Glendale’s Historic Alex Theatre Pivots Back to Large-Format Film

The theatre’s return to its roots follows a significant capital investment in technical infrastructure. Management has installed state-of-the-art sound systems alongside dedicated 70mm and 35mm film projectors, signaling a shift toward preserving premium, analog presentation standards. This pivot arrives as both filmmakers and audiences show renewed appetite for large-format theatrical experiences, moving away from purely digital exhibition models.

Since opening in 1925, the Alex has operated as a multi-disciplinary cultural hub, hosting everything from live dance and comedy to new media events. However, the current transition underscores a strategy to re-establish the 1,300-seat venue as a premier destination for cinephiles. Miles Williams, the theatre's artistic director, noted that the upgrade allows the independent space to compete for high-profile film engagements while honoring its architectural legacy. The Odyssey, expected to be a major summer draw, serves as the inaugural showcase for these technical improvements, bridging the venue's Art Deco history with modern cinematic ambition.