Big Newport
300 Newport Center, Newport Beach, CA.
(949) 640 – 4600

Specifications

    Operators: Edwards/REG
    Status: Open
    Opened: 2/11/69
    Closed: NA
    Current Use: Film First Run  
    Screens: 1/2/3/6 
    Seating: Slope/Stadium (1108/1552/1841/2693 seats)

Profile

The modern gem of Orange County cinema opened in 1969, as Edwards’ fourth county venue and company flagship. Built across from the upscale Fashion Island shopping complex and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the “Big Newport” was among the last of the grand palaces in Orange County.

Originally opened as a huge (advertised as 1300 seats) single screen venue, the Newport featured a 75 foot screen that was billed as being the largest, west of the Mississippi, for over two decades. Designed to capture a “special event” feel, the theatre had a large exterior canopy hanging over the horseshoe shaped driveway, which sheltered a broad entry staircase that was regularly manned by veteran Edwards employee (often Mr. Edwards would greet customers himself).  The box office was a classically small three sales point booth, located on the east side of the entry. Once inside, patrons experienced a large mirror and glass lobby, with a line of dark curtains hanging over the auditorium entrance. The long concession stand (large by the day’s standards, but relatively small in comparison to modern megaplexes) stood against the rear wall, beside the auditorium entrance. On entering the “Big Newport” auditorium, patrons were greeted by an almost sensory overload of seating and massive drapery. True to a classic sense of showmanship, the huge screen was covered by a curtain, which parted dramatically, as the house lights dimmed. Presentation was always top notch and the theatre was regularly updated with the latest equipment (the Newport was among the first theatres to feature digital sound and upgraded systems, as the format evolved). The theatre featured 70 mm capability and regularly featured exclusive engagements of blockbuster films.

A second, less impressive, auditorium (444 seats) was added in 1974, along with the Edwards corporate offices. In 1989, a 289 seat, THX certified, auditorium was built on the opposite side of the “Big Newport.” Unlike most single screen expansions, these additions were actually added on to the complex and not carved out of the original auditorium. With the arrival of stadium seating in the mid 90’s, a set of three 284 seat auditoriums were built further down the complex, on the site of a former restaurant. Due to the venue’s hillside position, the three stadium auditoriums were built at a lower grade than the original theatre, calling for an escalator to be utilized for access to the addition. The resulting complex leaves patrons with the feeling of there almost being two separate theatres (the classic “Big Newport” and modern stadium venue).

Following the passing of Mr. Edwards in 1997 and the company’s bankruptcy, the “Big Newport” began to lose some of it’s luster under the ownership of cinema conglomerate REG. Run more as just another theatre than company flagship, staples, such as the dramatic curtain opening in the “Big Newport” and “cream of the crop” staffing, gave way to standard theatre going faire. Fortunately, these concessions to modern business and changing market trends had little impact on the theatre’s popularity and the “Big Newport” remains a cornerstone of Orange County cinema to this day.

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