2023 Rewind

As the tape always says, “Be Kind & Rewind.” It’s the start of a new year, but let’s take a moment to rewind & reflect on 2023. It was an incredible year for the VHS & filmgoing community here in Los Angeles, with so many amazing screenings & events, with cinemas & video stores finally reopening.

Vidiots is back! The legendary Santa Monica video store is reborn in Eagle Rock, with the beautifully restored Eagle Theatre next door. New video stores Be Kind Video & Whammy continued to grow, with more events, screenings & VHS swaps. I was lucky enough to host three screenings at Be Kind Video: Video Violence, Hey Stop Stabbing Me, and Adjust Your Tracking! Cinefile Video is staying strong next to the Nuart. Videotheque unfortunately had to leave South Pasadena after 20 years, but luckily found a new home in highland park. Sadly, Broadway Video in Long Beach is now gone.

The Vista cinema & the Egyptian are back! Two of the most gorgeous cinemas in the city are finally screening films again. Netflix funded a beautiful restoration of the Egyptian (even if I still miss the balcony), and Tarantino spruced up the Vista, which will now be playing only film prints. The Gardena cinema is still going strong, thanks to great repertory screenings & volunteer help. The Laemmle NoHo is still here, but sadly it’s days are numbered. And the Arclight Hollywood & Cinerama Dome still lies dormant, waiting for salvation.

Hopefully things will continue to grow & flourish in 2024! Pray for the Cinerama Dome’s return!