cinelog.org

Thirty five years ago, Orange County braced itself for “the beginning of the most exciting development in entertainment since sound was introduced to motion pictures.” What was this groundbreaking event? The grand opening of United Artists’ Westminister Mall 4.

 

In what might be the most exaggerated statement in county cinema history, United Artists actually introduced their Westminster location, in the 8/6/74 Los Angeles Times, with the fore mentioned boast. Not surprisingly, reality proved far less grand than what was promised.

 

Opened on August 7, 1974, the theatre was lackluster, even by mid 70’s standards. Offering little more than the convenience of four film choices, in a mall shopping setting, the Westminister 4 never made much of an impact on the county movie going scene. By the mid 80’s, Edwards had taken over the venue and added Dolby stereo sound, but, as with many of the company’s competition acquisitions, little effort was placed in to maintaining the site. Known as a run down dump, throughout it’s later years, the theatre was closed in March of 2001 and quickly gutted for retail use.

 

Despite the grandest of introductions, the Westminister 4 ultimately proved to be one of Orange County’s less notable cinemas.