Cinépolis Could Open for Memorial Day Weekend

Get ready to watch the latest movie releases in luxury.

The new  could open on Memorial Day weekend or at least by the end of May, according to project manager Jason Chappell of Swinerton Builders.

Chappell told Patch that the project is coming along fine and to date, crews are working hard.

"Our goal is to open May 25, but that could change," he said. "As we get closer, we will be more confident on the exact date, but I would say at the end of May definitely."

He said the crews are currently working on: adding glass to the exterior, incorporating finishes such as wood to the walls, aluminum trim, wood panels, tiling in the restrooms, working on acoustics in the auditorium, and prepping carpeting.

Chappell said during the first week of May the seats will be delivered and possibly construction of the in-house kitchen will begin.  

Chappell added that there will be seven theaters with about 640 seats.

Cinépolis, a Latin American theater chain, took over the  Ocean Ranch Cinema at the Ocean Ranch Center on Oct. 1. Edwards has anchored the center for 20 years.

The Laguna Niguel location will be the company's third theater in Southern California, following Del Mar and La Costa.

Cinépolis will screen new movies and blockbuster hits in seven auditoriums that will feature state-of-the-art digital equipment, HD, 3-D and Surround Sound technologies. Each auditorium will seat guests in custom-designed, high-back, leather recliners that offer 7 feet of space to lean back or kick up the footrest.

The seats will also come equipped with a waiter service button so guests won’t have to leave the auditorium to grab a snack.

The food menu will include standard movie fare, such as popcorn and candies, in addition to gourmet finger-foods, artisan sandwiches, wine and cheese. 

Pricing will be comparable to the average restaurant menu, officials have said.

Movie-goers can expect to pay between $13.50 to $19.50 for regular movies, and 3D will be $22.50.

Cinépolis opened its first theater in Mexico in 1947 and has become the largest movie chain in Latin America and fourth largest in the world. Cinépolis developed its “VIP” luxury experience in 1999 and  ventured into several South American countries and India, but San Diego County is its first American presence.