Egyptian Theatre - Los Angeles

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Kim Cooper

Joined 10 years ago

A fallen Hollywood movie palace regains its lustre and now hosts revival and arthouse film events.. In Short
In 1922, Sid Grauman opened this King Tut-inspired theater on Hollywood Boulevard. Along with the nearby Chinese Theater, the Boulevard reigned as the setting of star-studded premieres. By the '60s, however, the Egyptian had steadily declined. Earthquake damage, squatters and roosting birds brought further indignity. Then in 1998, a $14 million restoration returned it to its former glory. The newly lustrous Egyptian is now home to the American Cinematheque.

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zak

Joined 10 years ago

Where'd they get those seats?. Overall they did a decent job, except the seating. The seats are reminiscent of the Concorde. Very very narrow. If you weigh more than 90 lbs. forget it.

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nickmistaken

Joined 8 years ago

Not mainstream: that's the point.. You can see a blockbuster at the Dome. The REAL selling point here is NOT the inside but the films (as it should be). I have been a member for a couple of years- not required, but you get advance notice and some special offers. Yes, it would have been nice to have it restored much like the Capitan, but you have Musso and Franks, Pig and Whistle, Miceli's, etc.

Saw Robin Williams speak after 'One Hour Photo', saw Alan Arkin, Ray Harryhousen, Wim Wenders. If you love film, especially films NOT on DVD, this is your place. They And yes, they DO have sneaks for blockbusters as well.

Oh yeah: and they are about two blocks from the Metro Station at Hollywood/Highland, so grab a drink or two after the show, stagger back to the station and hop the train back home. Sweet.

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mike13241

Joined 9 years ago

A Gem in Hollywood. This theater is by far one of, if not the best place to see old films. Managment creates a great lineup each month, and they always search for the best possible print. I was lucky enough to see films like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Dr. Zhivago" here and it was truly an experience. Picture is stupendous, sound is clear and loud, and the ambience takes you back to a time when going to the movies was an experience and not just something to do. The ONLY drawback is that you have a very limited amount of leg room. So if you plan on using the bathroom during the film you'll be in trouble. Grab a seat on the end and save yourself the trouble.

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Bossyboots14

Joined 10 years ago

Fabulous. Fabulous place to see great and unusual movies. The extras, like interviews with the actors and directors are inspiring.

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KramSacul

Joined 11 years ago

A Hollywood landmark. Don't be fooled. The only thing that was "restored" about this theater was the beautiful forecourt. Inside a black box of a theater was built in the auditorium along with a smaller screening room. While American Cinematheque is an admirable organization they really dropped the ball on bringing this theater back to it's former glory. What should've been up to the level of Grauman's or the El Capitan down the street is now just a top- notch modern theater inside of a building that used to be Sid Grauman's other masterpiece.

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msb1021

Joined 11 years ago

Film Festivals & assorted classics. The Egyptian is great for film festivals. Short films, Actors, Directors, other themes (ex. Mods & Rockers; James Bond). Restored classics, sometimes with the filmmakers there for Q&A. Not the largest theater in town, but a place to see some classic films on the big screen. Definitely for film buffs.

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SGabriel

Joined 11 years ago

Zen and the art of Indie Cinema. Gotta agree that the inside of the theater is far less stellar than the outside. But I *love* the movies they show here. Saw 2 silent films here (with a small orchestra) & a coupla great independents. If you get on the mailing list, they send out schedules every month. It's a pretty amazing line up & lots of stuff you can't see anywhere else.

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JaneTunks_Citysearch

Joined 11 years ago

Black Box. Okay, okay, so the Egyptian Theatre has been beautifully restored by the American Cinematheque, who do not dare to sully the projectors with any blockbuster Hollywood fare (gasp!). But walk into the theater and you are sitting in a nondescript black box, just like any other Industry screening room. It's a huge disappointment. I'd much rather see Terminator 3 at the nearby Chinese and admire the grandeur.