VIBE

In 1963, when it first opened, the Cinerama Dome (a geodesic-shaped theater) was the ultimate in high-tech film screening, showing Hollywood’s very first attempts at wide-screen pictures. These days, this masterpiece of mid-20th century cinematic engineering still remains on the cutting edge with its 14-screen ArcLight multiplex, which features perks like no previews, stadium seating, gourmet popcorn, and a sophisticated bar. Film offerings run the gamut from blockbuster to art house, and the crowd ranges as widely from families with kids in tow to connoisseurs savoring the surround sound and picture quality. This is the perfect place to enjoy the heart of this city: movies.

GO HERE WITH

A date; friends; film buffs

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a grown up night at the movies–rather than buying a bucket of soda from a surly teenager and then racing to hunt for a non-neck-craning seat, during the 21+ screenings, you can sip a gorgeous cocktail and nibble on gourmet popcorn before being led to your assigned spot in the theater by professional ushers.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The prices are pretty steep for a night at the movies.

GOOD TO KNOW

You can pick your seat in the theater when you make reservations online. However, even though you might not have to hunt for a seat, definitely make sure you get there on time because there are no previews before the films. It is worth planning ahead to see a movie in the legendary Dome itself (vs. one of the other theaters in the multiplex). Parking here is on the more affordable side at $2 for the first four hours with a movie ticket, and there are shops and restaurants on site, so you can really make a night out of it.

Read more about ArcLight Cinemas in The Diary

OTHER LOCATIONS

None

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles