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World’s Largest
Cinema Chain Will Enter Hawaii
Regal To Buy 309
Signature Screens
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Regal Entertainment Group announced
April 27 a pending acquisition of a total of 384 screens
at 37 U.S. sites from three different circuits.
The agreement, subject at press time to
closing conditions, includes the Northern California-based
Signature Theatres
circuit, comprising 309 screens at 30 sites in California
and Hawaii. The move will mark Regal’s first entrance
into the Hawaiian market. The remainder of the acquisition
covers 75 screens at seven sites in the Northeast. The
acquisitions were described as “modern” with
80 percent featuring stadium-style seating.
“We look forward to a rapid and successful
integration of the acquired theatres which is expected
to occur by
the end of the third fiscal quarter,” reported
circuit CEO Mike Campbell.
Knoxville, Tenn.-based Regal currently
operates 6,020 screens at 545 sites in 39 states. 
14 Screens For Dubuque
AGT Slates Star
Cinema In Iowa
DUBUQUE, Iowa – AGT Enterprises Inc./Star-Iowa
LLC in April announced plans to construct its Star Cinema
14-plex in the Eastern Iowa city of Dubuque.
 Construction is slated to begin this summer with an
eye toward an early 2005 bow.
To be situated in the Asbury Plaza Shopping Center
development, the 60,000-square-foot-plus facility
will feature stadium-style
seating, high-backed rocker seats with cupholders
and retractable armrests, wall-to-wall screens and Dolby
digital sound.
Patrons will enter the site under a 3-lane canopy
and discover an expanded concession menu offering
frozen
drinks, pretzel bites and nacho chips served with
hot cheese.
Prairie du Chien, Wis.-based AGT/Star-Iowa currently
operates 77 screens at eight sites in Wisconsin
and Iowa.
8-Plex Docks At Harbor
GKC To Launch Mich.
Plex On Thanksgiving
LUDINGTON, Mich. – George Kerasotes Corp. (GKC)
announced plans to unveil a new 8-plex in Ludington,
Mich., over this year’s Thanksgiving weekend.
 Described as “sleek” by circuit officials,
the 1,300-seat Harbor will boast stadium-style seating
with 14-inch risers.
In order to help keep downtown Ludington “active
and thriving,” GKC plans to keep its existing downtown
quad open in addition to the new facility.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer our patrons
a wider volume and variety of films with a total of 12
screens in the market,” noted circuit vice president
of film and marketing Bryan Jeffries.
Springfield, Ill.-based GKC currently operates 30 sites
in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin.
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Waycross Stadium Style
GTC Renovates 9
For South Georgia
WAYCROSS, Ga. – Georgia Theatre Company (GTC) completed major renovations
in May on its 9-plex in the South Georgia town of Waycross.
Renovations included retrofitting all nine auditoria
with Dolby digital sound, stadium-style seating and new
high-backed rocker chairs with retractable cupholder
armrests. New drapes were also added, as well as a remodeled lobby featuring
a brand new concession stand.
St. Simons Island, Ga.-based GTC currently operates
255 screens at 27 sites in Georgia, South Carolina and
Virginia.
DreamWorks Vet Noel Kendall
Harkins Recruits
In-House Booker
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Industry vet Noel Kendall joined Harkins Theatres
April 16 as the circuit’s first in-house film booker.
A veteran of AMC Theatres and, most recently, DreamWorks
Pictures, Kendall brings over 30 years experience in
film buying, theatre operations and film
distribution. He takes charge of all Harkins’ film buying, planning,
negotiating and settlements.
For the past 15 years, film booking for Harkins facilities
was handled through Alamo Theatre Services. Due to the
January death of Alamo principal Lou Lencioni,
combined with plans to expand the circuit from 259 screens to over 400
by 2006, the decision was made to bring film booking
in-house.
“We could not be happier with adding Noel to the team,” noted circuit
president and CEO Dan Harkins. “Noel is an incredible person to have on
our side. His passion and vast knowledge of the motion picture business will
make this a perfect fit for both of us.”
No Charge in 2004
Free Loews Admits
For All Centenarians
NEW YORK – Continuing the celebration of its 100th anniversary this year,
Loews Cineplex now offers free admission for moviegoers 100 years old or older,
and will continue to do so for the remainder of 2004.
According to the nation’s 2000 census, there are more than 54,000 centenarians
living in the United States.
As part of its year-long “Founder’s Day” celebration in
honor of visionary exhibitor Marcus Loew, the circuit also hosted $1 popcorn
happy
hour from 5 to 6 p.m. May 3 through May 6 and from May 10 to 13.
Patrons who visit Loews facilities on their birthdays
throughout 2004 receive a free super combo featuring
a large popcorn and soda.
“We are very excited about starting this summer’s movie season with
Loews Founder’s Day celebration,” said circuit senior vice president
of marketing John McCauley. “Movie fans have helped Loews remain true to
their founder’s vision and we thought this was a perfect opportunity to
thank them for helping to build Loews’ long-lasting tradition of the total
movie experience.”
80 Disabled Students Attend
Lincoln Hosts Special
‘Cimarron’ Screening
BELLEVILLE, Ill. – The Lincoln Theatre in Belleville, Ill., hosted a
special Feb. 27 screening of DreamWorks’ animated feature “Spirit:
Stallion of the Cimarron” for a group of 80 students from the local special
education group Belleville Area Special Services Cooperation.
Designed to teach local children who have disabilities,
the visit was part of a lesson to help them with social
skills and community interaction.
The Lincoln Theatre, which has hosted the group for
the last three years, opened its doors at 9 a.m. for
the private screening.
“It was a gratifying experience to see the kids
enjoying something that they have never been able to
partake in before,” said Lincoln co-owner
Betty Wright. “They came to buy at the concession stand which was
a learning experience for them – it taught them how to order and
get what they wanted.”
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