, among other things. Around the late 60s they bought Embassy Pictures, so there was a loose connection between the name of the property and the film operation.

In the 1960s and 70s, AVCO owned Cincinnati's WLW radio and a regional network of Ohio and Indiana TV stations, all of whose call letters began with WLW.

Do any pictures exist of the Avco's big screen before it was split?

In the 1980s Westwood was the place to go see movies. Even for someone living, like myself, in the San Fernando Valley. The Avco supplemented the theaters in Westwood Village. It was a short walk down Wilshire Boulevard to the Avco from Westwood Village but it still always managed to be busy. I remember seeing "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" in 1988 at the Avco and it was extremely crowded. The line for the film stretched down Wilshire Boulevard. However by the 1990s the massive crowds that had flocked to Westwood for the movies had gone elsewhere.

Some fleeting research says that Avco was initially some sort of aviation science/manufacturing concern (AV - aviation, CO - company, something like that) that broadened their reach into financial interests like insurance and credit, and then of course the decade or so they operated Avco Embassy Pictures and the radio/TV production bloc that included the mighty WLW in Cincinnati. The TV stations were sold to Multimedia, who also took over production of then-locally produced syndicated shows like PHIL DONAHUE, SALLY JESSY RAPHAEL and JERRY SPRINGER. The radio stations were spun off into a local company called Jacor, which of course now has become the ginormous Clear Channel company.
Urban legend has it that while they were essentially a hands-off corporate parent, Avco may have had a hand in the initial failure of the controversial political satire WINTER KILLS, since its plot involved the ever-popular "military-industrial complex" and Avco would have had fat government contracts for jet technology.

The Avco was among the theatres included in the original limited-market launch of "Star Wars." The Avco's 5/25/77 opening-day gross, according to Daily Variety, was a house record $12,816.

The Avco was among the handful of theaters that was equipped with Cinema Digital Sound (CDS), the 1990-1991 precursor to the contemporary digital sound formats.

Nobody has mentioned the fact that you can go to a movie at the Avco and then walk around the block and see a lot of dead stars at the Westwood Memorial cemetery, including Marilyn Monroe, of course. Also Natalie Wood, Richard Conte (who has a question mark after the date of death on his tombstone) and Heather O'Rourke, the little girl from Poltergeist. I think Dominique Dunne is there too, to complete the Poltergeist connection.

Wow, I've seen SO many movies here, especially in the main bottom theatre (before they cut it in half which totally blew). The sound in the main theatre was insane, as good if not better than the National, Village, or Chinese.

Why couldn't they have split one of the upper theatres. Such a shame...

The funny thing about the sound in the former main house. Was that the theatre did not have the power that those Mann Theatres listed in the above comment have. During those days of turning up the THX logo during the opening of the feature presentation, met with a few problems for the theatre. The manager at the time wanted to show that the Avco #1 was just as powerful as the others. But the theatre blew out 3 full sets of surround speakers in that house. That the company that GCC used to service the theatre's projection equipment would not cover anymore blown speakers, in the race to hear who's THX is bigger. The two upstairs theatres were the right size that could make a profit for them and the theatre was govern by the area parking to seat ratio in city zoning.

The Avco Center complex opened on May 24th, 1972 with "Play It Again Sam", "Arruza", "The Possession of Joel Delaney".

The Avco Center complex opened on May 24th, 1972 with "Play It Again Sam", "Arruza", "The Possession of Joel Delaney".

The Avco Center complex opened on May 24th, 1972. The opening attractions were "Play It Again Sam", "Arruza" and "The Possession of Joel Delaney".

I only made it to the pre-split main auditorium at Avco Center once for a matinee show of "Sleeping With The Enemy" in 1991. That was a HUGE auditorium and I remember the THX trailer being loud and booming. Later on, after the split, I saw a (PATHETIC!) 70MM presentation of Vertigo in about 1997 or so. To say that some "mojo" was missing would be the understatement of the century! I haven't been back since.

I atarted working at General Cinema's AVCO Center in the summer of 1986. I was attending the freshman orientation at UCLA at the time, staying on campus. Peter Bobela was my first manager, always reminded me of Bill Daniels from "Knight Rider" and "St Elsewhere". I had attended the third day (first weekend) of "Return of the Jedi" and was amazed at the THX sound. I felt like I was in the Ewok garden.

Anyway, the first blockbuster that I worked was "Aliens". Talk about a cash cow! That show did business for weeks. I remember getting out of there at 4am after the Fri/Sat late shows, then riding my bicycle up the hill to the dorm. Other blockbusters I experienced there include ""Die Hard", "Stakeout", "Who Framed Roger Rabbit", "Dirty Dancing", "Big", "Ruthless People", and others.

Talk about a star magnet - the AVCO was certainly that. We would always have premieres there. I remember Penny Marshall at the "Big" premiere, Susanna Hoffs (when the Bangles were popular) for her stupid movie, “The Allnighter”. Glenn Close was pregnant when I saw her there. Christopher Reeve stopped by, Sonny Landham (“Predator”, “48 Hrs”, “Action Jackson”), many of the Lakers (Riley, Magic, Byron Scott), Angela Lansbury, Gene Wilder and wife Gilda Radner (not long before she died). It was hard not to be wild-eyed, as a teenager.

I was there for three years, before I decided that it was time to make some real money. The last time I was there to see a movie was in 1988, when Sigourney Weaver’s “Gorrillas in the Mist” was there. They had some jerk manager there that fancied himself as the black equivalent of Mr. Rourke from Fantasy Island (I am black, and I don’t like the term “African American”…but I digress). It was some kind of experience, working there. Strange, that it has been 20 years since I started there. I’ll always remember it as the one large downstairs theater (and how long it took to clean it!)

Memories…like the corners of my mind...

What was the Avco 70MM print of Stakeout like Christan?

Christan, When you saw "Gorrillas in the Mist" was that a move-over or First Run. Because "Gorrillas in the Mist" opened over at the Cineplex Odeon Theatre in 70MM.

And Clarence was not that bad of a manager to work for.

I saw all three Star Wars flicks at the Avco. Szabo hired me as an usher during the run of Annie.

I remember Al Szabo at that theatre and after him Peter Bobela.

Before Albert Szabo was at the AVCO he managed the Beverly Theatre.

May 25, 1977 - it all started at AVCO Center Cinemas.

My friend and I attended UCLA, and had gone to a gathering of science fiction fans and had heard rumors of a new film coming out soon. A short clip reel of Star Wars was shown on a small screen to the fans present - the impact was dizzying. Those watching the fan reaction included Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill - unknowns at the time, able to mingle freely among the hundred or so present. The general uproar forced the Lucas people to reshow the trailer at least five times before we left. We made plans at that moment to take off work to see the first showing on the first day of release.

The AVCO was the perfect place to see Star Wars. Almost new, minimalist decor, huge screen, tremendous sound. People did not yet know how to watch that type of film - there may have been a day when people cheered, shouted, and screamed during a film, but it was before our time. We had to learn all over again that first day.

There was a small line outside - it was before word of mouth had spread, and a lot of people were curious industry insiders - not only the rabid fans we all came to know and love. The very fact that there was a line was an oddity. If I remember correctly, many people were also put off by the high ticket prices. They had the nerve to charge $3.50, when normal admission was $2.50 for a first run film.

Everthing changed after that. People camped out in lines for tickets. Strategy was required - one person went early to get tickets, or waited in the ticket line while the other waited in the line to get in. Movies became events. Repeat business was the norm. Hollywood was revived. But I will always fondly remember the AVCO Center Cinemas in Westwood.

Don't get me started about this once great theater. I saw Star Wars, Blue Thunder, Schindler's List, and yes Rocky and Bulwinkle. It was Apollo 13 that I first exprienced the hack job that was done to what was one of the trully state-of-the-art movie venues. The seating was not re-sloped after the division. The seating in the original auditorium was a very subtle amphitheater contour, not just a sloped plane. Therefore it felt as though we were about to tip over on our right sides.

While I think the Village Theater is the grandest theater in Westwood, the Avco always held the fondest place in my heart until that time of supreme butchery - an act so abhorent that nearly a decade later I still can't think about it without getting angry.

I'm sure I saw films there before 1977 but it was my experience seeing Star Wars on opening day, May 25th, that changed my life. I became a huge movie buff and changed my dream from becoming a novelist to becoming a filmmaker.

I actually saw the second show of the day at 2:50 in the afternoon with my friend, Anthony, who'd ditched our fifth and sixth period Drama class at Uni High with me for the occasion. We loved it so, we stayed through the third show and by the time we left, the line for the film stretched down Wilshire to Glendon and up Glendon as far as I could see. I saw the film there more than 50 times over the next three months before it moved to the Plitt in Century City where it stayed for more than a year.

I saw the first shows of Empire and Jedi there as well although, since the Avco always had their first show at 10 A.M., I saw Jedi earlier at Midnight at the Egyptian in Hollywood. But I still saw it first at the Avco because I attended a 5 P.M. benefit screening there the day before it opened.

I saw the first show of Alien and then Aliens on opening night was unbelievable! I also saw the sneak preview of E.T. there although that was actually in one of the upstairs theaters. The theater shut down not long after Jurassic Park: The Lost World came out and when it re-opened, the unthinkable had happened. They'd cut our beloved first floor theater into two, thus destroying one of the three great screens of Westwood (along with the Village and the National).

With the National now closed, I suppose it's pure fantasy to think that they might ever restore the first floor to one theater again. Westwood certainly needs another great screen but as long as they make more money with four screens than with three, I know it could never happen.

I still mourn the Avco that once was.

Best wishes,

Alan Sanborn

Alan...I share your pain regarding the Avco. (By the way, I attended the National's final show the other night.)

Minor correction regarding your comment about seeing "Star Wars" at the Avco "before it moved to the Plitt Century City": "Star Wars" never "moved" to the Plitt; the film played there concurrent with the Avco. They didn't begin on the same date, however. For more on the original distribution of "Star Wars" see:

Historical/Retrospective article:
http://www.fromscripttodvd.com/star_wars_a_day_long_remembered.htm

List of 70mm engagements with release dates and promotional blurbs:
http://www.fromscripttodvd.com/star_wars_70mm_engagements.htm

Thanks for the link to that article, Michael. Very interesting! But it doesn't say when Star Wars opened at the Plitt. We only know that it wasn't during the opening weekend. Was it the L.A. Theater that they referenced as opening a few weeks later? That sounds right to me. I do seem to remember that it was playing simultaneously at the Avco and the Plitt but I was an Avco junkie and it was closer to me so it wasn't until it left the Avco that I started viewing it regularly at the Plitt. Therefore it "felt" to me as if it had "moved" but you are correct.

I attended that footprint ceremony at the Chinese, referenced in that article, when they brought the film back after a few weeks of "Sorcerer". But, strangely, I never actually SAW Star Wars at the Chinese Theater until the Special Editions. I did see both Empire and Jedi at the Egyptian in Hollywood and that was also where they ran the full trilogy screening somewhat after Jedi.

I'm looking forward to seeing the full six film marathon when it runs at the upcoming Star Wars convention here in L.A. but I'm a little concerned about what sort of screen and presentation we'll be viewing the films on if the marathon is actually AT the Convention Center.

Best wishes,

Alan Sanborn

Oops. I just realized that I made another mistake in my post up above. By the time of Jurassic Park, the Lost World, the big theater at the Avco had long since been divided. I think it must have been the original Jurassic Park that was the last big hit in the uncut theater because I'm pretty sure that by the time Schindler's List opened later that year (1993), the butchery had already occurred. Anyone remember precisely when it happened?

Alan Sanborn

Alan...in my previous post I posted two links; click the **second** one. There you will find a reference to the Century Plaza engagement of "Star Wars." (That "additional L.A. engagement mentioned in my article that you asked about was a run at the Winnetka Drive-In.)

The splitting of the Avco's main auditorium occured during late 1993. "Jurassic Park" during summer '93 was the last thing I saw in the 1,200-seat main house. When I saw "Schindler's List" in early '94 it had been split. (Imagine my surprise -- and disappointment -- when our line was led into what had previously been the right half of the main house. I thought at first we were being led to a newer auditorium built where the rear parking lot was/is.)

Hi Michael! Thanks! July 6th makes perfect sense for the opening at the Plitt. So Star Wars had already played for six weeks in Westwood at that point and, as I recall, closed there in August. So while it didn't literally move from one theater to the other, that was the effect as far as my viewings were concerned. Then it stayed at the Plitt until September of 1978.

My Schindler's List experience was similar except that I believe I was tipped off by either the newspaper ads or the marquee that there were now four theaters there. I just remember feeling sick to my stomach.

I was, by the way, similarly upset (although not quite at the same intensity) when the Plitt (or was it Odeon by then?) cut THEIR big theater into three. It was the theater that I thought of as the Star Wars house even though Star Wars had played both screens during its run. In some ways, it wasn't as bad because they used the back of the theater to turn into two new houses instead of cutting it down the middle from front to back like the Avco did. But because they had to move the booth closer to the screen to accomodate the new screens, they still made the main screen smaller as well.

Best wishes,

Alan Sanborn

Hmmm. "Star Wars" at the Avco ending in August??? My notes taken when researching the article mentioned in our previous posts indicates the Avco engagement was May 25-Nov. 15. (The final two weeks of that run was a 35mm presentation in one of the smaller upstairs theatres whereas the bulk of the run was in 70mm in the big 1,200-seat auditorium.)

The splitting of the AVCO's 1,200-seat auditorium took place during November 1993.

November 15th as the end for Star Wars at the Avco? Well, that's not how I remembered it but if you've done the research then you're probably right. Thirty years can play a few tricks on the memory. Actually, if you'd said that it moved upstairs in August, that would have made a lot of sense because I certainly would rather have been seeing it on the big screen at the Plitt than on a small screen at the Avco. But I'm definitely surprised to hear that it was on the big screen at the Avco until Hallowe'en of that year.

By the way, I attended the screening and reunion of Star Wars filmmakers at the Academy Theater on Wilshire last week. And it was interesting that a couple of the filmmakers made references to not having been able to open Star Wars at the Chinese because Sorcerer was there and having to bring it in later. Having read the articles mentioned a few posts back, I know that it opened at the Chinese, closed for Sorcerer after a few weeks and then returned there when Sorcerer did less well than expected. (I was present, by the way, at the ceremony where Threepio, Artoo, and Vader got their footprints in the forecourt there! A decade ago Premiere magazine ran an article about it which featured a great shot of my friend Chris and I at the event, right in the front row of a very disgruntled looking crowd - disgruntled because we'd waited for hours for a good spot only to have the press move in and block our view at the last moment!) One of the filmmakers who remembered it this was was either Gary Kurtz or Alan Ladd Jr. - I've forgotten which now. But I just thought it was intersting that even the bigwigs have had their memories of events clouded by the intervening decades.

May the Force Be With You!

Alan

When the Universal/Paramount film "Sorcerer" opened the Chinese as the Big Summer Film. Mann Theatres had to move "Star Wars" over to the Mann Hollywood Theatre. That's when the Mann Hollywood got it's final remodel to handle the film till Chinese opened back up after Sorcerer. That also screwed with Mann Theatres and 20th. Century-Fox on the First Run Hollywood/Westwood runs. Fox would book it's films in other chain's houses in those areas, for over the next decade.

I'm always surprised this theatre is still open, again another example of a once thriving spot, now few know it exists. Yea i saw the original SW films there too, fondly remember the first THX system demo, and camped out in line to see various things over the years. Remember the 1985 StarWars trilogy release in 70mm, and Back to the Future Trilogy release. I too was at the first midnight show for "Jedi" at the Egyptian in '83, (camped out for 24hrs) boy what madness was that. Everyone snuck in on the line and people were going nuts. I've always loved the location of the Avco, settled next to the haunting Westwood cemetary. I'll never forget walking thru the place one dark windy night (back when they left the gate open late into the eves) Didn't the Poltergeist films play there? and I probably snuck into that place more times than any other to see Return of the Jedi. Hey Alan it's been a long time, we used to work together, send me an email.
DP spacedisco1@yahoo.com

D. Packard: "Poltergeist" didn't play the AVCO. In fact, it didn't even play in Westwood first-run. It ran at the CENTURY PLAZA in nearby Century City at a time when films generally played either Westwood or Century City but rarely both simultaneously. At that time the AVCO's main house was running "Annie." A few months into the run, "Poltergeist" ran in Westwood at the CREST right around the corner from the AVCO.

"Poltergeist II" played first-run at the BRUIN. "Poltergeist III"...well, who cares!

Alan Sanborn: I too attended the 30th anniversary "Star Wars" screening at the GOLDWYN and I squirmed in my seat when that recollection was made that "Star Wars" did not open at the CHINESE.

On the same subject of "Star Wars" and memory, have you seen the new "Making Of Star Wars" book? I think the book overall is fantastic, but contained within is some erroneous information pertaining to the post-production and distribution of the film. One glaring error appears in regard to the CORONET Theatre in San Francisco. To summarize, there was some controversy surrounding "Star Wars" being pulled by court order to accommodate a booking of "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind." The book's author, however, erroneously claims that the matter was settled by having "CE3K" play at the NORTHPOINT while "Star Wars" stayed at the CORONET. This, of course, is not how the matter was resolved. ("Star Wars" was sent out for re-bid and wound up a week later at the CINEMA 21; "CE3K" did in fact play the CORONET; "The Goodbye Girl" played the NORTHPOINT at that time.)

I found the error humorous considering the author singled out the CORONET no doubt due to its proximity to the headquarters of the company that produced the movie. You'd think that error would not have slipped through!

Alan, I give you credit for recognizing the limitations of memory. Many people have a (ego- and/or insecurity-related) problem admitting that memory can be an unreliable source for recalling information, particularly when information and events from several decades past are the subject. In fact, there are a few folks who post regularly here on Cinema Treasures that I've gone 'round and 'round with on this memory issue. Yes, there's conflict between some of us, and I'm not happy about it. But I'll refrain at this time from putting them on the spot by identifying them by name. :-)

Michael--
yea i didn't think Poltergeist played there, and your right i can't even remember it playing in Westwood at the time, (I saw it in Marina Del Rey in 70mm) Though the Plitt would've been a better place. I only mentioned it because Heather O Rourke is buried in that cemetary and thought it would have been fitting. I do quite vividly remember seeing John Carpenters The Thing at the Crest (one of the only existing 70mm engagements) about 6 or 7 times before it left, really surprised CE3K opened at the Coronet (i worked there there in '86, and so did Alan) but i'm getting off subject since this is a board about The Avco. I think my fondest memory of the Avco was that '85 SW trilogy re-release, that was a blast

CE3K opened at the SRO Crest Theatre in Westwood, but was a 35mm print. The Crest was not equipped to run 70MM at the time.

Ah, the Trilogy... March 28, 1985... Nine theatres in the whole world... The day before the "Return Of The Jedi" re-release...

The cities and theatres involved in this one-time-only charity event were: Chicago (Carnegie), Dallas (Northpark), Denver (Continental), Los Angeles (Egyptian), Los Angeles (Avco), New York (Warner Twin), San Francisco (Coronet), Seattle (Cinema 150), Toronto (Uptown).

"Poltergeist" in 70mm in Marina del Rey? Not according to this.

"Close Encounters" at the CORONET? In 1986? Are you maybe thinking of a different movie as "CE3K" didn't play the CORONET nor was it released in '86? "Labyrinth," maybe?

D. Packard: regarding "Close Encounters," I may have misunderstood your post, or perhaps you weren't clear. Are you describing the CORONET in Westwood or the CORONET in San Francisco?

no no, i was just saying i worked at the Coronet at that time (during engagements like Aliens and Legend--which I believe originally opened at the Avco) Labyrinth i vividly remember seeing at the Plitt. Also I meant Crest when i said Coronet re: CE3K, was gettig theatres mixed up, I was 10 years old when that came out (in '77) and saw it in the valley somewhere but you'd think they would've opened a spectacle like that at the National or Village. Now i could sware there were more 70mm prints of Poltergeist in release in '82 but maybe not, I think 1982 and '85 had more 70 engagements in all of history. I just recall the sound was TREMENDOUS, and remember in those days there was a huge difference between optical dolby and magnetic 6 track, and i do seem to recall those Marina theatres had a 70mill advert somewhere but heck i could be wrong. We were having so much delerious fun in those days playing video games maybe i saw somewhere else and am confusing it.
Westwood was like a 2nd home for me in the 80's, I worked at the National (in '84-85) and the Regent, Village, 4-plex, Festival even the Plitt and Shubert in Century City all through that decade, making lousy money but seeing thousands of movies free, many fond memories. It really was the last "exciting" era for cinema in many ways, even though the 70's was certainly the last golden era, i think of the early 80's as an extension, and even the mid 80's was a slight trickling over. By the end of the 80's it was over though. We've basically been stuck in that time ever since. NOW I recognize your name, i've seen your lists up on in70mm.com, did you work as a projectionist at that time? You might know some of the same folks i do.
Seeing Dragonslayer in 70 at the National, now that was inspiring, too bad it was trampled over by Raiders

Michael: I think he misunderstood about the Coronets. I remember Damon from those Mann Westwood Theatres. Because I saw "Close Encounters" at the Crest Theatre first run.

Isn't memory a bitch! "Dragonslayer" was at the Avco...

And at the Mann's Hollywood.

now i could sware Dragonslayer opened at the National are you sure?? I know i did see it there (at a later midnight screening when er, whats his name from the Plaza was doing those midnight shows)
Maybe i'm getting alzheimers, jeesus.
The Avco seemed to get all the sword & sorcery films, if you guys were around or working in westwood in those days i'm sure we must have crossed paths. Well back to editing SpaceDisco One.
DP www.reflectionsofevil.com
www.myspace.com/choogo

It played the Avco in one of the upstairs theatres in 35mm (I think #3). The 70MM print played over at the Mann's Hollywood, cause I saw it at that theatre. I think it played at the Cineplex Fairfax for one of those early Sunday shows in 70MM.

As William just stated, the Westwood first run of "Dragonslayer" was at the AVCO in an upstairs auditorium. (I believe "For Your Eyes Only" was booked into the AVCO's big house.)

I have a list of everything that played the NATIONAL...and can confidently state that "Dragonslayer" did not have an *engagement* there. If it did play there it would have been for a one-off test screening, sneak preview, premiere or midnight show. "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" opened two weeks before "Dragonslayer" and was playing the NATIONAL during that time.

Did you see "Raiders" at the NATIONAL during its first couple of weeks? Maybe there was a "Dragonslayer" trailer that you're remembering?

Michael, I know it would be wildly long, but could you post that compete list of the National on your site or under the National's thread on this site?

Dragonslayer did open at the Avco. MANN did not have a theatre in Westwood to book it into. The National had Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Village (where I was working during that Summer) had Superman II, the Bruin had S.O.B. and the Regent had Stripes. MANN did not have the Plaza yet at that time. Laemmle ran the Plaza until September 1981. It was one of the rare times the Avco showed a Paramount film, MANN's biggest suppliers were Warner and Paramount.

Mark Campbell:
In a May 6 post on the NATIONAL page, I mentioned Bill Kallay and I working on a tribute article. Have no fear, the intent is to include the list in the article.

Be patient! We hope to get it posted in a few days. Thanks for your interest.

D. Packard:
If you're referring to this theatre in Marina del Rey, then the 70mm presentations shown there (if the 70mm stuff was correctly promoted) was:

RETURN OF THE JEDI
GHOST BUSTERS
2010
ALIENS
THE LAST BOY SCOUT
LAST ACTION HERO

You'd think they would've run more than that, but the theatre was not in a prime location and seemed to get 70mm prints only when a large run was made, which was not the case with most titles released in 70. Now, maybe they ran some others on a moveover.

OK, sorry folks. Back to the AVCO...

yea the UA Marina, I even remember when they had that ET sneak preview. Used to hang out at the "Westworld" arcade quite a bit back then, they seemed to have a bigger more cutting edge selection of new games than the one in Westwood. Now we're really getting off subject of the the Avco, btw does anyone know of or have any vintage pics of places like The National or Avco from the 70's/80's? I would love to see some National pics when they had those huge marquee's and murals.
Ok so how about that evil german guy who used to manage the Avco back in the early 80's, every now and then he'd catch me waiting at the exit doors (to sneak in) and shout out "Hey get away from there!" in a vicious nazi-like voice

Damon his name was Al Szabo.

Yes, I have a few shots of the National, Village, Bruin and other theatre locations that I'm almost ready to send the Michael for his site. I just finished scanning around 150 for the first batch.

Does anyone out there have pictures of the Avco's original main auditorium?

Also, Michael: When you get the pictures William is telling us about on your site please make announcements on Cinematour and Cinema Treasures so we can know when to look.

Thanks!

Mark Campbell:
OK, the list of films that played the NATIONAL has been posted on its Cinema Treasures page. I hope you and others enjoy it and that it brings back fond memories. And, you're right, the list is "wildly long"!

The article I mentioned is still a few days from completion, and so I thought I'd give the list a test spin.

This is a recent photo of the AMC AVCO Centre.

There was an animation in the 80's that was run before the movie about throwing your trash away. It was basically a gummi bear, a piece of popcorn and a cup in space that drifted into the trash receptacle. It had a really catchy tune and the audience would always clap to the beat. Does anybody have a link to this animation?

Pvt. Hudson,

You can find that clip and many other classics from General Cinema at www.film-tech.com Can't link to it directly, but once you're at the home page, click on the videos button and scroll about halfway down to the Policy Trailers section. There, you'll find it listed as General Cinema 1990s (candy and clouds).

General Cinema truly had the best policy trailers in the business.

Also, check out the RC Cola commercial from 1970. I still can't get that jingle out of my head!

funny, your post made me want to do a web search for the old GCC feature presentation intro's (with the projector) which i so fondly remember as a kid, and low & behold I found a link to them here
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1va4l_general-cinemas-feature-presentatio_ads

Now if i couold just find that 80's Mann Theatres presentation one, with the cheesy laser animation FX zapping the letters, remember that? Someone posted the 1973 version on that link above, but i can't find the early-mid 80's one

interesting, just noticed the film-tech.com site also has a 70's GCC feature animation intro, but the wierd purple blob background version which god sure brings back memories.

Thank you very much for the Link!

On 5/25/77, Star Wars was playing at the Chinese, the Avco and the Plitt in Orange County. It would soon be playing everywhere. The ad is from the LA Times;
http://tinyurl.com/3dl9g3

I saw Empire Strikes Back at AVCO on 9-12-80. I had just moved to LA to attend USC. I wanted to see Robert Altman's Health, which opened that day exclusively at a UA theater in Westwood -- can't recall name. I had no idea where Westwood Village was, in fact I didn't realize Westwood Village was right next to UCLA. I just drove down Wilshire for what seemed like an enternity, finally encountered Westwood Blvd. I parked in one of those expensive parking lots, didn't realize there was street parking in residential neighborhood. Saw Health, first showing of afternoon, then strolled over to AVCO to catch Empire for about the 10th time. I saw Melvin and Howard in October 1980, it opened exclusively at AVCO. Saw so many films in the 80's. Die Hard first run -- Robert Townsend was there, I said hello and told him I enjoyed Hollywood Shuffle, he was very nice. There was an actor from Hollywood Shuffle working at theater at the time. Saw Milagro Beanfield War and Midnight Run in 88. Last film seen there was Catch Me If You Can. The AVCO used to be one of THE places to go for first-run films.

The Avco was one of the premium theatres in Los Angeles during the 70's and 80's. It really became a faceless nothing film when GCC split the large screen in half. The last time I was there the presentation was pretty medicore. The PQ and Sound quality was really bad.

I am surprised the downstairs auditoriums are THX, considering the seats are arced toward the center wall and the screen is a little off center.

It is very awkward sitting in the downstairs theatres now. I could never get comfortable.

agreed, they ruined this theatre years ago. I'm surprised it's still open, the place barely does any business year after year, it surely can't last much longer.
That said, back in the early days a lot of great memories at the Avco, many big openings and premiere's, and they had the 1st THX system on the westside back in 1983. I also always thought the location of this theatre was interesting, right behind the Westwood cemetary
Sigh it's over now, these are the last dying days of cinema. It is..OVER!

I spent a lot of time in Westwood in the early and mid 80s, which was kind of its heyday, at least in my era. It was packed to the gills with students and non-students having a good time. There was a shooting in 1988 which put the brakes on the crowds, and then after the SM promenade opened it was downhill all the way. I've probably been to Westwood Village once since 1990 or so.

I would not be surprised if the AVCO was gone within the next few years. The Wilshire Blvd. property it sits on is pretty 'hot' property.

The Avco Theatre property is owned by the office building next door. AMC using it as a Westside location the get more booking clout. So they can give AMC's in Santa Monica, Marina, Century City, Westwood, Universal City and the rest of their other locations when booking with the studios for pictures. So the Avco might be around longer than you think.

Here is a repost of the 5/25/77 LA Times ad:
http://tinyurl.com/2nwkjh

I don't like re-runs. :P

AMC Avco October 14, 2007. I remember when this building was the tallest on the block. Hard to imagine that the world premiere of 1974's THE TOWERING INFERNO was held at this venue.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/wstwdAvcoOct142007004.jpg

In light of what is happening with the National, the Rialto and other single-screeners, I was a bit disappointed that the Cinematreasures are holding their meeting to discuss theatre preservation etc. at the brand-spanking-new Landmark 12!!! Less than 2 miles away from Westwood Village, the densest grouping of open single screeners in the country. Are they serious? Are they serious about preservation?

I expressed my disappointment here:
http://cinematreasures.org/news/17409_0_1_0_C/

Feel free to express your feelings as well.

Showing at the Avco Center Cinema, December 18, 1974...33 years ago tomorrow:
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff204/hollywood90038/AVCOInferno.jpg

AVCO CENTER CINEMA I

Compiled by Michael Coate

This filmography represents playdates for the AVCO's #1 auditorium (downstairs, 1,100+ seats); the smaller-capacity upstairs cinemas (#2 & #3) are not the subject of this work. In addition, note that the duration data cited represents only the time a film played on screen #1 even though in numerous cases a film began its booking in an upstairs auditorium or continued playing in an upstairs auditorium upon being replaced downstairs by a new film.

Not included in this filmography are test screenings, sneak-preview screenings, midnight screenings, premieres and other private events. The dates represent the first day of commercial release and, where known, the presentation format has been provided. (No format notation implies a standard 35mm presentation with monaural sound. A format notation with an * is an unconfirmed stereo presentation.) The principal references were archived microfilm of the Los Angeles Times newspaper and the web article 70mm in Los Angeles.

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

"Dolby Stereo" installed/first presentation: May 1977
"Dolby Stereo SR" installed/first presentation: February 1989
"Cinema Digital Sound" (CDS) installed/first presentation: December 1990
"Digital Theater Systems" (DTS) installed/first presentation: June 1993

The theater became THX certified in May 1983.

05.24.1972 … PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM (8 weeks)
07.21.1972 … BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE (11 weeks)
10.04.1972 … THE RULING CLASS (3 weeks)
10.25.1972 … LADY SINGS THE BLUES (8 weeks)
12.19.1972 … THE GETAWAY (10 weeks)

02.28.1973 … WOMEN IN LIMBO (1 week)
03.07.1973 … DELIVERANCE (2 weeks)
03.21.1973 … 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (RE, 3 weeks, Stereo)
04.11.1973 … BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON (6 weeks)
05.25.1973 … HITLER: THE LAST TEN DAYS (5 weeks)
06.28.1973 … 40 CARATS (4 weeks)
07.27.1973 … DILLINGER (MO, 1 week)
08.01.1973 … AMERICAN GRAFFITI (12 weeks)
10.24.1973 … THE WAY WE WERE (8 weeks)
12.20.1973 … THE DAY OF THE DOLPHIN (7 weeks, Stereo)

02.06.1974 … ZARDOZ (8 weeks, Stereo*)
04.03.1974 … THE GREAT GATSBY (12 weeks)
06.26.1974 … FOR PETE'S SAKE (5 weeks)
07.31.1974 … THE TAMARIND SEED (4 weeks)
08.30.1974 … THE GIRL FROM PETROVKA (MO, 2 weeks)
09.11.1974 … THE LORDS OF FLATBUSH (2 weeks)
09.25.1974 … THE LONGEST YARD (1 week)
10.03.1974 … HARRY & TONTO (MO, 2 weeks)
10.17.1974 … Columbia's Golden Celebration (1 day)
10.18.1974 … THE ODESSA FILE (9 weeks)
12.17.1974 … THE TOWERING INFERNO (12 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)

03.14.1975 … FUNNY LADY (15 weeks)
06.25.1975 … BITE THE BULLET (5 weeks)
07.30.1975 … HENNESSY (3 weeks)
08.20.1975 … FAREWELL, MY LOVELY (8 weeks)
10.17.1975 … HEARTS OF THE WEST (9 weeks)
12.17.1975 … THE SUNSHINE BOYS (8 weeks)

02.11.1976 … BARRY LYNDON (7 weeks)
03.31.1976 … ROBIN AND MARIAN (7 weeks)
05.19.1976 … SEVEN BEAUTIES (MO, 5 weeks)
06.30.1976 … THE SAILOR WHO FELL FROM GRACE WITH THE SEA (MO, 4 weeks)
07.28.1976 … HARRY AND WALTER GO TO NEW YORK (5 weeks)
09.03.1976 … CAR WASH (6 weeks)
10.15.1976 … PART 2 SOUNDER (2 weeks)
10.27.1976 … BITTERSWEET LOVE (1 week)
11.03.1976 … SHOOT (1 week)
11.12.1976 … THE SEVEN-PER-CENT SOLUTION (6 weeks)
12.22.1976 … NICKELODEON (1 week)
12.30.1976 … SILVER STREAK (MO, 8 weeks)

02.25.1977 … SLAP SHOT (5 weeks)
04.01.1977 … DEMON SEED (3 weeks)
04.20.1977 … PUMPING IRON (4 weeks)
05.20.1977 … ISLANDS IN THE STREAM (MO, 1 week)
05.25.1977 … STAR WARS (23 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
11.04.1977 … HEROES (2 weeks)
11.16.1977 … THE TURNING POINT (23 weeks, Stereo*)

04.28.1978 … THE BOYS IN COMPANY C (2 weeks)
05.10.1978 … HOUSE CALLS (MO, 2 weeks)
05.26.1978 … THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY. (2 weeks, Stereo*)
06.09.1978 … DAMIEN: OMEN II (2 weeks)
06.23.1978 … THE CHEAP DETECTIVE (6 weeks)
08.02.1978 … EYES OF LAURA MARS (3 weeks)
08.23.1978 … ANIMAL HOUSE (MO, 6 weeks)
10.05.1978 … THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL (5 weeks)
11.08.1978 … MAGIC (2 weeks)
11.22.1978 … SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR (4 weeks)
12.22.1978 … INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (7 weeks, Dolby Stereo)

02.09.1979 … QUINTET (1 week)
02.16.1979 … WHEN YOU COMIN' BACK, RED RYDER (1 week)
02.23.1979 … AGATHA (MO, 2 weeks)
03.09.1979 … THE GLACIER FOX (1 week)
03.16.1979 … THE CHINA SYNDROME (9 weeks)
05.18.1979 … HANOVER STREET (1 week, Dolby Stereo*)
05.25.1979 … ALIEN (9 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07.27.1979 … THE AMITYVILLE HORROR (8 weeks, Stereo)
09.19.1979 … SAINT JACK (MO, 1 week)
09.28.1979 … YANKS (MO, 3 weeks)
10.19.1979 … SKATETOWN USA (3 weeks)
11.08.1979 … THE ROSE (6 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
12.19.1979 … KRAMER VS. KRAMER (13 weeks)

03.21.1980 … NIJINSKY (5 weeks)
04.25.1980 … 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (RE, 4 weeks, 70mm-Stereo)
05.21.1980 … THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (22 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
10.24.1980 … IT'S MY TURN (8 weeks)
12.19.1980 … SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES (4 weeks)

01.16.1981 … FAME (RE, 4 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
02.13.1981 … AMERICAN POP (5 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
03.20.1981 … THE FINAL CONFLICT (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
04.10.1981 … STAR WARS (RE, 2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
04.24.1981 … TELL ME A RIDDLE (2 weeks)
05.08.1981 … MODERN ROMANCE (MO, 1 week)
05.15.1981 … TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT (3 weeks)
06.05.1981 … CHEECH & CHONG'S NICE DREAMS (1 week)
06.12.1981 … HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART I (2 weeks)
06.26.1981 … FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (5 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
07.31.1981 … ENDLESS LOVE (MO, 3 weeks)
08.21.1981 … AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON (4 weeks)
09.18.1981 … CONTINENTAL DIVIDE (1 week)
09.23.1981 … ONLY WHEN I LAUGH (6 weeks)
11.06.1981 … TIME BANDITS (5 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
12.11.1981 … BUDDY BUDDY (4 weeks)

01.08.1982 … TAPS (MO, 5 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
02.12.1982 … MAKING LOVE (6 weeks)
03.26.1982 … I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES (6 weeks)
05.07.1982 … URGH! A MUSIC WAR (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05.21.1982 … ANNIE (8 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07.16.1982 … RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (RE, 1 week, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07.23.1982 … SUMMER LOVERS (MO, 2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
08.06.1982 … THE PIRATE MOVIE (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
08.13.1982 … FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (5 weeks)
09.17.1982 … FAME (RE, 2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
10.01.1982 … MY FAVORITE YEAR (3 weeks)
10.22.1982 … MONSIGNOR (4 weeks)
11.19.1982 … FIRST BLOOD (MO, 3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
12.10.1982 … SOPHIE'S CHOICE (8 weeks)

02.04.1983 … TOOTSIE (MO, 7 weeks)
03.25.1983 … MAX DUGAN RETURNS (6 weeks)
05.06.1983 … DOCTOR DETROIT (1 week)
05.13.1983 … BLUE THUNDER (2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
05.25.1983 … RETURN OF THE JEDI (18 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
09.28.1983 … THE BIG CHILL (10 weeks)
12.09.1983 … SUDDEN IMPACT (7 weeks)

01.27.1984 … THE LONELY GUY (2 weeks)
02.10.1984 … UNFAITHFULLY YOURS (1 week)
02.17.1984 … BLAME IT ON RIO (3 weeks)
03.09.1984 … SPLASH (8 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05.04.1984 … SIXTEEN CANDLES (4 weeks)
06.01.1984 … STREETS OF FIRE (1 week, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
06.08.1984 … GHOST BUSTERS (10 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
08.15.1984 … DREAMSCAPE (5 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
09.21.1984 … ALL OF ME (2 weeks)
10.05.1984 … COUNTRY (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
10.26.1984 … AMERICAN DREAMER (2 weeks)
11.09.1984 … NO SMALL AFFAIR (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
11.16.1984 … NIGHT OF THE COMET (4 weeks)
12.14.1984 … ALL OF ME / AMERICAN DREAMER (RE, 1 week)
12.21.1984 … THE FLAMINGO KID (8 weeks)

02.15.1985 … TURK 182 (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
03.01.1985 … BLOOD SIMPLE (3 weeks)
03.22.1985 … MASK (MO, 1 week)
03.28.1985 … "Star Wars" Triple Feature (1 day, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
03.29.1985 … RETURN OF THE JEDI (RE, 1 week, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
04.05.1985 … POLICE ACADEMY 2: THEIR FIRST ASSIGNMENT (MO, 2 weeks)
04.19.1985 … MOVING VIOLATIONS (3 weeks)
05.10.1985 … RAPPIN' (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
05.17.1985 … THE KILLING FIELDS (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
05.22.1985 … BREWSTER'S MILLIONS (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
06.07.1985 … PERFECT (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
06.21.1985 … COCOON (2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07.03.1985 … BACK TO THE FUTURE (13 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
10.04.1985 … COMMANDO (5 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
11.08.1985 … TARGET (6 weeks)
12.18.1985 … OUT OF AFRICA (11 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)

03.07.1986 … HIGHLANDER (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
03.21.1986 … OUT OF AFRICA (RE/MO, 1 week, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
03.26.1986 … THE MONEY PIT (3 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
04.18.1986 … LEGEND (7 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
06.06.1986 … SPACECAMP (2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
06.18.1986 … LEGAL EAGLES (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
07.04.1986 … RUTHLESS PEOPLE (MO, 2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
07.18.1986 … ALIENS (12 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
10.10.1986 … JUMPIN' JACK FLASH (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
10.24.1986 … THE COLOR OF MONEY (MO, 5 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
11.26.1986 … AN AMERICAN TAIL (MO, 4 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
12.25.1986 … THE MORNING AFTER (5 weeks)

01.30.1987 … OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNE (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
03.20.1987 … BURGLAR (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
04.10.1987 … THREE FOR THE ROAD (1 week)
04.17.1987 … PROJECT X (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05.08.1987 … GARDENS OF STONE (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05.22.1987 … ERNEST GOES TO CAMP (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
06.05.1987 … HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
06.12.1987 … PREDATOR (3 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07.01.1987 … INNERSPACE (2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07.17.1987 … JAWS: THE REVENGE (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
07.24.1987 … INNERSPACE (RE/MO, 2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
08.05.1987 … STAKEOUT (6 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
09.18.1987 … THE PICK-UP ARTIST (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
10.02.1987 … BIG SHOTS (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
10.09.1987 … THREE O'CLOCK HIGH (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
10.23.1987 … THE SICILIAN (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
11.06.1987 … LESS THAN ZERO (4 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
12.04.1987 … theater closed (1 week)
12.11.1987 … WALL STREET (4 weeks, Dolby Stereo)

01.06.1988 … BROADCAST NEWS (MO, 1 week, Dolby Stereo)
01.15.1988 … GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM (9 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
03.18.1988 … THE MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
03.25.1988 … BILOXI BLUES (6 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05.06.1988 … SHAKEDOWN (4 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
06.03.1988 … BIG (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
06.22.1988 … WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT (3 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07.15.1988 … DIE HARD (8 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
09.09.1988 … MOON OVER PARADOR (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
09.23.1988 … SWEET HEART'S DANCE (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
10.07.1988 … ALIEN NATION (4 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
11.04.1988 … THE GOOD MOTHER (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
11.18.1988 … 1969 (1 week, Ultra Stereo)
11.23.1988 … COCOON: THE RETURN (2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
12.09.1988 … TWINS (9 weeks, Dolby Stereo)

02.10.1989 … THE FLY II (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
02.24.1989 … THE 'BURBS (MO, 1 week, Dolby Stereo)
03.03.1989 … SKIN DEEP (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
03.17.1989 … FLETCH LIVES (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
04.07.1989 … THE DREAM TEAM (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
04.21.1989 … FIELD OF DREAMS (6 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
06.02.1989 … DEAD POETS SOCIETY (9 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
08.02.1989 … PARENTHOOD (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
08.09.1989 … THE ABYSS (5 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
09.15.1989 … SEA OF LOVE (6 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
10.27.1989 … DAD (4 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
11.22.1989 … BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II (2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
12.08.1989 … THE WAR OF THE ROSES (10 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)

02.16.1990 … NIGHTBREED (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
02.23.1990 … WHERE THE HEART IS (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
03.16.1990 … LAMBADA (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
03.23.1990 … PRETTY WOMAN (5 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
04.27.1990 … THE GUARDIAN (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
05.11.1990 … PRETTY WOMAN (RE/MO, 1 week, Dolby Stereo)
05.18.1990 … BIRD ON A WIRE (1 week, Dolby Stereo SR)
05.24.1990 … "Back To The Future" Triple Feature (1 day)
05.25.1990 … BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III (6 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07.04.1990 … DIE HARD 2 (2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07.18.1990 … ARACHNOPHOBIA (2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
08.03.1990 … MO' BETTER BLUES (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
08.17.1990 … THE EXORCIST III (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
08.31.1990 … THE SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE (2 weeks)
09.14.1990 … TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS (MO, 1 week, Dolby Stereo)
09.21.1990 … DON'T TELL HER IT'S ME (1 week, Ultra Stereo)
09.28.1990 … PACIFIC HEIGHTS (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
10.12.1990 … MR. DESTINY (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
10.19.1990 … WHITE PALACE (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
11.09.1990 … CHILD'S PLAY 2 (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
11.21.1990 … PREDATOR 2 (2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
12.07.1990 … EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (6 weeks, Cinema Digital Sound)

01.18.1991 … GREEN CARD (MO, 3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
02.08.1991 … SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY (4 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
03.08.1991 … THE HARD WAY (7 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
04.26.1991 … A KISS BEFORE DYING (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05.17.1991 … WHAT ABOUT BOB? (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
05.24.1991 … BACKDRAFT (4 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
06.21.1991 … DYING YOUNG (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
07.12.1991 … POINT BREAK (2 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
07.26.1991 … MOBSTERS (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
08.16.1991 … MYSTERY DATE (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
08.23.1991 … TRUE IDENTITY (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
08.30.1991 … CHILD'S PLAY 3 (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
09.20.1991 … SPARTACUS (RE, 1 week, 70mm-Dolby Stereo SR)
09.27.1991 … GONE WITH THE WIND (RE, 1 week, Dolby Stereo)
10.04.1991 … THE SUPER (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
10.25.1991 … CURLY SUE (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
11.01.1991 … BILLY BATHGATE (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
11.13.1991 … CAPE FEAR (1 week, Dolby Stereo SR)
11.22.1991 … FOR THE BOYS (4 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo)
12.20.1991 … FATHER OF THE BRIDE (6 weeks, Dolby Stereo)

01.31.1992 … SHINING THROUGH (3 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo SR)
02.21.1992 … STOP! OR MY MOM WILL SHOOT (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
03.13.1992 … ARTICLE 99 (1 week, Dolby Stereo SR)
03.20.1992 … SHADOWS AND FOG (1 week, Dolby Stereo SR)
03.27.1992 … WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
04.10.1992 … NEWSIES (1 week, Dolby Stereo SR)
04.17.1992 … THE BABE (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05.01.1992 … WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP (RE/MO, 3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05.22.1992 … ALIEN 3 (3 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo SR)
06.12.1992 … HOUSESITTER (4 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
07.10.1992 … PRELUDE TO A KISS (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
07.31.1992 … DEATH BECOMES HER (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
08.21.1992 … THE GUN IN BETTY LOU'S HANDBAG (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
08.28.1992 … STORYVILLE (2 weeks, Ultra Stereo)
09.11.1992 … SNEAKERS (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
09.25.1992 … THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (10 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo SR)
12.04.1992 … THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
12.18.1992 … TOYS (1 week, Dolby Stereo SR)
12.25.1992 … HOFFA (3 weeks, 70mm-Dolby Stereo SR)

01.15.1993 … ALIVE (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
02.05.1993 … THE VANISHING (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
02.26.1993 … MR. SATURDAY NIGHT (RE, 1 week, Dolby Stereo SR)
03.05.1993 … MAD DOG AND GLORY (3 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
03.26.1993 … HEAR NO EVIL (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
04.07.1993 … THE SANDLOT (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
04.23.1993 … INDIAN SUMMER (1 week, Dolby Stereo)
04.30.1993 … SPLITTING HEIRS (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo)
05.14.1993 … LOST IN YONKERS (1 week, Dolby Stereo SR)
05.21.1993 … HOT SHOTS! PART DEUX (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)
06.04.1993 … GUILTY AS SIN (1 week, Dolby Stereo SR)
06.11.1993 … JURASSIC PARK (9 weeks, DTS)
08.13.1993 … HEART AND SOULS (2 weeks, DTS)
08.27.1993 … NEEDFUL THINGS (2 weeks, Dolby Stereo SR)

Following the weekend of Sep. 3-5, 1993, the large downstairs auditorium was closed and renovation work began (i.e. splitting into two auditoriums). The two upstairs auditoriums remained open during the renovation, and in late November '93 the AVCO re-opened as a 4-plex with its two "new" downstairs auditoriums.

alot of great memories at the Avco, and many hours spent waiting by the exit doors to sneak into Return of the Jedi for the 80th time (in 70mm) in the summer of '83. I was so obsessed with filmmaking and so full of enthusiasm in those days, every waking moment was spent sitting in a dark theater in the evening hours studying films and the latest SFX techniques. Occasionally that evil german manager would drive past the area and shout something out "hey get avay from there!"
Some of the fondest memories at this theater; the Star Wars trilogy re-release in 1985, waiting overnight with friends and a charged up crowd, and the Back to the Future trilogy showing in 1990.
I can remember the projectionist switching over from a 35mm print of the first film, to 70mm prints of part 2 & 3, the energetic audience immediately recognized the shift in presentation and howled in appreciation!
Those were the final days..the end of an era.
It's over now, all we have are the memories, of more interesting times

Here's some additions & corrections for the bookings list.

1) "The Killing Fields" (in the 1985 section) is missing a move-over notation.

2) "Outrageous Fortune" (1987) ran for 7 weeks, not 3.

3) The films that played during the one-day, all-day Columbia fest in 1974 were:

The Bridge On The River Kwai
Dr. Strangelove
From Here To Eternity
Funny Girl
His Girl Friday
It Happened One Night
Mr. Deeds Goes To Town
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
On The Waterfront
The Professionals

"Iron Man" opens this Friday at the Avco; too bad it is not the Avco from the 70's and 80's with the giant screen. The demise of Westwood makes me sad.

Certainly if Mann still had a few more screens in Westwood, Paramount's Iron Man would be at the Village or National.

"Iron Man" here? Yuk!!! Another nail in the coffin for the icon formerly known as Westwood Village.

I don't understand why Iron Man won't be playing at the Mann Village instead of the crippled AVCO. Doesn't Paramount own a part of the Village theater?

well look at it this way, might be the 1st time in 20 years there's actually a line outside the Avco, what a strange nostalgic sight. Not that I ever go by there anymore so i wouldn't know.
In fact the only time I go into westwood these days (on a rare blue moon) is for a Falafel at Falafel King

Pack,

Bad Call.

There was a line at the AVCO for The World is Not Enough in 1999. Opening night, though.

'Speed Racer' opens May 9 at the Village.

ok ok, well 9 years then, i'll give you that

Paramount has been splitting the Paramount titles between MANN and the AVCO since the National's demise. Warner seems to be the main MANN exclusive studio in Westwood. My guess is that SPEED RACER will play at the Village until May 22 when INDIANA JONES will open. I really cannot imagine INDIANA JONES opening at the AVCO.

they just announced Indiana Jones is opening at the Regent in westwood and Vine theater on Hollywood blvd

I hear the Vine will be showing it exclusively in projected analog RCA Spectravision. They put a rush on getting the discs made now. Casings for the discs have been purchased out of the bargain bin Amoeba. They will have to remove the old "Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Extended Edition" discs first. An old curved RCA projection TV screen has been removed from the now closed Shakey's Pizza on Hollywood Blvd. and is being installed at the Vine. Steven Spielberg and Janusz Kamiski are working furiously on a 4:3 pan & scan version for the venue. OK I'll stop now...

They opened Pirates of the Carribbean at the Regent so it wouldn't even surprise me anymore.
i just can't believe the Vine Theater is still open, i walked by there last week and they had posters & signs up, it's like the last of the sleazy low-grade single house theaters. You can just imagine all the homeless who must sleep in there day & night, dropping bottles & rattling paper. But then i can't believe the Academy in Pasadena is still open, they average maybe 2 people per showing, if that. How can they pay rent?

I saw a preview screening of Spiderman 2 at the Avco, and the line was way around the block. Same when Moulin Rouge opened here exclusively.

Despite the fact that this theatre was once really amazing, the presentation today still isn't all that bad. I saw the latest Bourne movie here, as well as The Bank Job, and was pretty surprised by how crowded it was and how good it looked. If you compare it to the Village-- yeah, huge difference. But compare it to a place like The Landmark-- I'd much rather see a film at the Avco.

I also really like that there's no hassle, it's easy to get to, you'll get a good seat. Versus the Amc 15, which don't get me wrong-- it's great-- but it takes more effort which is sometimes not worth it.

Something that comes up on these messageboards constantly is the fact that going to the movies isn't like how it used to be. The fact that the avco was once a real DESTINATION to see a movie, and now it's 2nd rate. My question is this-- what can be done to change that? When I saw Paris Je T'aime at the National before it closed, it was crowded and I felt that energy when you can see a crowd discovering something simultaneously, and in such a great place for presentation.

Part of me wonders what would happen if you took any of the huge summer blockbusters, and release them like they did back in the day. What if Indiana Jones 4 was released on 1 screen and after it finished there, they toured with it? It's not feasible, but would create an even heightened sense of anticipation.

I heard a story that when Francis Ford Coppola was shooting Apocalypse Now that he was planning on having the film screen only at 1 theatre, somewhere in Iowa or Ohio or something like that. He would create a tourist destination based on the fact that the film would only be available there, and nowhere else. There's something kind of rad about that.

"Iron Man" on a majestic 45 foot wide screen at Avco or "Iron Man" on a puny, overwrought 86 feet screen at The Dome? Hmmm...let me think...

This year the L.A. Film Festival will utilize a screen at the AVCO in addition to Mann Festival, Landmark Regent, Majestic Crest, Landmark 12 and June 19 premiere of Wanted @ Mann Village.

The event is June 19-29.

Coppola wanted to release Apocalypse Now only in a specially-built theatre in Kansas. He mentioned a movie like his should be screened only in the best theatre and in the Heart of America, hence Kansas would have been the theatre.

Here is a June 2008 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/58j24s

I worked @ the Avco in the summer of 77' and again over Christmas that same year. Was a great job! We had Star Wars of course & that made the place quite an attraction. Szabo was the mgr when I was there.

Hi john I hope you remember me from san francisco. you had the theater in chestnut street by the marina and palace of fine arts. I got a great tour of the film room upstairs. I hope this is the same john dolmage. we had great fun. my email is mothershipone@gmail.com and would love to get together and remember old times. are you still working for movies theaters? hugs, joseph

Lee - that must be your October 06' post re Szabo??!

After Szabo at the Avco, there was Pete Bobella and then Clarence Walker. During the late 50's to 60's Szabo worked for UA chain at the UA Pasadena Theatre.

Is the larger of the two upper screens worth going to, or is it the same (or worse) standard as the average mega-multiplex screens? I don't remember ever seeing anything there that wasn't in the big auditorium, and I haven't been there since the split.

I liked the old number three room (now it's number 4). I haven't been there since AMC took over. It is a standard style auditorium.

Anyone know the seat count for the various auditoriums? They all seem about equal size, although the lower THX "twins" are actually smaller than the big one upstairs...

does anyone know of any pics online of the old downstairs auditorium before it was split in '93?

I worked at this theater as a projectionist for many years when it was General Cinema's Flagship theater. This was a great theater in the 70's and 80's! The Avco had excellent projection and presentation! I was there when they split the big house downstairs.. It was a very sad event for all of us that worked there.. Even sadder still is the condition it is in now.

We had a problem getting the the split theaters certified THX I remember...

Here is a January 1974 ad from the LA Times:
http://tinyurl.com/mzuj8o