Great memories, Kyle. This was one of my favorite theaters growing up. Cinema Center across the street was awesome too! The last time I saw a movie at this location was in 1996… it was the Hellraiser set in outer space, I believe it was called Bloodline. I have to say, the theater was in pretty bad shape at this point. I wonder if they spruced it up for Star Wars. If memory serves they closed it shortly thereafter. Anyway, glad to see other movie geeks showing love for Edwards.
Saw The Dark Knight Rises IMAX yesterday… haven’t been to this theater in a couple of years since it was the Bridge… it’s still a great place to see a film and the IMAX is true!
I can’t help thinking about the kids at last night’s THE DARK KNIGHT RISES screening in Aurora, Colorado. How excited they must have been – perhaps they were anticipating it all day before loading up into the car and going to the movies. We’ve all been there. I feel something like that every time I sit down to a new movie, and especially the big ones like this, I always feel like a kid again.
This tragedy has struck the heart of our community. These people are us. Who else goes to midnight screenings but we crazy few movie geeks – yes, even Batman movies – and that excitement is palpable. I wish I could bottle it for the bad days, because it’s one of those times in my life where true joy is found. Going to the movies is my favorite thing in the world, other than spending time with my family and friends. It’s literally what I live for.
This weekend, go to a movie. No, it’s not about keeping the bad guys from winning, or making a statement, although if you want it to be, that’s okay. Go to the movies this weekend because it’s a joy. One of the last great joys we have left these days, it seems. Plant youself in a theater, and see whatever you fancy. It’s the place dreams come true. It’s the magic land. That screen isn’t a window – it’s a door. An inviting door that lets in everyone. All are welcome in that world, and we get to wonder in the power of imagination and beauty.
I don’t normally post like this and I’m sorry if this upsets some of you. I’m grieving for the losses in Aurora, Colorado, and I am trying very hard not to play the political games of finding where to put blame. This community took a real loss today, and I mourn those who were killed, pray for the wounded, and celebrate that magic that we all chase every time we sit down in a movie theater. Theaters are my church, and today we’re all hurting.
I love movies, and you do too. Let’s celebrate them.
Saw Prometheus under the dome at the midnight show. Amazing presentation. Jerry Goldsmith’s haunting Alien score playing before the movie inside the cavernous auditorium really set the mood. A+
In the mid to late 80s I visited this theater many times. It was quite nice for its day. Located in the mall above the ice skating rink. Great memories seeing some classics there with my Grandma: Critters, Ruthless People, Color of Money, At Close Range… she’d take us to see just about anything. It was closed when the mall transformed from an indoor to outdoor venue. A new theater was built on the same level a few stores over. Still a great place to see a movie.
My bad… saw a piece on the news about the closing of the Music Hall due to lease issues… seemed like the theater was closing THIS weekend… drove past today and it looks like business as usual.
They should have never split the large theater. Saw many classics there… Back to the Future… Die Hard in 70mm… stand out the most. Sad to see it go. Will visit this week and post interior photos soon.
I agree with you, Flix 70. Edwards Big Newport is a portal to movie magic. There’s something really special about that auditorium. There’s no better theater to see a movie on opening night… so many classics over the years… so many great audiences.
Here’s a link to the demolition of the South Coast Plaza Theaters. Try to get past the music by Live. The video is sad enough already.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtTXvwHeyn4
I think I spent every Friday night at this theater during the mid to late 1980s. Always packed on the weekends with lively moviegoers. Some memorable opening night screenings include: Aliens (70mm), Star Trek IV, Platoon, Three Amigos, Beverly Hills Cop II, The Untouchables, Die Hard (at least three weekends in a row), Scrooged, Batman, Silence of the Lambs, Colors, Willow, Red Heat, the list goes on and on so I’ll stop here. Regency Charter Center is a living monument to the mostly vanishing Edwards theaters of the 1980s.
Saw Star Wars there for the first time… after the show the old man drove off with the massive speaker box still attached to the window of the family Ford Granada… good times.
This was a nice theater for the first five years or so… then came the sand and the mildew… good memories of screenings like Hook, Batman Returns, Alien 3, The Last Boy Scout… there used to be a pool hall downstairs as well and a karaoke bar called Mr. K’s… fun spot circa 1993!
Attended the 7PM screening of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair last night… amazing audience… friendly staff… first rate presentation… thank you New Beverly… also… met the great George Takei across the street at Starbucks… bonus!
Saw The Master today under the dome in glorious 70mm!
Great memories, Kyle. This was one of my favorite theaters growing up. Cinema Center across the street was awesome too! The last time I saw a movie at this location was in 1996… it was the Hellraiser set in outer space, I believe it was called Bloodline. I have to say, the theater was in pretty bad shape at this point. I wonder if they spruced it up for Star Wars. If memory serves they closed it shortly thereafter. Anyway, glad to see other movie geeks showing love for Edwards.
Although I’m not 100% behind the concept of iPic, it comforts me to know that the Avco will live on in some capacity.
Boo.
Saw The Dark Knight Rises IMAX yesterday… haven’t been to this theater in a couple of years since it was the Bridge… it’s still a great place to see a film and the IMAX is true!
Profoundly disturbing. Some thoughts from AICN:
Nordling here.
I can’t help thinking about the kids at last night’s THE DARK KNIGHT RISES screening in Aurora, Colorado. How excited they must have been – perhaps they were anticipating it all day before loading up into the car and going to the movies. We’ve all been there. I feel something like that every time I sit down to a new movie, and especially the big ones like this, I always feel like a kid again.
This tragedy has struck the heart of our community. These people are us. Who else goes to midnight screenings but we crazy few movie geeks – yes, even Batman movies – and that excitement is palpable. I wish I could bottle it for the bad days, because it’s one of those times in my life where true joy is found. Going to the movies is my favorite thing in the world, other than spending time with my family and friends. It’s literally what I live for.
This weekend, go to a movie. No, it’s not about keeping the bad guys from winning, or making a statement, although if you want it to be, that’s okay. Go to the movies this weekend because it’s a joy. One of the last great joys we have left these days, it seems. Plant youself in a theater, and see whatever you fancy. It’s the place dreams come true. It’s the magic land. That screen isn’t a window – it’s a door. An inviting door that lets in everyone. All are welcome in that world, and we get to wonder in the power of imagination and beauty.
I don’t normally post like this and I’m sorry if this upsets some of you. I’m grieving for the losses in Aurora, Colorado, and I am trying very hard not to play the political games of finding where to put blame. This community took a real loss today, and I mourn those who were killed, pray for the wounded, and celebrate that magic that we all chase every time we sit down in a movie theater. Theaters are my church, and today we’re all hurting.
I love movies, and you do too. Let’s celebrate them.
Saw Prometheus under the dome at the midnight show. Amazing presentation. Jerry Goldsmith’s haunting Alien score playing before the movie inside the cavernous auditorium really set the mood. A+
In the mid to late 80s I visited this theater many times. It was quite nice for its day. Located in the mall above the ice skating rink. Great memories seeing some classics there with my Grandma: Critters, Ruthless People, Color of Money, At Close Range… she’d take us to see just about anything. It was closed when the mall transformed from an indoor to outdoor venue. A new theater was built on the same level a few stores over. Still a great place to see a movie.
Thanks, Zubi… great insight!
Still going strong after ten years.
My bad… saw a piece on the news about the closing of the Music Hall due to lease issues… seemed like the theater was closing THIS weekend… drove past today and it looks like business as usual.
Sad news. Theater to close this weekend.
Drove past today. The place is in shambles. Sad. Hope they’re planning on restoring it. Any scoops?
They should have never split the large theater. Saw many classics there… Back to the Future… Die Hard in 70mm… stand out the most. Sad to see it go. Will visit this week and post interior photos soon.
I agree with you, Flix 70. Edwards Big Newport is a portal to movie magic. There’s something really special about that auditorium. There’s no better theater to see a movie on opening night… so many classics over the years… so many great audiences.
Another great late 80’s/early 90’s OC venue.
Great picture! I drive past this now vacant lot every day. Makes me sad. Nice to see the National in all its glory.
Here’s a link to the demolition of the South Coast Plaza Theaters. Try to get past the music by Live. The video is sad enough already.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtTXvwHeyn4
I think I spent every Friday night at this theater during the mid to late 1980s. Always packed on the weekends with lively moviegoers. Some memorable opening night screenings include: Aliens (70mm), Star Trek IV, Platoon, Three Amigos, Beverly Hills Cop II, The Untouchables, Die Hard (at least three weekends in a row), Scrooged, Batman, Silence of the Lambs, Colors, Willow, Red Heat, the list goes on and on so I’ll stop here. Regency Charter Center is a living monument to the mostly vanishing Edwards theaters of the 1980s.
Really nice theaters… first rate presentation… the only cinema Huntington Beach needs.
Saw Star Wars there for the first time… after the show the old man drove off with the massive speaker box still attached to the window of the family Ford Granada… good times.
This was a nice theater for the first five years or so… then came the sand and the mildew… good memories of screenings like Hook, Batman Returns, Alien 3, The Last Boy Scout… there used to be a pool hall downstairs as well and a karaoke bar called Mr. K’s… fun spot circa 1993!
Attended the 7PM screening of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair last night… amazing audience… friendly staff… first rate presentation… thank you New Beverly… also… met the great George Takei across the street at Starbucks… bonus!
Great theater… comfortable seats… stellar presentation… cool bar and restaurant on site…
Good luck!!! Long live the drive in.