Pacific Theatres
| File:Pacific Theatres Print Logo.png | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1946 |
| Defunct | 2021 |
| Fate | Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation |
| Headquarters | |
| Products | Motion pictures, movie theaters |
| Owner | The Decurion Corporation |
| Website | pacifictheatres |
Pacific Theatres was a U.S.-based cinema chain headquartered in the Los Angeles metropolitan area of California. It operated under the ownership of The Decurion Corporation, which also managed ArcLight Cinemas. In 2008, the company sold its theaters in San Diego to Reading Cinemas. Following closures triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pacific Theatres declared in April 2021 that it would remain permanently closed and subsequently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in June of the same year. Various former venues were later purchased by AMC Theatres.
History
Established in 1946 by the Forman family and run through their Decurion Corporation until its shutdown, Pacific Theatres operated nearly 300 screens throughout California. The chain once owned several drive-in theaters, including Los Angeles County’s last Vineland Drive-In located in La Puente, as well as the Valley 6 drive-in in Auburn, Washington, which ceased operations after the 2012 season.
The company grew by acquiring notable Hollywood landmarks such as the Pantages Theatre (1965), Warner Theatre and New View Theatre (1968), Vine Theatre during the 1970s, and Holly Cinema (1985). In 2018, Pacific Theatres was among the pioneers to implement Samsung Onyx LED display technology, boosting its market position with cutting-edge audiovisual equipment.
Beyond exhibition, Pacific expanded into property development through Robertson Properties Group, initially created to transform former drive-in sites. Over time, Robertson Properties evolved into a developer of retail, office, and residential spaces with projects that included theaters at The Grove at Farmers Market in Los Angeles. This strategic diversification contributed to broader corporate growth.
On March 17, 2020, all Pacific Theatres locations closed in response to government orders related to COVID-19. Although restrictions were relaxed by March 2021, the theaters did not resume operations. On April 12, 2021, the company announced it would not reopen due to an absence of feasible options. It then filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on June 18, 2021.
Subsequent acquisitions of former Pacific locations
On July 19, 2021, AMC Theatres revealed it had acquired lease rights for the Americana at Brand in Glendale and The Grove in Los Angeles, reopening these venues under the AMC banner in August. AMC has suggested it may continue acquiring additional former Pacific Theatres sites. In December 2021, AMC also secured the lease for the previous Northridge Fashion Center location in Los Angeles, which reopened its doors in July 2022.
Reading Cinemas
In 2007, Reading International Inc purchased 15 theaters from the Pacific chain located in California and Hawaii. These venues were rebranded as Reading Cinemas on February 22, 2008, with the exception of those in Hawaii, which continued operating under the Consolidated Theatres name. Currently, Reading Cinemas functions solely within the regions of greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.