Buena Vista Theater
251 S. Wilmot Road,
Tucson,
AZ
85711
251 S. Wilmot Road,
Tucson,
AZ
85711
1 person
favorited this theater
The Fox Buena Vista Theater originally opened in February 1967, by National General Theatres. It was an 802 seat single screen. A second 554 seat auditorium was added in 1972.
It was demolished in 2008.
Contributed by
Lost Memory
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater
Recent comments (view all 24 comments)
The Buena Vista did have 70mm projection capability…at least according to trade reports and projector manufacturer ads. As well, Dolby installation records show a CP100 was installed in the late 1970s.
posted by Michael Coate on May 7, 2010 at 7:49am
I was projectionist at BV and installed projection equipment in BV I
and BV II. No 70mm. Maybe you are thinking of El Dorado around corner and up the street.
BV I and BV II: Simplex XL 35 projectors
Simplex sound
JBL speakers
El Dorado: Century 35/70 projectors
Altec tube amplifiers
Dolby CP 100
Dolby’s install records indicate a Dolby CP-100 was installed at Buena Vista in late 1978. “Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom” (1984) was advertised as a 70mm presentation.
IA: Why do you believe Buena Vista was never equipped with 70mm projection capability? During what timeframe did you work there? Are you familiar with the theater’s entire history? And why do you list (in the comment above) that El Dorado was equipped with a Dolby CP100 when they opened in 1967 (they got the CP100 in 1979)?
IA, please email me if you’d prefer to discuss in private rather than clutter up this page with a bunch of back-and-forth chatter.
Hi all, we’re working on a film/documentary and are looking for some pictures of the Buena Vista. Besides what I’ve found online (mostly pics of the theater after closure), would anyone know who I could contact for some pictures of the theater in its day? I.E. Owners, etc.
Any assistance would be appreciated! Thanks
Grand opening ad from February 10th, 1967 is at
View link
Twins from March 31st, 1972
View link
WOW!!! Thank you!
The Buena Vista was part of the Mann chain when I lived in Tucson in the late ‘80s.
Hello IA, I hope you receive this message!
During the 1970’s and early 1980’s there was a young lad who spent a lot of time in the Buena Vista booths watching the Projectionist ply his trade. Not sure if you are that same Projectionist, but if you are, I hope all is well and would love to touch base with you.
Having spent time at the BV, it was not, and I repeat not a 70MM theater. XLs were installed. One screen was change-overs and the other platter equipped.
I remember when cue proximity detectors were installed with “Annie”. IA, do you remember what happened with those detectors…I was in the booth when something happened.
The El Dorado was 70MM!
IA, did you know Fred Zimmerman and Benny Osuna Sr and JR??
Here is one person’s reflection on going attending the Buena Vista accompanied by a small picture.
Hi
ClassicProjectionist
You must mean either Dan Traweek or Tim McClanahan. Yes,
I knew both Ben Osuna and his Father. Also know Fred Zimmerman. Was Chuck Steger Manager when you worked there?