Deluxe Theaters on the way

**Ryan F** · #1 03-26-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

The Hollywoood Reporter says a new deluxe cinema will open this year in suburban Chicago, one of 50 U.S. multiplexes set for construction during the next five years through a new $200 million joint venture headed by Australian entertainment conglomerate Village Roadshow.

The planned theaters will boast boosted amenities, including plush reserved seating, special parking privileges and upscale food and beverage offerings with seat-side waiter service.

Some or all of those offerings are available at existing deluxe cinemas in select U.S. markets that charge $20 or less for movie tickets. But Gold Class auditoriums will feature a 40-seat-maximum patron capacity and an even higher-end atmosphere, at the estimated price of $35 per ticket.

Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas also plans to open a site in Redmond, Wash., by year's end, with about 20 additional sites planned for rollout by 2010.

Companies partnering with Village Roadshow in the joint venture include Act III Entertainment, a company co-owned by Norman Lear and Hal Gaba; Michael Lambert's Lambert Entertainment; and the Retirement Systems of Alabama, a pension investment fund.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=43381

Thoughts?

Personally, I can't really see these being a big competition for current theaters. Movies are expensive enough, but paying $35 for the ticket, plus the price of high end food and tip for your waiter is just going to make this only marketable to higher income families, or possibly a new kind of dinner-movie date crowd.

Plus, having a waiter come in during the movie is going to annoying. They'd probably need some kind of light to see where they're walking and placing the food/drinks and would have to talk during the movies. Things people usually hate when seeing a movie.

Carowinds 73-03 · #2 03-26-2008, 09:09 AM

I think one is going up in the South Park area in Charlotte which is a very upscale area and for that area it should bring in alot of money.

**Leo C** · #3 03-26-2008, 09:38 AM

The suburban area around me that would be able to do it has a cineplex with an art division. Is it more about the art of the film than the dining experience?

**Wes** · #4 03-26-2008, 10:42 AM

http://www.bvtheatre.com/#Scene_1

We already have one of those in Charlotte, it's a very nice theater and you can pay extra for the leather seats in the middle of each house and they have a bar and such outside as well.

I would never do the extras, but hey if it helps these places stay in business I'm all for it.

Here's some pics of what it looks like: http://www.bvtheatre.com/#/aboutus/4522291491

I think the theater that is going downtown is something similar or even higher end style.

One of the other theaters down in that area now (if you are a member of their club where you earn points) is giving people these buzzer things when you go in and if there is anyone making noise, or kids acting up or whatever you just push your buzzer and a manager comes in to see what's going on. I love that idea!

Hank · #5 03-26-2008, 11:24 AM

We have a few theatres in one of our multiplexes that are called "Director's Rooms" - and they are just as you described - I believe you can even pre-order a full meal (and then watch the blood and guts on the super digital screen before you!). There is an extra charge for seats in those rooms, but if you want the best, pay it and enjoy.

edh101985 · #6 03-26-2008, 01:55 PM

They have a theater like that thats kinda like that. It Only has one screen that does it, and its called Mugs and a Movie. You can get real food, they have a waiter, and they have real chairs, and tables you can sit in. I really like it, and its a good concept. And the best part, is you can get pitchers of beer. And the cost is the same a a regular ticket.

Martin · #7 03-26-2008, 08:34 PM

Upscale food? Yeah right. It'll probably be no better than your average Applebee's, T.G.I. Fridays, etc...

**Leo C** · #8 03-26-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes

One of the other theaters down in that area now (if you are a member of their club where you earn points) is giving people these buzzer things when you go in and if there is anyone making noise, or kids acting up or whatever you just push your buzzer and a manager comes in to see what's going on. I love that idea!

I was wondering when those buzzers would make it over here. In Korea we were surprised you could buzz your waiter at the table. I remember some disruptive back row kids when I was watching one of those Spiderman movies before.

coasterlove · #9 03-28-2008, 01:56 PM

Some people will go and pay the $35 just because some people need to spend more money on things to make themself feel better. I don't see this trend really catching on and becoming mainstream. They will be popular with a small percentage of people. It will be enough people to support a few of these in bigger cities or areas where people have money. $35 is just too much money for it extend outside of that market. There are already some theaters that do something similar to this but far cheaper. I forget the name offhand but one opened in Rosemont, Illinois, close to Chicago. They charge $12.50 on weekdays early and $15 on weekends and nights. I already thought that was a bit much but that's cheap in comparison.

Carowinds 73-03 · #10 03-28-2008, 04:40 PM

I didn't know we had one in Charlotte already. Thats awesome. Next time i'm home i know what theatre i'm going to start watching movies in.