Finally, City to Get Its Own Home Movies

It’s show time.

After a decade without a movie theater, residents will soon be able to watch feature films in their hometown as a six-screen cinema prepares to open at 641 Camino de los Mares.

Construction crews worked through the heat Tuesday to put the final touches on the Krikorian Premiere Theatres, which celebrates its grand opening Friday and offers residents a sneak preview with discounted movie prices today and Thursday.

“We’re delighted Krikorian has decided to come to San Clemente,” said David Lund, the city’s director of public works and economic development. “It will serve a tremendous need.”

Ever since the single-screen Miramar Theater closed, Lund said San Clemente residents have been forced to leave town to catch a feature film.

That will change with the Krikorian complex and a proposed 14- or 15-screen cinema in the Plaza Pacifica shopping center.

“People are thrilled,” Lund said. “It signals a resurgence in the economic development of the city. . . . I think it’ll be a plus all around.”

The Krikorian complex includes two auditorium-style and four stadium-seating theaters, which seat about 1,200.

In addition, each theater features a state-of-the-art digital sound system.

“We’ve really spared no expense,” said George Krikorian, president and owner of the Redondo Beach-based Krikorian Premiere Theatres, LLC. “It’s totally designed for the patron’s comfort.”

To introduce the public to the complex, Krikorian will offer $1 movies with 50-cent popcorn for the two days leading up to the grand opening. The box office opens today at 4 p.m.

Movie and ticket information: (714) 661-7469.