It’s been 20 long years since Santa Monica has seen the opening of a new movie theater complex, and many film lovers will agree that the new ArcLight Cinemas has been worth the wait.
The 12-theater venue– larger than any complex in the beachside city – officially screened its first films on November 20. The ArcLight is located on the third floor of Santa Monica Place, atop Bloomingdales on the 4th Street side of the open-air shopping center, owned and operated by Macerich.
In addition to current films, the ArcLight offers a host of upscale amenities, including a gift shop, a bar serving premium liquor brands and specialty cocktails plus a snack bar featuring gourmet treats including the theater chain’s famous caramel popcorn and Godiva chocolates and a range of other snacks, meals and beverages.
The experience begins upon entrance into the large and airy lobby, designed to look like a train station with arrival times for the films. There is not a traditional box office. Patrons can use self-serve stations to get their tickets but staff members are always available to assist in the process.
A huge “lightbox” with multiple panels near the entrance features artwork from an upcoming movie, in this case, “Star Wars'” lovable new character, BB-8.
On their way into the state-of-the-art theaters, guests can check out a number of displays with original costumes and props from current films. It’s another example of why ArcLight prides itself on presenting a full movie-going experience in addition to quality cinematic content on its screens.
During our visit, sumptuous period costumes from “The Danish Girl” starring Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander were featured. There is also cinema-inspired artwork on the walls, available for purchase, along with backlit posters of upcoming films.
Each of the theaters features reserved seating and no late arrivals to distract from the film itself after the three or four theatrical trailers that precede it.
After all, who would want another force taking attention away from “The Force Awakens.”
All locations of the theater chain also offer memberships which provide perks and discounts to patrons. More info at ArcLightCinemas.
