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Arclight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres will shutter as a result of a global pandemic that has halted moviegoing. The news comes only as things were starting to look up for the hard-hit exhibition industry, and it serves as a reminder of the economic damage wreaked by a public health crisis that threw cultural life into disarray.
“We must share the challenging and sad news that Pacific will not be reopening its ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres locations,” the company said in a statement. “This was not the desired result, but the organisation may not have a feasible path forward, despite a massive effort that ruled out any other possibilities.”
The closure would result in the closure of some of the most well-known and well-liked movie theatres in the heart of Hollywood, including the famous Cinerama Dome, which has hosted movie premieres and appeared in everything from “Melrose Place” to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” On Twitter and other platforms, cinephiles, actors, and filmmakers like Gina Prince-Bythewood, Barry Jenkins, and Elijah Wood expressed their dismay that these marquees may remain dark even after COVID-19 has passed.
“For all Pacific and ArcLight employees who have dedicated their professional lives to make our theatres the best places in the world to see movies: we thank you for your service and commitment to our customers,” the company said. “Our heartfelt gratitude to our guests and members of the film industry who have helped to make going to the cinema such a magical experience over the years. Serving you has been a privilege and an honour.”
Naturally, another corporation might take over these leases, purchase the labels, and reopen the theatres. This will necessitate difficult discussions with landlords. According to a new article on IndieWire, Pacific Theaters Exhibition owes $181,900 in rent for its Culver City Arclight location in March 2021 and could owe up to $2.2 million for the entire year.
The Decurion Corporation operated more than 300 screens in California through its Pacific Theatres and Arclight brands. The Glendale Americana’s 18 Pacific Theatres screens and the Grove’s 14 are also big anchors for those entertainment centres in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. Northridge, Sherman Oaks, Lakewood, and Chatsworth are among the other Pacific locations.
ArcLight Cinemas are located in Pasadena, Santa Monica, Culver City, El Segundo, La Jolla, Boston, Chicago, and Maryland, in addition to the chain’s flagship Hollywood site.
Other movie theatres have struggled to keep their doors open after a year of closures and delays. The Alamo Drafthouse has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and large theatre chains including AMC Theatres have posted losses of $4.4 billion due to the COVID period.
