Finally, the US is getting a cine-theatre renisannce thanks to the Mexico City-based multiplex concept chain Cinépolis.
The experience is akin to the movie theatre at the Las Vegas MGM in the 1980s sans lion and the two black & whites per month.
Cinépolis Luxury Cinema with 21 screens is now open in Del Mar with future locations planned in La Costa, Laguna Niguel and others nationwide.
For USD 19, you enjoy a large comfy recliner with it’s own swivel table and an arm rest between every two seats that lifts to create a loveseat in a modern boutique hotel design inspired space — forget the garrish red and gold.
But the best part is the magic button at your seat that when pressed delivers your selected specialty coffee drinks, milkshakes, gourmet finger foods (sushi, skewers of chicken teryaki, sliders, paninis, wraps and of course popcorn) and desserts. A bar menu with specialty cocktails such as the famed chil mango martini is offered in two of the theatres.
Although a ticket to screen a flic is relatively pricey in the US (USD 13) considering it generally comes with sticky floors compared to other nations such as Thaliand where they literally roll out the red carpet, offer couches and seat selection similar to a Broadway play theatre ticket. In the Netherlands, many films include an intermission with complimentary served truffles.
Cinépolis, under another name began in 1971, has a number of popular locations throuhout Latin America including Brazil, Columbia and Mexico and boasts over 116 million patrons in 2010.
There are a handful of other places across the US taking part in this luxury cinema revival, according to USAtoday, that include the Buckhead AMC in Atlanta (known for mango margaritas) and in Kansas City you can feast on wine-poached jumbo shrimp and darkiccino chocolate brownie. Lobster rolls with a sweet Thai chili sauce can be had in Redmond, Washington while Wagyu beef burger with applewood-smoked bacon and shredded duck tacos are offered in South Barrington, Illinois.