Photos: Eat, drink, and recline at the new Cineplex Cinemas at Marine Gateway, the city's first VIP movie theatre

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      Cineplex Cinemas is bringing Vancouverites an entirely new movie theatre experience at the soon-to-open location at Marine Gateway, and it's sure to revolutionize the old dinner-and-a-movie date.

      The theatre is still under construction and won't officially open until March 4, but today the Straight got a sneak peek at the 56,588-square-foot facility, located at 452 SW Marine Drive, next to the Marine Drive Canada Line station.

      It boasts a total of 11 auditoriums (1,900 theatre seats), plus a full kitchen and lounge--solving the question that so many dinner-and-a-movie goers often struggle with: "Where should we eat?"

      Well, you can now do it all under one roof. 

      Inside Cineplex's UltraAVX theatre, which holds a total of 364 guests at one time.
      Amanda Siebert
      The UltraAVX experience incorporates the theatre's largest viewing screen, at 60 feet wide and 30 feet tall.
      Amanda Siebert
      D-Box motion seats move in conjunction with any on-screen action.
      Amanda Siebert

      Eight traditional auditoriums can be found on the facility's lower floor, and each seats anywhere from 96 to 364 guests at a time. The largest theatre offers guests the opportunity to indulge in the UltraAVX experience, which includes a wall-to-wall screen (the largest in the complex), Dolby Atmos surround sound, upgraded seats, and reserved seating.

      The UltraAVX theatre also features two rows of D-Box motion seats, which move and vibrate in response to on-screen action.

      The complex's second largest auditorium seats 335 guests at one time.
      Amanda Siebert
      A smaller 90-seat theatre will be used for movies that are on their way off-screen.
      Amanda Siebert
      The concession area on the facility's lower flower has yet to be completed, but will include an Outtakes Backstage Bistro and a Yo-Yo's Yogurt Café.
      Amanda Siebert

      Moviegoers will also find an interactive gaming arcade, a concession offering movie fare favourites like popcorn, candy, and softdrinks, as well as an Outtakes Backstage Bistro and a Yo-Yo's Yogurt Cafe on the facility's lower floor. Like other Cineplex theatres, there's also a room dedicated to children's birthday parties.

      The real magic begins on the facility's upper floor, where guests will find three VIP auditoriums, each holding either 114 or 123 guests. Gone are the days of little-to-no legroom and uncomfortable seats: moviegoers can literally sit back and relax in reclinable leather seats while they are waited on by movie theatre staff. (Food will be served before the movie, but service stops once the movie begins). 

      Menu options include appetizers like ceviche, nachos, chicken wings, and charcuterie boards. Mains and burger platters like the chipotle chicken club wrap, spicy jalepeño burger, or pulled pork sandwich are reasonably priced between $12 and $14. Flatbreads and salads are priced similarly, ranging from $12 to $15. 

      George Clooney and Brad Pitt will keep guests company around a gas fireplace in the VIP lounge.
      Amanda Siebert
      The expansive bar overlooks the Fraser River and Richmond.
      Amanda Siebert

      Those that aren't interested in eating at their seats can also enjoy a meal and drinks before or after the show in the VIP lounge and seating area. Another reason to upgrade to the VIP experience? The upper floor is restricted to adults over the age of 19, so your movie won't be interrupted by screaming children.

      More seating inside the lounge.
      Amanda Siebert
      In the summertime, guests will have the option of enjoying their food on the lounge's patio.
      Amanda Siebert

      "It's really an upgraded experience. We're giving people an upgraded experience, and we're making it more comfortable for them," said Jason de Courcy, VP of operations for Cineplex Entertainment in Western Canada. "Each theatre we have has it's own character, and this one is pretty special." The location features floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as an outdoor patio for dining.

      Leather seats, chunky arm rests, and tons of leg room will revolutionize your movie-going experience.
      Amanda Siebert
      Cineplex staff suggest that guests reserve their VIP seats in advance online.
      Amanda Siebert
      From the seats in the VIP theatre.
      Amanda Siebert
      The six seats at the front of the theatre can be fully reclined. (Yes, that's right, you can lie down in the movie.)
      Amanda Siebert

      Tickets will vary in price depending on added features like VIP or UltraAVX. While prices haven't been locked down at this particular location just yet, de Courcy says a VIP movie experience will cost around $25.

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