Arclight, camera, action

With the rise of Netflix, DVDs and online videos, moviegoing,
once one of America’s greatest pastimes, is rapidly becoming
a thing of the past. The Arclight movie theater, however, is
working to revive the tradition.

Located at 6360 W. Sunset Blvd. between Vine Street and Ivar
Street, the Arclight offers a more upscale, classic approach to
moviegoing.

Though traditional-style ticket booths and Hollywood memorabilia
may hark back to the days of early cinema, the modern marquee and
lobby area are more reminiscent of Los Angeles’ many chic
clubs and restaurants. Aside from offering 14 high-quality
“black box”-style auditoriums ““ unadorned spaces
made of black walls and floor ““ and a recently renovated
geodesic dome theater, the Arclight sports a cafe, restaurant,
bookstore and modern upscale lobby.

Though the Arclight complex was constructed in 2002, the
theater’s geodesic “Cinerama” dome theater was
built in 1963 and specially designed by architectural firm Welton
Becket Associates purposely in time for the world premiere of
“It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Becket’s
firm also designed many other prominent Los Angeles structures,
such as the Capitol Records Tower, the Beverly Hilton and the Los
Angeles Music Center.

“It is very nostalgic. It reminded me of a time when film
was a form of theater. When people would get dressed up for a night
out at the movies, instead of going in sweats like they do these
days,” said third-year film and television student Mallory
Sacks.

The dome is the only remaining geodesic dome theater originally
designed for screenings of Cinerama-style films, designed to be
projected onto a curved screen. Though the dome still screens
classic films, moviegoers often reserve seats days in advance for
the screenings of recent, popular movies.

“This is an incredible piece of movie history,”
graduate student and film exhibition expert Ross Melnick said.

“It’s a great “˜dinner and a movie’
place. They have their own restaurant and it’s reasonably
priced,” he added.

Priding itself on its ability to offer the total moviegoing
experience, the cafe and restaurant allows patrons to grab a bite
to eat before the movie or perhaps a complimentary cocktail on
popular 21+ nights.

People can also kill time before the movie by perusing the gift
shop for Arclight-branded coffee mugs, T-shirts, hats, cinematic
collectibles and other merchandise.

In addition to the modern amenities it offers, the
Arclight’s customer service is top-notch. Via phone, Internet
or ticket box, moviegoers can purchase reserved-seating tickets for
both current and classic films. From there, attendees are
personally led to their wider-than-average seats, where they can
enjoy a relaxing movie-watching experience, free of the extensive
advertisements that usually proceed feature film screenings.

“The reserved seating is nice. You don’t have to get
there early to get good seats,” said third-year art history
student Courtney Pape.

And for those who appreciate such privileges, a free membership
program provides even more, including discounted ticket prices,
free popcorn, notifications about upcoming films, and personalized
invitations to such special events as private screenings and
Q&A sessions with film directors or actors.

The history and amenities of the Arclight also come at a high
price. Ticket costs range from $11 to $14.

“Even if you only go once, it’s worth it. It’s
just a different experience, something you would only find in L.A.
If I could afford it, I would go there every time,” Sacks
said.

According to Melnick, the experience is worth the high price.
The Arclight’s culture, defined through its upscale design
and services, attracts cinephiles and even the occasional
celebrity.

“It is a movie theater for moviegoers,” he said.