Sunday marked the final act for a once-thriving movie theater that will soon be demolished as part of a major redevelopment plan for the upscale Calabasas Commons shopping center.
“It has been our pride and pleasure to serve the Calabasas community,” Regency theater management shared on social media, announcing its last day of welcoming moviegoers would be Dec. 28. “We are truly grateful for your patronage and hope we’ve provided you with many great movie memories.”
Its final showing was “Zootopia 2” at 7:20 p.m.
The six-screen theater opened in 1998 as the Edwards Grand Palace Stadium 6 and was considered one of the most expensive theaters per screen ever built by Edwards, according to The Acorn, the local newspaper. Edwards eventually went bankrupt, and the theater was acquired by Regal and later Regency, following a brief closure in 2022.
Like many theaters, it struggled in recent years as audiences shifted from the big screen to streaming services – a trend accelerated by the pandemic. Nationwide, theater attendance remains down around 20% from pre-pandemic levels, according to industry data.
Its demise was not unexpected.
Two years ago, developer and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso’s company, which owns the Commons, announced plans for a major redevelopment project that includes housing, new stores and restaurants — and the demolition of the theater. It was just a matter of time.
A rendering of the “reimagining” of The Commons at Calabasas. (Caruso)
The original vision for the project has been scaled back to include more retail space and fewer residential units — down from more than 100 to 80 “beautifully designed luxury apartments,” according to Caruso’s website. Groundbreaking is expected to be in February, The Acorn reported.
“Inspired by the community, for the community, the plan will include a lush new area that creates a welcoming new space perfect for movies in the park, gathering with friends, children’s events, enjoying a good book, listening to local musicians, or for community gatherings and celebrations.” the site states.
Fans of the theater lamented its fate on social media.
“This is so sad,” said KTLA movie critic and entertainment host Scott Mantz. “As much as I still believe that seeing movies in theaters is the way to go, you can’t argue with declining attendance now that more people are choosing to watch movies at home.”
“My all time favorite theatre. So many wonderful movies watched here. The recent remodel maintained that nostalgic old Hollywood vibe,” filmgoer Maria Palacios wrote. on Facebook.
“This breaks my heart,” wrote Christina Gaspar. “Your staff has always been so welcoming, and you have kept the theater clean and inviting. I wish you could be part of the redevelopment.”
The Regency at Calabasas Commons is the third theater to close in the area in recent years, following closures in Agoura Hills and Westlake Village.
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