Regency Buena Park Downtown 18 & REX
8290 La Palma Avenue,
Buena Park,
CA
90620
8290 La Palma Avenue,
Buena Park,
CA
90620
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Related Websites
Regency Theatres (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: AMC Theatres, Krikorian Premiere Theatres
Firms: Perkowitz + Ruth
Previous Names: Metroplex 18 at Buena Park Downtown, Krikorian Buena Park Metroplex, AMC Buena Park 18
Nearby Theaters
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 are being carried prior to a reopening (date to be announced).
Contributed by
ecorche
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Recent comments (view all 26 comments)
Heard that the mall has evicted Krikorian and will be taking over the theater. Possibly have another operator come in at a future date. No idea on how long this will be closed for.
Looks like you are right. Their website has posted a closure notice: “Krikorian Premiere Theatres Buena Park Metroplex 18 is Now Closed. We would like to sincerely thank our patrons, the community and, most of all, our loyal staff for 22 years of amazing memories amazing popcorn and amazing times at the movies.”
Buena Park, CA: Krikorian Buena Park Metroplex 18 Closed [Feb 23, 2026]
George Krikorian owner of Krikorian Premiere Theatres still owns and operates the 10 screen LexLive.
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.
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.
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).
this theater should be listed closed. it not on Regency Theatres website
Why did Regency close this after only a month of operation?
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.