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Fox Theater, Westwood Village facts for kids

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Regency Village Theatre
Highsmithwestwoodvillagetheater.jpg
Regency Village Theatre with iconic tower
Location 961 Broxton Avenue, Westwood, Los Angeles, California
Built 1931
Architect Percy Parke Lewis
Architectural style(s) California Churrigueresque
(Spanish Colonial Revival)
Governing body Private
Designated June 21, 1988
Reference no. 362
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The Emoji Movie premiere at the Fox Theatre, Westwood Village 4
The Emoji Movie premiere, Westwood Village

The Regency Village Theatre is a famous movie theater in Westwood, Los Angeles, California. It's a historic building known for hosting many Hollywood movie premieres. This theater was once called the Fox Theatre, Westwood Village. It is located in a shopping and cinema area, right across from the Fox Bruin Theater. The theater is also close to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The Regency Theatres company operated it until July 2024. The cinema can seat about 1,400 people.

History of the Theatre

Building and Early Years

The Fox Theatre was designed by architect Percy Parke Lewis. It was built in 1930 and first opened its doors on August 14, 1931. The building had a Spanish Mission style. This theater was part of a big plan by Fox West Coast Theatres to build many cinemas. The theater was also part of the 1929 Westwood Village development. This village was designed in a Mediterranean style by Harold and Edwin Janss.

Changes Over Time

In the 1940s, some areas behind the stage were closed off. On October 18, 1951, the Village Theatre was updated and reopened. It could then seat 1,535 people. The updates included new seats, new carpet, and improved lobby areas. There were also new gold swirls on the stage walls.

In 1973, National General Theatres sold the theater to Ted Mann. He also owned the TCL Chinese Theatre. The theater then became part of the Mann Theatres chain. In the late 1970s, new projection equipment was added. This allowed for 70mm films, and a larger screen was installed.

Historic Landmark Status

In 1988, the Fox Theatre was named an Historic Cultural Monument. This means it is a very important historical building in Los Angeles. Around 1998-1999, the theater was remodeled again. It received new seating and carpet.

New Operators and Technology

In 2010, Mann Theatres stopped operating. Regency Theatres then took over the Village Theatre. They also operated another cinema in Van Nuys. In 2014, Regency added the amazing Dolby Atmos sound system. This made the sound in the theater much more immersive. In 2019, it became the first THX Ultimate Cinema™ theater.

Recent Ownership and Closure

In February 2024, a group of filmmakers agreed to buy the theater. This group was led by Jason Reitman. Other famous filmmakers in the group included J. J. Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, and Steven Spielberg. The group planned to show movie props and costumes there. They also wanted to add a restaurant, a bar, and a gallery. However, on July 25, 2024, the Regency Village Theater closed its doors. The lease for the theater had ended. The Bruin Theater also closed at the same time.

Special Features of the Building

The Iconic Tower

A special part of the theater is its tall white tower. It stands 170 feet high. This tower mixes Spanish Revival and Moderne styles. It rises over the intersection of Broxton and Weyburn Avenues. At the very top of the tower is a blue and white metal "Fox" sign. This sign was updated in the late 1980s.

Decorations and Lighting

You can see carved winged lions halfway up the tower. They sit at the bottom of columns that stick out. A blue and white sign that says "Fox Westwood Village" is at the bottom of the tower, above the entrance. At night, the white tower lights up. Its signs and the tower itself glow, making it a bright landmark.

The main cinema building behind the tower has long rows of Churrigueresque stucco decorations. These are fancy designs made from plaster. On the corners of the building, you can see carved griffins. Griffins are mythical creatures with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.

Famous Movie Premieres

The Westwood Village Theatre has hosted many movie premieres. About 24 movie premieres happen here each year. Some of the movies that first showed here include:

And hundreds of other movies have also had their first showings here!

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