Survey Says: Cinépolis Too Expensive

By the looks of our movie-goers are not ready to plunk down their hard-earned cash for tickets at the new Cinépolis quite yet.

The luxury theater located at 32401 Golden Lantern St., opened one week ago today to much fanfare, but in a poll conducted by Patch, most said they would pass.

Will You See a Movie at Cinépolis This Weekend?

• 1. No, it's too expensive. 134 (76%)
• 2. Yes, I can't wait to sit in one of the leather seats and be waited on. 41 (23%)

Total votes: 175

When asked how the theater did overall on its first weekend, Lauren Renner, business development director for the theater chain said: "Traffic over the weekend was a bit slow since we haven’t fully released all of our marketing yet. We’d like to have a soft opening until we make sure we can provide our guests with the very best experience possible."

She added that the most popular items off the menu seem to be the Angus sliders and the raspberry cheesecake. As for the most popular movies: Avengers is still coming in very strong but Snow White and the Huntsman is sparking a lot of interest, she said.

Renner also said that on average and depending on the theater location, "about 5,300 people a week come through each cinema location."

Patch asked Renner again later in the week if traffic had picked up and she said numbers were still not available.

Comments from Readers

In terms of our poll last week, readers were vocal in their comments, here is a sampling:

"This is incredibly nuts. This center caters to the teenage crowd after school and weekends. I’d much rather sit on the Terrace at the Laguna Hotel and enjoy the ocean and have a drink and dinner for what a movie and a quesadilla would cost here. I thought we had a pretty bright city council up until now ..." Craig Kalthoff

"I just read reviews of one of the San Diego theaters. Mixed reviews. Almost everyone raves about the comfort of the seats and the layout of the seating. Almost everyone agrees that the food is good, but not fantastic. Very mixed reviews on wait staff and getting the right food, to the right people. Luckily, with work that can be fixed. That rests with management and staffing. Seems like couples enjoy it. Families of 4 to 5 people will need to plan for $175-$200 if they plan on having a full dinner," Pacific Coast Mama

Lucky R says: "Went last night and was a bit disappointed. The seats were fantastic, the screen was HUGE but the staff has to iron out a few bumps. Thought it would be relaxing to have a glass of wine and cheese plate brought to me while watching the movie, but we were interrupted several times with wrong orders, and my husband had to ask 4 times for his drink. Although billed for them, our kids never received their milkshakes. Staff was very friendly, but they need to get more organized. I'll try again in a few months."

In case you were wondering about prices:

PRICING POLICY

MONDAY TO THURSDAY

ADULTS

SENIOR/MILITARY/KIDS

Before 1 p.m.

$15.50

$13.50

Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

$17.50

$15.50

From 4 p.m. to closing

$19.50

$17.50

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

ADULTS

SENIOR/MILITARY/KIDS

Before 1 p.m.

$17.50

$15.50

Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

$19.50

$17.50

From 4 p.m. to closing

$19.50

$19.50

All 3D movies will have a $3 surcharge per ticket added to the cost of each ticket.

On opening week all tickets for new releases will be $19.50, plus 3D surcharge when applicable. All day except matinees (before 1 p.m.).

All tickets are fully refundable up to 30 minutes before scheduled show time.

Refunds must be made in person at the theatre concierge/box office.

What do you think, will the theater be a hit as time marches on? Tell us in comments below.