Hollywood Movie Theaters

The newest and most luxurious of our Hollywood movie theaters. Reserved seating, "Guest Services" (who knows what they really do, but we love the concept), plus the giant, curved screen 1960's Cinerama dome, a landmark of movie history. They have a cool movie bookstore in the lobby, and a restaurant lounge to hang out in before show time. Once you're in the theater, bubbly, upbeat employees introduce the movie and hover nearby to make final adjustments to picture and sound. They also remind the audience to turn off their cellphones and refrain from texting; we heartily approve. www.arclightcinemas.com

A renovated movie palace from Hollywood's golden age, now home to the American Cinematheque. The cinematheque runs American classics, foreign films, bizarre and outrageous indie fare, with frequent guest appearances by stars, directors and writers. To help the Cinematheque continue its celebration of Hollywood history and culture, studios strike fresh prints of forgotten classics specifically to screen at the Egyptian. www.americancinematheque.com

Do we really need to introduce this most famous of all Hollywood movie theaters? Step lightly over the stars' cement-embedded foot, hand and whatever-prints, as you make your way into the Oriental-kitsch decor. Gape at the actors and actresses hoping for their big break by dressing up as Alice in Wonderland, Darth Vader, Michael Jackson and the ghoul from Scream. www.chinesetheatres.com