| rev:text
| - 'High concept' is both a descriptive term for and a denigration of Hollywood films that purport to deliver something novel but turn out to be disappointingly formulaic.
In a business where popcorn and a Coke and a stiff old seat were the norm for decades in every city and every cinema, the idea of serving food & beverages, including alcohol, in a stadium-style auditorium with mini-tables, drink-holders and large comfortable chairs is 'high concept' also.
But novelties wear off and the high concept of Cinebarre has been mostly undone by the old bugbear of declining standards in housekeeping and service.
1) If you arrive early for a film and want to buy a drink at the expansive bar in the lobby...tough. You are informed that 'you can order in the theater.' By the bartender. Apparently, tending the bar means turning people away from the bar. Surely the opposite of the business plan? It must also be a difficult way to make tips.
2) A seating area with benches, tables, stools, etc. is presumably for the consumption of said beverages but with few, if any, bar sales it stayed empty and some signage etc had been chucked in the corner.
3) The place was FREEZING during a winter visit. I like A/C. I dislike hot weather and any place inside that is too warm. At the time of visit it was an unusually cold weather pattern outside but it didn't seem the heat had been running at all with or without the outside doors opening frequently as is typical of any business. The lobby was a meat locker and the auditorium only marginally better. We were obliged to wear our coats and scarves throughout the film.
4) The place reeked of stale beer. If you've cleaned up after a party or worked at an establishment that serves alcohol then you know the smell of beer spilled or simply left out in containers too long. Lobby, hallways, auditoriums. It was pervasive and overpowering.
5) The worst trend in cinema: pre-film commercials. Lots of them. Played at the same volume as the feature film! $35 for two people to listen to 30 min of adverts? They were so loud it even made communicating with the waitress difficult. Is it any wonder people are staying on their couches with their big screens and Netflix? No ads, no preachy PSAs, set the volume where you like.
Personal discomfort aside, it's amazing that companies can invest so much in land, facilities and staff only to engage in practices that drive the paying customer away.
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