New Private Cinema Concept Launching Soon
- Editor OGN Daily
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood will shortly welcome Metro Private Cinema, putting an intimate, upscale and very culinary spin on a night out at the movies.
The concept answers a common criticism of today’s chain cineplexes: that they need to further prioritize customer service and upgrade the experience that they offer in order to compete with Netflix, YouTube and the alluring comfort of one’s couch, says The Hollywood Reporter. As home-cinema systems have greatly improved in quality, many venture out less frequently to their local big screen. That’s why premium formats (like IMAX), quality dining options, and other luxuries have become key revenue drivers for the industry.
Now, Metro Private Cinema is upping the ante and offering a novel, upscale option to entice people (with fairly deep pockets) back out again. The company’s first complex is set to open in NYC in either August or September, with more locations eyed for the near future.
The theater features 20 screens that can seat between four and 20 people, a gourmet dinner menu served family-style before the screening starts (some meals are themed to match certain movies), and a dedicated attendant. Guests can choose to watch a new movie or a selection of older titles. If the theater doesn’t have something available to screen, it can get it for you at an additional cost.
As you no doubt suspect, none of this comes cheap. A four-person screening room is priced at $200 for a four-hour booking, food is $100 per person, and alcoholic-beverage packages start at $50. However, a screenings are private, you can talk or sing along to your heart’s content - practices that are otherwise (rightly) frowned upon.
While private moviegoers miss out on the vibe of sitting with strangers to share an emotional experience, don’t be surprised if the big chains start opening their own private rooms in major cities to attract a higher-income or VIP audiences.