Luxury Movie Theaters: Worth the Extra Money?

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Published on Wednesday, January 09, 2013 21:41

Written by Suburban TravelingMom

It’s hard not to be wooed by the chic lobbies, big fully reclining chairs, and in-theater waiter service at the new luxury movie theaters around the U.S. But, for families, are they worth the extra money?

I’m on the fence about it.
My kids and I recently saw a movie at the South Barrington, Ill. iPic, a luxury movie theater chain. We went on New Year’s Day, when the weather was terrible and I was desperate to find someplace for us to go. Desperate enough that I coughed up $80 for us to see “Monsters, Inc. 3-D” and have a snack.

The tickets for our three deluxe seats -- which we got to choose in advance, online -- were $55.50 (that was the discounted price, because I joined their free club). It included popcorn, but not the $11 mozzarella sticks I ordered from the waiter inside the theater. (plus tax and tip).

The darkened space was half sports bar, half modern restaurant. A hostess took us to our seats in the theater, after we walked past the pool tables, fast-casual restaurant, and an area filled with digital wine dispensers.

Ridiculous, right? And a total ripoff? Not a place for kids?

I wasn’t impressed by the cleanliness of our deluxe seats. For $55, should I have to brush popcorn off the chair and blanket? The kids were gasping with excitement over everything, but I was silently bemoaning how ridiculous it all was.

Then something strange happened: I started liking it.

We put our seats in full bed-like recline, covered ourselves in the provided blankets, and watched the movie. It was more comfy than watching a movie together at home, and definitely better than regular movie theater seats. I even snuck in a quick nap at one point. Our nice waiter brought us large waters with straws.

Not only did I start liking it -- I started rationalizing the expense. Really, wasn’t this added comfort, service and atmosphere worth an extra $20 over what I would have spent at a regular theater?

For every trip to the movies? No. But for a special day out? Absolutely.

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