Movie premieres are a big deal in L.A. and Hollywood for the obvious reasons. Crowds throng the streets outside of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Egyptian, where the stars tromp down the red carpets to enjoy the sight of themselves on the big screen. Even the standard AMC and Century theaters get packed on opening nights, so come early or buy tickets online to assure yourself of seats to your favorite star’s latest release.

The current favorite movie house for star sightings is the ArcLight Hollywood Cinema (6360 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323/464-1478, www.arclightcinemas.com, tickets $12–14). Perhaps this is due to the ArcLight’s 21-and-older-only screenings of major blockbuster movies, which allow patrons to purchase beer and wine at the Café and bring their drinks into the theater with them. But most of all, the ArcLight complex offers the best visual and sound technologies, all-reserved seating, and the updated geodesic Cinemarama Dome theater.

Do be sure to make reservations in advance (you can buy tickets online or at kiosks at the theater) if you want great seats to the latest films. The ArcLight also shows a few art house flicks and even the occasional “retrospective” (code for old) movie in its hallowed theaters. Ask for parking validation for a discount on the adjacent parking structure. You’ll need it, since due to the ArcLight’s status as a Hollywood favorite, you’ll pay above even the usual high L.A. movie theater rates to see a show here.