All locations will be closing permanently—including Cinerama Dome.
After remaining shut for over a year, the owner of Pacific Theatres and ArcLight Cinemas announced that all locations will be closing permanently. This includes one of the world’s most iconic movie theatres the Cinerama Dome on Sunset Boulevard, which has been at the heart of the entertainment industry since 1963. The devastating news comes shortly after L.A.’s move to the less restrictive Orange Tier, allowing indoor theaters to reopen with limited capacity.
The chain’s owner, Decurion, issued the following statement:
After shutting our doors more than a year ago, today we must share the difficult and sad news that Pacific will not be reopening its ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres locations.
This was not the outcome anyone wanted, but despite a huge effort that exhausted all potential options, the company does not have a viable way forward.
To all the Pacific and ArcLight employees who have devoted their professional lives to making our theaters the very best places in the world to see movies: we are grateful for your service and your dedication to our customers.
To our guests and members of the film industry who have made going to the movies such a magical experience over the years: our deepest thanks. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you.
IndieWire recently reported that ArcLight Cinemas’ Culver City location had received an eviction notice for an outstanding rent bill of $181,900 for March 2021. Parent company Pacific Theaters, along with numerous cinema chains, have been hit hard by the pandemic. Where restrictions may have given businesses more room to negotiate rent, companies are now faced with the choice of operating at a loss with capacity limits or not at all.
Angelenos—including actors and directors—have been sharing experiences at the Cinerama Dome and expressing their sadness on Twitter as they mourn the loss.
I’m so sad. I remember going to the Cinerama Dome to see Star Trek IV with my dad when I was little. So many memories since then. 😢https://t.co/ptQsiMgYoA
— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) April 13, 2021
Amoeba before the show, browse the vinyl. Gaze at the cinerama dome then head to the lobby and connect with friends. Grab soda. Grab snack. Take our seats. Talk movies. Lights out. Movie starts. Cocktails after. Talk more movies. Perfect L.A. night. Sigh. #arclightmemories
— Todd Stashwick (@ToddStashwick) April 13, 2021
Countless memories at this place.
I know all things are ephemeral, which is the very reason why we should enjoy them while they yet remain.
Your doors may close, #CineramaDome but the experiences shared within your darkened sanctuary will not soon be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/PiT48Stscw— Troy Baker (@TroyBakerVA) April 13, 2021
A sad day for cinema. The Cinerama Dome, the Arclight and other Pacific theaters are closing their doors.
— John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) April 13, 2021
Cinerama Dome (Born November 1963) pic.twitter.com/ZAtNc96NyL
— Larry Karaszewski (@Karaszewski) April 13, 2021
I have a suspicion/fool’s hope that the Cinerama Dome will be saved by some deep-pocketed cinephile, but if it really is going away Hollywood will have lost one of its most important historic landmarks. pic.twitter.com/xnmSdADiWp
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) April 13, 2021
Featured Image: Shutterstock