The Village Theatre, a historic three-screen movie theater, is getting ready to reopen in Coronado at 820 Orange Avenue under UltraStar Cinemas management.
The theater’s new management team, Evolved Multi-tainment Management, assumed operations in mid-June and plans to reopen the venue on July 1, according to The Coronado Times. The company manages UltraStar Cinemas and several entertainment venues throughout California. While the theater will continue operating primarily as a traditional movie theater, customers can also expect expanded programming, updated concessions, and new discount opportunities.
Originally constructed in 1947, the Village Theatre has long been a fixture in the Coronado community. The approximately 9,000-square-foot Art Deco building opened with a screening of Irish Eyes Are Smiling and served as the city’s primary movie theater for more than five decades. After falling into disrepair, the theater closed for roughly 10 years before undergoing a restoration funded through a combination of city resources and private investment. It reopened in June 2011 under the leadership of Lance Alspaugh and Vintage Cinemas.
The theater currently features three auditoriums, and UltraStar plans to maintain its focus on first-run films while exploring additional programming options. Management is considering special events such as opera broadcasts, anime screenings, and classic movie presentations. The company is also reviewing the theater’s technology systems and may evaluate introducing reserved seating in the future.
Customers will notice several new concession offerings when the theater reopens. Planned additions include ICEEs, ice cream, nachos, and children’s snack trays featuring popcorn and fruit snacks. Management has also expressed interest in eventually adding beer and wine service. A new Popcorn Pass program is expected to launch as part of the updated theater experience.
UltraStar has operated theaters throughout the San Diego region for more than 50 years and plans to remain active in the Coronado community through local partnerships and events. The company intends to continue supporting the Coronado Island Film Festival and maintains relationships with organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This will be an excellent landing space for UltraStar, given the Village Theatre’s long history and strong connection to residents.
