Home Antioch Updated: AMC Deer Valley in Antioch Closes

Updated: AMC Deer Valley in Antioch Closes

by ECT

Movie goers looking to see a movie in the City of Antioch will no longer be able to do so after the AMC Deer Valley 16 closed Sunday night for good.

Signs are now posted saying, “There are no shows playing at AMC Deer Valley”.

According to sources who worked at the movie theater, about 25-people lost their job while multiple employees were transferred to the Brentwood location on Sand Creek – on the AMC website, they encourage movie goers to visit them at their next closest location from Antioch, which is Brentwood.

Multiple sources have confirmed that the AMC was in negotiations with the property owner on multi-million dollar renovations and a Letter of Intent was agreed upon before AMC opted to close instead and focus on pushing the Brentwood Sand Creek location.

Antioch Mayor Sean Wright said the closure was a loss to the city.

“It stinks, Antioch is a large town and we should have a theater,” said Mayor Wright. “We need to work with the owner to find a new user for the theater.

Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock agreed.

“I think that closure is a huge loss to the City of Antioch because a lot of people go there and provided many jobs to the local community including our youth. Hopefully it won’t stay vacant for long and someone new will take over,” said Ogorchock.

AMC has not responded to two media requests

Update

According to Ken Turnage, he was provided with permission from Gabriel Chu, the property owner of the Deer Valley Plaza, to speak on the negotiations. 

“There was a negotiations to have $6.4 million in renovations in an effort to bring the facility up to date,” explained Turnage. “A couple week sago, AMC sent a letter saying they were cancelling the lease and would be closed by the end of the July. This was complete shock to everyone involved because it was set by everyone involved that this major renovation was going to happen at this movie theater.”

Turnage says no true reason was given, just they did an analysis of attendance, and felt they were not going to go forward with the lease. The letter was short that they were not going to move forward with the lease and their decision was final.

“It was out of the blue and unexpected,” said Turnage. “There was nothing about a rent increase or greed of owner, it just didn’t work out.”

He added this was a situation where Antioch and Chu did everything right without missteps but AMC was going to close either the Antioch or Brentwood location based on the attendance numbers.

AMC has not responded to two media requests

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53 comments

Steve Jul 8, 2019 - 3:32 pm

While it’s terrific that the city council feels so strongly about this, the problem is that nobody wants to go to a theater in a crime infested area. CLEAN UP THE AREA. Get rid of the junkies. People don’t feel safe in that area which is completely disheartening since Antioch was a nice place before THIS element came here.

Linda Thomas Jul 9, 2019 - 9:46 pm

U r right! I got my Honda emblem stolen off the front of my car in the daytime! They needed a security officer 24/7!

Leigh Jul 12, 2019 - 5:44 pm

My favorite theater. I never felt unsafe.

owen Jul 8, 2019 - 4:04 pm

Not surprised at all. When Hollywood actors decided to go political and become rabid anti Trump radicals Hollywood lost more than 50% of their viewers. Notice any block buster movies lately? Nope.

e Jul 8, 2019 - 4:47 pm

what are you talking about do you live under a rock, Endgame literally had the biggest box office of all time moron

Mark Jul 8, 2019 - 5:06 pm

You’re an idiot. The last Avengers movie was the second highest grossing movie of all time. The new Spider-Man movie took in $187 million in its first weekend and Toy Story has been a huge hit.

Jerry Jul 8, 2019 - 5:19 pm

Owen, End Game just broke multiple records for viewing numbers and is still in theaters. Do some research dude.

TJ Jul 8, 2019 - 5:59 pm

Well Owen, that has to be the stupidest thing I have read today. No blockbusters because of Trump. what a load of shit. With an approval rating of 39%, he will be remembered as a failure and his followers, idiots
Avengers: Endgame $847,881,150
Captain Marvel $426,829,839
Aladdin (2019) $320,705,265
Toy Story 4 $306,117,899
Spider-Man: Far from Home $185,063,062
Us $175,005,930
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum $165,116,354
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World $160,799,505
Pokemon Detective Pikachu $143,067,708
The Secret Life of Pets 2 $140,658,930

JD Jul 8, 2019 - 6:17 pm

Only sheeple go to watch hellywood propaganda. Revelations 13.

Sauced Jul 8, 2019 - 7:56 pm

Lol, this has nothing to do with Trump or the quality of films that are coming out. Get real. It has everything to with the lack of sales. Apparently you didn’t read the article, more specifically the last paragraph that states, “…AMC was going to close either the Antioch or Brentwood location based on the attendance numbers.” I go to both theaters but it’s obvious that AMC Brentwood is the more favorable theater, even if it is more expensive.

Rachel-S Jul 10, 2019 - 4:33 am

It’s called “end of a 20-year lease” people. It happens at the end of the month in cities all over the country in retail ranging from small stores to big box stores to aging theaters.

Tom Raines Jul 19, 2019 - 1:27 pm

Trump is a radical mob ruler. A cheat . Unfair to everyone but knows how to talk to an unhappy mob.We need to unite our country not devide it.He is not the answer to anything . He is the problem. If he were at this movie I would want all the young girls and boys to leave for their own protection

Julio Jul 8, 2019 - 4:21 pm

This just proves Mr Mayor has just been blowing more hot air. He said he had an agreement with the property owner of several other crappy Antioch shopping centers to upgrade this property. Mr Chu cannot be trusted and perhaps Mr Mayor needs to rethink the apartment buildings he has agreed to allow him to build.

JUAN M LOPEZ Jul 8, 2019 - 4:23 pm

Local theater was losing business when other theater where upgrade there theater and that shopping center have bad vibe

Steven K. Jul 8, 2019 - 4:38 pm

Not sure why people find it necessary to turn this political, it’s not. Other nearby by theaters are booming. This one is simply a victim of being run down and attracting the element. The nearby theaters are more modern and safer, period. I stopped going to this one, even though it’s closer, for this very reason. That whole plaza is fading away with business shuttering.

Morning Glory Jul 8, 2019 - 4:57 pm

Ever since the CHINESE bought up the entire AMC chain of theaters country-wide, we have stopped patronizing them. Word got around fast. We then built a state-of-the-art home theater and can stream in any film we want. But most of the new ones are so bad, that who really wants to waste time to watch them!

Denise Grimes Jul 9, 2019 - 8:24 am

Wow, it’s a racial thing now? Pretty sad. How about bad area. Bad attendance. Not many people know or care the race of the AMC owners because it shouldn’t matter. End of story.

Tammy Jul 10, 2019 - 11:50 am

Yes! It DOES matter. It matters greatly! People should make it their business to know! The ComChinks are slowly buying up this country! This means blocks of residential high-rises (think Emeryville), our industrial buildings, our business structures, wineries, farmlands, meat-processing companies (think Smithfield Hams) and residential real estate.

I am elated that the AMC theater has shut down. Good riddance! Maybe the same will happen to their Brentwood facility….. and then across the country.

Grace McGee Jul 10, 2019 - 4:35 pm

True, Tammy! Now, let’s say an American citizen want to buy property for cash. He has to prove where that money came from. Was it legally obtained? Or through some means like illegal drug sales? Now, when a foreigner flies in here from God-knows-where, and want to buy property for cash, no one asks him how he acquired it. Russians and Chinese are doing this all the time.

John D Fink Jul 8, 2019 - 5:37 pm

Yet another example of a City who’s Economic Development Department is asleep at the switch and lets a large business go. Where is the transparency informing the City leaders that a large tax provider may need to help to stay open. Happened to Brentwood when we lost Best Buy. Oh, wait…we had the same Economic Development Director that Antioch now has. That explains a lot! Sorry Antioch.

Julio Jul 8, 2019 - 6:15 pm

John. That explains everything! I know people who warned Antioch not to do this hire. He spends alot of department money though.

Trouble Is On It’s Way Jul 8, 2019 - 6:39 pm

Watch out Brentwood theatre. The ghetto hood rats will soon infest and cause problems at your location!

Elizabeth E. Parker Jul 10, 2019 - 4:44 pm

They have already infested it. The AMC in Brentwood has had quite a few hold-ups in their parking lot. Quite a few stores have left the Streets of Brentwood outdoor mall.

Pacal Jul 21, 2019 - 9:15 am

Are your afraid? Of

Brian Jul 8, 2019 - 6:48 pm

Business in Antioch especially in the area of this shopping center with all that happens here from people who don’t respect community. Call the police after hearing gunshots and the sirens don’t start until 10 minutes after the shooting. Police can’t get a handle on it too much below market housing and bad people who are ruining the city. Bad Planning, Bad Board and Bad Politics. So sad welcome to a ruined town.

VICKI MCKENNA Jul 8, 2019 - 6:58 pm

A tale of Two Cities. Antioch and Brentwood. How can 2 cities exist side by side and yet be at opposite ends of the spectrum. Antioch city leadership continues to make poor decisions that drive hard-working, decent people out. The homelessness, crime and failing businesses are symptoms of a poorly run city, while Brentwood continues to thrive and prosper. Where is our revitalization of the waterfront that could be beautiful and a boon to Antioch’s economy?? Promises broken again and again lead me to believe that there may be more going on here than meets the eye. Someone is getting rich from Antioch’s constant failures. So long AMC. You will be missed.

Marty Fernandez Jul 9, 2019 - 10:27 am

For years Antioch and Pittsburg existed side by side and Pittsburg was always the arm pit. Times change and Antioch cannot hold a candle to Brentwood. The world keeps changing all the time. Lower income people were run out of Pittsburg to Antioch. Some are now moving to Brentwood and even Discovery Bay. That’s life but Antioch seems to do little to help its self.

Gary Gilbert Jul 9, 2019 - 7:04 pm

Unfortunate that Antioch continues on a downward spiral. A lot of kind, wonderful people like Marty & Nancy and you Vickie McKenna still in the city though a great many have left.

Stay safe and best wishes!

Pacal Jul 21, 2019 - 9:19 am

Some people want Antioch. To fail so other city business prosper ….

Concerned Antiochianite Jul 8, 2019 - 8:22 pm

For me that theater was DOOMED when I consistently kept seeing broken glass on the ground in the parking lot from vehicle break ins I decided that I would never go to the theater on top of the fact that their latest show times were 7ish!!! Sucks because I had so many fond memories of that place…but on the other hand I am not surprised 1 bit!!!

martin nmn Jul 8, 2019 - 10:03 pm

After my car was broken into twice while we were at that AMC theater, there is no way I would be caught dead in that parking lot again OR in that theater with the ghetto sewer rats causing problems. Putting their dirty shoe on top of the head rest in front of them. Munching stinky popcorn loudly, eating hamburgers with raw onions and totally stinking up the theater, spilling their drinks on those sitting below them, talking loudly. Forget it!

Nothing like have a huge flat screen TV with surround sound and a great choice of films and shows to watch and no distraction.

Kimberly Jul 8, 2019 - 10:43 pm

The AMC theaters in Brentwood also have problems with movie goers being held up in the parking lot adjacent to the theater. I have friends who had a few of those bad experiences and it was in the daytime. The theater needs to hire some security guards to peruse that parking lot. We no longer go there.

Sheesh Jul 8, 2019 - 11:03 pm

That’s stupid. Politics ruined this theater?? No blockbusters because of Democrats in Hollywood? Black panther, endgame? Not really bud. Crime? Most definitely.

k Jul 9, 2019 - 4:59 am

Antioch is just too damn scary, I try never to do anything in Antioch. It’s a “f”ing shame, Antioch High class of 86, what a change

Pacal Jul 21, 2019 - 9:09 am

If you want a better city you have to support the city including their business.

Enough Is Enough Jul 9, 2019 - 7:41 am

Yet another [not surprising] loss for this city, which saddens me to see. We moved to Antioch in 1994, and there was such promise and potential. Gone are the days, I’m afraid.

Jackie Jul 10, 2019 - 4:21 pm

Antioch was already heading way downhill in 1994. My grandparents, who lived in Antioch in the early 1960’s don’t even recognize the place anymore. Good businesses have fled in droves! Most of the city is now a SLUM!

Pacal Jul 21, 2019 - 9:10 am

If you want a better city you have to support the city including their business.

Lorenzo jones Jul 9, 2019 - 8:15 am

They should let Maya run it, they have a safe, clean, and affordable theater.

PattyOfurniture Jul 9, 2019 - 10:10 am

I stopped going to that area when Schooners closed up shop.

This was going to happen, it was only a matter of time. Remember when Brenden Theaters opened up on Century? Then Regal Deer Valley was built and Brenden closed. Streets of Brentwood opened up and now Deer Valley is gone. This area isn’t big enough to support two huge movie theater compounds.

the old Brenden location was half-used for years/ empty. I hope Maya can make a go of it long-term.

Dissappointed, but not surprised at all. Jul 9, 2019 - 4:49 pm

I loved going to the matinee at this theater. Been going there for years. But I must say… Antioch is a crap hole and getting worse. I recommend that people save their money, invest and develop an exit strategy. You don’t want to die in this shit hole.

Pacal Jul 21, 2019 - 9:11 am

If you want a better city you have to support the city including their business.

Daniel Jul 9, 2019 - 7:20 pm

Well this stinks. This was the only movie theater that had prices around the $4-$6 range depending on what time you went. This is so out of left field.

Richard Jul 12, 2019 - 2:27 am

Ever think that if they charged higher ticket prices, fewer ghetto rats would go there and ruin it for everybody? Didn’t they have a riot there a few years ago? Right in the parking lot? I remember driving by it and seeing just about ever Antioch cop there.

Meg Jul 9, 2019 - 9:59 pm

Well…I never went there.Its right in the middle of section 8 purgatory.In the middle of the afternoon the Maya Cinemas is alright in a pinch but mostly the safest and best is in Martinez.

Grace Jul 10, 2019 - 9:37 pm

You’re right! Martinez and Pleasant Hill are the best places. Safer parking! You might not get robbed and they have good restaurants.

Waste Jul 12, 2019 - 6:09 am

Lol! The city pretends that problem doesn’t exisit.

Emily S Jul 10, 2019 - 11:58 am

I don’t care for movie theaters, but if an exceptional film is being shown, I might go with a bunch of friends but only on weekdays and at a time when people are at work. No crowded theater for me. But we do not like to attend any showings in Antioch. We actually head for cities like Pleasant Hill, Martinez or Walnut Creek. Same goes for restaurants.

Lola Saavedra Jul 10, 2019 - 4:40 pm

The few times I’ve been there, it reeked of rancid popcorn! I don’t like to hear people loudly chewing food behind me and the stinky popcorn did it. Until my car got broken into, we would patronize SCHOONERS, but after it closed, there was no reason to go near that place. Now, we go Clayton, Concord or Martinez.

Pacal Jul 11, 2019 - 4:15 pm

I don’t know why some many people from Brentwood like to talk Shit about Antioch. They used to live in Antioch and ….now they live in another city and they think they better .. .. Antioch is true is going to some problem but we have a lot of hard working people. The theather closure is shame for the the City and their promoters .. The Movie theater was must of the time busy. Although. Needed some renovation for sure.

I never had any problem in the city of Antioch and I always support the city ..

Antioch has better potential that many other cities like the the front river location that. That many other cities will wish to have ..

I keep my hopes for the city and their hard working people that live in Antioch.

Sorcerer Jul 12, 2019 - 8:41 pm

Don’t assume anything, Pacal! What make you so cock sure that people living in Brentwood used to live in Antioch? “They think they better?” Many of us never lived in Antioch because it has gone downhill so much that it’s become a dangerous place. It has nothing to do with hardworking people. As to waterfront location, Martinez and Pittsburg are on the waterfront but they have done something with it. Antioch has not!

You were just plain lucky not to have any problems in Antioch, but more and more people did and do. By the law of averages, it’s just a matter of time before it’s YOUR turn.

This AMC theater is located in a crime-infested area. Park your car in that lot and see how long it will take for someone to break in! Renovations won’t do a thing.

Claudio Pubill Jul 12, 2019 - 6:03 am

Why spend money to upgrade a place, when you have a fairly new place about 3 miles away. It’s the only logical move for AMC. I stopped going there because the place is riddled with crime, and teens who have little respect for themselves, and others trying to enjoy a day at the movies.

James Jul 12, 2019 - 5:48 pm

I agree with our Mayor. Antioch does need a movie theatrer. The best theater this town ever had was the Stamm. Very classy. Now sadly, it is a church. Hopefully AMC will get cleaned up and offer something worth going to. And I am not refering to the mocies.

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