The Lido is a wonderful venue. It is full of charm and nostalgia. According to their website:
"The Lido Theatre was opened in 1938, and the first film it played was Bette Davis in "Jezebel". The reason for that was that Davis lived nearby in Corona Del Mar and traveled by the site daily. Upon stopping onsite, she told the owner "they had better open with my picture." And they did. Davis also is responsible for the sitting parlor in the ladies room that harkens back to a time when women sat and smoked and chatted while arranging makeup in the mirrors. There were supposed to be a Men and Women's room downstairs, but Davis insisted on the sitting parlor for the ladies, and so the men's room was relocated upstairs. "
I have visited this theatre many times, and each time I visit the restroom, I think of this Bette Davis story - they still have the lobby card for Jezebel hanging in the ladies room parlour.
The theatre has a balcony, and we love to sit there. It reminds me of seeing movies as a kid. We enjoy seeing family films here, or just going as a couple. They only show one film at a time, so check their website to see when they change. Inside the theatre itself the walls are painted with sea life in flourescents that glow in the dark under a black light. There is very much a feeling of stepping into the past. Sometimes, during big event movies, the manager will speak to the audience before the film begins. He shares trivia, and announces "Enjoy the Show" as the curtain rises. There is clapping, and enthusiasm from patrons. The theatre focuses on service, and patrons are often greeted, and acknowledged by staff.
The entire theatre was restored, and has a wonderful sound system. It is not a beat up old movie house. In fact - The Lido is only a block from the ocean, and houses independent surfing and skateboarding films. It is the Surf Film capitol of southern CA. Every April, they participate in the Newport Beach Film Festival.
My favorite movie so far was "It's a Wonderful Life" - screened yearly at Christmas. I love seeing the film in a cinema that would have originally screened it. It is a wonderful tradition to have during the holidays with your family. My 2 grown children and I all cried, it was so moving in this setting.
There is a faithful following of moviegoers. I like it that you buy your tickets out front, under a grand marquee that lights up at night in a majestic way. The theatre itself is a part of your experience...not just the film. read more