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Whenever Disney releases a new feature film, the question isn't "Are we going to see it?" but rather "Where are we going to see it?" Monsters, Inc. opens today, and you may be facing the same question yourself. In addition to all of the mega-plex theater chains in Southern California, there is always another option -- head to Hollywood, and see the latest release at the El Capitan Theater.

The marquee at the El Capitan

Why would anyone drive to Hollywood and pay an extra $5 to $14 to see a movie they can catch at their local shopping mall? It's all about the experience, and the El Capitan delivers a top-notch treat.

The El Capitan first opened in 1926, one of the three themed Hollywood theaters created by Charles Toberman and Sid Grauman. Through the years the theater was home to live productions, movie premieres, concerts and special events. The theater has been closed and remodeled three times, finally becoming an exclusive first-run theater for Walt Disney Pictures in 1991.

Across the street from the El Capitan, the new Kodak Theater is getting ready to open. It will be the new permanent home for the Academy Awards¨

The theater itself is an experience. Years of restoration work have returned the theater to its opening- day glory. Once you enter through the front door, you are treated to breathtaking wall murals and gorgeous gilded accents. Pass through velvet curtains into the theater, and your eyes will feast on the lovingly restored ceiling and balconies. The theater is small enough that there really are no bad seats, even if you find yourself way off to one side.

Before the movie begins, you will be treated to a performance of favorite Disney songs, played on the mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Then the multi- layered curtain parts, and you sit back to enjoy your movie. And, since this is Monsters, Inc. we're talking about, I'm sure you will enjoy it. (Click here to read Kevin Krock's review of the new feature.)

Monsters, Inc Headquarters, right next to the theater

The real advantage to seeing a movie at the El Capitan is what happens when the movie is over. The building next door to the theater has been turned into "Monsters, Inc. Headquarters," and is filled with activities to enjoy after the movie. Similar activities have been available after other recent presentations  there, such as Toy Story and Bugs Life, but I think the Monsters, Inc. version is the best I have seen.

Your guide to the fun

Once you enter "Headquarters," you are greeted with an array of choices. If I could make one suggestion to the El Capitan management, it would be that each guest receive a map to carry around (and funny, this actually has been done for past events). Be sure to look for the activity list on the wall to avoid missing something in that labyrinth of a building.

See how well you can make Scary Feet

On the first floor, you can enter Lab #17, and enroll in Monster Testing and Training.

You scream INTO the purple thing, honest!

Your skills will be tested in a number of ways, from making "scary feet," to uttering "monster screams."

Learn the right tricks to scare the kid

You will also test your scaring skills by using a sleep simulator, just like in the movie. By pressing the perfect combination of buttons to simulate wind, rain, thunder and scary monster tricks, you try to make the sleeping "child" wake up.

I wonder why they picked Apple computers?

Send yourself an e-mail photo of your scariest monster face

The Monster Face Factory is the next stop. With the help of a computer and a Web cam, you create a scary monster face, which you can then e-mail to yourself.

Blue Doritos - now I've seen everything

Across the way is the Monster Cafeteria, where you can nibble on Krispy Kreme donuts - iced in monster green frosting, of course! We got a chance to try the new Monster Colorz Doritos 3Ds. Be careful - they will turn your tongue blue, no one is immune.

One of the games that awaits you in the Wreck Center

Down half a flight of stairs is the Monster Wreck Center. A series of interactive games, like the Chuckle Chase Derby, lets you unwind after a full day of scaring kids.

Looks like California Adventure doesn't it?

You can play Mike Wazowski Basketball, where the balls are painted to look like the cyclops star of the movie.

When they say "Do not look in here", they mean it

Head down another flight of stairs, and you find the Day Scare Center. Be sure to check out the lockers - they are full of surprises.

CONTINUED

Promotional art © Disney / Pixar

Kevin Krock reviews this latest release from Pixar & Disney

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