Just as moviegoing is eyeing a rebound this summer after being decimated by COVID-19, one of Los Angeles’ most beloved theater chains – Arclight Cinemas – is shutting its doors permanently.
All of the Arclight Cinemas locations and Pacific Theaters locations – both owned by The Decurion Corporation – will be closing its doors for good, according to a statement the chain provided to Deadline.
While Los Angeles theaters have slowly started to re-open over the past few weeks, for the first time in over a year, the Arclight was reportedly hoping to re-open over the Memorial Day holiday, but that’s not happening as of yet.
‘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 statement began.
Shutting down: Just as moviegoing is eyeing a rebound this summer after being decimated by COVID-19, one of Los Angeles’ most beloved theater chains – Arclight Cinemas – is shutting its doors permanently
‘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 statement continued.
‘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,’ the statement added.
‘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 statement concluded.
Arclight Cinemas operated six theaters throughout Los Angeles, including the famed Arclight Hollywood attached to the iconic CineramaDome on Sunset Boulevard.
Arclight Hollywood: Arclight Cinemas operated six theaters throughout Los Angeles, including the famed Arclight Hollywood attached to the iconic CineramaDome on Sunset Boulevard
There were also Arclight theaters in San Diego, Chicago, Boston and Bethesda, with Pacific Theaters operating another 300 screens throughout California, including The Grove at Farmer’s Market and one of the few drive-in theaters in Los Angeles, the Vineland Drive-in in the City of Industry.
Arclight and Pacific’s parent company Decurion is reportedly ‘handing back the keys’ to the landlords of all the Arclight and Pacific properties.
There is no word yet if the chains are up for sale, since it’s possible that the landlords could return the keys to some of the properties, meaning the chain isn’t bankrupt, though they are entering a, ‘thick lease negotiation.’
The report adds that the venues that Decurion doesn’t own are the ones where they are particularly ‘upside down’ on their leases, though the chain is waiting to see which of their leases they get back before putting the chain up for sale.
Grove: There were also Arclight theaters in San Diego, Chicago, Boston and Bethesda, with Pacific Theaters operating another 300 screens throughout California, including The Grove at Farmer’s Market (above) and one of the few drive-in theaters in Los Angeles, the Vineland Drive-in in the City of Industry
The chain gave notice to its theatrical staff, while it was reported over the weekend that Arclight Culver City was facing eviction after a notice was spotted posted on the doors of the shuttered theater.
The notice was dated March 29 and revealed they had not paid their full March rent, which amounted to $181,900.40.
All 19 locations operated by Arclight and Pacific took in $114 million in 2019, according to IndieWire, with the Arclight Hollywood location said to be one of the highest-grossing theaters in the entire country.
Upon closing its doors in March 2020, the Arclight Cinemas Twitter announced they will, ‘temporarily close all locations,’ while thanking patrons for their, ‘ongoing loyalty and understanding during this time.’
Thanks: Upon closing its doors in March 2020, the Arclight Cinemas Twitter announced they will, ‘temporarily close all locations,’ while thanking patrons for their, ‘ongoing loyalty and understanding during this time’
Almost exactly a year later, when theaters around Los Angeles were starting to re-open, they posted another statement on Twitter, revealing they weren’t opening up quite yet.
‘Arclight Cinemas remains committed to providing a meaningful communal moviegoing experience,’ the statement began.
‘Given the complexity of the current situation, we are not reopening movie theaters until operating conditions stabilize and we’re able to deliver the Arclight experience you’ve come to know and love. We miss you and look forward to welcoming you back,’ the statement concluded.
The Deadline report revealed the chain was hoping to re-open over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, when Disney’s Cruella and Paramount’s A Quiet Place II are set for release.
Los Angeles theaters are currently allowed to open at 50% capacity, or 200 people, whichever is fewer, according to Los Angeles County Public Health guidelines.
California governor Gavin Newsom also stated he hopes to have the state 100% open by June 15, and it’s possible Los Angeles theaters may even get to 100% before then.
Not opening up: Almost exactly a year later, when theaters around Los Angeles were starting to re-open, they posted another statement on Twitter, revealing they weren’t opening up quite yet