By Mary O’KEEFE

The pandemic has forced many businesses to forever shutter their doors. One that recently announced its closure is near and dear to many Angelenos – ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres announced this week that it will not reopen.

“After shutting our doors more than a year ago, today we must share the difficult and sad news that Pacific will not be reopening its ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres location. This was not the outcome anyone wanted, but despite a huge effort that exhausted all potential options, the company does not have a viable way forward,” according to a statement from the company on Monday.

This is a sad loss to many who have spent so many hours at these amazing theaters. The outpouring of tributes on Twitter came from people from all walks of life including celebrities like director John Carpenter: “A sad day for cinema. The Cinerama Dome, the ArcLight and other Pacific theaters are closing their doors.”

Rian Johnson, director, tweeted, “Well this sucks. Every single person who worked at the Arclight loved movies, and you felt it. Sending love to every usher, manager and projectionist who made it such a special place.”

All of us at the CVW are sad to see these theaters close. The ArcLight in Pasadena was a perfect “date night” place that made going to see a film a treasured experience. For me, the Cinerama Dome was a magical place. Being from the Midwest, going to this theater was everything I imagined Hollywood to be. My family went to the Dome on a regular basis and I can remember seeing “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” with several of the artists who worked on the special effects for the film. And I remember standing in line with my family of Trekkies awaiting the opening of “Star Trek IV.”

“To all the Pacific and ArcLight employees who have devoted their professional lives to making our theaters the very best places in the world to see movies: we are grateful for your service and your dedication to our customers. To our guests and members of the film industry who have made going to the movies such a magical experience over the years: our deepest thanks. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you,” stated a company release.

When you went to an ArcLight or Pacific Theater you felt like you were with others who not only loved film but also respected the art of filmmaking.

They will be missed.