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ArcLight Cinemas - Hollywood, CA - June 2003 - page 3 Each auditorium is a "black box," with dark sound-absorbing curtaining and no distracting decorations. The screens are all large and gently curved. Each auditorium features Dolby SRD Digital six-channel sound; the largest also feature Sony SDDS Digital eight-channel sound and Dolby EX. The speakers are left, center, right, left surround, right surround, rear surround and subwoofer. Each auditorium is thoroughly sound-insulated, so that not only does sound from outside the theater not interfere with the viewing experience, but neither does the sound from other ArcLight auditoriums penetrate.  All seats are reserved. Tickets can be bought in the lobby or online (www.arclightcinemas.com), over the phone (323.464.4226), or at kiosks. These many ticket-buying opportunities reduce lines, and the reserved seating tends to decrease the need to arrive early for in-demand films. In December, 2002, the Los Angeles Times declared that in addition to offering the optimum movie-watching experience in Los Angeles, ArcLight also sells the best popcorn.ArcLight also offers film programming that reaches well beyond the current slate of new movies. They work together with the American Film Institute to show classics and exemplary foreign films in many different groupings. They often feature speakers connected with the films. Among those who have spoken or been interviewed at ArcLight are Michael Caine, writer Sidney Sheldon talking about his script for the classic musical "Easter Parade," and writer Charles Edward Pogue talking about "Dragonheart." Other film programs include an extensive look at Russian cinema, a 32-program series ranging from as far back as the great "Battleship Potemkin" (1925) to "House of Fools" (2002). ArcLight recently concluded the AFI-sponsored French Film Review, and at the end of April, begins the Los Angeles Italian Film Awards. In pursuit of their goal of a greatly-enhanced filmgoing experience, ArcLight offers memberships to facilitate frequent attendance. Members get discounts on tickets for non-peak-hour screenings, points redeemable for gifts, and free tickets to certain members-only screenings. You can join in the ArcLight lobby, or at the website www.arclightcinemas.com. It's not cheap to see a movie at ArcLight -- their admission prices are among the highest in town at $14 -- but the reward for higher prices is greatly improved viewing and sound. For many people in Hollywood and greater Los Angeles, the cost is proving to be well worth it. If you are coming to town and love movies and or want to give yourself a benchmark for your own theater at home – it is worth your effort. |