Now showing

LAURA JOHNSON
A&E Assistant Editor

Although there is nothing like curling up at home on a rainy day and watching a good movie, there is something about seeing a brand new blockbuster at a packed-to-the-gills movie theater that can never be recreated at home.

As Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, naturally the city is chalk-full of aesthetically unique movie-houses. Note that these places do take time to get to, so be sure to leave a little early.

Arclight

This is the place to go to see the movies that aren’t playing anywhere else. Touting more than 14 screens, this theater has something to offer for everyone. For the movies that only have special engagements or open early in select cities, this theater will probably be showing it. Arclight is directed to the adult moviegoer — it is located in the heart of Hollywood and is a great place to go for a night out.

Originally built in 1963, this dome-shaped theater prides itself in being a little better than the rest of the competition. Moviegoers will find that the seats are not only three feet wider than other theater seats, but, with the sound quality being better than THX technology, the viewer is sure to get a first-rate experience.

Sophomore Matthew Heenan has been to the theater and said he was very impressed by the experience.

“My neck didn’t hurt even though I was in the second row, unlike the Malibu theaters,” Heenan said. “It something different from what I’m used to… It’s a classier clientele, very clean, people who really care about good films. You almost don’t want to show up in your sweats.”

For more information on the Arclight, located at 6360 W. Sunset Blvd., visit arclightcinemas.com.

Cinespace

Why not be able to watch a movie and eat a steak with it, too? This intimate space, located above the streets of L.A., is a great alternative to the atmosphere of the average theater.

The first of its kind, Cinespace delivers exceptional contemporary California cuisine. Though it’s a little on the expensive side, as a plate costs between $31 and $50, clearly, the customer is paying for the overall experience. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, guests can stay up late all in the name of film and good food.

Along with the nightly “Dinner and a Movie” experience, a few nights a week the restaurant turns into a club. On Tuesday it hosts a music club for those 21 and over. On Saturday, it turns into a club for the younger crowd, welcoming those 18 and over.

Located on the second floor of its building, this lofty space is also available to be rented for birthday bashes, movie premieres or any other events of a special nature.

For more information on Cinespace, located at 6356 Hollywood Blvd., visit cinespace.info.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

This theater may be overrated, yet it’s a Hollywood landmark, and one that everyone should visit. Seeing movies on one of the five screens here isn’t as great as it is in other more updated multiplexes, yet it is the experience that counts.

Senior Becky Dixon said, although the theatre is a bit aged, it is still worth checking out.

“You should go once if you’ve never been there,” Dixon said. “However, it is not as glamorous as it was back in the glory days of Hollywood. It’s somewhat trashy, but it still fun. It’s something everyone should do.”

Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe’s heels are embedded on the concrete in front of the theater that millions of tourists walk over each day. The fact that there are stars’ prints from old-school Hollywood, hailing back to the 1920s, is remarkable.

For more information on Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, located at 6925 Hollywood Blvd., visit manntheatres.com.

Pacific El Capitan Theatre

Disney not only has its own highway, world, land, Broadway theater, TV channel and radio station, but nestled on Sunset Boulevard, the company also owns its very own one-screen gem of a theater. In love with itself, this theater celebrates only Disney films.

The tickets can get mighty pricey at $22, though the price does include soda and popcorn. However, for those obsessed with Disney or who embrace their 10-year-old selves, the fact that nothing else gets screen time simply does not matter.

As the theater is a little older, first established in the 1930s, the seats are a little smaller than the norm and there is less aisle space than one may want. However, as the moviegoer walks in to this Baroque-esque establishment, a live organ plays overhead.

Viewers can also expect a 20-minute Disney character sing-a-long extravaganza, as the “real” characters come out and sing and dance on stage. Once this is complete, the feature film begins.

For more information on the El Capitan Theatre, located at 6838 Hollywood Blvd., visit disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan.

09-27-2007