Just took in a Sunday matinee, Inception, at the extremely ritzy "Epicentre" theater in uptown Charlotte. Having my own preconceived notions about the Epicentre and its throngs of post-millenium yuppies, I was skeptical before we even walked through the doors.
All of my suspicions about the Epicentre theater were confirmed, but I can't say the experience was entirely unpleasant.
A few cons (to some, they might be pros)-
- Everyone there is kind of snooty and overdressed. I guess that's what you get for going to a movie theater with craft beer, myriad pomegranate cocktails, and "small plates" of Mediterranean foods.
-To get a good seat, you have to pay an extra $6 for the "VIP Section," which is the majority of the theater. If you pay the cheap price for a regular seat, you are relegated to the first two rows of the theater.
- You cannot buy a regular coke. Instead, you get a coke in a 12 oz. tumbler for $4. Also the bartender calls you ma'am and looks put off if you don't order a cocktail/beer/wine.
Pros:
-Beer during a movie! A great idea, and the beer wasn't overpriced considering the circumstances. I paid $5 for a Sam Adams Summer Ale.
- Seats very luxurious. Soft and huge. VIP section features love seats. Romantic, I suppose.
-You can buy your tickets from an automated computer kiosk rather than have to wait in line.
-Very clean.
-You can park for free in the Epicentre garage for up to 3 hours.
Overall, this theater experience was a positive one. However, I left feeling a bit disconcerted. I guess, as much as I've complained about dirty theaters with unruly patrons in the past, I was just as bothered by the Epicentre experience. This theater clearly caters to the same crowd as the rest of the Epicentre establishments. Personally, I would rather go to a Sunday matinee at a traditional theater if it means I can choose my seats, wear jeans without feeling like a scumbag, and, most importantly, buy a large coke and popcorn.