Village Theatre

Yeah, they’re open and doing well. Vintage just doesn’t update their website.

http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?house_id=3351&rdate=3%2F9%2F2012&sortid=1

Flix70 great pictures of the Village…Thanks for posting them.

Took a tour of the newly remodeled Village Theatre yesterday. I never saw it prior to the renovation but was quite impressed with its current status. A nice, big vintage concession stand greets you as you walk in and an inviting Art Deco lobby runs the length of the structure, beckoning you toward the the three theaters in the back. The one theater I was able to peek in, maybe the larger one as it appeared to have more than 45 seats, was beautiful: red-velvet, high-back chairs arranged in a semi-circle around the screen, a grand red curtain protecting its secrets; neon, three-dimensional murals depicting Coronado treasures like the Hotel Del adorned each of the side walls. Made me want to run back for a bag of pocorn and stay for the flick. The only visable complaint would be the marquee. It’s digital and while beautiful too, it doesn’t provide showtimes, just graphics on the three films. To see what time something is playing, you have to physically go up to the box office where the times are posted on a small sheet of paper. Kind of frustrating when there’s really no place for a quick stop on busy Orange Ave.
Overall, though, the Village is a theater worthy of your time and something the people of Coronado should be very proud of. (I’ve posted six pics for your viewing pleasure.)

They really went all out with the murals ala the Majestic (ermm… Bigfoot) Crest. http://www.ecoronado.com/profiles/blogs/step-inside-the-finished

All I want is to be able to go online and find out what’s playing and at what time, without all the rest of the commentary and marketing. What is the easiest way to do that?

The Village Theatre will reopen to the public as a triplex on June 24, 2011: http://coronado.patch.com/articles/after-years-of-sitting-dark-the-village-theater-will-open-it-doors-again.

This has several pictures of the completely rundown theater inside before renovations: View link

Fred Hyde and Associates opened their Village Theatre on March 18, 1947, as reported in Boxoffice of April 5. An older theater in town, called the Coronado, was in operation at least as late as 1953.

Here are two 1983 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/ydtvp6n
http://tinyurl.com/y8k3pof

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thanks for the Reviews and Feeback on the Village Theatre Coronado.
We operate the Vista Theatre and Los Feliz Cinemas in Los Angeles and have recently executed an agreement to renovate and operate the Village Theatre for a potential opening Christmas 2009 but no later than summer 2010.

We have retained Joseph Musil as the Designer for the revamped facility which will boast one large auditorium and 2 luxurious screening room. Mr. Musil some of you may know was the Designer on the Sensational El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood as well as others. He was our first and only choice for the Village Project. As the deal has only recently been signed, many details are being worked through and the final plans have not been made. When they are, we will log our report and progress through Cinema Treasures. We are very excited about the project and will make the Village a destination for the Islanders and hopefully those across the San Diego pond!

Lance Alspaugh
Five Star Theatres inc.

I really enjoyed this theater. I used to work as a movie projectionist at military theaters while on active duty. I love old movie theaters and it would be a dream come true to restore this grand old theater. I’ve enjoyed watching movies here and would add a balcony if possible. The Siegal Brothers have owned it since the 1950’s. There was a 50’s diner/soda fountain next door where the dry cleaners are today and you could walk right into the lobby of the theater from the diner without ever going outside. I once spoke with some folks at city hall and was told it would cost quite a bit to get it ADA compliant. I used to know the owner of the UPS store in the building and got a look inside once and it was in pretty bad shape. I always joke with my wife and say if I ever win the lotto that’s the first thing I’ll buy!

With present public interest in the theater I strongly suggest that City Hall seize the place for its own protection before it’s too late and beyond reasonable repair.

The owner is a greedy, selfish old man who is depriving the locals and visitors of their unique island cinema.

By reopening the Village, this will bring further trade for the local shops and eateries. The City will further receive additional taxes and parking meter income.