Amazon Opens First Movie Theater, Plans $1B Push To Release Films In Cinemas
Amazon was already in the movie business, but now it has entered the movie theater business, too, opening a brick-and-mortar theater in Culver City.
Amazon reopened the former ArcLight Cinemas in Culver City’s downtown last week, CoStar reported. Amazon leased the theater earlier this year, CoStar previously reported.
The former ArcLight is across the street from The Culver Studios, a film and TV production studio property where Amazon occupies more than 530K SF.
Last month, Bloomberg reported that Amazon would spend $1B making films for theatrical release — a big move for the streaming media giant. Spending at that level would put it on par with established film powerhouses like Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Discovery, according to Bloomberg.
Amazon has been busy this year moving into the traditional movie business, closing an $8.5B deal to buy MGM and its library of more than 4,000 films, such as the Rocky and James Bond franchises.
It is unclear whether Amazon has plans to open more physical theaters. Amazon also opened its first clothing store this year in the Americana at Brand in Glendale.
Now called The Culver Theater, Amazon’s first movie theater seems much like any other theater, with traditional concessions and kiosks to purchase tickets. Theater employees wear uniforms with "Amazon Studios" emblazoned on them, according to CoStar.
