AMC Dine-In Rosemont 12
9701 Bryn Mawr Avenue,
Rosemont,
IL
60018
9701 Bryn Mawr Avenue,
Rosemont,
IL
60018
11 people
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Showing 26 - 42 of 42 comments
I am planning to go out to Rosemont to check this theatre out.
I am also anxiously awaiting the Muvico theatre at Block 37 in the Loop. I hope that Muvico’s design will strongly evoke some of the classic theatres of the Loop. The interior could re-create Randolph street of the 1950s and 1960s, with its colorful and carnival-like atmosphere. Why not? That’s the reason we go to the movies anyway, to escape for a few hours, so why not make the experience memorable?
View link
Strangely, rather than expanding the building to its original 22-screen configuration, Muvico has announced plans to REDUCE its size to 14 screens, while expanding the footprint to where those additional 4 screens would have been. This space will become a bowling alley, which was originally going to go in a new building across the street. To get approval to do this, Muvico agreed to void an agreement with Rosemont not to build over 20 feet in height along the tollway, a restriction intended to maintain Muvico’s visibility.
Also, the theater’s architect was Development Design Group
Does anyone know what is the largest auditorium/screen here?
This theater is amazing. Just went to see “Michael Clayton” recently. The seats remind me of the Kerasotes Showplace 12 at Golf Mill and the projection is great. The screens a bigger like the Cinemark Melrose Park and the Showplace 12 at Golf Mill. For free parking go to Guest Services to have your ticket validated when you purchase your movie ticket at the box office.
I saw Nightmare here. It is done with polarized 3D glasses. So you only need one projector. I assume it’s 4k, since that’s what all they use here. Perhaps it’s upsampled. It looked great when I saw it this weekend.
I see that ‘Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas 3D’ is there – how is that done with 4K systems? Or is it standard 2K?
Interesting review of this place View link
I went back after a month and used the theaters for the teeming masses, instead of the hoi polloi.
The theater I attended (all have stadium seating) was huge! Much larger than Cinemark’s, and it seemed taller than the York’s newer theaters. Cavernous is the word that comes to mind. The screen was large, and I couldn’t notice any quality problems regarding the digital screen.
Food selection is almost as good as the VIP’s. Besides the usual popcorn and nachos (although, to be truthful, I don’t know if they had nachos, because I don’t care enough for them to check), they serve pizza (‘Both’ kinds: cheese and pepperoni. Why no sausage?), hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, curly fries, mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings and popcorn shrimp(!)
(They could use a better butter for the popcorn, though.)
There was also a children’s playroom.
I noticed a self-ticketing area when I entered. I think you can buy tickets on the spot using a credit card (and not just print internet tickets there), although I’m not sure.
Plenty of workers on hand once again.
It’d be nice if Rosemont would provide bike racks. They have everything else.
Recent photos of this theatre are HERE
Also, Gizmodo has a description of the projectors.
Anyone want to figure out what the architectural inspiration was? I’m thinking the Paradise; particularly with how the pediment is topped by a Pegasus thing like the Pardise’s proscenium.
I have also read that this design will be the template for future Muvico projects, rather than creating a new design for each.
But do standard 35-millimeter movies look better via 4K digital than regular film projection?
The answer is complex, local film projection technician James Bond said, because there are so many variables. A 35 mm print that comes directly from the camera negative and is projected under optimal conditions can’t be beat, he said, but most Hollywood movies are reproduced by the thousands with a resultant drop in quality.
Digital projection removes human error from the equation (the movies are files), but because studios do their postproduction work at a lower level of resolution than 4K, you can’t necessarily see the difference on screen. Also affecting the experience are such factors as overly bright exit signs.
“It’s a delicate recipe that has followed precisely in order to realize this exciting format’s full potential,” Bond said.
-http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/chi-0909_pop1sep09,1,4386579.story
A review of the food (when was the last time you saw a food review for a theater?) is at View link
so has this opened??
how is the digial projection??
The $50 million Muvico project is actually surprisingly similar to one proposed for the same site by Regal in 1998. Just before the plans for Rosemont’s casino were announced, Regal announced plans for a 22-screen theater with then-innovative highback stadium seating with cupholders, VIP seats, a concession stand with two express counters and a gourmet cafe with “espresso, cappuccino, baked goods, teas and hot chocolates. The lobby will also feature a video arcade”. Also valet parking. In all, not very different from what Muvico built.
The site was originally industrial property, but became center of a proposed entertainment district including the theater, Rosemont Theater, and a proposed OTB parlor, and most importantly the Emerald Casino. Even before the Casino plan was announced the area was slated for redevelopment with “office buildings, stores, a hotel, health club and ice rink”, as well as ideas like a Dave & Busters and high-end bowling complex by John Buck Co., a plan that was dropped when the casino was announced. The Buck plan would have been called West Bridge, to tie in with their North Bridge development on Michigan Avenue. The 3500-car addition to the 2000-car Rosemont parking garage was built in anticipation of the casino and entertainment development. Later scrapped ideas included a Hard Rock Cafe/Hotel, automobile museum (likely a relocated Volo), a mid-size music venue, graduate school, and indoor go-cart track. The Regal plan was dead by September 2001, and with no certain anchors the entertainment district was shelved. In early 2005, as casino plans again were looking up, the mayor said theaters would not be part of the plan because of the possible exposure of youth to gambling.
In late 2005, Muvico’s plan was announced. The initial plan was more ambitious, with 24 screens and 4750 seats, several restaurants, and a 36-lane bowling alley across the street. They purchased both parcels from the village (who had earlier planned on owning and building the Regal complex) for $8-11 million. In 2006, the rest of the Rosemont Walk plan was revealed, sans casino and with the theater now pegged at 22 screens. Also planned are: Le Meridien Hotel, the now-on-hold Grizzly Falls hotel and water park (which may be replaced by a Nickelodeon resort), Aloft hotel, restaurants by Phil Stefani, Rick Tramonto (Osteria del Tramanto), McCormick and Schmick’s, and John Baleycorn (sure to attract crowds after Depaul games) a bookstore, possibly the Muvico bowling lanes, more retaurants and retail, office space, and a possible ice rink on the south side of Balmoral. As the theater opened, the village announced its willingness to convert the 10-year-old Rosemont Theater to a casino.
The theaters themselves also feature the first all Sony 4k digital projection in the world (previous plexes like Century Stratford Square are 2k). The childcare center is apparently run by certified teachers. It features a large arcade and party rooms, and mini-prosceniums are duplicated at the ends of hallways. The theater opened with a preview weekend of free sub-run films on September 7-9 with $1 pop and popcorn benefitting make-a-wish, with a private gala on Tuesday, September 11 and a public grand opening Wednesday, September 12. The Premier theater seats 130 and should probably be considered a 19th screen. Also notable is that the menus of the 24-register concession stand with full fast food kitchen are plasma screens, tickets are available online only through Muvico.com, Bogart’s with its 18-stool bar got its name just days before opening, all-custom woven thick pile carpet with muvico and film symbolism, a guest services office resembling the box offices of classic theaters in the middle of the lobby, and major soundproofing to account for the O'Hare flights.
Other interesting aspects: as Des Plaines was vying for a casino, its plans included a multiplex near Devon and River roads. The theater actually contains more seats than the population of Rosemont. Although a Pedway connection is shown on the site plan for Rosemont Walk to the VIP level of the theater, this has not been built. It appears that provision has been made to add four more screens to the front of the theater on the east side of the building; these were simply lopped off the plan. The rusted steel structure of the casino has now been removed. Just yesterday, Bill Zwecker’s Tribune column reported: “MOVIE TIME: MUVICO, the big Florida upscale movie theater chain that just had its splashy first area opening in Rosemont last week, is also planning a downtown facility either in the Block 37 complex (where CBS, Morningstar and a retail mall are going) or at the Navy Pier site being vacated by the Chicago Children’s Museum. Also, a North Shore outpost in Northbrook is being eyed.” Meanwhile, Muvico’s founder’s new company, I-Pic, is also eyeing sites in the region.
Press Release
Muvico Theaters Debuts Luxe Theater in Chicago
New 18-screen theater with VIP amenities is world’s first to deploy Sony Premier 4K digital projection technology on all screens
ROSEMONT, Ill., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Muvico Theaters announced today the opening of their new 101,000 square-foot movie palace in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Ill. The new venue offers an amazing digital viewing experience and 4,227 reclining stadium-style seats. Other luxury features include a 300-seat VIP Theater and a total of 502 premier VIP seats throughout, VIP free popcorn, VIP valet parking and a full-service restaurant and bar.
“Rosemont provided the ideal spot for our first Chicago-area location,” said Michael Whalen, president and CEO of Ft. Lauderdale-based Muvico Theaters. “We’re proud to join a community focused on providing residents and visitors with so many entertainment options. Rosemont is known for its hospitality and we appreciate the opportunity to offer movie fans here a truly luxurious and special experience.”
Featuring Sony Premier 4K digital projection technology on all 18 screens, Muvico Theaters Rosemont 18 offers movie fans a breathtaking visual and audio experience.
“Muvico’s vision for the movie theater of the future is that exhibitors need to offer more complete services to enrich the theater-going experience,” said John Scarcella, president of Sony Electronics' Broadcast and Business Solutions Company. “Their goal is to redefine the idea of simply "going to the movies,” by turning it into an “experience” for customers. Our SXRD 4K projectors are a perfect fit for that vision and the right technology for reaching that goal, and we’re proud to support Muvico."
Muvico Rosemont 18 is the anchor tenant in a $500 million shopping and dining development planned by the Village of Rosemont.
“The Village of Rosemont is very pleased to host such a unique movie theater,” said Rosemont Mayor Bradley Stephens. “We’re sure that Muvico Rosemont 18 will quickly become a popular destination in Rosemont’s thriving entertainment district, alongside the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont Theater and the Allstate Arena.”
Muvico Rosemont 18 offers moviegoers two experiences. Downstairs, General Admission patrons get extra leg and elbow room with 26-inch, oversized plush chairs. Dining options include extended concession options such as shrimp, pizza, ice cream and slurpies, as well as the popular candy and popcorn treats moviegoers have grown to love. All this for the same amount of money you’d pay at a regular cinema ($7.50 matinees; $9.50 evenings).
Upstairs in Premier VIP, movie fans 21 and over can receive the royal treatment for a few dollars more ($12.50 Mon-Thurs. $15.00 Fri-Sun). Muvico’s six Premier VIP Theaters offer luxury amenities not found in other theaters, including free valet parking, free popcorn and 74-inch plush seats, compared to the industry standard of 24-inch seats.
In addition to showing a wide variety of first-run movies, Muvico Rosemont 18 is designed to host alternative content, such as sporting events and live music feeds. And Muvico will make its gorgeous Premier VIP Theater space available for corporate functions or private screenings.
Fine Dining
Because so many of us enjoy combining dinner and a movie, Muvico Rosemont 18 features a full-service restaurant and bar. Bogart’s at the Premier, run by famed Levy Restaurants, will treat moviegoers to delicious cuisine in a plush atmosphere. Diners can indulge in a food fantasy that includes an array of appetizers such as homemade hummus and skewered filet mignon sliders, a variety of fresh salads, and charcoal-grilled sandwiches and burgers. Additionally, moviegoers can enjoy mouth-watering entrees like truffle-grilled flatbread sandwiches stuffed with skirt steak, Dungeness crab quesadillas, cheesecake milkshakes and mini gelato-filled chocolate-lined ice cream cones. All food and cocktails can be enjoyed in the VIP Theater, which features a large arm rest and cup holder.
On-site Childcare
To accommodate families with young children, Muvico Theaters transcends traditional theater amenities by providing the added feature of an on-site children’s playroom for children 3-10 years old. Muvico’s exclusive children’s playroom is equipped with computers, arts and crafts and table games, and is staffed by certified teachers who provide educational supervision.
Conveniently located at 9701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., in the up-and-coming Rosemont Walk Entertainment District, the state-of-the-art theater also features a young-adult lounge offering specialty Premier drinks and state-of-the-art computerized gaming. Three party rooms can be rented for birthday parties and get-togethers.
About Muvico Theaters, Inc.
Muvico Theaters was founded in 1984 and is a growing chain of premium, megaplex motion picture theaters in the United States. The Company currently operates 259 screens in 14 locations located in Florida, Maryland, Illinois and Tennessee. The Company’s theaters have developed a reputation as true entertainment destinations — attracting patrons from as far as 25 miles away. For the fiscal year ended 2006, Muvico had revenue of $125 million. Over 11 million people attended the company’s theaters in 2006. The Company will be opening theaters in New York City, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Philadelphia in 2008 and 2009. For more information, visit http://www.muvico.com or call 847-447-1030.
Source: Muvico Theaters, Inc.
I noticed that it is not heavily advertised in the newspaper unlike other grand opening new theaters. Also, this is the second all-digital theater in the Chicago area (Century Stratford Square is the first). Another second was the six-screen VIP premier (General Cinema Yorktown was the first to have a premium cinema in 1998 before AMC took over in 2002). I will check out the regular screens. Hopfully, they will book more art/independent films.
The builing is really something to see from the outside. If you are northbound on the tri-state tollway, look to the east just past those rusty I beams of the building they never finished.
“Gee Dad it was a WurliTzer!”