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Actually, "restoration"
doesn't do justice to what the company has accomplished. Today, Pacific's El Capitan shows new, first-run movies from the Walt Disney / Touchstone studios. In fact, almost all of Disney's recent major films have had their world premieres at this the El Capitan. If you want to watch the stars arrive on the red carpet for these premieres, just check my Calendar of Events page for the dates and times. On non-premiere days, for the price of a movie ticket, you can experience the romance of Old Hollywood, from the live organist who fills the air with song before the show, right down to the shiny gold braids on the shoulders of the brightly-costumed ushers (who look as if they had stepped right out of a 1940's movie). They just don't make theatres like this anymore.
Often, special Disney movie presentations are preceded by a live stage show, replete with singing ushers and a prancing, costumed chorus line on stage - something virtually unheard of for a movie theatre in this day and age. Almost every Christmas season, each movie screening is preceded by a live Disney stage show, featuring costumed Disney characters, favorite music from Disney films, singing, dancing, and even Santa! Now that's entertainment! For special events such as the release of a new major Disney animated film, the theater's basement hosts special animation exhibits, where ticket-buyers can see how the movie was made, with displays of hand-drawn cels, behind-the-scenes videos, and actual clay models used by the animators.
Is it any wonder that the El Capitan has become the highest-grossing single-screen movie theatre in America? On most days, the lines of ticket-buyers stretch for blocks down Hollywood Boulevard. The theatre seats 1,040. For my money, the best seats in the house are in the upstairs balcony, in the front row of the second tier. Make it a point to visit the theatre when they have live entertainment on stage (these shows are especially popular at Christmas time). Phone first to be sure that a live stage show is planned. You might also consider buying your tickets in advance, over the phone, to avoid the long lines. Advance tickets can be purchased by phone from (323) 757-4PAC, or at the box office (which opens at noon.) The El Capitan is not inexpensive. But the first two shows are usually "bargain" matinees. VIP Admission, which includes reserved balcony seats and free popcorn, costs more. The box office accepts Visa & Mastercard, as well as Interlink ATM cards. Tickets can also be bought and printed out online. The El Capitan is one of the best things to happen to Hollywood in the last fifty years. It is one the few sparkling gems on the Boulevard. Don't miss it. Update: The El Capitan (or more specifically, the former Masonic Hall right next to it) is now also the home to ABC's night time "The Jimmy Kimmel Show". You can see Jimmy walking in the front doors in the show's opening credits. (Speaking of TV shows, Ryan Seacrest now does his show directly across the street, at Hollywood & Highland, so there are now two shows broadcasting every weekday from Hollywood Blvd.) Update: In 2005, they
opened something new right next door to the El Capitan: Disney's
Soda Fountain & Studio Store, an old
fashioned ice cream parlor experience with a counter, full-service tables,
and a take out window, all offering ice cream Cones, sundaes, shakes and
malts, freezes, floats, and old-time phosphates. In addition to the ice
cream, they'll also serve hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and Mickey
Mouse-shaped peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches. The Studio Store features
a wide assortment of Disney DVD titles, as well as a one-of-a-kind interactive
kiosk that allows access to Disney's entire DVD catalog.
[You
can buy tickets to the El Capitan online, and print them out on your computer,
by going to: http://www.elcapitantickets.com.]
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