MORGAN HILL
– Two weekends from now, South Valley moviegoers will have an
option they haven’t had since September 2003 – two theaters.
MORGAN HILL – Two weekends from now, South Valley moviegoers will have an option they haven’t had since September 2003 – two theaters.
Cinelux Theaters announced its Morgan Hill grand opening for April 2 in the Tennant Station Shopping Center. Cinelux Tennant Station Cinemas will be located at 750 Tennant Avenue, where the former Cinema 6 theater used to be.
It will join Gilroy’s Platinum Theatres as the South County’s only other large-screen cinematic venue.
“March 26 is still a tentative date, but April 2 is most likely,” said Celice Caglia, general manager of Cinelux Theaters.
The arrival of the Bay Area company changes the movie-going experience for South Valley movie buffs. Cinelux will have eight screens, and all the theaters will have state-of-the-art Dolby Digital Surround Sound.
Designer popcorn, with an add-your-own-butter option and a choice of toppings will fill out the food fare. Gourmet coffee drinks also will be available.
The screen will be curved and seating will be stadium-style with chairs that rock back and forth.
“Those are the types of things we want to make sure are all perfect and ready to go,” Caglia said.
As Morgan Hill’s Granada Theater on Monterey Street remains closed, only Platinum Theatres in Gilroy will give Cinelux competition in these parts.
Ed Jackson, general manager of Platinum, said his theater will be ready for it.
“I think initially a lot of people are going to want to check out the new theater in town. It’s only natural,” Jackson said. “After about a month or two, I don’t think there will be any real significant impact on our business.”
Jackson is confident for two reasons. He says business at the Gilroy theater is “fantastic.” And, the theater is being improved.
Platinum is upgrading its own food selection. Kettle corn will be added to the popcorn menu. Corn dogs in addition to hot dogs are now available. Tamales will add an ethnic flare, and gourmet ice cream will cool off the spiced up palates.
“In about two to three weeks, we’ll have everything done,” Jackson said.
According to Jackson, the improvements have no connection to the competition that’s been added just 10 miles away. Jackson was hired in November to upgrade the service and amenities at the Gilroy theater, and he’s been trying to deliver ever since.
“I’m just not concerned about the competition,” Jackson said. “My concern is to focus on giving our customers an enjoyable experience and that’s what we’re doing.”
