News Summary
New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood will soon welcome the upscale Metro Private Cinema, featuring a 20-screen complex designed for private screenings. Opening in late summer, it aims to provide a luxurious movie experience with gourmet dining options. Cinema patrons can book private rooms for small groups and enjoy a diverse film library. The venue will also offer unique culinary experiences, focusing on high-quality service in a relaxed atmosphere. The cinema plans to cater to various events, promising a distinct alternative to traditional theaters amidst changing trends in movie attendance.
New York City is preparing to welcome the Metro Private Cinema, an upscale movie theater located in the Chelsea neighborhood. This innovative cinema is set to open its doors in late August or early September 2023, promising a luxurious cinematic experience for movie enthusiasts.
Metro Private Cinema will feature a state-of-the-art 20-screen complex that allows patrons to book private screening rooms accommodating between four and twenty guests. Moviegoers will have the option to select from a diverse library of films, including both current blockbusters and classic favorites. If a desired film is not available, the cinema will offer to procure it for an additional fee.
The dining experience at Metro Private Cinema aims to surpass traditional movie snacks, with a gourmet food menu that includes items such as blue prawns and summer risotto. The cinema plans to launch themed menus, with initial offerings such as a garlic-themed dinner and a late-summer menu showcasing seasonal produce. Additionally, the venue will introduce special “culinary cinematic adventures,” pairing specific dishes with selected films.
Screening room prices will start at approximately $200 for the smallest room accommodating four guests, and can rise to $600 for larger settings. Attendees can expect to spend around $100 per person on food, with beverage options available for an extra charge starting at $50.
This venture originates from discussions held in 2016 between Tim League, the founder of Alamo Drafthouse, and Brian Sharples, the founder of Homeaway. Alamo Drafthouse has committed to financially backing the Metro Private Cinema project, which aims to provide a distinct night out that breaks from the conventional theater experience.
Construction for the cinema began earlier in 2023, and it is anticipated to operate in a manner that allows for greater flexibility than typical movie theaters. Guests will be encouraged to engage in texting and conversation during private screenings, a notable departure from the stricter policies often found in chain cineplexes. The cinema is designed to cater to the needs of urban dwellers who may lack entertainment options at home.
Metro Private Cinema plans to offer private screenings for a variety of events, including parties, corporate meetings, gaming sessions, and filmmaker showcases. Overall, Tim League expresses that this cinema should not be viewed as a competitor to Alamo Drafthouse but rather as a unique upscale option in the cinematic landscape.
The project’s launch comes amid uncertainties surrounding the future of in-person movie attendance in the United States. While some discussions suggest a decline in conventional cinema, others hint at a resurgence in audience interest. Metro Private Cinema aims to counter criticisms directed at chain theaters, striving to provide improved customer service and distinctive experiences that cater to a more discerning clientele.
Looking forward, there is a strategic consideration for expanding to additional Metro locations, which will depend on the success of the Chelsea venue. As the conversation around the future of cinema continues to evolve, Metro Private Cinema declares its intention to redefine the movie-going experience through personalized service and high-quality offerings.
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Additional Resources
- Hollywood Reporter: Inside Metro Private Cinema
- Austin Chronicle: Tim League is Back with Metro Private Cinema
- Variety: Upper West Side Cinema Center
- Deadline: New Arthouse Cinema Coming to New York
- New York Times: Metro Theater on Upper West Side
- Wikipedia: Cinema
