Chicago loves movies and it shows in the variety of theater options around our city, ranging from blockbuster-boasting megaplexes to independent gems with special niche programming. Now we have another way to watch with the opening of L.A. based ArcLight in Lincoln Park’s NewCity development. ArcLight is all about creating a moviegoer experience focused on actually experiencing the movies. The theater is willing to break tradition to cut down the hassles, distractions and sticky floors we’ve come to accept. Here’s what to expect at Chicago’s newest movie theater option.
No box office, no lines, no seating stress
To get you from lobby to seat with ease, ArcLight does away with the box office and implements reserved seating. Whether you choose to purchase tickets from a kiosk, roving iPad-clad employee or buy before with no extra fees, all seats are chosen ahead of time.
Less trailers, less stragglers
With a three-trailer limit, movies actually start within minutes of their ticketed times. Roll in at 7:20pm for a 7pm film and you’ll miss more than exposition. To keep stragglers from disrupting the movie, latecomers are asked to select another showtime rather than climb through the audience four scenes in.
More than just popcorn and pop
ArcLight provides a selection of classic movie standards like candy and popcorn (it is a movie theater, after all) but their cafe serves alternatives like ahi tuna poke and pork belly sliders. The full bar features local craft beer on draft, wine and cocktails that you can bring into your movie, so the days of smuggling in a flask of rum for your overpriced coke are over.
Year-round mix of movies and more
ArcLight is big on balancing the roster of films to include both the biggest blockbusters with independent films and documentaries. The theater also plans to partner with Chicago institutions like Second City, Steppenwolf and Kartemquin to offer special screenings highlighting native talent as well as special post-film interviews and in-house or live-streamed Q and A's.