Went here for the first time on 6/21 to see “Fantastic Four”. Nice auditoriums…sound way too quiet. Bittersweet seeing a movie just a few steps away from where I first saw “Star Wars” 30 years ago.
Seeing “Ratatoulle” tonight at 10:00 PM in Tustin. Surely that’s gotta be a kiddie free experience!
A few months ago we took my 1 year old to see “Happy Feet” at the dollar movie. BIG MISTAKE. Little dude only kept still in 1 minute -30 second spurts. No more indoor movies for him…heck, he can barely withstand drive-ins!
I went here once. Not bad for a Cinemark. I was forced to frequent Cinemarks when I was in college in the early-mid 1990’s. The phrase “atrocious” doesn’t quite cover those theaters!
The remodel has been completed and the theatre is now referred to in AMC ads as Citywalk Stadium 19 with IMAX. The ads also declare that it has 360 degree surround sound and the widest stadium seating seats in the country.
Seeing (and hearing) is believing, of course. And I will see for myself on June 2nd when I go to a movie here.
I saw “Star Wars” at the mighty, opulent, and sadly demolished Creve Coeur Cine' in St. Louis, MO. My dad (R.I.P.) took me when I was 4 ½ years old. I remember the theatre being packed. I remember the audience cracking up when R2 got shot by the Jawas and that moan he made before he plopped onto the ground. I remember the audience going “Wooooo” during Darth Vader’s Force choke of the dude who was questioning his strategy. I remember the audience going nuts when the Death Star blowing up. I remember the audience bursting into hysterics when Chewie “talked” during the award ceremony. Lastly, I remember thunderous applause when “Directed By George Lucas” flashed on the screen.
We went back to see it again at the Creve Coeur and later to the Airway Drive-In when it expanded into wide release. Hard to believe that was 30 years ago. Wow!
I attended the Star-Vu’s Sneak Preview Night on Thursday May 17th. They showed “Shrek 2” (they weren’t allowed to show “Shrek The Third” due to contractual obligations). I must tell you guys, the management has themselves a winner here in SoCal!
First thing’s first: the much ballyhooed inflatable screen was HUGE. It looked sorta tiny when driving past it a few days ago but, once you’re inside the lot, it’s a pretty large screen. There was no distortion and it held up strongly on a slightly windy night. The management has announced that they will not be running the drive-in on rainy and extremely windy nights. FM radio sound was clear and booming. The speakers in my Altima got an unexpected workout!
Projection was ok. Brights were very bright but dark scenes were of the traditional, old school drive-in/pre-Technalight variety. I got a tour of the booth where the technical director spoke about the fancy lamphouses, bulbs and such that he has in his arsenal. I did place the good word about Technalight to them. Hopefully they’ll consider it.
To everyone’s benefit, the Star-Vu will be placing normal passenger cars in front and SUV’s/trucks in the rear. The screen is placed so high that everyone gets a clear view of the screen. No craning and sore necks and no other cars blocking your view. The one drawback is that even though the lot we were in is a pretty big lot, it’s gonna be really easy to fill it up. I suspect they’ll turn away their fair share of cars over the summer months.
Since this D/I is on the lot of the Orange County Fairgrounds, concessions and restrooms are already built in. Food was good (they dished out free burgers, dogs, fries, drinks & popcorn). Restrooms were clean and sanitary.
I got a chance to speak with several of the key people behind this new drive-in. They revealed that, in order to insure that they make a profit, they’ll be running single features only. Now I know that the purists among us will cry SACRELIGE for such a decision, but I think it’s the best thing for this new venture. More showtimes equals more $$$ for them – which is the name of the game, of course, when you’re launching a new business.
The verdict: This place is going to be a huge success. I suspect they’ll discover in a very short time that they’re truly gonna need a bigger boat after all the cars they’re destined to turn away. I sent the management team an email with my fullest and heartiest congratulations. They truly pulled it off – inflatable screen, no ramps and whatnot – they did it!
P.S. – That Avco diss was in reference to a late 1990’s post auditorium split presentation of the restored version of “Vertigo” that they had the NEVER to present in 70MM! Pathetic!
My fondest memory of being at the National was a 70MM DTS presentation of “Titanic” in 1998 (just after it moved over from the Village). They completely maxed out the vertical & horizontal masking to create a genuine 70MM projected image (unlike the Egyptian & the Avco – 70MM on a 45-50 foot screen ain’t 70MM, folks!). The sound was rich with deep bass and the surrounds bouncing all over the auditorium. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
I didn’t start going regularly to the National till the summer of 1993, but I’m glad I made it! It is a sad day in Westwood right now. We’ve truly lost a great theatre.
Is is safe to assume that “Casino Royale” will play here? I thought it would play at the Cinerama Dome since they’ve been booking tons of Columbia product this year.
They’re slightly stepping things up at the Dome with the upcoming Premiere engagement of “Dreamgirls” starting December 15th. They’re doing it Broadway/Roadshow style. $25 bucks a person gets you a seat, a souvenir program, and access to “Dreamgirls” merchandise.
I’ll be there on Saturday December 16. Should be a blast!
Another ho-hum Fall at the Dome. No Cinerama. No 70MM Special Engagements. Just digitally projected Hollywood mediocrity. The management at the Ziegfeld in New York got a clue. Why can’t Pacific/Arclight?
“It’s just a ***king movie…"
”…when I was in high school (6 years ago)…"
A sad portrait of a generation who’s greatest film experiences are watching LOTR or the Star Wars Prequels. To them, “Lawrence of Arabia” is probably nothing more than a long, boring movie for old folks. Say the words 70MM to these kids and they’ll probably call me retarded for adding another M to the abbreviation for 70 million.
There was a time when it was more than just a ***king movie. That is why Cinema Treasures exists in the first place – to cherish that time. To the management of the AMC who gave these kids the boot, I proudly salute you.
The first time I saw a movie in Hollywood was at this theatre when its was part of the Cineplex Odeon family in 1989. The film: “Do The Right Thing.” An unforgettable experience. Another fond memory of this place was seeing “Braveheart” for $3.00 – and DTS Digital Sound to boot – on the Friday before the Oscars (when it won Best Picture).
I seriously doubt that the Grove killed this place. It was an arthouse for the last 10 years of it’s operation.
I’ll miss this theatre. Hopefully another arthouse chain will sweep in and pick it up.
The first time I saw a movie in Hollywood was at this theatre when its was part of the Cineplex Odeon family in 1989. The film: “Do The Right Thing.” An unforgettable experience. Another fond memory of this place was seeing “Braveheart” for $3.00 – and DTS Digital Sound to boot – on the Friday before the Oscars (when it won Best Picture).
I’ll miss this theatre. Hopefully another arthouse chain will sweep in and pick it up.
Went here for the first time on 6/21 to see “Fantastic Four”. Nice auditoriums…sound way too quiet. Bittersweet seeing a movie just a few steps away from where I first saw “Star Wars” 30 years ago.
Forgot to mention: Tustin is in CA.
Seeing “Ratatoulle” tonight at 10:00 PM in Tustin. Surely that’s gotta be a kiddie free experience!
A few months ago we took my 1 year old to see “Happy Feet” at the dollar movie. BIG MISTAKE. Little dude only kept still in 1 minute -30 second spurts. No more indoor movies for him…heck, he can barely withstand drive-ins!
I didn’t go here after all like I planned. Looks like I won’t get to see this joint till late summer.
I went here once. Not bad for a Cinemark. I was forced to frequent Cinemarks when I was in college in the early-mid 1990’s. The phrase “atrocious” doesn’t quite cover those theaters!
Very nice theatre, it’s one of the new super wide AMC builds. The only drawback is the “one size fits all” screen with top & bottom masking.
So no more waiting 5 minutes for pages to load when all the regulars are online, huh? I can dig it! :o)
Now we just need y'all to let us upload photos!!!
The remodel has been completed and the theatre is now referred to in AMC ads as Citywalk Stadium 19 with IMAX. The ads also declare that it has 360 degree surround sound and the widest stadium seating seats in the country.
Seeing (and hearing) is believing, of course. And I will see for myself on June 2nd when I go to a movie here.
I saw “Star Wars” at the mighty, opulent, and sadly demolished Creve Coeur Cine' in St. Louis, MO. My dad (R.I.P.) took me when I was 4 ½ years old. I remember the theatre being packed. I remember the audience cracking up when R2 got shot by the Jawas and that moan he made before he plopped onto the ground. I remember the audience going “Wooooo” during Darth Vader’s Force choke of the dude who was questioning his strategy. I remember the audience going nuts when the Death Star blowing up. I remember the audience bursting into hysterics when Chewie “talked” during the award ceremony. Lastly, I remember thunderous applause when “Directed By George Lucas” flashed on the screen.
We went back to see it again at the Creve Coeur and later to the Airway Drive-In when it expanded into wide release. Hard to believe that was 30 years ago. Wow!
I attended the Star-Vu’s Sneak Preview Night on Thursday May 17th. They showed “Shrek 2” (they weren’t allowed to show “Shrek The Third” due to contractual obligations). I must tell you guys, the management has themselves a winner here in SoCal!
First thing’s first: the much ballyhooed inflatable screen was HUGE. It looked sorta tiny when driving past it a few days ago but, once you’re inside the lot, it’s a pretty large screen. There was no distortion and it held up strongly on a slightly windy night. The management has announced that they will not be running the drive-in on rainy and extremely windy nights. FM radio sound was clear and booming. The speakers in my Altima got an unexpected workout!
Projection was ok. Brights were very bright but dark scenes were of the traditional, old school drive-in/pre-Technalight variety. I got a tour of the booth where the technical director spoke about the fancy lamphouses, bulbs and such that he has in his arsenal. I did place the good word about Technalight to them. Hopefully they’ll consider it.
To everyone’s benefit, the Star-Vu will be placing normal passenger cars in front and SUV’s/trucks in the rear. The screen is placed so high that everyone gets a clear view of the screen. No craning and sore necks and no other cars blocking your view. The one drawback is that even though the lot we were in is a pretty big lot, it’s gonna be really easy to fill it up. I suspect they’ll turn away their fair share of cars over the summer months.
Since this D/I is on the lot of the Orange County Fairgrounds, concessions and restrooms are already built in. Food was good (they dished out free burgers, dogs, fries, drinks & popcorn). Restrooms were clean and sanitary.
I got a chance to speak with several of the key people behind this new drive-in. They revealed that, in order to insure that they make a profit, they’ll be running single features only. Now I know that the purists among us will cry SACRELIGE for such a decision, but I think it’s the best thing for this new venture. More showtimes equals more $$$ for them – which is the name of the game, of course, when you’re launching a new business.
The verdict: This place is going to be a huge success. I suspect they’ll discover in a very short time that they’re truly gonna need a bigger boat after all the cars they’re destined to turn away. I sent the management team an email with my fullest and heartiest congratulations. They truly pulled it off – inflatable screen, no ramps and whatnot – they did it!
150 MPH winds in Southern California??? Highly unlikely.
Planning to be there on opening night with my Orange County based movie club. We can’t wait!
P.S. – That Avco diss was in reference to a late 1990’s post auditorium split presentation of the restored version of “Vertigo” that they had the NEVER to present in 70MM! Pathetic!
My fondest memory of being at the National was a 70MM DTS presentation of “Titanic” in 1998 (just after it moved over from the Village). They completely maxed out the vertical & horizontal masking to create a genuine 70MM projected image (unlike the Egyptian & the Avco – 70MM on a 45-50 foot screen ain’t 70MM, folks!). The sound was rich with deep bass and the surrounds bouncing all over the auditorium. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
I didn’t start going regularly to the National till the summer of 1993, but I’m glad I made it! It is a sad day in Westwood right now. We’ve truly lost a great theatre.
“2001” is 40 years old next year. They’ve gotta run it here!
Hey Tim…there IS a classic theatre in front of this multiplex. Or did you read the entire article? :o)
That’s a friggin drive-in in your backseat! I love it!!!
Saw it on 12/16. Absolutely stunning!
I just bought it. Can hardly wait till it gets here!
Is is safe to assume that “Casino Royale” will play here? I thought it would play at the Cinerama Dome since they’ve been booking tons of Columbia product this year.
They’re slightly stepping things up at the Dome with the upcoming Premiere engagement of “Dreamgirls” starting December 15th. They’re doing it Broadway/Roadshow style. $25 bucks a person gets you a seat, a souvenir program, and access to “Dreamgirls” merchandise.
I’ll be there on Saturday December 16. Should be a blast!
Another ho-hum Fall at the Dome. No Cinerama. No 70MM Special Engagements. Just digitally projected Hollywood mediocrity. The management at the Ziegfeld in New York got a clue. Why can’t Pacific/Arclight?
“It’s just a ***king movie…"
”…when I was in high school (6 years ago)…"
A sad portrait of a generation who’s greatest film experiences are watching LOTR or the Star Wars Prequels. To them, “Lawrence of Arabia” is probably nothing more than a long, boring movie for old folks. Say the words 70MM to these kids and they’ll probably call me retarded for adding another M to the abbreviation for 70 million.
There was a time when it was more than just a ***king movie. That is why Cinema Treasures exists in the first place – to cherish that time. To the management of the AMC who gave these kids the boot, I proudly salute you.
The first time I saw a movie in Hollywood was at this theatre when its was part of the Cineplex Odeon family in 1989. The film: “Do The Right Thing.” An unforgettable experience. Another fond memory of this place was seeing “Braveheart” for $3.00 – and DTS Digital Sound to boot – on the Friday before the Oscars (when it won Best Picture).
I seriously doubt that the Grove killed this place. It was an arthouse for the last 10 years of it’s operation.
I’ll miss this theatre. Hopefully another arthouse chain will sweep in and pick it up.
The first time I saw a movie in Hollywood was at this theatre when its was part of the Cineplex Odeon family in 1989. The film: “Do The Right Thing.” An unforgettable experience. Another fond memory of this place was seeing “Braveheart” for $3.00 – and DTS Digital Sound to boot – on the Friday before the Oscars (when it won Best Picture).
I’ll miss this theatre. Hopefully another arthouse chain will sweep in and pick it up.
No Mission Tiki (the BEST drive-in theatre in Southern California)? BOO!!!