Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

ArcLight Cinemas, City's First 'Hassle-Free' Theater, Opens in Lincoln Park

By Mina Bloom | November 6, 2015 10:40am
 The city's first ArcLight Cinemas, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave.
The city's first ArcLight Cinemas, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Mina Bloom

LINCOLN PARK — Movie-goers, rejoice: ArcLight Cinemas is officially open.

The California-based chain, which says it offers a "hassle-free" movie theater experience, has joined the New City complex, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave. The 14-screen theater opened its doors to the public Friday.

The first thing movie-goers might notice is that there is no box office, which should translate into less of a line than typical theaters.

ArcLight is all-reserved seating, which means movie-goers must select seats when they buy tickets online, via apps or at the theater's automated kiosks. 

"ArcLight exists as a place for movie-goers to belong. Our CEO wanted to create an excellent movie-going experience at the time that theaters were going through a downturn," said Stephen Green, vice president of operations. "What he learned is people want the hassles taken away. We have designed out the hassle that gets in the way of movie-goers connecting with each other and connecting directly with what the filmmakers intended."

Before or after seeing a movie (lineups range from first-run films to cult classics), patrons can grab a meal and a drink at the theater's on-site cafe and bar, which offers locally-made beer and more sophisticated options than your average theater, like chicken wings with Thai chili sauce.

Those who are looking for snacks during the movie can find them at the more traditional concessions stand, which sells old standbys like packages of candy and popcorn — ArcLight prides itself on its signature caramel corn, which is made on-site.

That popcorn won't be served in a bag for the same reason you won't find nachos on the menu: ArcLight wants to eliminate distracting smells and sounds from the theater. 

Inside the theater, the seats are outfitted with double-wide arm rests and extra legroom. Before the movie begins, an employee, or "greeter," will formally announce what to expect, including the runtime and the movie's stars. 

ArcLight doesn't show commercials before films and limits the amount of trailers it shows. The theater says its "black box design" also helps to eliminate distractions from the screen. 

Check out photos of the new theater below:


Local art in the hallway. [All photos DNAinfo/Mina Bloom]


The concession stand at the theater.


One of many dishes on the menu at the on-site cafe: Chicken wings with Thai chili sauce.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: