The searchlights pierced the early evening sky, high atop the Hollywood hills in front of the newly renovated Universal Hollywood CityWalk Cinemas. It was an auspicious evening as fans, Universal Studios Hollywood Park Management, and Hollywood legends came together to officially celebrate the renovated Universal Hollywood CityWalk Cinemas on Thursday, April 20th.

Universal CityWalk’s multi-million dollar AMC Theater renovation to create an all-new state-of-the-art Universal Cinema.

With its proximity to the Universal Studios’ production lot and filming locations for many blockbuster movies, these award-winning filmmakers helped call “action” and shine a spotlight on the Universal Cinema as the place to “see movies where movies are made.” Universal Cinema’s top-to-bottom makeover coincides with Universal Studios Hollywood’s ambitious epic transformation to reimagine the world-class entertainment destination.

 

A box office and guest services concierge is now located inside the venue, with convenient automated box office kiosks situated adjacent to the venue by the “5 Towers” outdoor concert stage.

For film buffs, Universal CityWalk has long been the epicenter for fans seeking an environment that matches the excitement of their favorite blockbuster movies. Delivering modern, high-tech elegance and chic sophistication, the renovation of the split-level movie theatre offers a stylish and inviting place that captures the spirt of the glamorous movie studio—complete with screening room quality theaters and ultra-plush reclining seats.

The Director’s Lounge Cocktail Bar—an all-new upscale and stylish second-level retreat, flanked by the upper level theaters—adds a charismatic new dimension to the space for casual pre- and post- movie-going fun. Beverages served at the lounge can also be taken into the second level theaters.

Each redesigned theatre has been fully upgraded with the most technologically advanced sight and sound achievements. The Universal Cinema represents the first multiplex in the United States to incorporate Christie laser projection, Christie Vive audio sound system and Dolby ATMOS with recliner seating to deliver maximum-impact movie presentations in 18 auditoriums. The installation of new state-of-the art screens, perforated to enable 360 degree audio, complement the overall enhancements.

You can get a more detailed tour of this wonderful renovation here as we were invited for a more in-depth exploration of this unquestionably stunning renovation.

 

 

Outside the theaters, the California sun had set, and Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal; Academy®, Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg; Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jordan Peele (Get Out); Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker Will Packer (Straight Outta Compton); Academy Award®-nominated and Emmy Award-winning producer Jason Blum (Get Out); and Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood, gathered on the 5Five Towers Stage to the right of the Theaters to share a few words, before the big moment.

 


“The new Universal Cinema is a spectacular place to enjoy blockbuster films and we’re thrilled to have such acclaimed filmmakers join us to commemorate the occasion,” said Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood. “As The Entertainment Capital of L.A., we’ve entertained guests for generations, taking them behind-the-scenes of movie-making and placing them in the heart of the action with our incredible attractions, so it’s only fitting that we create the ultimate movie-going experience giving fans access to a movie theatre where they watch films in Hollywood screening rooms the same way filmmakers do.”

(Left to Right)Jordan Peele, Jason Blum, Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBCUniversal, Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood, Steven Spielberg, Will Packer.

 


A departure from traditional movie concession stands, the completely redesigned AMC Marketplace offers movie-goers a contemporary grab-n-go, self-service experience, featuring a delectable new take on concession favorites, including specialty popcorn, gourmet foods, real fruit smoothies, café style coffees and a Coca-Cola Freestyle self-service touch screen soda fountain featuring 165 different Coca-Cola drink products.

Additionally, movie-goers can enjoy $5 Movie General Parking with the purchase of a movie ticket.
Since 1993, CityWalk has boosted the city’s rhythm through a foundation built on providing memorable entertainment experiences. With a series of dramatic enhancements currently underway from the introduction of new dining experiences such as the recently opened Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Voodoo Doughnut, and LudoBird, shopping experiences and visually aesthetic design features, CityWalk continues to resonate as one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers.
More information on CityWalk is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com. Regular updates can also be found on CityWalk’s Twitter @CityWalkLA, Facebook-Universal CityWalk Hollywood and Instagram @CityWalkLA.

Our Media partners, from Muse were there to toast to the completion of the work along with other invited guests.

I think that I could really get used to seeing movies here. Yes. You can take drinks in.

Also, our buddy and Media Partner Chris Gore founder of Film Threat was enjoying the recliner seats and a cold beer too.


The newly renovated AMC Theaters at Universal CityWalk are a sight to behold. This is state of the art cinema with all of the bells and whistles that create the perfect movie going experience. See you at the movies folks!


Additionally, movie-goers can enjoy $5 Movie General Parking with a theatre ticket box office rebate.


More information on CityWalk is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com. Regular updates can also be found on CityWalk’s Twitter @CityWalkLA, Facebook-Universal CityWalk Hollywood and on CityWalk’s Instagram @CityWalkLA.

About the Author

Norman Gidney is a nearly lifelong horror fan. Beginning his love for the scare at the age of 5 by watching John Carpenter's Halloween, he set out on a quest to share his passion for all things spooky with the rest of the world.