On The Boulevard: Hollywood Walk of Fame

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

Part of the fun of visiting Hollywood is seeing stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Though appearing endless, the line of stars stretch 2.4 miles on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Celebrating the achievements of the entertainment industry with over 2,400 stars since 1958, don't be surprised finding yourself saying 'who' often with the importance of many icons fading into the past.

The stretch of Hollywood Boulevard fronting Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood & Highland has become prime real estate for the Walk of Fame. Stare are presented in double rows instead of a single line with some high profile stars moved here from their original placement.

Visit the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce website to find the stars of your favorite celebrity. The site also explains the requirements for receiving a star. Among recent honorees with stars include actress Reece Witherspoon and singer Christina Aguilera. Upcoming ceremonies will present stars to Colin Firth and Alec Baldwin.

On The Boulevard: Grauman's Chinese Theatre & Forecourt

Theatre facade along Hollywood Blvd.

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

The original. This was the main reason why tourists used to brave a seedy world to visit Hollywood. Grauman's Chinese Theatre opened in 1927 and ever since has been one of the most sought after theatres for movie premieres. See the related post about "The Fighter" premiere. Now with the rejuvenation of this portion of Hollywood, tourists are unlikely to hesitate to visit.

Theatre entrance.

The Chinese motif adds a distinction to this movie house that beckons back to a time when movie theatre architecture design was also an art. The most iconic portion of the theatre is the entrance comprised of two gigantic coral red columns topped by iron masks with a bronze roof above and two giant Heaven Dogs guarding at ground level.

But what cemented (literally) the theatre's legendary status is the forecourt immortalizing celebrities with footprints, handprints and autographs with the most recent being Cher in November 2010. The first footprint ceremony took place in 1927 for Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.

The theatre also offers tours which I plan to attend upon my next visit to this part of Los Angeles. Next door at the Hollywood & Highland Center the theatre operates the Mann Chinese 6 Theatres playing the latest movie releases.

Visit manntheatre.com for more information. The website includes a map of the forecourt. Tours are offered every 30 minutes daily except during special events. Visit the theatre or book online for tickets Tickets are Adults $12.50; children $8.50.

Sample of footprints in the forecourt.

On The Boulevard: Tip the Costumed Crusaders

Do you see Superman,  2 Spidermans, Supergirl, Captain Jack, Elmo,
Davy Jones and the masked man from the "Scream" films.

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

One of the obvious happenings on Hollywood Boulevard fronting the stretch between Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood & Highland Center are the costumed performers offering to pose for photographs.

One important thing to know is these performers cannot ask for money for posing in photographs. They can be offered a tip for the service. Controversy due to tactics employed by some performers demanding money from tourists resulted in the boulevard being swept clean of performers in summer 2010 by L.A. police. By November, the costumed characters were allowed back on the street.

Do you see Jake & Neytire from "Avatar", Sponge Bob and
Barney the Dinosaur.

If you must take a photograph with one of these costumed characters, you may want to consider how well their costume is kept and made. Characters with detailed makeup rather than a mask obviously take their performance seriously. If you have children, be prepared that this may feel like Disneyland to them and the young ones will want a photograph with every favorite character they see. Finally be prepared to tip. There is even a flickr fan group that can give you some idea of whom you might see on the boulevard.

Most costumed performers front the Kodak Theatre or Grauman's.

One of the more fun aspect are the characters who actually look very like the real celebrities. One that was particularly impressive is the Tom Cruise look alike costumed like the character Maverick from the film "Top Gun" complete with Ray Ban sunglasses. I've come to learn that the performer (Jerome Leblanc) has built a reputation on resembling Cruise.

Above & below: Tom Cruise look alike Jerome Leblanc
(image credit: top, LCF; below, LAC)

On The Boulevard: El Capitan Theatre

Dec 2010, "Tron: Legacy"

Dec 2010, "Tangled" plays the venue.

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

The El Capitan Theatre, which opened in 1926, is now the signature movie house for major Walt Disney films and premieres. As Disney had done with the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York (which exclusively houses Disney stage musicals), the studio joined forces with Pacific Thetres in 1989 to fully restore the theatre to its East Indian design grandeur. In June 1991, Disney's live-action adventure "The Rocketeer" re-opened the theatre.  In the age of multiplexes, the theatre's marquee of colorful neon and lights echo movie palaces of yesterday.

Today movie audiences have the opportunity of purchasing VIP tickets online that include a reserved seat, popcorn and drink. Expect to pay $25 for such an admission on weekend nights.

Disney's Soda Fountain & Studio Store is located next to the theatre. The shop is supposed to resemble an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. However with the array of Disney souvenirs, it will appeal to kids rather than to nostalgic adults.

More info at elcapitan.go.com and disneysodafoundtain.com. Hours for restaurant and studio store varies. Inquire in person.

Sep 2009, the theatre hosted "G-Force"

On The Boulevard: Roosevelt Hotel

2010

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

The Roosevelt Hotel is another popular property for visitors staying in Hollywood. But the hotel itself becomes an attraction for its unique Spanish style architecture that echoes back to the Hollywood of yesterday. The hotel, which opened in 1927, has the distinction of hosting first Academy Awards in 1929. Today the hotel's Teddy Nighclub attracts a regular trendy crowd.

The hotel is managed by Thompson Hotels. More info at thompsonhotels.com for rates. The hotel is located across from Grauman's Chinese Theatre at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and N. Orange Drive.

1927 (image: myloveofoldhollywood)

On The Boulevard: Jimmy Kimmel Live

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

Located across the street of the Kodak Theatre is Jimmy Kimmel Live. Besides being the studio for the late night talk show on the ABC network, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is now part of the of the El Capitan Center. The structure was built in 1922 and originally called the Hollywood Masonic Temple to serve as headquarters for the Hollywood Freemasons.

For tickets to Jimmy Kimmel Live, visit 1iota.com or call 1-866-Jimmytix. JKL airs on the ABC television network weeknights 12pm/11pm Central.

On The Boulevard: Madame Tussauds

Entrance along Hollywood Blvd.

Daniel Craig (James Bond)

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

One of the biggest amusement attractions on Hollywood Boulevard is another branch of Madame Tussauds. Compared to the original London location, all other locations pale in comparison and seem just as overpriced. If you can find a discount even for a few dollars, if you are unlikely to be near the London location then it's probably worth it to experience it once.

This location is unique with its emphasis on celebrities of the present and past from film, television, music and sports. The museum is on multi-levels accessed by both stairs and elevator.

Part of the fun of the experience is the lifelike features of the celebrities replicated in wax. It should be noted that some recent celebrities have not posed for their likeness. Obviously some likenesses are better than others but the museum has an unparalleled expertise in the detail of each figure especially of celebrities who are no longer alive. This is not a typical museum so visitors are encouraged to pose and touch the figures.

Simon Cowell (American Idol)

Other branches of Madame Tussauds are located in Amsterdam, Bangkok, Berlin, Blackpool, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, London, New York, Shanghai, Washington DC and Wien.

Audrey Hepburn (Breakfast at Tiffany's)

More info at madametussauds.com for a list of celebrity figures at this location. Hours are Mon-Thu 10am-6pm; Fri & Sun 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-10pm. Walk-Up Tickets: Adults $25; Child (4-12) $18. 20% savings for online Priority Access booking. Located next to Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Note: All photos in this post were taken shortly after the attraction opened in 2009.

CLICK "READ MORE" BELOW FOR MORE PHOTOS.

Movie stars of yesterday.

View of Hollywood Blvd from Madame Tussads.

On The Boulevard: Kodak Theatre

Cirque Du Soleil Iris will exclusively play the Kodak Thetre.

Grand Entrance along Hollywood Blvd

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

For true movie fans, a visit to the Kodak Theatre is a must and serves as the centerpiece of the Hollywood & Highland Center. The $94 million venue opened in 2001 and seats 3,332 to become the permanent home of the annual Academy Awards ceremony.

The venue also serves to host concerts and is a location for presidential debates. It has been a location for American Idol and will be the exclusive home to Cirque Du Soleil Iris billed as "a journey through the world of cinema."

Begin your visit at the grand entrance along Hollywood Boulevard. The glimmering two-story Awards Walk features backlit plaques of every Best Picture Winner on the columns on either side of a sweeping staircase that leads to the theatre.

Above and below: Awards Walk

Columns listing every Best Picture Winner.

Now there are guided tours offered but there has to be something said for a venue to call itself the 'Kodak Theatre' and not allow any photographs to be taken inside. It is spectacular to see the auditorium and stand on the theatre stage. Tour guides also give visitors an idea of the experience of guests attending the Oscars ceremony.

When visiting its obvious the theatre is surrounded by so much retail along Hollywood Boulevard and even on both sides on two levels of Awards Walk. During the Academy Awards, all these businesses close for the day. All the retailers along Awards Walk are hidden by curtains and the shops along Hollywood Boulevard obscured by bleachers and barricades. Even the marquee of the El Capitan Theatre across the street removes the name of the current feature film playing the movie house.

Rotunda fronting the theatre's doors.

More info at kodaktheatre.com. Tours take place Mon-Sun 10am-4pm and depart every half hour from level 2 and lasts about 30 minutes. Tickets available at the theatre box office located on the first level. Prices: Adults $25, Children $10. CityPass attraction. (note: photos from 2009 & 2010).

On The Boulevard: Overview of Hollywood between Highland and North Orange Drive

View of Boulevard from 4th level of Hollywood & Highland Center.
Crews lay the red carpet and prepare for "The Fighter" premiere.

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

The block of Hollywood Boulevard between Highland Avenue and North Orange Drive has been revived since 2001 in the similar vein that 42nd Street in New York City has changed. This strip of the famous street has been, for lack of a better term, "disneyfied" to make it safe, attractive and family friendly for the visitors to Hollywood.

Corner of Hollywood & Highland facing west.

With that said, this block of the boulevard offers several attractions. The previous posts have described at great length the attraction of the Hollywood & Highland Center that dominates the block. In addition, visitors may want to consider:

• Kodak Theatre
• El Capitan Theatre
• Jimmy Kimmel Live
• Roosevelt Hotel
• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Grauman's Chinese Theatre & Forecourt
• Madame Tussauds

Posts will be published later this week about these other attractions. In the meantime, enjoy these shots of the Boulevard. Visit the fourth level of the Hollywood & Highland Center for wide views of Hollywood Boulevard.

View of Boulevard from 4th level of Hollywood & Highland Center.

In addition further posts about the tour of the Los Angeles Music Center (Disney Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum, Ahmanson Theatre) and visiting Universal Studios Hollywood City Walk will be forthcoming.

View of Boulevard at front of Kodak Theatre

On the Boulevard: Hollywood Sign View

Hollwood Sign viewed using the zoom feature on my Kodak M1093 camera.

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

The view of the Hollywood Sign was not lost on the designers of the Hollywood & Highland Center as an attraction. The multi-level bridge tower at the north end of the center's courtyard offers an unobstructed view of the sign.

From the bridges you will notice the view of the sign appears much farther away on your digital camera display especially if including your loved ones within the frame. If only photographing the sign just use the zoom feature on the camera which should offer a decent view of the sign and the surrounding hills.

Cropped version of the above photo for an extra close-up of sign.

The famous landmark was created as a temporary advertisement for a development in 1923 called Hollywoodland. But with the popularity of motion pictures during the era, the sign became a recognizable symbol of the movie industry and was left on the Hollywood hills portion of Mount Lee.

The H&H Center's has three bridges to view the sign.
(note: the fourth level bridge is often closed)

By the 1970s the sign reached its most severe state of deterioration with letters damaged and one 'O' completing missing. Eventually the original letters were replaced and now measure 45 feet (14m) in height and range from 31 to 39 feet (9.4 to 12m) wide.

The sign has been copied in other cities and featured or parodied in popular entertainment. More info at hollywoodsign.org.

Destroyed in the film "Day After Tomorrow" (image: 20th Century Fox)

Parodied in the "Shrek" films (image: DreamWorks)

On The Boulevard: "The Fighter" Premiere

Crews prepare Hollywood Blvd for "The Fighter" premiere

Movie posters and the red carpet line the boulevard

This is one of a series of posts called "On the Boulevard" about attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.

Movie premieres and Grauman's Chinese Theatre go hand in hand so it is no accident if visitors to Hollywood stumble upon one. "The Fighter" premieres at the famous movie house tonight and stars Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Amy Adams who will likely be on hand for the opening. Since my flight leaves late this afternoon, the best I will experience of the event is the preparations.

The block of Hollywood Boulevard fronting Grauman's and the Hollywood & Highland Center is closed to traffic this morning as crews attempt to finish setting up for the premiere. The red carpet, movie posters and barricades will be soon be swamped by admiring crowds, the press and the invited movie audience tonight. Visitors wishing to view the footprints/handprints of the stars at Grauman's find the courtyard blocked off for the day with tours of the theatre also cancelled.

"The Fighter" opens on select screens on Dec 10th and opens wide on Dec 17th. More info about the film at thefightermovie.com.

Red carpets ready to unroll

By coincidence one of the magazines at the hotel
includes a cover story about Mark Wahlberg
and his new film.