February 10, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

ArcLight Cinema Santa Monica Closing

Pacific Theatres will not reopen locations across country due to pandemic 

By Sam Catanzaro 

The 12-screen ArcLight Cinema complex in Santa Monica will not reopen to moviegoers, the theater’s parent company announced this week. 

“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,” the Decurion Corp. said in a statement on PacificTheatres.com. “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.” 

The company has a dozen theaters in Southern California and a few in Boston, Chicago and D.C.-area. In addition to the shuttering of the iconic Cinerama Dome, moviegoers will lose the ArcLight Cinema at Santa Monica Place, if the theater is not acquired by another company. Other local locations that will be closing include at the Grove and in Glendale at the Americana at Brand. The Santa Monica ArcLight opened in 2015.

“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,” the company said.  

In addition, the company thanked its employees, who have been on furlough for over a year. 

“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,” reads the statement. 

Rian Johnson, director of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and screenwriter for “Knives Out,” highlighted ArcLight staff members in the wake of the announcement.  

“Every single person who worked at the ArcLight loved movies, and you felt it. Sending love to every usher, manager and projectionist who rocked that blue shirt and made it such a special place,” Johnson wrote. 

The shuttering of these screens comes amid speculation that theaters could seat at full capacity even before California’s tier-less COVID-19 policy takes effect June 15. 

The company in recent years, however, began to see competitors enter what was once its niche: the luxury movie experience. ArcLight was a pioneer when it began serving alcoholic drinks and other luxury amenities including reclining seats, a practice now commonplace with companies like AMC and Cinepolis following suit.

In addition, the industry as a whole has been declining, even before COVID-19. According to the National Association of Theatre Owners, domestic box office revenue finished on a down note in 2019 at $11.4 billion — a 4 percent year-over-year decline– and total theater attendance dropped 4.6 percent from 2018. 

in News
<>Related Posts

Burned Palisades Lot Sells for Nearly $1M: REPORT

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Aerial images show the property was among several homes in the neighborhood destroyed by the fire A vacant lot in...

Palisades Symphony to Host Benefit Concert to Support Displaced Musicians

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Several members of the Palisades Symphony lost their homes in the fires, making this concert a deeply personal effort The...

What about are you protected from future wildfires?

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We...

Shore Hotel Remains Sustainability Leader

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

By Susan Payne On track to open its new coastal-inspired restaurant, Shore Hotel has excited new offerings and initiatives this...

Rescheduled 2024 Homeless Count Needs More Volunteers on the Westside

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Not Enough Volunteers to Successfully Count Unhoused Angelenos This Year With the rescheduled dates for the 2025 Greater Los Angeles...

Student Protest Over Immigration Policies Leads to Walkouts Across the Westside

February 7, 2025

February 7, 2025

Walkout Turns Tense as Counter-Protester Confronts Teen in Video From Venice Students from Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI), Culver City...

10-Year-Old Palisades Girl Wins Martial Arts Medals Weeks After Losing Home to Fire

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Savoian, a green belt in Yoshukai karate, trained at Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center in Pacific Palisades Just weeks after...

Open Arms Art Show Runs Through Mar. 22 in Burbank

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Opening Exhibition Saturday Feb. 8 from 12 to 8p.m. More than an art show, the Open Arms Exhibition is an...

Quiet Luxury: What’s Inside the New Regent Boutique and Sweet July

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

The Regent Santa Monica Beach, known for its perfect Santa Monica getaways, or local dining at its Mediterranean-based restaurant Orla...

Santa Monica Waives Outdoor Dining Fees After Wildfires

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

101 businesses participate in Santa Monica’s outdoor dining programs, which began as a temporary measure during COVID-19 In an effort...

(Photos) Kamala Harris Visits Destruction of Palisades Fire

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Harris spoke with first responders, service providers, and evacuees about recovery efforts and resources Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined...

Film Review: Companion

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

FILM REVIEWCOMPANIONRated R97 MinutesReleased January 31st Companion is like an O. Henry short story, moving at a breezy clip, with...

Best Spots to Celebrate Valentines, Galentines, or Have a Super Bowl Party on the Westside

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Cocktails, Game Day Grub, Valentine’s Pasta, and a Lonely Heart’s Tea Service You will find many excellent ways to celebrate...

Dead Body Found on Sands of Venice Beach, Investigation Underway

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

A death investigation is underway By Zach Armstrong A death investigation is underway after local officials discovered a dead body...

Will Rogers State Beach to Become Temporary Hazardous Waste Site

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

The site, located on flat, open land near the burn zone, will serve as a staging area where materials will...