There's something about paying a $2 service fee that heightens my sense of everything that's not done right. I guess I was expecting exceptionally well-maintained facilities and an audience that was better behaved that most.
In the end, it really seemed like they were short handed on the staff, or people were refusing the deal with the bathroom. The women's room was not in good shape -- paper towels overflowing and the stalls in need of attention. The audience struck me as about average in their manners. They say you don't have to watch ads at the Sundance, but the preshow was a very long "making of" for a movie with Colin Farrell that looks crappy -- give me pointless movie trivia any day! I felt my $2 fee must be supporting those in the lobby, surfing on their Macs, who had no movie plans.
On the upside -- the floors did not have that sticky quality that I associate with movie theaters around the world. The seats were really comfortable. And a latte or a beer during a movie is a plus for some.
I know I will be back to Sundance, because it is close by and they do show movies that don't get screened elsewhere around town. However, I'll now know to lower my expectations. It's just a slightly above average venue that takes a few extra bucks from your wallet.