Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas, a proven powerhouse of the entertainment scenes in Australia, Europe and Asia, rolls into the United States next month, with its first location opening Oct. 3 in suburban Chicago and the second at Redmond Town Center on Oct. 24.
Movie tickets for the ultra-luxurious cinemas will be priced from $22 to $35. Patrons will enjoy reclining arm chair seats (a maximum of 40 seats for each of the eight screening rooms), state-of-the-art picture and sound quality, fine wines, a full-service bar and freshly prepared gourmet cuisine.
Food and beverage purchases will be separate from the admission price and guests will summon wait staff with the push of a button.
According to a tentative menu provided to the Redmond Reporter, small plates might include Housemade Blue Cheese Potato Chips ($12), Chinois Chicken Salad Rolls ($14) and Shrimp, Lobster and Tuna Trio ($18).
Among possible entrees are a Mini Sausage Trio ($13), Duck Tacos ($15) and Wagyu Beef Burger Duo ($17).
Desserts could include Warm Guittard Fudge Sundae ($9), Profiteroles ($9) and Farmstead Cheese Plate ($12).
The wine list, showcasing varietal and producers found only in a select group of restaurants, was created by Master Sommelier Damon Ornowski. Bottles are priced from $33 for Hanna “Slusser Road” 07 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River, Calif. to $295 for Brut Dom Perignon 99 Champagne, France. By the glass, wines run $8-20.
Favorite movie concessions will be available, as well.
If you haven’t already figured this out, Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas are targeted to an affluent audience, approximately 21-54 years old. As Mick Jagger sang back in 1968, “Please allow me to introduce myself, I’m a man of wealth and taste.”
But we’re currently in a recession. Most people are scaling back on entertainment, rather than splurging.
In a phone interview, Rob Goldberg, COO of Village Roadshow Class Cinemas, said he’s very optimistic that the cinemas will be well-received.
“We have the benefit of experience with this concept,” he commented, citing 12 years of international growth through many different economic cycles.
Those cycles, said Goldberg, have very little impact on their business and “most people are very accepting” when they see how intimate and elegantly furnished these cinemas are.
And the cost doesn’t seem so high, “relative to other luxury experiences, such as sporting events, flying first class, or staying in a luxury hotel,” he added.
For some consumers, this experience might be a once-in-a-while treat, perhaps to celebrate a special occasion. So how will the cinemas attract repeat visitors, enough to justify the expense of outfitting the space which used to be a run-of-the-mill multiplex?
“These theaters are quite a bit smaller, so we’ve taken that into account. Redmond is a great movie-going part of the country and people here appreciate great food and wine,” said Goldberg. “And the food is priced similarly to other restaurants in the area.”
He wasn’t sure which films would be shown at the opening in Redmond, but said they will be first-run features, the same as what you’d see at other theaters, although in an exceptional setting.
He envisions the cinemas as being not just popular with couples “out on the town,” but with corporate team-building groups and charitable organizations hosting fund-raisers.
“The sheer comfort factor can never be underestimated,” Goldberg concluded. “It’s a feeling of being really comfortable and cared for.”
Along with all the aforementioned pamperings, there will be complimentary valet and concierge service and online booking, so guests can choose their own seats in advance at www.goldclasscinemas.com.
