Fine Arts Theatre

Came here last Friday for the LA premier screening of Seoul Searching. I adore the modernised touches on its old time charm. Velvety red drapes and seating play off well with the metallic gold adornments around the room. And the space itself occupies a good audience whilst still remaining intimate. I can easily see myself coming here more often. I love the ambiance and the mood it creates. Yes, its not so big or efficient but I cherish the quality it offers. It gives an enchanting glimpse into what the original movie going experience must have been back in the day.
Tip: I recommend buying tickets online beforehand. I purchased them before arriving and it was easy breezy entry on a Friday night. Parking is not easy so do plan ahead~~
4.5 stars~ will upgrade to 5 after a few more visits to confirm

I wish there was less than one Star that I can give. First, absolutely no Parking whatsoever. No, really, none, no street, no lots, nothing. So be prepared to pay a hefty ticket if you go see a movie here unless you have a Be early Hills parking permit.
One tiny concession stand, with a huge line up, always.
Bought your ticket online to avoid a line up and get a good seat? Forget about it, you still have to line up to be «scanned» with the other to let buyers, and no reserved seating. I have been to just about every movie theater in LA (really). This is the worst movie experience in LA.
Avoid it like the plague.

Very nice place, but parking is horrendous. No parking lot and lots of permit-​only street parking. Ended up parking 6 blocks away by fogo de Chao and missed the screening of the movie that I worked on. Horrible experience.

This Ahrya Fine Arts theater is a gem. It’s beautiful and well run … a real throwback to another era. Nice staff, too. Might be the nicest theater in LA. The only drawback is parking. There’s no lot. It’s a absolute nightmare trying to find street parking for a weekday matinée. Not sure how it is for evenings and weekends.

Trying to make my way through all of the Laemmle’s and I have yet to be disappointed. With only one screen, I believe it’s their smallest theater, but the theater inside is pretty grand; almost like an Egyptian Theatre Jr. Jr. Had the chance to see the new restoration of Chimes at Midnight which was pretty neat. Clean facilities and great service as well. Best bet for parking would be in the parking structure on La Cienega and Gregory Way. First 2 hours are free and $ 1 for every half hour after, according to the website. However, I parked there for at least 3 hours and didn’t have to pay a cent, so I’m assuming it’s just free after a certain time.

As a teenager and usher at the Fine Arts Theater in 1960, I had to stand in the aisles for hours during performances. I viewed the film «Never On Sunday» for a solid year. I had every line memorized. One evening, a surprise private showing of «Psycho» interrupted our regular programming. It was the second appearance of Alfred Hitchcock’s «Psycho.» It never had a formal premier, but was previously screened a week prior at the Picwood theater in West Los Angeles, where someone in the audience had a heart attack during the «Shower /​Murder Scene.»
After showing it in our theater (The Fine Arts) the projectionist called me aside. While in the projection booth my attention was drawn to the fact that the film had a subliminal suggestion spliced into the footage in the horrifying shower scene. Shortly after launching an investigation by one of The Motion Picture Academy’s Conservatory examiners, they demanded that Hitchcock remove the terrorizing technique. He agreed but made a deal with them that this incident was to be covered up and never released to the media. Only four persons were directly exposed to his secret procedure. They were; Hitchcock, the Conservatory’s representative, the projectionist and myself (although there may have been others). One of Hitchcock’s former careers was that of a film editor. So, the rumor was that he performed the exclusion of the technique himself. The last I heard from our projectionist was that Hitchcock re-​edited the film as promised.
After viewing the 2012 Biopic «Hitchcock», which depicted the making of Psycho, played by Anthony Hopkins, they did not include the little known splicing technique that formerly frightened the audience in the initial two screenings.
The reputation and stigma of the terrifying Shower Scene carried on as an intense thrilling scenario without the subliminal inclusions.
This situation was disregarded and nonchalantly considered as unimportant for fifty-​two years until this under-​informing recent version of «Hitchcock» was released. Should this «Hitchcock» film ever be re-​edited to include that vital information it may clarify the genius perceptions of the horrifying techniques of Mr. Hitchcock. The wisdoms of Alfred Hitchcock shares company with the likes of; Dali, Hieronymus Bosch, Fritz Lang and numerous others. The legacy of Alfred Hitchcock’s film innovations will forever be remembered fore he was indeed the.. . «Emperor of Spine Tingling Horror!»
Coincidentally, the Picwood Theater was removed and redeveloped as the Landmark Theater in the exact location were I viewed the 2012 movie, «Hitchcock». I wonder if it will be played at the Fine Arts Theater! Hmmmmmm!

Beautiful old theater. I love the art deco decorations on the walls. Going here to see a movie is like going back in time. The seats are big and cushy. Well maintained and a great archetectural treasure in Beverly Hills. The only problem for me is that there is very little street parking around the theater.

So apparently the theatre is closed now which is a huge shame because this is one theatre that any film looked better in. Let me tell you my story.
I’m in the industry and to propose to my girlfriend I made a film that involved all of our friends and family. I convinced her she was stopping at the theatre for a work event and when the lights dimmed we were the only ones in the theatre. While the film was running, all of our friends and family filed into the theatre in the back without making a sound. I popped the question (she said yes) and everyone started clapping. It was an amazing moment that I will never forget.
This would not have been as special if it were in some AMC theatre. This theatre had character and charm and just looked like a movie theatre. It took a lot of work to setup that night and I got great help from the staff of the theatre.
It’s a shame they’re closed, but I hope the reopen in the future so others can enjoy the theatre as much as I did,

Good neighborhood, affordable prices for food but confusing as hell. I’ve never been to a movie theater where everything cost the same price… why not just have one size? I’m not sure why bottled drinks are glued down to the counter and why the popcorn seasonings are all hard and clumpy… one of them actually smelled really bad too. I’ve met the owner once… looks like an ass and is an ass. Very rude. And acts like his theatre is the greatest in the world!!! I’ve seen this guy kick out handicap people who were waiting for the movie to start and there was a line outside and they went inside to sit down… come on, have a little compasion for the elderly. The staff is very nice and helpful… maybe the owner should get one of them to run it!

In BH for the BH Hi-​Def Film Festival since our film documentary was being shown in the festival.
Fine Arts Theater remind me of a nice modern update of an old small theater. The inside was really nice and very modern. All films screened are projected in hi-​def. You might not notice it as much anymore since everyone has hi-​def televisions. Live Hi-​def is always good but for a movie to be hi-​def, it needs to be shot that way and shown that way. There is no hi-​def player but blue ray disc comes close.
Now back to the review. I recommend the movie theater for screenings of new and independent features.
They have their own concession stand so don’t sneak in food please unless you want to. Seriously, FAT is a labor of love for Michael S. Hall and I don’t even know him.
If there is a movie you like playing here, I recommend you go.

The best place for private screenings, ever. But it’s also just nice to see a regular old movie here without having to look at Clooney mugging it up. Whatever.
If you get the chance to come here, please take it. It’s a one of a kind venue.

Was here for a private screening last week and was very impressed with this little theater. It’s beautifully kept and lovely to look at while you’re waiting for the movie to begin.

i would imagine that «theater of yore» would look like this place. forget the googoplex monstrosities that headline hollywood blockbuster crap. support independent film and catch a flick at the fine arts!
i had the pleasure of viewing
here this evening. i enjoyed it – it’s playing again at the laemle pasadena one tomorrow. catch it while you can!

A private screening of a rather damn good movie brought me to the Fine Arts Theatre. Parking is close, refreshments are lovely (red bull, starbucks) and ¹⁄₃ the price of a typical cinema. I believe there are only two screens, but the rooms are huge in an intimate sort of way. I really felt so close to all the actors and the director. Well, they were sitting in the next row. Great job guys!

Short Version: Good retro-​style movie theatre.
Long Version: What makes this theatre (and yes, I spell it ‘re’, not ‘er’) so nice is that it is a throw back to theatres from decades ago and it is well kept. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, it’s huge, and they show films that are not presented in mainstream venues. If you’re looking for indie screenings, this is a great place to find them. What puts the place over the top is the décor, from the lighted decorations on the ceiling to the curtain that has a glistening, if slightly cheesy, starfield. But it all makes sense here, and is a nice touch, especially when compared to the cookie cutter boxes of that you find at large theatre chains. The concessions stand is fine and the staff friendly. Just beware that this is Beverly Hills, so be ready to hunt for parking.