Delta Theater

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.deltatheater.com

The Delta Theater (currently operating as The Delta) is a historic movie theater located in Brentwood, California, United States. The theater screens a mixture of first-run and second-run films.^[1] Over the decades, it has remained a community favorite, offering a blend of new releases, classics, and discounted screenings. Since its reopening in 2024, the theater screens G, PG, PG-13, and R films from Warner Bros, Disney, Universal, and Paramount.

History

Family ownership (1938-2000)

This theatre was opened on July 26, 1938 when Chas. E. Petersen opened his new Delta Theater in Brentwood. 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 has been converted into two screens. The first screen were Theatre #1, which featured a stage had 190 seats. Theatre 2, which had 130 seats. The total number of seats at the Delta Theater were 320.

In mid-November 1999, the Delta Theater were temporarily closed after showing its last reel.^[4] Charles Boening, the previous owner of the Brentwood Theater Company disappeared owing the landlords an estimated $140,000 in back rent.

On December 17, 1999, the Delta Theater has been reopened with a new owner, Dale Davison become the new president and CEO of the Brentwood Theater Company.^[5] At this time, the theater screens G, PG, and PG-13 films from film distributors.

Campbell Plaza Theaters/CineLux ownership (2000-2020)

In late-August 2000, Paul Gunsky, owner of Campbell Plaza Theaters purchased the Delta Theater from Dale Davison. The plan is for the theater to be closed for four to six weeks for refurbishing.^[6] Gunsky plans to renovate the projection systems, including putting in all-digital sound and installing the new carpeting flooring.

In January 2002, Campbell Plaza Theaters were renamed CineLux Theatres, and the Delta Theater was becoming a part of their broader cinema network. The primarily branding name was renamed as "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 were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[1]

Restoration and reopening (2020-present)

The restoration efforts at the Delta Theater in Brentwood 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 systems and lighting. The iconic marquee, which had been broken since the early 2010s, was restored to its former glory, adding a nostalgic touch to the theater's exterior.

The renovation was led by Sean McCauley and his team, who aimed to restore the theater as a community hub. Sean 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 remains unchanged. The seating capacity has been changed from 320 seats to 200, each screen has 100.

On June 14, 2024, the Delta Theater was reopened beginning with Inside Out 2.^[2] One day later on June 13, the Delta Theater in Brentwood 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. The film was produced by Weblative, and it was showcased as part of the theater's grand reopening celebration. Weblative was a media company based in Brentwood, California.