7 months ago
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Posted On: March 25th 2026, 05:10 pm
Pre-pandemic, one of my favorite theaters in L.A. was the Vista - all due respect to the new proprietors, I just preferred the old red exterior, the blockbuster programming, and of course, the pre-COVID pricing ($6.50 for a matinee!!). The interior remains largely the same: one big, beautiful screen; 400 or so comfy seats with the best legroom in the city; and a kitschy Egyptian Revival theme that transports us back to its original construction in the 1920s.
From 2013 - 2020 I saw at least 42 movies at the Vista, probably more, I either lost the tickets or didn’t have room to include them in this tribute. I remember the delight of the crowd as we watched The Lego Movie. I saw It Follows in the afternoon and remember walking home at dusk, nervously looking over my shoulder the whole time.
I loved going to the Vista. But am I nostalgic for the theater itself, or for being ten years younger, or for the idea of “the past” generally? idk. I really liked the popcorn, and maybe that’s enough.
From 2013 - 2020 I saw at least 42 movies at the Vista, probably more, I either lost the tickets or didn’t have room to include them in this tribute. I remember the delight of the crowd as we watched The Lego Movie. I saw It Follows in the afternoon and remember walking home at dusk, nervously looking over my shoulder the whole time.
I loved going to the Vista. But am I nostalgic for the theater itself, or for being ten years younger, or for the idea of “the past” generally? idk. I really liked the popcorn, and maybe that’s enough.
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