Looking for a blockbuster

Despite recession, upscale Bolingbrook cinema hopes to be a hit with residents

The most luxurious -- and expensive -- movie theater in Will County will open today at The Promenade in Bolingbrook.

Gold Class Cinemas mixes movies, dinner and a bar in one opulent setting. The theater features a swanky hotel-like lobby; incredibly plush, wide recliner chairs in the theaters; fancy food; an extensive beer, wine and drink menu; and an attentive wait staff. It even has popcorn and candy.

"This is the ultimate fusion of film, wine and movies," said Rob Goldberg, the company's chief operating officer.

In these days of home theatres, people aren't interested in sitting in a cramped seat, mere inches from the strangers sitting next to them, he said.

People expect more from an experience these days, he said, but they still want that special feeling of going to the movies.

"There is something about going to the movies that people love," he said. "I think people love having that sense of community."

Gold Class has a ticket price of $22 per person. Food and alcoholic beverages cost extra. Soda and refills are included in the ticket price, however.

The theater had a mock opening last week for friends, family and media to allow the staff to train and get ready for the real opening today.

"I like the environment. I think it's beautiful," said Debra Brownlee of Romeoville as she sat in the lounge perusing a menu. "And so far the service is really good."

Brownlee said it didn't really feel like a theater lobby.

"The seating is comfortable and the candlelight makes it cozy, very nice," she added.

Guests who took the escalator up to the second-floor lobby checked in at the concierge desk where they picked up tickets and started a mock tab for food and drinks. A long enticing bar flanks one wall. Groupings of chocolate and orange furniture are sprinkled throughout the lounge area, which is dimly lit with votive candles and recessed lighting.

After ordering food in the lounge, patrons are escorted into their respective theaters, which resemble big living rooms filled with plush, extra wide, fully reclining orange seats in groupings of two. The outside arm of the seat is hollow to allow storage for coats and purses.

Each recliner set is surrounded by enough space to allow wait staff to quietly crouch as they deliver food and drinks and remove empty dishes while movies are playing. Each theater has either 32 or 40 numbered seats. Tickets are seat-specific.

The seats recline electronically with a button so guests can watch flicks with their feet in the air. A call button can be pushed to summon staff who will provide blankets and pillows. Black cloth napkins adorn each seat, and the food is served on glassware.

Christopher Albano will be the chef at the Bolingbrook location. Previously, Albano worked at ZED 451 in Chicago, rebuilding the menu, retraining staff and helping to redesign the restaurant. He has also worked as head chef of Maple Tree Inn in Blue Island.

But patrons need not worry about the clink of knives and forks ruining the movie. Everything served at the theater can be eaten without flatware.

"It's 'eyes up' kind of food," Goldberg said.

The theater's 5.1 Dolby digital sound system produces teeth rattling sound, and movies are shown in 35-mm digital projection that can accommodate Real-D 3-D. Shortly before the movie is over, staffers present guests with their final credit card bill for a signature.

Gold Class Cinemas was founded in Australia in 1997 by Village Roadshow. By mid-2010, there will be six locations, Goldberg said. Even with the recession, Goldberg said the chain can succeed.

"People always desire escapism and more so at an economic time like this," he said via e-mail. "Gold Class offers an affordable way to have a great time with dinner and a movie all under one roof."

He said the theater's combination of services will make life easier for movie-goers.

"Going to dinner and a movie is a total anxiety fest," Goldberg said.

Most people don't want to go to a late show, so they rush through the meal and hurry to the theater, hoping to get tickets and a good seat, he said. Putting the meal and the entertainment under the same roof makes for a relaxing night out in comfort and style.

"This is so much more than a cinema," he said. "It's a lot like flying international first class."

Guests who enjoyed the free preview movie showings and food during the training week seemed to love their experience. But they also said the high prices would make the theater a place to go for special events or celebrations, not routine outings.

"It's very nice," said Vi Blaha as she sat in the lounge with her husband, Rich. "It's plush. I like the smallness of it. It looks like every seat is going to be a good seat."

The Darien woman also liked that fact that each seat had plenty of space around it.

"You're not sitting and bumping elbows with your neighbor, so having your dinner is going to be very nice" she added.

Blaha said she had never gone to an upscale theater that serves meals before, though there are others in the region.

"This is a first-time experience for the whole thing," she said.

Mel and Margie Oftedahl of Bolingbrook said they had been to another upscale dinner/movie theater before, but it wasn't as plush as Gold Class. They said they would consider the theater for special events or for outings with other couples.

"I like it that we weren't crowded," Margie said. "You're not packed in here with a whole lot of other people. The ambiance is just different."

After watching the movie "Transformers," Mel was almost completely stretched out in his recliner.

"I was afraid he'd fall asleep, but he didn't," Margie said.

Erika Enigk contributed to this story.