Quentin Tarantino’s acquisition of the Vista Theatre in Los Feliz in 2021 has reached its final stages of renovation, and it will soon reopen with a special screening of “True Romance” on its anniversary. Tarantino himself will host this event. Starting on November 17, the theater will commence its regular programming, beginning with the screening of Eli Roth’s “Thanksgiving” in 35mm, followed by Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” in 70mm, starting on November 22. According to the Chief Operating Officer, Lance Alspaugh, Quentin Tarantino retained the core auditorium, which has undergone rehabilitation and remains in excellent condition. The entire auditorium has been preserved in its original state.
The reopening of the Vista Theatre, a century-old movie house, signifies the enthusiasm of Los Angeles moviegoers for supporting independent and classic film events, particularly in historical venues. Netflix’s 101-year-old Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, in partnership with the American Cinematheque, is set to reopen after a significant renovation on November 9. Vidiots also opened its screening and rental venue in the former Eagle Theatre in Eagle Rock in June.
As part of the improvements in the auditorium, the Vista now boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and the capability to project films in 70mm. Additionally, the theater will introduce a 21-seat micro-screening room and café called “Coffy,” paying homage to the 1973 Pam Grier movie that influenced Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown.” The micro-screening room and café will open at a later date.
According to Alspaugh, the new sound system is a significant upgrade. The Vista Theatre, which originally opened in 1923 with Egyptian-themed decor typical of the 1920s, has been undergoing renovations since the start of the pandemic, when movie theaters temporarily closed. Quentin Tarantino had disclosed his acquisition of the Vista Theatre on Dax Shepherd’s podcast. He mentioned that unlike his New Beverly Cinema, the Vista would primarily feature first-run films, provided they had a 35mm print available.
The plan remains unchanged, as confirmed by Alspaugh: “The intention is to run mostly first-run films and occasionally screen classic or repertory films. There will be periods when classic repertory titles will be shown on film at short intervals. In the future, there will be late shows of classic films and possibly morning showings of classic films.”
With numerous new options for Los Angeles movie enthusiasts, questions linger about the fate of the ArcLight and Cinerama Dome. The owner has offered no updates since giving a “no comment” to the New York Times in August.
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