LYNNWOOD — It’s a wrap.
Loews will open its new anticipated Alderwood movie theater in Lynnwood to the public on March 25.
Locals and visitors from afar will soon be able to view upcoming films such as “Miss Congeniality 2,” “Guess Who,” “Beauty Shop” and “Sin City” in the new theater.
The new Loews theater, which features 16 wall-to-wall screens and stadium seating, will have a grand opening celebration throughout the opening weekend with a variety of activities for its first customers, said Laura Bobovski from Allied McDonald Entertainment.
The theater, which is located at 18733 33rd Ave. W., will replace the older Grand Cinemas theater (next to Target).
According Loews competitors — Regal officials, who own the Alderwood 7 and Mountlake 9 movie theaters –– the three will be able to live in harmony near one another because the studios give each company different films.
While the new Loews is supposed to be an “entertainment center” not just a movie theater, it will cost the moviegoer.
According to Bobovski, a general movie ticket price at the new Loews theater Sunday- Thursday will be $9.25, and $6.50 for matinees, children 11 and under and seniors. Ticket prices on Fridays and Saturdays for general admission will be $9.50 and $6.75 for matinees, children and seniors.
The current cost for a movie at Regal’s Alderwood 7 and the old Loews Grand Cinemas (next to Target) is $9 for regular times and $6 for a matinee. The old cinema building, according to officials, will be torn down after the theater moves to its new building.
The increase in prices at Loews is in the competition’s favor, Regal officials have said.
The new 80,000 square-foot complex has a seating capacity of 4,000, with stepped rows providing “unparalleled sight lines” to the screens, Bobovski said. The design features stadium-style seating in every auditorium. Other amenities include plush oversized reclining seats that add to customer comfort ,which they hope will add to the movie-going experience.
“Each auditorium will include state-of-the art 35 mm film projection and Dolby Digital Sound tm (DDS tm) — the most advanced cinema sound system in the marketplace today,” she said.
The new theater will also have multiple indoor box office stations and an expanded concession stand with the traditional popcorn, candy and soft drinks, as well as hot foods, ice cream and Starbucks Coffee.
For the grand opening weekend, Loews Theatres Alderwood guests can enter to win the “Enormo-Sound Sweepstakes.” Two winners will receive a state-of-the-art sound system and a 5-foot LoveSac chair, courtesy of Sears and LoveSac, Bobovski said.
Along with a variety of giveaways and movie-themed prizes, guests will have the opportunity to mingle with the their favorite Infinity Radio DJs and take part in face painting, balloon art creations or watch slight of hand tricks from wandering magicians.
Loews will also be offering special programs and rewards to further enhance moviegoers’ experiences and provide entertaining opportunities for area families and neighbors, she said.
Community benefits such as the “Reel Moms” series and “Kids Film Series” will also continue at this theater.
The “Reel Moms” series will debut at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12 at the new theater so that local parents and childcare providers can enjoy the latest releases with their babies and young kids (babies are admitted for free). Doors open at 10 a.m. As with all “Reel Moms” screenings, theater lights are dimmed and movie volume is turned down to maximize comfort for parents taking care of their babies. “‘Reel Moms’ provides a fantastic venue for parents and caretakers with small children to meet, socialize and share the newest movies together,” Bobovski said.
Films are announced a week prior on enjoytheshow.com.
Another program is the free “Kids Film Series,” running at 11 a.m. Wednesdays for eight weeks during summer. The program launches on June 29 with the classic “Veggie Tales,” she said. Titles this year will include “Shrek,” “Shrek 2,” “Sponge Bob,” “Ice Age” and “Clifford.”
“Along with free films, kids can enjoy a special reduced-price concessions combo that helps to beat the summer heat,” Bobovski said.
The freestanding theater is built on an elevated deck over its own level of parking, adjacent to the existing and renovated Alderwood mall. The theater is directly accessible from the parking structure, providing patrons with more than 350 parking spaces. It is also accessible from the mall through the open-air plaza called the Terraces.
“Our vision is people creating special places and experiences,” said Jerry Alder, general manager of Alderwood mall. “We have transformed Alderwood into a total shopping and entertainment destination. By adding Loews Theatres Alderwood, we are providing our shoppers with an entertainment venue like no other.”
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