For many years, my husband and I would race up to the Laemmle Sunset 5 theaters to see some of the more interesting, non-mainstream films that you couldn’t really see anywhere else. Then we’d spend an hour cruising the aisles at the giant Virgin Mega Store, followed by a walk west on the Sunset Strip for a cocktail. We were living the LA life.
So when the Sunset 5 closed in November of last year it was a sad moment. But not for long – indie god Robert Redford came to the rescue just days later and promised a newly refurbished Sundance Cinemas would take over the spot on the corner of Sunset and Crescent Heights. There may be life breathed into the complex once again and give the Arclight (our current cinema of residence) a run for its money. Why, you may ask?
Beer, wine and food of course. It appears that the Redford multi-faceted Sundance Group (Film Festival, Channel, Resort, Institute, etc) realized that the way to draw people into seeing cinema that may not be on their radar, is to provide a more complete experience ie; offering beer, wine, sandwiches, pizza and salads seat-side. Sundance Cinemas have already opened in Houston, Madison WI, and San Francisco to positive reviews.
The Sunset Sundance theater (what will they call it?) appears to already have won over the hearts of the Hollywood Hills West Area 7 Committee (part of the local Neighborhood Council) which has voiced its support of alcohol sales on the site as Sundance goes to the City requesting a beer and wine license.
Not only will you be able to sip your favorite red, but you’ll also have a reserved seat in the newly refurbished theater. Let’s just hope the popcorn is dusted with some white truffle sea salt.
West Hollywood Patch: Sundance Presents Plans to Neighborhood
About Julie Grist
Julie co-founded the Larchmont Buzz with fellow buzzer Mary Hawley in 2011 and served as Editor, Publisher and writer for the hive for many years until the sale of the Buzz in August 2015. She is still circling the hive as an occasional writer.
