Sony saves the Cinerama Dome from becoming condos or sadness
Perhaps this Hollywood comeback is worth rooting for.
Los Angeles has a few storied movie theaters, and none are more beloved than the Cinerama Dome. After being closed for years, Sony has reached a deal to reopen it in 2028.
As an Angeleno, I’ve never been a huge fan of the Cinerama Dome. Built in 1963, the Dome felt dated to me in the 1980s, but fans have never let go. Sony will likely add all the creature comforts of a modern theater, thus filling the room with the light of cellphones placing orders.
Also calm down, purists: The Cinerama Dome isn’t becoming a dine-in theater, rather it will retain its Cinerama brand name with the restoration honoring the landmark’s distinctive aesthetic character, immersive 86-foot wide large-format curved-screen presentation and traditional concession experience. The single-screen Cinerama Dome paved the way for a new era of large-format cinematic presentation. Since 1963, it has been known as one of the world’s premier venues for 70MM exhibition. (Remember there was a booking battle for the venue between Disney’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Quentin Tarantino’s 70MM western The Hateful Eight back in 2015.)
The Dome’s programming will be complemented by Alamo Drafthouse’s signature programming including repertory screenings, filmmaker series, premieres and special events. The complex will retain 35MM capabilities to showcase archival film prints and house several premium-format screens with immersive audio and 4K laser projection, including 70MM.
Perhaps this Hollywood comeback is worth rooting for.
I saw Ice Station Zebra in Boston's Cinerama Theater on Essex Street. Way back in 1968. You used to have to dress up to go to the movies back then; Suits for men, dresses and hats for women, and the kids in their Sunday best.
There was no special architectural style to the building the movie played in. Just another Downtown Boston Office building with storefronts on the first floor. It's home to a Veteran's Service office as well as some state and private businesses now. The storefronts are long gone.
>Built in 1963, the Dome felt dated to me in the 1980s
ah... "Googie" architecture[1] a far far more happy view of the future (including The Jetsons). now, we just offer our young-ones dystopian views @#$!
>The origin of the name Googie dates to 1949, when architect John Lautner designed the Googie's Coffee Shop in Hollywood, which had distinct architectural characteristics.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Googie_architecture