LANCASTER – Cameras flashed Thursday night as VIPs arrived to the red carpet of Lancaster’s new Laemmle BLVD Cinemas. Last night’s Hollywood premiere-style gala marked the grand opening of the luxury movie dinner theatre in downtown Lancaster.
“This is huge,” noted Mayor R. Rex Parris. “The BLVD has truly come alive. Tonight, we also have a Farmers’ Market and summer concert taking place here on The BLVD. And this is a weeknight!”
Guests received the VIP treatment including photo opportunities and interviews on the red carpet, followed by a beautiful reception and ribbon-cutting. Guests then proceeded to one of the cinema’s three luxury theatres to view a private screening. All proceeds from the grand opening benefited local non-profit Desert Haven Enterprises.
“This is the biggest day in the renaissance of The BLVD,” declared InSite Development partner, Scott Ehrlich. “It has been wonderful working with the City of Lancaster, and I’m thrilled to see yet another one of our collaborations come to fruition.”
The new luxury cinema, which opens to the public today, boasts three screens, each theatre seating between 46 and 58 patrons. The intimately sized auditoriums, complete with overstuffed, fully reclining chairs with leg rests and push-away tables, set the atmosphere for a one-of-a-kind experience.
The cinema complex also offers a full dinner menu, where patrons can order food to take into the theatre with them. In addition, a unique assortment of wine and beer is available.
“We are proud to be affiliated with the new BLVD Cinema in downtown Lancaster,” noted Greg Laemmle, President of Laemmle Theatres. “This is one of the most uniquely designed art-house theatres we’ve seen, with all digital projection, luxury reserved seating, and a more robust cinema café menu.”
The theatres boast state-of-the-art equipment including phenomenal sound systems and Christie projectors — the “Rolls-Royce of projectors.” The cinema will focus on showing first-run films, including independent, international and art house films.
Most would think the posh new cinema would be pricey. Incredibly, this is not the case. Tickets will be offered at $11 for primetime tickets and $8 for children, seniors, and non-primetime showings.
“We are thrilled to have this classy new addition to The BLVD,” said Vice Mayor Ron Smith. “It’s exactly the type of attraction we need. What’s even more impressive is the fact that this high-end arts theatre offers mid-range ticket prices.”
The cinema complex includes Forge, an Anthropologie-inspired store offering a wide array of unique products from apparel to kitchen and bath staples. A great place to find interesting gifts, Forge boasts unique items such as a gourmet selection of hot sauces and olive oils as well as books and magazines. And, like the cinema, Forge is priced to fit any lifestyle.
“The concept is to create the perfect evening out,” said developer Scott Erhlich. “Now you can take your date to dinner and a movie at the same location, and even enjoy a little bit of shopping while you’re there.”
“The addition of this cinema brings more entertainment choices to The BLVD,” said Mayor Parris. “Not only can you enjoy an evening at the cinema, but you can also take in a concert right next door at LPAC. The BLVD has truly been transformed into an amazing destination.”
Andrew Pari, L.C.S.W. says
We just came back from a very enjoyable evening there, seeing Sarah’s Key. Very good movie. But I was more impressed by the theatre itself. The comfy chairs (not the Python version), the 21 and over policy and assortment of snacks all highly recommend it. As my date said, “No one dragging in screaming babies and children? I’m in!” They do serve alcohol and, in addition to some decent wine, the variety of premium beers available was better than most of the restaurants in town.
At $11 per ticket, I was happy.
I made a joke a few years ago about the need to bring some Laemmle culture to the AV. Seems as though Greg was reading.
Maybe I should be posting this to Yelp…