Netflix Rejuvenates the Legendary Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles

Netflix, the streaming giant has reinvigorated the legendary Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles with a multi-million-dollar restoration, symbolizing a bridge between Hollywood’s golden past and the digital age.

This historic movie house, a bedrock in cinematic history and host of the first film premiere in Hollywood a century ago, is set to reclaim its splendor under Netflix’s guardianship.

Built in the silent film era, the Egyptian Theatre was a catalyst in the film industry’s evolution. It made history in 1922 with the premiere of Robin Hood featuring Douglas Fairbanks and established the tradition of the Hollywood red carpet. The theater fell into disrepair in recent years, showing signs of its age until Netflix intervened with a $70 million investment to refurbish this cultural landmark.

Netflix’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, expressed pride in the restoration effort, stating, “If you had seen the theater over the last couple of years before we were able to get in and do this work, you’d see it was showing every bit of its 100 years.” The restoration focused on preserving the original Egyptian Revival design in the courtyard and inside the building while incorporating modern sound and projection equipment.

The grand reopening of the Egyptian Theatre is a landmark event for Netflix, a company renowned for revolutionizing the viewer’s experience. While Netflix pioneered at-home movie viewing, Netflix’s venture into the preservation of a historic cinema underlines its respect for the industry’s roots.

The Egyptian Theatre will host premieres of Netflix’s original films and special events on weekdays, starting with the screening of David Fincher’s The Killer. Weekends will feature classic films curated by the American Cinematheque, a nonprofit group that acquired the theater in 1986 but struggled to maintain the aging structure.

American Cinematheque Chairman Rick Nicita shared his enthusiasm about the theater’s transformation, saying, “Even though we had spent considerable money renovating it, it still was not what we dreamt it could be.” With Netflix’s substantial investment, the Egyptian Theatre has transformed into what Nicita calls a “brand new old movie palace.”

This strategic move by Netflix echoes its previous endeavor in New York, where it utilized the historic Paris theater for special events and screenings.

The company’s investment in iconic theaters is seen as bold in its ongoing competition with traditional movie theater chains and established Hollywood studios. Netflix’s significant financial commitments to cinematic endeavors have not gone unnoticed. The streaming giant is attracting top filmmaking talent, challenging the established Hollywood paradigm.

Its choice to premiere films in independent venues like the Egyptian Theatre, bypassing major movie festivals like Venice, Toronto, and New York in favor of independent venues further emphasizes its commitment to a novel cinematic approach. By premiering titles in iconic theaters like the Egyptian, Netflix seeks to redefine the cinematic experience bridging traditional and digital formats.

Source: Reuters