If it weren't for the obviously modern machinery like ticket ATMs outside and video games within, walking into Moore's Warren IMAX facility is like stepping through a time portal. Marble tile and deco designs combine with well-appointed salon lounges and other touches to provide a luxurious atmosphere.
Behind the facade, the projectors have been upgraded to the latest 4K technology, with many theaters capable of Sony 3D and 48 fps High Frame Rate (HFR). That's technical gobbledygook that means the theater has up-to-date geek awesomeness for great-looking pictures. The sound is top-notch, too.
Ticket counters are available at both the main box office and the IMAX, and tickets for all theaters may be purchased at either. Tickets can also be purchased in advance online at MovieTickets.com with a $1/ticket surcharge. Tickets must be picked up at one of the counters.
Ample parking exists all the way around the theater complex. There is a security presence at all times, which increases with busy crowd traffic. Security officers (off-duty police) continually roam the premises and oversee the safety of the guests.
The seats in all of the theaters are comfortable, rocking folders with thick cushions and padded backs. In the Balcony, the seats are wide and heated and set in a "love seat" style. The side arm rests are equipped with heat switches and service call buttons to order food, drink and refills. The Balcony seats are in a mezzanine level above the two large general auditoriums, which includes "Oscar's," a bar/lounge/diner. This restricts the area to those age 21 and older. The Director's Suites are intimate 30- and 40-seat luxury theaters also offering the service and amenities of the balcony area and Oscar's. These seats, however, include heating in both seat and back cushions and feature motorized recliners.
The food for Oscar's, the Balcony and Director Suite theater areas is provided by the diner downstairs in the south lobby beside the big staircase. There is seating in the diner, but the food can be ordered "to go" to be taken with you to your theater seat - just be sure to bring condiments and plenty of napkins so you don't have to come running back! Food selection runs from finger food like cheese fries to broad selection of sandwiches, standard pizzas, and a few dinner plate selections like chicken-fried steak and pasta dishes. There are also some desserts I am told are "mmm ridiculous" according to my companion (as I watched her eyes roll back in her head from a flood of endorphins). Portion sizes run towards the larger side, with a slight premium on the food prices. Downstairs "to go" is in styrofoam clamshells. Upstairs, food arrives at your seat on big plates with silverware. Heavy, steady wood tables are provided for seat-side service. Not to miss a detail, proper cloth napkins are provided as well.
Warren is to my knowledge the only theater in town where one can get ACTUAL butter on the popcorn - remember buttered popcorn? Not that chemical laboratory Science Fair stuff that _smells_ wonderful but tastes like greasy packing peanuts. The downstairs concession stands all have popcorn flavoring stations if you want to add caramel or kettle corn or nacho cheese, etc., seasoning.
The two Grand Auditoriums anchor the center of the theater with two huge screens and plenty of variety in seating positions for chair or rollator users. Both feature "cry rooms" for parents wanting to enjoy a movie with baby on board.
The digital IMAX is among the largest in the world. From sound to screen to the 3D, it really is an amazing theater experience. The volume levels can be quite high, so those sensitive to loudness (high SPL) may be uncomfortable, particularly in the center lower third and the very middle strip of seats across. Disability seating is provided on the lowest levels of seats - which are quite close to the screen - and the top back row. Access to the top is provided by an elevator in the IMAX lobby directly opposite of the concession counter.
The restrooms are in the lobby of the IMAX and the little elevator foyer upstairs; on the right side of the main lobby; a "family" restroom is immediately opposite Theater 7, with changing table, grab bars and chair-shelf lavatory; full bathrooms 35 feet down the left (1-6) corridor; and upstairs by the elevator in the balcony area.
The staff is friendly throughout. A lot of kids are in their first jobs, and they appear well orchestrated by their team leaders and management. The service staff upstairs is older, of course, and even more concerned with attending to guest comfort.
The upstairs luxury comes with a price, however; the Director's Seats cost $22/seat, and the Balcony seats are $12/matinee and $18/evening. IMAX is $10/matinee and $13/evening. 3D movies are not shown in the DS, and typically not in the Balconies, either. General Admission prices average $7/matinee and $10/evening. 3D shows carry a $3/ticket up-charge. read more