Thornhill at the Movies

This theater, built a few years ago, follows the model of other recently built AMC Theaters. In fact, it seems to be the model for most new movie theater complexes.

 

Bay Street is a fairly new shopping mall with two levels. Most of the shops are on the ground level, but Barnes and Noble shares one end of the mall with the theater. The bookstore is two levels; the second level extends about halfway one side of the mall hosting a number of restaurants. My favorite places to stop are California Pizza Kitchen, Zen Noodle and P.F. Changs.

 

The theater box office is on the second level, next to the bookstore. A number of automated ticket kiosks are also available. After you buy your ticket, proceed up another escalator to the theater.

 

The lobby is fairly large and a large concession stand sits directly in front of the entrance. It is the first thing you see upon entering. If you need any evidence that movie theaters make the majority of their profits from concessions, look no further. The large concession stand is highlighted (depending on how you look at it) by large video screens displaying advertisements for nachos, Dasani bottled water, snack combos, etc.

 

To both sides of the concession stand are eight theaters. To the left, theaters 1 through 8. To the right, theaters 9 through 16. I have only been in theaters to the right, but I suspect the layout is identical on both sides. I know the lowest numbered (1 and 2) and the highest numbered theaters (15 and 16) are the smallest, at approximately 100 or so seats per.

 

On a recent visit, we watched a film in Theater 15. Following the stadium seating layout, you enter down the middle of the theater. A large seating area rises above you and a smaller area rests below. This theater is very comfortable because the seats are canted enough to provide good sightlines throughout. You would never guess you were in one of the smallest theaters in this complex. They also have the de rigeur moveable armrests used in most stadium seating theaters, allowing you to spread out a bit if the theater is not filled.

 

On this same visit, we initially purchased tickets for a film playing in Theater 16, which is a little smaller. We switched theaters because we were there for the first show and the seats were wet, all of them; the cleaning crew cleaned the seats the night before and they hadn't yet dried. I know of a lot of theaters that could benefit from a good scrub. The staff was very apologetic, and helpful, switching our tickets to the other film and providing passes for another visit.

 

On other occasions, I have been in larger theaters and they are equally comfortable, with the same layout. The larger theaters hold 300 plus people.

 

In the middle of each wing of theaters are large bathrooms. Every time I have been in, the bathrooms have been relatively clean and uncrowded.

 

The complex has at least one theater with DLP (digital projection) capabilities. If a film is playing on more than one screen, and one of them is DLP, choose the DLP screen. DLP is clear, crisp and bright. I highly recommend it. The picture is particularly good for animated films or movies with lots of special effects. Also, you may be spared having to watch commercials for Mazda, Mountain Dew and American Express before the film.

 

AMC Theaters also offers one of the only Reward programs I am aware of. They have the Moviewatcher program. It is really easy to use and has many benefits. Get a membership application at the customer service desk in any theater. The membership is free. If it is still run the same way, you have to buy four tickets to any movie (bargain matinees included) and get your application stamped. After you have the four stamps you mail it in and they send you a laminated card. Use the card every time you buy movie tickets (again, bargain matinees included). Every time you buy tickets, you get two points per ticket. They do have a cap of two tickets per show. For every ten points, you get a coupon for a free soda, popcorn or movie ticket. For every 100 points, you get all three. The best thing is that you get these coupons immediately when you are buying the tickets that give you the points. Another added advantage to this membership program is that if you want to buy tickets ahead online, use the Moviewatcher.com website. Be sure to enter your Moviewatcher Membership number and you won't be charged any online service charges.

 

AMC Theaters also offer bargain matinees for all shows before 6pm every day, even on weekends. Most other theaters only offer bargain matinees for the first show on weekends and holidays, usually at 11 am or so.

 

These two programs ensure that you will receive the best value for your dollar.