Lounging back in the plush, oversized recliner with drink in hand, it was easy to forget I was sharing the theater space of the new Gold Class Cinemas with 39 other movie goers. I was about to partake in the screening of “Ghost Town” at a special sneak peak of the recently opened luxury cinemas located in the Redmond Town Center.
Gold Class Cinemas boasts valet parking, a swanky lounge, more than 30 wines, a full bar with signature cocktails, freshly-prepared gourmet dining served during the movie, personalized service at the push of a button and luxury seating.
Breaking the barriers of a typical movie theater, Gold Class Cinemas not only allows guests to escape into the magic of a two-hour movie on one of the seven screens, but also the theater provides a unique experience from the moment you arrive.
The Redmond opening Oct. 31 marked the second unveiling of Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas in United States; the first was in suburban Chicago on Oct. 3. The theater’s success in Australia, Europe and Asia, prompted the opening in the states.
After eight months of construction, the much anticipated Redmond location opened to a welcoming crowd. Rob Goldberg, COO of Village Roadshow Class Cinemas was pleased with the initial response.
“We think Redmond is such a great location for a number of reasons,” he explained. “Redmond and the outlining communities are definitely a community of first adopters and part of our challenge is to get people to forget the traditional cineplex experience and take a leap of faith with a new concept.”
Although the price of a ticket will run you anywhere from $22 to $35 a person, the cost is well worth forking over a little extra green. The high-end theater includes state-of-the-art picture and sound quality and allows patrons to purchase tickets prior to arriving; providing seat selection to eliminate long lines and cramped seating found at most movie theaters. The online booking service assures a reserved seat and quality service.
When you walk in, it feels less like a theater and more like a high-end hotel and lounge, said spokeswoman Whitney Ashley. Once you experience Gold Class it’s hard to imagine going back to a typical theater because you feel so spoiled and well-taken care of here. The experience is priceless.
Food and beverage purchases are separate from the admission price and are available pre-showing or by pressing the green button that is located conventionally between the reclining seats, situated in pairs. Each theater, original built to occupy 150 seats, supplies an abundance of room and allows the wait staff to move around with ease.
Half expecting to be rudely interrupted during the movie by the serving of food and beverages, I was pleasantly surprised when the “Black Ghost,” as they call them, moved efficiently and translucently throughout the theater with ease.
The gourmet menu created exclusively for Gold Class Cinemas by Executive Chef Keith Keogh includes dishes from Smaller, Bigger, and Sweeter plate options. A small plate might include the Vertical Romaine Heart Spears ($9), a makeshift Caesar salad designed to make eating in the dark a simple task. The creamy dressing sits at the bottom of the dish and allows for dipping of the romaine spears, aged asiago and thin, cheese crisps. The menu also includes options such as the Calamari ($14), Crisp Lobster Roll ($18) and Crab Cake Quartet ($17).
For the next course, patrons can choose from a wide selection of unique bites including Wagyu Beef Burger Duo ($17), Duck Tacos ($15) or Ravioli Forestiere ($14).
Dessert includes The Creme Brulee Spoons ($9), Truffle Chocolate Cake ($9) and Seasonal Fruit and Berry Plate ($9).
Pair the sweet treat with a good glass of wine ranging from $8- $20 and sit back and enjoy the movie.
If you prefer old school, favorite movie concessions are available as well.
Despite the current economy, Goldberg remains very optimistic that the cinemas will fit in nicely on the Eastside.
“I think this economy really calls for people to have an escape and to be entertained now more than ever,” he said. “Movies are a great escape and have proven so in economic cycles across the globe and over time. Gold Class provides an escape from the moment you walk through the door. It’s a very intimate and unique experience.”
Gold Class Cinemas will not only serve as a great date-night venue, but also for corporate team-building groups and charitable organizations hosting fund-raisers. Theater space can be rented out for business presentations followed by a private movie screening.
“Gold Class offers a high quality level of service and a swanky environment that offers comfort and entertainment,” Goldberg said, adding, “Everybody loves the movies. You can’t go wrong.”
According to Goldberg, Gold Class Cinemas will offer movie packages in the future for those flicks with a lot of anticipated hype.
With the new James Bond movie hitting the big screen soon, I don’t know how you take your Martini, but I like mine shaken, not stirred.
A Quantum of Solace-Bond Package is currently available ($149) and includes a private screening of the new James Bond movie, a 30-minute pre-showing cocktail time, a Salad Martini appetizer, Entree of choice, and Chocolate Bombe for dessert. A speciality cocktail, the Smirnoff Quantum of Solace Martini will be served to each guest along with a Quantum of Solace premium item and lanyard.
James Bond on the big screen and a chilled martini in your hand. I have to agree with Goldberg – you really can’t go wrong.
Gold Class Cinemas is located on the upper level of Redmond Town Center, 16451 NE 74th St. For movie times and listings, visit www.goldclasscinemas.com.
Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@bellevuereporter.com or at 425-453-4602.
