300 movie screens in California going dark as owner decides not to reopen

Pacific Theatres is closing down screens in California after the owner has decided not to reopen after struggling to keep the business afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

“After shutting our doors more than a year ago, today we must share the difficult and sad news that Pacific will not be reopening its ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres locations,” the company’s statement says.

ArcLight theaters and the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, popular movie theaters in California, are among those that will not reopen, The Associated Press reported.

ArcLight theaters had many locations in Southern California and was loved by many in the entertainment industry, AP said.

Cinerama Dome on Sunset Boulevard was another tourist attraction and well-loved theater that will be shut down due to Pacific Theatres closing, AP noted.

“This was not the outcome anyone wanted, but despite a huge effort that exhausted all potential options, the company does not have a viable way forward,” according to the statement.

The movie theater industry was hit particularly hard during the pandemic as many theaters were shut down for months. Los Angeles County is still only allowing theaters to reopen at 50 percent capacity.

Regal Cinemas is reopening its theaters this month at only 25 percent to 50 percent capacity.

Although 98 percent of AMC Theatres locations opened back up, the company still lost over $4.6 billion in 2020 due to the shutdowns from the coronavirus pandemic. 

“To our guests and members of the film industry who have made going to the movies such a magical experience over the years: our deepest thanks.  It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you,” Pacific Theatres wrote.