AMC Stockdale

The Stockdale 6 was from the generation of “disposable” multiplex theatres AMC built. By “disposable”, I mean that the venue was purposely designed for easy transition to other uses, once it had run it’s course as a cinema; ground level booths, thin interior walls, simplistic box design, and budget conscious amenities throughout. However, the theatre ultimately far outlived it’s expected life span and even saw business that warranted a few upgrades over the years.

“The Rocketeer” was presented at the AMC Stockdale in 35mm Dolby Stereo beginning on Friday June 21, 1991.

Opening on August 21, 1974 is AMC’s first multiplex theater in Bakersfield. Four auditoriums housed 275 seats, while two smaller houses housed 140 and 125, which is a total of 1,365 seats. All auditoriums featured installations of RadioShack shelf speakers. Just on time for “Alien”, Dolby Stereo was installed inside two auditoriums in 1979.

The Stockdale became very notable in 1986 when its projection standards became one of the most brightest illumination in America. It stayed completely bright throughout the year, but by the end, it was properly illuminated. Other installations the theater have later in its history include Ultra-Stereo in 1989 in four auditoriums, and SDDS in January 1997 in one auditorium. Unfortunately, that same year in 1997 ended its leadership days and the Stockdale flipped to bargain.

The multiplex boom from Edwards and Pacific fell big at the AMC, and AMC closed the Stockdale 6 on May 7, 2000.