Luxury Movie Theater Coming To Block 37 After All

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 6, 2014 9:00PM

Way back in 2007 we were mildly enthused, albeit briefly, by the news that Muvico had plans to bring a seven-screen "luxury" movie theater to Block 37, featuring amenities such as gourmet concessions, VIP seating, and an in-theater pedicure option. O.K., so we're joking about the pedicures. Not that it matters, since in June 2009 Muvico withdrew from the project, yet another chapter in the Block 37 fiasco.

While the Loop was once crowded with movie theaters for a long, long time now the Siskel has been the last man standing. (Yeah, technically the ShowPlace ICON is in the South Loop; just try walking there from Daley Plaza.) But things change. It was announced today that AMC has inked an agreement with Block 37 for an 11-screen theater on the third and fourth floors. Slated for an early 2016 opening, the theater will have a MacGuffin's Bar and Lounge, like AMCs River East location, as well as something branded "Cinema Suites". In a nutshell this means reserved seats, of the plush reclining variety, plus dine-in options, with food and drinks brought straight to you during the movie.

While we're completely in favor of comfy seats, having servers to-and-fro-ing throughout the movie is a concept that sets our teeth on edge. Our first "dine-in" theater experience was at Hollywood Blvd. in Woodridge. The food was tasty, and the servers themselves very extremely careful to be as unobtrusive as possible during the movie. But every time a fellow moviegoer placed an order for a Bud Light, or had a plate of nachos arrive at their table, it couldn't help but be a distraction. Much like the latecomers who wander in15 minutes after the movie has started, trying to find a seat, or the tweeting masses who can't put their freaking cellphone away, they disrupt the immersive experience that's the raison d'etre of moviegoing. We get plenty of interruptions watching a movie at home on the sofa without paying close to $20 for the privilege of having them in public.

Nevertheless, it's going to be great to have another place to watch movies in the Loop, especially a venue that will compliment rather than compete with the Siskel. Wouldn't it be great to see Paul Thomas Anderson's next next movie for the first time at Block 37, and then again at the Siskel?