Cinépolis USA announced the closure on October 21, attributing the decision to the expiration of the theater's lease. The company confirmed that the location will remain open through its final evening screenings on October 29, with no plans announced to reopen the cinema under the existing brand.
The theater originally opened as Edwards Cinemas La Costa 6 on November 22, 1991, before transitioning to UltraStar Cinemas following Edwards' financial difficulties. UltraStar ceased operations at the location in May 2011, when the landlord reached an agreement with a new operator to transform the property into a luxury movie theater.
Cinépolis subsequently renovated the venue, introducing reclining leather seats, in-theater food and beverage service, and a full bar. The upscale concept represented a departure from traditional movie theaters, allowing guests to order meals and cocktails directly from their seats.
The La Costa location became part of Cinépolis' initial expansion into the American market. Founded in Mexico in 1971, the international cinema company opened its first U.S. theater at Del Mar Highlands Town Center in July 2011 before expanding throughout Southern California and other states.
Cinépolis USA CEO Luis Olloqui acknowledged the Carlsbad closure in a statement, thanking employees and customers for supporting the theater over the past 15 years. He said the company intends to continue serving North County moviegoers through its nearby locations.
The closure does not affect Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas La Costa Town Square, located at 3434 Via Mercato in Carlsbad. That eight-screen, 570-seat theater opened in February 2020, featuring reclining seating, expanded dining options and a full-service bar. Cinépolis locations in Del Mar and Vista will also remain open.
Employees at the closing theater have been notified and will be offered opportunities to transfer to other Cinépolis locations, along with transition assistance. Existing gift cards and rewards points will remain valid at the company's other theaters.
The closure follows another significant loss for San Diego County moviegoers earlier this year, when Reading Cinemas permanently shuttered its Grossmont Center location in La Mesa on June 1. Movie theater operators nationwide have faced ongoing challenges from streaming competition, changing attendance habits and fluctuating box office revenues.
For Carlsbad residents, the shutdown ends a 35-year run of moviegoing at Plaza Paseo Real, although the property's future use has not been announced. Cinépolis has not disclosed whether another theater operator could eventually occupy the space.
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas La Costa Paseo Real is located at 6941 El Camino Real in Carlsbad. Its final screenings are scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Originally published on October 21, 2026.
