Regency Buena Park Downtown 18 & REX

Krikorian’s Metroplex 18 was opened May 2, 2003 with 4,800-seats. Built behind the Buena Park mall, as part of a mall redevelopment project, the freestanding structure sits on the former site of a JC Pennys, in an entertainment strip known as the “Buena Park Downtown”. The theatre was intended as Krikorian Premiere Theatres' flagship location and the company’s first venture in to a new style of megaplex, the “metroplex”.

With a classic movie palace inspired lobby and high end accoutrements throughout, the metroplex was planned to bring together the grand movie going experience of yesteryear’s movie palaces with the function of modern megaplexes. From imported crystal chandeliers and commissioned artwork to a custom designed Klipsch sound system and top of the line equipment, no expense was spared. At some point, the effort almost took on a “spending money for the sake of spending money” approach and several of the luxury features, such as the “sky bar lounge” never materialized as fully functional

Unfortunately, the grand vision never lived up to attendance expectations, as the theatre has settled in to a rather average megaplex business level. Isolated behind a half vacant mall, that never kept pace with the theatre, the metroplex stands as somewhat of a wasted effort. It was closed on January 24, 2026.

It was taken over by Regency Theatres on July 15, 2026 to be known as the Regency Buena Park Downtown & REX. Repairs were carried prior to a reopening on November 6, 2026.

Recent comments (view all 29 comments)

ForgttenDayton on May 17, 2026 at 12:39 pm

George Krikorian owner of Krikorian Premiere Theatres still owns and operates the 10 screen LexLive.

jmarellano on July 21, 2026 at 9:37 am

This theater was never an AMC. Its still closed. In fact it will be reopening sometime in the future under Regency Theaters. They have posters up around the building announcing the reopening soon.

m00se1111 on July 21, 2026 at 11:31 am

Updated on BigScreen July 15th

theatre will be open as “Regency Buena Park Downtown 18 & REX” - no involment from AMC..

https://www.bigscreen.com/j/Buena-Park-CA-Regency-Buena-Park-Downtown-18–REX-Coming/8409

REX is the naming of the bigscreen enhanced experience at a Regency Theatre.

CTCrouch on August 19, 2026 at 12:28 am

Regency was the best option for the theatre, as they have a well established history of getting the most out of challenging locations. Companies like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark are too formulastic and bottom line driven to take on a project like this; the venue’s lackluster history, repair/remodel expense, and the property’s ongoing redevelopment simply didn’t fit within their risk-return models (i.e. their idea of a site’s potential is far more black & white than Regency’s).

ridethectrain on August 19, 2026 at 1:52 pm

this theater should be listed closed. it not on Regency Theatres website

Mikeoaklandpark on August 20, 2026 at 11:55 am

Why did Regency close this after only a month of operation?

CTCrouch on August 20, 2026 at 6:21 pm

Mikeoaklandpark: It hasn’t reopened yet. Regency’s operation of the theatre is still pending, as there are a multitude of repairs and various prep work needed before the site is ready to reopen.

OldManDave on November 4, 2026 at 10:51 am

Will be opening Friday 11/6/26 . Offering free, small popcorn for the grand opening. $14.50 adult price (+ $1 online).

CTCrouch on November 6, 2026 at 12:02 am

11/6/26 will be a soft opening. Auditoriums 10-18, & 8 (REX laser projector & Dolby Atmos) will be open, remaining auditoriums pending grand reopening (date TBA). All recliner seating has been reupholstered, interior/exterior repainted, exterior signage updated/rebranded, new carpeting, concession stand updated, fixtures replaced/repaired, and deep cleaning of entire facility. Bar and expanded kitchen offerings pending.

CTCrouch on November 7, 2026 at 3:33 am

Seating: Aud 2-5 & 14-17: 67 recliner seating Aud 6 & 13: 65 recliner seating Aud 7, 8, 11 & 12: 127 recliner seats Aud 9, 10, & 18: 218 recliner seating Aud 1: 463 original rocker seating configuration Total seating: 2291 Aud 6: LED screen Aud 8: REX (Laser projection, Dolby Atmos, Christie Vive speakers)