Charter Centre opened on November 22, 1985 on the corner of Beach Blvd. and Warner Avenue.  The theatre was a five-screen complex that complimented a high-rise office building, a small shopping center and a parking structure.  Upon entering the lobby, if you were accustomed to visiting other Edwards Cinemas of the 1980s, you would notice that the design was similar to other theatres like the El Toro 5, Irvine University and Town Center.  Long, skinny “chandelier” lights hung from the tall ceiling, with the lobby leading moviegoers to the auditoriums.  Located upstairs were the restrooms and projection booth.

Some of the auditoriums were fairly good size, and at least one of them had about 500 seats and 70mm projection.  The theatre closed in December 2005, as Century Theatres of Northern California is opening a new 20-screen complex a few blocks away.  However, the complex was re-opened in 2006.

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Edwards Charter Centre grand opening ad (1985)

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Edwards Charter Centre (2005)

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A busy Saturday night at Charter Centre

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The box office and lobby from across Warner Avenue

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Edwards Charter Centre box office and lobby closer view

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Edwards Charter Centre entrance

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Edwards Charter Centre promenade

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A driveway allowed for patrons to be dropped off

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A close-up of the entrance

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Backwall of complex (facing parking structure)

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Edwards Charter Centre roof (digital photo merge)