The magic of the movie theater is back in town, with Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres opening their Park City location Thursday.
Megaplex renovated the old Redstone 8 Cinemas, which they purchased back in May, completing an interior makeover, added heated reclining seats and much more.
The new theater is currently showing four films — “Here,” “Red One,” “The Best Christmas Pageant” and “Venom: The Last Dance.”
The Park City location is Megaplex’s first new theatre since 2017. The company currently operates 17 theaters in Utah, and is in the process of similarly upgrading many of them.
“These are moments that we we relish,” said Larry H. Miller Company CEO Steve Starks at a Thursday morning ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We love to build, invest, enhance and enrich, and we’re grateful for all of you in that process. …We’re really excited to be in this community and to open this theater.”
Starks revealed he and some of his team first toured Redstone 8 with future plans in mind over five years ago. The old theatre was in poor condition, built in 2004 and not upgraded since. Redstone 8 had dated, dirtied interiors, damaged equipment and more issues.
Additional upgrades to the new theater included new restrooms, a Dolby Atmos theatre, upgraded concessions stands and state-of-the-art assisted listening devices. Tickets remain around the same price as they were under Redstone 8, with the upgraded amenities.
Starks said Megaplex will enhance the theater-going experience in Park City. They’re committed to the town in the long-term, planning continues upgrades as soon as materials can arrive.
He said Megaplex is thrilled to be doing business in Park City, something they have been eyeing for awhile. The Larry H. Miller Company may decide to expand later with the old Holiday Village 4 Cinemas if they see a community need and good opportunity.
“Life takes place when your kids come with you and they see Rey in ‘Star Wars’ for the first time, Elsa in ‘Frozen’ or when you’re wondering whether Frodo has the courage to throw the ring in the fire. You walk out and you talk about those memories and enjoy that movie for a long time,” said Starks. “Those are experiences that you cannot replicate on a couch in your home with a streaming service. There is something about the DNA of Americans coming to a movie — eating popcorn, having a drink, living life larger on the big screen — that is really unique and special.”
Larry H. Miller Company Co-founder Gail Miller reminisced over attending old, grimy theatres back in the day with her late husband Larry. She said she’s proud to be doing movie theatre business the right way, with the right people. Miller said the goal is to make guests feel comfortable and ready to return with friends.
“We take our values very seriously,” said Miller. “We want to be the best in the business. … I’m excited about our future and to be here in Park City, and I know that this will be a very successful venture.”
Miller cut a ceremonial film strip alongside fellow executives to signify the opening. Ceremony guests took in all of the upgrades after, some staying to view “The Best Christmas Pageant.”
Initial public showings began Thursday late-afternoon. The theater opened back up for business Friday morning. Megaplex is expecting to pack the Park City location during the holiday season, with visitors and the releases of upcoming blockbusters “Gladiator 2,” “Wicked” and “Moana 2.”
For showtimes, tickets and further information on the Park City Megaplex or other Megaplex locations, see their website.
The new theatre will also be accommodating Sundance as long as it stays in Park City. They said they’ll add showtimes and whatever may be needed to suffice demand.
