Mexican 'Luxury Cinema' Cinepolis Making Over Del Mar Highlands Entertainment Exerience..
Cinepolis at Del Mar Highlands costs A LOT, in the $14 to $18 range. However, it is an advanced movie entertainment venue concept first applied in Mexico. Here go three local takes on the subject. I can;t comment personally because THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL I'M GOING TO PAY $15+ FOR MOVIE TICKETS, PLUS MORE FOR FOOD AND DRINKS. Sorry, that's not happening no way no how, but these guys have been there , done that and want to share a few thoughts on the subject at hand. -- Dan Weisman
Cinepolis doesn't look like a typical movie theater. Dave and Kris Litvak, patrons of the new cinema in San Diego, say it's more like a chic hotel.
Before the building was renovated, "it looked like a horrible kind of movie theater," Dave Litvak says. Now, he says, "it's modern, and it's elegant."
The lobby floors are dark hardwood, and there's an art gallery. General Manager Antonio Garcia points to people sipping cocktails at the bar.
"We have an extensive wine menu with 40 different wines. We also have an extensive drink list from chili mango martinis to the Cinepolis Magnificent Margarita," he says.
Small dining tables are dotted about. Sushi and fancy finger foods are made fresh in the kitchen.
And, you can order this all with the push of a button from your cushy, leather powered recliner in the chain's state-of-the-art theaters.
Surprising Origins
People in the lobby have as many guesses about the concept's origin as flavors of popcorn on the menu. When Kristen Blakeman finds out Cinepolis is from Mexico, she's surprised.
"Typically, things go the other way, as opposed to this kind of luxury coming up here from there," Blakeman says.
Carlos Wellman, who manages Cinepolis' U.S. expansion, grew up in Mexico City.
Cinepolis began in Mexico in the late 1940s, and it is now the world's fourth-largest cinema chain. Wellman says it was tough to open on this side of the border.
"It's always been, like even since I was a little kid, explaining to people that we don't necessarily drive burros and eat tacos every single day," he says.
Mexican businesses have been coming to the U.S. for years. Baked goods manufacturers Entenmann's and Thomas' are owned by a Mexican company, Grupo Bimbo.
A New Trend
Traditionally, it's huge Mexican corporations that buy existing U.S. companies. But Cinepolis is on the cusp of a new trend: Mexican companies coming to the U.S. as themselves.
"The small companies of the young entrepreneurs—they say, 'I have the vision. I have the energy. I am not afraid of the U.S. I feel very comfortable in the U.S. market. I have a good product and I can be successful there,'" says San Diego attorney Enrique Hernandez.
Hernandez specializes in helping Mexicans conduct business in the U.S. Cinepolis is one of his clients. Hernandez says many of these businessmen, like two of the Cinepolis USA partners, got graduate degrees in the U.S.
Back at the movie theater, Cinepolis director Carlos Wellman says he hopes the theaters expand people's perception of Mexico.
"There are surprising companies that people aren't necessarily aware of that came from Mexico — the education, the culture, the population. And we hope this will set a standard," he says.
Cinepolis has identified 15 markets across the U.S. that it plans to move into. The business wants to be as synonymous with film as Thomas' is with English muffins.
-- Mary Isakson, NPR San Diego at http://www.npr.org/2011/08/12/138825679/mexican-theater-chain-projects-its-future-in-u-s
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If you want more from your movie theatre, get ready to fall in love withCinepolis Luxury Cinemas in Del Mar Highlands. The next generation of movie-going fun, Cinepolis offers a premium theatre experience enhanced with plush seating, high-tech digital equipment, servers, local craft beer and wine, and a menu of real food, in addition to all the popcorn and candy you can handle.
Part of the Del Mar Highland’s massive makeover, Cinepolis is the new face of the former Ultrastar Cinemas location, following a $5 million remodel, perched on the shopping center’s second story. Within Cinepolis are eight auditoriums with high-quality state of the art digital equipment, HD, 3D and surround sound technologies. Each auditorium seats up to 78 guests in custom designed, high-back, leather recliner chairs that offer seven-feet of personal space, as well as in-seat waiter service buttons for all your emergency beer and candy requests during the show. But the VIP perks start before you even enter the auditorium; the lobby’s touch-screen monitors enable you to preview movies, buy tickets and reserve special seats all at the touch of a finger.
-- Michelle Guerin http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/25/cinepolis-luxury-cinemas-opens-del-mar/
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Sneaking away to the movies is one of my favorite little treats, and it just got even better! If you are like me, and thought it would be the best idea ever to enjoy a glass of wine and lounge in a cozy chair while watching a brand new movie in the theatre, you will be thrilled to hear that now you can! The Cinepolis Luxury Theatre is now open in the Del Mar Highlands Town Centre. Cinepolis is the largest cineplex chain in latin America, their goal is committed to the luxury of the patron.
Cinepolis takes it far beyond my simple desire to sip wine in a cozy chair, they have a top notch full bar {and I don’t hesitate to say top notch, I happened to notice the beautiful white and blue bottle of Clase Azul Reposado Ultra Premium Tequila in the bar}. You will also have the option to dine in the lobby at the gourmet concession stand, which actually resembles more of a cafe style than consession stand. If you prefer you could simply go straight to your seat and hit the nifty call button for a server to appear at your seat ready to take your order. The menu includes items such as Angus beef sliders, flat bread pizza, wraps, coconut shrimp and quesadillas.
They also have movie classics like candy and popcorn, but they stepped it up a notch and offer the popcorn in six different flavors: butter, caramel, spicy chili, cheddar cheese, cinnamon roll and zebra (black and white chocolate covered) your choice is then served in a footed cone bowl.
We were lucky enough that our babysitter was available this past friday for the Grand Opening. It was quite the experience. I truly never thought I would see such an establishment. I was tickled with excitement as I ordered my cocktail when we arrived more than a hour early for the show. I opted for the sangria and enjoyed it in the lounge. Cinema 1 and 2 are the only cinema’s that allow you to have a cocktail while watching the movie. Since we were in Cinema 1 we wanted to experience ordering from the theatre. I wasn’t quite sure how they would pull off being discreet while they took your order and then stelthly served you after. We were pleasantly surprised that they pulled it off. We saw Horrible Bosses, and thought it was hilarious. The slightly higher price, $14-$18, was more than worth it. It’s comparable to flying first class as opposed to coach. I can not wait to go back to the movies!!!!
http://coastalfamilyliving.com/2011/07/25/cinepolis-luxury-cinemas-in-del-mar/
