LA’s Iconic Arclight Cinemas Closed For Good Due to COVID

While optimism has been growing as businesses begin to reopen in Los Angeles and more people get their vaccinations, there are still a few lost institutions that serve as painful reminders of the coronavirus’ economic impact. The latest loss comes in an announcement that Arclight Cinemas and Pacific Theaters will not be reopening, so call the Dove Guy.

The is a loss for film lovers everywhere as the Arclight’s iconic Cinerama Dome was a movie-goer’s Mecca. First opened in 1963, this Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument was part museum, part concert hall, part movie theater that provided audiences a premiere cinematic viewing experience. This writer was lucky enough to attend a screening of Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood at the dome, and to get turned away from a free screening of Honey Boy that reached full capacity. Despite the latter experience being a snub, it was still great to see fans lined up half a block down Sunset Blvd excited to see a film – a now seemingly all too rare of an event that was already limited to only a select few beacons of cinema.

The parent company of Arclight and Pacific Theaters, Decurion, released the following statement regarding the closures.

“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.”

No word yet if a potential buyer a la Netflix or Amazon, who have been snatching up local venues, will take over these theater chains. While there is value in preserving these viewing spaces, there is also a growing concern that the slate of films for theatrical viewing will become more limited as streaming services compete with one another. It’s hard enough finding something to watch as is, especially if the companies continue to crack down on account sharing.