TCL/Grauman's Chinese Theatre Renovation Pictures

Check out the new TCL/Grauman's Chinese Theatre! Here you can see how the screen is now set back a bit from the arch that it use to hang from.

Side curtains are now open so you can see the beautiful Xavier Cougat mural in silver on the brick walls, as well as, the red lanterns (that look more yellow in these shots unfortunately). The original floor was where the closest pillar to the screen ends.

If you've been in The Chinese Theatre before you remember how dark and dull  this light fixture had become. Not only is it beautifully restored but also lit with changing center colored lights. Gorgeous!

               

     Here are some shots of the lobby. The latern in the entry way. Dorothy's dress from the Wizard Of Oz on display for the grand open of the new IMAX Chinese Theatre run of The Wizard Of Oz in IMAX and 3D.

The Chinese Theatre is Dead, Long Live the Chinese Theatre

TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre made an announcement today that it will reopen September 15th with a week long engagement of Wizard of Oz in 3D and IMAX. Sigh

When the announcement was made that The Chinese would close this summer for renovations and to "upgrade" to IMAX, I was among the group of people extremely concerned about it's historic status. We've been assured by both TCL and the LA Historic Theatre Foundation, that all the remaining historical features of The Chinese were being protected. Which seems to be the case.

I have to acknowledge that this IMAX renovation may be the thing that ultimately saves The Chinese. Anyone who lives in LA and loves old theatres knows how few are still operating as theatres; churches, jewelry stores and even storage for electronic stores yes, but not theatres. While The Chinese was not in immediate danger, as the theatrical release film industry is in decline, it is important that it remains current with trends.

It is sad to see the change but it is worth it, if it allows the theatre to continue for future generations. Change is hard, period. This new incarnation will bring in new audiences, which in turn will fund the theatre going forward. So like the title says The Chinese Theatre is dead, long live the Chinese Theatre.

UPDATE: Once open The Chinese Theatre will only show IMAX films, though it will maintain the ability to show other formats for premieres and film festivals. Which means TCM Classic Film Festival will still be able to hold it's film fest there. Hooray!