Sony and Alamo Drafthouse pursue reopening of Los Angeles Cinerama Dome theater

Sony Pictures and Alamo Drafthouse are in talks to reopen two famous Los Angeles cinemas. The Cinerama Dome and the ArcLight Hollywood have been closed since 2020, when the pandemic forced them to shut. Their previous operator, Pacific Theatres, went bankrupt after the closures. The buildings are still owned by the family of Pacific Theatres founder William R. Forman. The Cinerama Dome, built in 1963, is a protected historic landmark in Los Angeles. It is well known for hosting big studio film premieres. Sony bought Alamo Drafthouse in 2024. Officials are expected to approve a permit for alcohol sales at the site, which could help the reopening move forward. The talks are happening as cinema ticket sales have been recovering this summer.