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Orange County’s newest movie theatre, Cinema Fusion (aka Gardenwalk 14, The Movie Experience 14, and a few other monikers), is preparing to close after a two year run. Opened in July of 2008, the self promoted “future of movie going”, never managed to capture a sizeable share of the movie going market and struggled to even […]

This week marks the 95th anniversary of Santa Ana’s West End Theatre. In addition to being Orange County’s second oldest remaining theatre structure (the Yost being the oldest), the West End was the first county venue built expressly for use as a cinema. Prior to the West End’s construction, Orange County cinema venues were comprised […]

Forty five years ago, this evening, a sell out audience welcomed Santa Ana’s “ultra modern and luxurious” United Artists Theatre on to the Orange County cinema scene. The VIP grand opening festivities included a pre release screening of the John Wayne picture “In Harms Way” and a star studded reception, which featured the likes of Maureen O’Hara in attendance. Amid […]

During my visit to the Studio of the Theatres open house, I was made aware that many people aren’t familiar with the transformation downtown Santa Ana has undergone over the past twenty years or so. “I never knew this was here” seemed to be a common statement at the event. Unfortunately, far too many people retain images of […]

The Studio of the Theatres open house was held this afternoon. Despite the rather sad circumstances, the event was pleasant and upbeat, with a nice turnout of cinema enthusiasts. In addition to being afforded one last opportunity to view Mr. Musil’s studio and museum, attendees were treated to his eleven curtain Strand Theatre show (put on by vetran […]

Theatre structures have regularly posed a dilemma for property owners. While serving as potentially lucrative tenants and offering up considerable consumer drawing power, there is often a problematic issue once a theatre has run it’s coarse as a viable business. After movie goers have moved on, the property owner is left with a “white elephant”; […]

In the spirit of the holiday, here is a rather provocative 4th of July print add for “The Seven Year Itch”, from the 1955 Los Angeles Times. .   We here at OC Cinema and Cinelog hope you enjoy your own “death defying, action packed, scream a minute, thrill-o-rama”  4th of July. .

Prominent architectural designer, art deco expert, and all around champion of classic theatre showmanship, Joseph Musil Jr., passed away on June 29, at the age of 74. Among Mr. Musil’s many career hi lights were some of the most aw inspiring cinema designs of the modern era. If you have ever visited the El Capitan Theatre, in Hollywood, you’ve […]