Theater complex taking shape

Theater complex taking shape



By KATI BEXLEY
kati.bexley@staugustinerecord.com
Publication Date: 10/10/08

For months, the public watched and waited for the acres of cleared land off State Road 207 to take shape as the 16-screen, 60,000-square-foot movie theater complex.

The wait was over this week.

It seemed that in one day massive concrete walls went up at the site of S.R. 207 and Rolling Hills Drive, and it already looks like one of the largest buildings in St. Johns County.

EPIC Theatres Inc. of DeLand announced the complex will open May 1, 2009.

Weingarten Realty is in charge of construction and mostly does work in South and West high-growth areas of the country. The company is known for building large community shopping centers.

The movie complex will have digital projection technology, 3-D movies in some theaters, stadium seating and a large concession area, according to EPIC.

The nearest movie theaters similar to this are in Jacksonville.

St. Augustine's other theaters include the Regal Mall St. Augustine 6 and Pot Belly's Cinema Plus. Both are smaller and older than some of the high-tech, glitzy theaters in Jacksonville.

EPIC theatres is owned and operated by fourth- and fifth-generation motion picture exhibitors, who have been in the business since 1947.

The theater complex will include:

* Sixteen auditoriums with more than 2,500 seats

* Stadium seating

* LoveSeat-style seating with cupholder armrests

* Digital projection technology

* 3-D presentations in select auditoriums

* Wall-to-wall curved movie screens

* Uncompressed digital audio coupled with Dolby Digital signal processing

* Gaming area

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© The St. Augustine Record

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Here is EPIC's press release:

EPIC Theatres to Open State of the Art 16 Screen EPIC of St. Augustine on May 1, 2009

St. Augustine, Fl. (August 1, 2008) – EPIC Theatres Inc., a Florida based theatrical exhibition company, announced today that EPIC Theatres of St. Augustine, at EPIC Village will open to the public on May 1st 2009, bringing the gift of the best possible out-of-home entertainment experience to the St. Augustine area.

The new state-of-the-art theatre will open in time to play Fox pictures highly anticipated film “X-Men Origins” Wolverine” as well as Disney’s “The Hannah Montana Movie”. In addition to offering the highest quality 3-D presentations in select auditoriums.

The first digital EPIC theatre in the area, EPIC of St. Augustine will also show exciting alternative content. Guests will experience live entertainment on the big screen featuring top concert tours such as “Hannah Montana” and “The Johnas Bros.”, operas including performances from the Metropolitan Opera and other entertainment such as professional sporting events.

EPIC theatres is owned and operated by 4th and 5th generation motion picture exhibitors, who have been committed to creating the finest movie going experience for it’s (sic) patrons since 1947.

Guests will "have an EPIC experience" at the new theatre, as a 40-foot-high central tower will greet guests as they enter through a tree-lined courtyard. EPIC Theatres of St. Augustine will be adorned with EPIC’s signature design concepts such as, auditoria specifically designed for 3-D presentation, a high-capacity refreshment stand, a gourmet eatery, and a custom gaming area in the lobby will enhance the entertainment experience.

EPIC Theatres of St. Augustine will feature EPIC’s signature quality, comfort, service, convenience and commitment to guest satisfaction, and will showcase modern amenities including:

* Sixteen auditoriums with more than 2,500 seats.
* Stadium seating with 18-inch risers and 46-inch row spacing for a perfectly clear, unobstructed view in all auditoriums.
* Comfortable LoveSeat®-style seating featuring lifting cupholder armrests.
* Digital Projection Technology in select auditoriums.
* 3-D Presentations in select auditoriums.
* Wall-to-wall curved premium movie screens in every auditorium.
* Uncompressed digital six-channel audio coupled with Dolby® Digital signal processing in every auditorium for clear, dynamic distortion-free audio and lifelike special effects.
* Large, efficient, fast-serve concession area with digital menu boards offering a wide variety of moviegoers' favorite theatrical food and beverage options, including free refills on large fountain drinks and large popcorn.
* A custom-designed gaming area featuring top-performing arcade games with wide appeal, allowing guests an opportunity to enjoy relaxed or competitive play before or after their movie experience.
* EPIC Guest Services area for superior guest service.
* Advance credit card tickets sales online at www.epictheatres.com
* Four Automated Box Offices (ABO’s) for easy ticket purchasing and advance ticket order pick-up.
* Large Party rooms, for your birthday or group event celebration

Located at the intersection of U.S. 207 and Holmes Blvd. in the Newly Constructed EPIC Village Shopping Center, EPIC Theatres of St. Augustine is the entertainment anchor to a 60,000-Square foot open-air center.