Delta Theater
| Delta Theater | |
|---|---|
| Alternative names | The Delta |
| General information | |
| Type | Movie theater |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Address | 641 1st Street, Brentwood, California |
| Coordinates | 37°55′55″N 121°41′41″W / 37.93208°N 121.69469°W |
| Opened | 1938 |
| Renovated | 2020-2024 |
| Owner | CineLux Theatres (former operator) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | L.H. Nishkian |
| Website | |
| www | |
The Delta Theater (currently operating as The Delta) is a historic movie theater located in Brentwood, California. The theater screens first-run and second-run films.[1] Since reopening in 2024, the theater has screened G, PG, PG-13, and R films from Warner Bros, Disney, Universal, and Paramount.
History
Family ownership (1938-2000)
This theatre opened on July 26, 1938 when Chas. E. Petersen opened his then-new Delta Theater. It featured two movies, Three Blind Mice and Prison Farm. In 1955, Clifford and Rose Pierce purchased the Delta Theater from Petersen and remained there until 1979.[2] In 1979, the Delta Theater was sold to Johnny Giannini, and then to Roberto Arteaga.[3]
In the early 1990s, the theater was converted to two screens. The first screen was Theatre #1, which featured a stage and 190 seats. Theatre 2 had 130 seats.
In mid-November 1999, the Delta Theater temporarily closed.[4] Charles Boening, the previous owner of the Brentwood Theater Company disappeared, owing landlords an estimated $140,000 in back rent.
On December 17, 1999, the Delta Theater reopened with a new owner, Dale Davison, as the president and CEO of the Brentwood Theater Company.[5] At that time, the theater screened G, PG, and PG-13 films.
Campbell Plaza Theaters/CineLux ownership (2000-2020)
In late-August 2000, Paul Gunsky, owner of Campbell Plaza Theaters purchased the Delta Theater from Davison. The plan was for the theater to be closed for four to six weeks for refurbishing.[6] Gunsky planned to renovate the projection systems, including putting in all-digital sound and installing new carpet.
In January 2002, Campbell Plaza Theaters were renamed CineLux Theatres, and the Delta Theater became a part of their broader cinema network. The theater was renamed "The New Delta Cinema, later "CineLux New Delta Cinema", and then "CineLux Delta Cinema Saver" in the mid-2000s. On March 16, 2020, the Delta Theater closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1]
Restoration and reopening (2020-present)
Later restoration efforts were extensive and aimed at preserving its historical charm while modernizing its facilities. New reclining seats with attached trays were installed, along with upgraded sound and lighting. The iconic marquee, which had been broken since the early 2010s, was restored.
The renovation was led by Sean McCauley, who aimed to restore the theater as a community hub. McCauley begin renovating the theatre in late 2020. However, during the renovation, the digital projectors, some decorations in the hallway, and some at the Delta Theater remained unchanged. The seating capacity was reduced from 320 seats to 200, 100 for each screen.
On June 14, 2024, the Delta Theater was reopened beginning with Inside Out 2.[2] One day later on June 13, the Delta Theater screened a short film celebrating the city's history. The film was showcased during VIP soft openings, where guests were treated to complimentary popcorn, snacks, and soft drinks before enjoying the newly renovated theater.
Architecture
The theatre was designed in Art Deco style, featuring the iconic neon marquee. The marquee was restored in the late 1990s and again in the early 2020s.
References
- ^ a b "Delta Theater in Brentwood, CA". Cinema Treasures. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ a b Judith Prieve (May 26, 2024). "Historic Bay Area movie theater gets a full renovation — and a modern twist". East Bay Times. Bay Area News Group. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ "Historic, refurbished Delta Theater reopens in downtown Brentwood". Contra Costa Herald. June 12, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ "Brentwood's Theater closes its doors". Brentwood News. Knight Ridder. November 18, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ "The Big screen returns". Brentwood News. Knight Ridder. December 16, 1999. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
- ^ "Cinema getting major upgrade". Brentwood News. Knight Ridder. September 1, 2000. Retrieved May 19, 2025.