El Capitan Theatre photo by Flickr/thelastminute
Possibly one of the most recognizable attractions in Los Angeles, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre has drawn crowds since the very first day it opened in 1927. Dubbed “the most spectacular theatre opening in motion picture history,” the event was marked by thousands of people as well as movie stars and celebrities. Possibly even more recognizable than the architecture are the multitude of celebrity handprints and footprints. Story has it that the tradition started at the theatre’s opening when actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement at the premiere of King of Kings.
Since its opening 2009, the Regal Cinemas at L.A. LIVE have been recognized as the latest in a long tradition of spectacular movie theaters in LA. With 14 screens on two floors, an 800-seat Regal Premiere House, validated parking for $5 and digital projection throughout (including four screens set up for 3-D projection), the Regal Cinemas at L.A. LIVE seeks to create the best moviegoing experience possible.
A 14-screen movie theater located on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, the ArcLight Hollywood is the place to go if you’re serious about the moviegoing experience. Each of the 14 theaters has reserved seating, with extra-wide seats positioned a comfortable distance from the screen. The theater doesn’t show any commercials or other promotional programming before the films, so the only warm-up you get is trailers for future releases. The concession stand is also nothing but the best with high-quality food items, premium bottled water and caramel corn made fresh on-site. If you’re over 21, you can attend regularly held 21+ screenings where adult beverages are served at the theater’s bar. The Hollywood location makes it a great place to spot celebrities, and the theater offers a host of special screenings and events featuring actors and directors.
Also located in Hollywood is the El Capitan Theatre, one of the more majestic old theaters in Los Angeles, restored to its original glory and used by the Walt Disney Company for its movie premieres. It also hosts live stage shows before the movie featuring favorite Disney characters. Since its opening in 1926, the theater has been a crucial part of the Hollywood movie scene. Citizen Kane had its world premiere here in 1941, and Cecil B. DeMille’s Reap the Wild Wind was screened here in 1942 to inaugurate a complete remodel of the building. Next door, the Jimmy Kimmel Show is taped in the former Masonic Hall.
Another classic movie house built by Sid Grauman, the Egyptian Theatre was the site for the first-ever Hollywood premiere — Robin Hood, starring Douglas Fairbanks, which debuted in 1922. American Cinametheque now owns and operates the theater, using it for a variety of film-based programs, including annual festivals and film series. Visitors can arrange tours of the theater, which are offered on a monthly basis.
A lavish art deco masterpiece located in San Pedro and built in the early 1930s, the Warner Grand Theatre is one of three opulent movie palaces designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca and the only one left standing after more than 75 years. Gradually refurbished by a local group known as Grand Vision Foundation, the theater presents foreign films, art films and classic family features.
Owned and operated by the Cinefamily organization, the Silent Movie Theatre is another historic venue with roots that go back to 1942. Dedicated to a program of movies that tends toward the indie and cult, it does show silent films on the first Wednesday of every month with live organ accompaniment. The Silent Movie Theatre is located on Fairfax Avenue just south of Melrose Avenue.
Formerly the Pacific Theatres Galleria Stadium 16, the ArcLight Sherman Oaks is relatively new, considering its opening in late 2007. Featuring a coffee bar, retail shop, restaurant and incredibly luxurious theaters, the ArcLight Sherman Oaks is the place to go in the Valley if you’re a committed and serious movie fan.
If you’re looking to attend a movie premiere, LA is the place to do it. While it’s not very likely that you’ll find tickets to an actual premiere, you can certainly be part of the crowd outside the theaters and welcome Hollywood stars to the red carpet. Theaters known for hosting premieres include Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, El Capitan and the ArcLight Hollywood.
