Cinerama Dome Will Not Reopen After Coronavirus

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Moviegoers were dealt a major gut-punch today when it was announced ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres would not reopen any of their locations. Despite the gradual return of movie theaters across the state as California continues to emerge from the pandemic, parent company Decurion Corporation said they do "not have a viable way forward" in a statement posted to pacifictheatres.com.

"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 statement reads."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."

Pacific Theatres operates a plethora of theaters, although likely none are more central to movie history than the Cinerama Dome. Opened on Sunset Boulevard in 1963, the venue is one of the highest-grossing movie theaters in America according to Deadline.

The dome has seen a number of timely makeovers, being decked in green with tubular ears for Shrek 2 and later adorned with a sliding Spiderman figure for the release of "Spider-Man 2" in 2004. The dome was also featured in Quentin Tarantino's film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," and has appeared in "Entourage" and other TV shows.

The dome was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1998.

"To all the Pacific and ArcLight employees who have devoted their professional lives to making our theaters the very best places in the world to see movies: we are grateful for your service and your dedication to our customers," the letter continued. "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."

Deadline also reported that sources told them the company was planning to turn the keys back to its landlords as part of a negotiation on outstanding leases.

The announcement doesn't rule out a sale of the chain, but the company declined requests for additional comment.

Many notable Hollywood figures took to Twitter to share their favorite Cinerama experiences.

"I’m so sad. I remember going to the Cinerama Dome to see Star Trek IV with my dad when I was little. So many memories since then," Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote.

READ MORE: LA, The Real Star In 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood'

City News Service contributed to this report.