Amazing Luxury Movie Theater Opens Friday at Fashion Island

Orange County movie buffs will soon get to visit a new, luxurious movie theater in Newport Beach that promises a premier movie-going experience.

The Island Cinema at Fashion Island officially opens its doors Friday, but on  Tuesday evening a select group of people who attended the Newport Beach Film Festival's screening of the new comedy "Young Adult" got a sneak peek inside.

"What you see before you truly exceeds our expectations. You are sitting in one of the most luxurious settings to see a film in the world," said Gregg Schwenk, president of the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Island Cinema will screen movies on seven screens and provide seats for 670 movie-goers in seven theaters with stadium seating, oversized seats, extra-wide arm rests, wider aisles and more legroom. Seating will be reserved and can be selected when buying tickets through a seating map via the Internet, at the box office or through the concierge.

In addition to the classic concession stand basics like popcorn and soda, Island Cinema also offers a gelato bar, premium gourmet hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, smoked chicken quesadillas, Italian gourmet pizza, gourmet bratwurst, turkey wrap, vegetarian wrap, sparkling and flat water, wine and beer including Guinness, Stella Artois, Fat Tire, quiches and a lot more.  

For the added upscale amenities, ticket prices are $16.50 for adults, $13.50 for children and $13 for seniors and military members. Four of the seven theaters will offer 3D technology and movies will be shown commercial free. Luxury can also be seen the moment a movie patron walks into the lobby—large columns, granite countertops and a winding hallway with crown molding are some of the first things the will see.

Dan Sheridan, president of Irvine Company Retail Properties, said Island Cinema is an ideal fit for Newport Beach saying "this beautiful new theater will be the perfect addition to Fashion Island for locals and visitors alike.”

The Island Cinema is located near Nordstrom on the Island Terrace. Top run features will play at the cinema including the upcoming "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

Nearby Luxury Theaters

• In July, Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas and boasts high-back leather recliners, waiters, sushi and a full bar.
• In May 2010, the swanky in San Juan Capistrano, the 600-seat cinema houses a VIP auditorium where $16 gets you a black leather chair equipped with a keypad to order draft beers, popcorn shrimp and Kobe steak.