When my husband and I see a movie, we usually go to the theater at Metrotown, as it's the closest theater to us, as well as accessible by skytrain. My husband, a couple of friends, and I wanted to see Joker (really good movie, by the way) however, it wasn't playing at Metrotown on the particular night we were going, so we went to the theater in New Westminster instead. Well, after that night, I won't be back at Metrotown, unless the movie we want to see isn't playing at New West.
First of all, the seats. Wow -- it was like flying first class. (I flew first class on my way back from Burma after some woman dropped an object approximately the shape, size, and weight of a bowling ball on my head and neck, and was moved to first class after I freaked the fuck out.) All the seats were recliner armchairs, and while I don't care to recline and lean back during movies (in fact, I hate the seats at Metrotown that lean back awkwardly, giving zero back support), these seats didn't lean back at an uncomfortable angle, but a foot rest popped out so that one could fully recline, if desired, or sit up comfortably. However, I prefer to curl up in my seat, and these seats gave plenty of room to do that.
The seats were organized in units of two, with an arm rest between them that could be lowered to separate the seats, or remain up if you wanted to cuddle. Also, there was a lot of space between aisles to allow for the foot rests, so there was no way that people behind you could kick your seat or rest their nasty feet on top of your head. (I can't believe people do this!) Also, because the seats were essentially armchairs with solid backs and sides, you didn't have to worry about your jacket or purse falling to the floor, or awkwardly hold it in your lap.
The seats were amazing (and apparently, we weren't in a special theater; all the seats were like this, according to an employee), although they were a little high so that not only did my feet not reach the ground (which doesn't matter, as I like curling up anyway), but my husband had to help me as I had to literally climb into the seat!
Second, it was easy purchasing tickets online (we wanted to purchase tickets a couple of days in advance so that we would get good seats; little did we know that ALL seats are good seats). I went to the website, selected the movie and time I wanted, selected the number of tickets, chose my seats, and voila. And I didn't need to sign up for an account -- it was SO easy, a stark contrast to ordering tickets online for a movie at Metrotown. In order to purchase tickets online at Metrotown, you MUST sign up for an account (or use Facebook or other linked accounts); you can't simply purchase tickets as a guest. Second, unless you sign in to your account, you can't see the price of the movie ticket! So if I want to confirm how much a movie ticket is at Metrotown, I can't look it up!
That brings me to point #3: the price. I don't recall the price of a basic movie ticket at Metrotown (and I cannot look it up unless I want to create an account), but I swear it is more expensive than the $13.25 (before tax) that I paid for a ticket at New West.
Fourth, the location at New West is far superior. There are restaurants and bars right by the theater, making it super convenient to grab a quick bite to eat or a drink before or after the movie. And while there are places to eat *around* Metrotown, they aren't that close to the theater, nor are they very good. And even though New Westminster Station is a little further from our home than Metrotown Station, the New West theater is right at the station, and I'd rather sit on the train for an extra ten minutes than spend ten minutes walking from Metrotown Station to the mall, walk through the mall, and then up some stairs to the theater. In fact, when you factor in the walk from the skytrain station and through the mall to get to the theater, it's probably quicker to get to the New West theater, despite the slightly longer skytrain ride.
I'm a fan of the movie theater at New Westminster, and it will now be my go-to movie theater.
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