Laguna Hills Mall
24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA. 92653
(949) 768 – 6611

Specifications

    Operators: Edwards/SoCal/Parth
    Status: Open
    Opened: 12/16/83
    Closed: NA
    Current Use: Film/First Run  
    Screens: 3
    Seating: Slope

Profile

This unique theatre was initially co-owned by SoCal Cinemas (formerly Sanborn) and Edwards Theatres, in an arrangement that appeared to vary in influence over time. The theatre never managed to exemplify the trademark style of either chain, almost existing as a generic cinema under it’s co-ownership. Following SoCal’s late 90’s decline and Edwards’ 2002 bankruptcy, the theatre was taken over by the Parth Theatre Group and continues to operate as a first run venue, with occasional “Bollywood” programming.

Located inside the Laguna Hills Mall, the theatre is somewhat typical of early mall cinema design; with a storefront box office and small lobby leading directly to three auditoriums (the center auditorium being the largest). However, unlike most early mall cinemas, this theatre features a second level walkway/balcony, which encircles the lobby; similar to what was standard for freestanding multiplexes of the era. Additionally, the venue’s large auditorium is comparable, in size and quality, to those found in non mall based cinemas of the time, rather than the traditional mall “shoebox”. While no longer in place, the large auditorium once featured 70 mm projection capabilities and actually ran a few large format features in the 80’s (extremely unusual for such a small, mall based, cinema). The decor is somewhat dark, relying heavily on a black, silver, and gold color scheme, with hints of an art deco design around the entryway. In an effort to visually open the compact lobby, most of the two story area is lined with narrow mirrored pannels and a set of elongated chandeliers hang from the lobby ceiling. Despite the theatre’s advancing years and an apparent lack of any significant remodeling, the venue has remained well maintained.

An odd timewarp of a theatre, the Laguna Hills Mall Cinema has survived for over a quarter century, relatively unchanged, within the ever changing world of Orange County cinema.

Images

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