The Oriental opened in 1927.

Published July 20, 2008 at 5:19 a.m.

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Posted by Z_boy on July 21, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (report)

The Oriental, hands down! Its popcorn used to be the best (along with the Downer), but it turned to crap about 10 years ago. That's my only strike against the place. These days, best popcorn goes to the Times. The Avalon always looked run-down and dirty toward the end of its run. It even smelled like mildew. I'm sure back in its day it rocked. Hopefully, the new owners will give it a good cleaning. I thought it was scheduled to reopen as office space.

Posted by alba on July 20, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (report)

I hope the Avalon follows the lead of the Rosebud. If you don't have stadium seating and Dolby Digital, at least serve microbeers and lower your ticket prices.

Posted by High_Life_Man on July 20, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (report)

I loved the Avalon as a kid. The stars were awesome. I remember seeing "Mr Mom" there after we stopped at Goldman's. I like the couches at the Rosebud, but the sound is horrible. That's fine for indy and foreign pics, but never go there to see an action movie.

Posted by AJR Journal on July 20, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (report)

The Avalon! Absolutely magical! The "atmospheric" interior recreates the magic of a Moorish castle under the stars. I am hoping for the return of the theater organ, which is breathtaking. I can't wait for its reopening.