New Landmark Theater in Denver Area to Offer More Adult Amenities

Friday, December 21 is a perfect night to go to the movies, with a new and different theater being opened in the Denver area in Greenwood Village by Landmark Theatres. Independent film has been a breath of fresh air for those who want to see a movie that wasn't necessarily targeted for maximum box office results, and that's Landmark Theatres' specialty.

Already operating several theaters in the Denver area and 53 nationwide in 23 markets, Landmark is adding to their historic and classic theater offerings an "upscale" theater experience. "Only" six screens, digital sound, a premium bar and "unique" concessions menu (popcorn and fountain drinks are included in your ticket) and "luxurious leatherette stadium seating," you probably won't be battling with the latest generation of teenagers, enduring sticky floors and bubble gum. It's a good alternative to installing your own home theater. A similar theater is already open in Baltimore's Inner Harbor area.

The theater will open with Sweeney Todd, P.S. I Love You and Charlie Wilson's War showing, and Savages will follow on the 25^th. While these films appear to be more Hollywood, there are enough "big names" crossing over to be confusing, as well as "independent" divisions being spawned by major entertainment companies. Don't worry, though, if you've found some "strictly indie" actors and directors to be your favorites, you will find plenty of them there too. Independent films have the freedom to spend more time giving you something to think about, and at a theater like Greenwood Village, you might even find more patrons who are interested in talking about the movie - afterwards. Landmark has a magazine, email list and special events such as filmmaker talks to keep moviegoers up to date with movies that might not have such a big ad budget.

In the '70s and '80s in the Boston area, independent film usually meant an old theater with "character," such as the Brattle Theater and the late Orson Welles in Harvard Square, the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, and so many others around the area. Some have been rescued by fans under the threat of real estate boom times, others didn't make it. It's hard to think of a "chain" of theaters showing independent film, but Landmark has been growing since 1974, and with 58 theaters around the country they give a good home to filmmakers of a different breed and the patrons who love them. They also are known for the many historic theaters they now operate.

Landmark's history started, according to the company, at the Nuart Theater in West LA in 1974. As a "repertory" theater (before VCRs) showing favorites like Harold and Maude and King of Hearts, as well as cult classics and foreign films, the company headed by Todd Wagner and Mark Cuban began to grow in the southern California area. Today, they also own Magnolia Pictures as well as a number of other related companies.

Landmark theaters in the Denver area, the Esquire, Chez Artiste, and Mayan, are showing a wide variety of films including midnight classics, but the opening films in Greenwood Village are filled with star power. Sweeney Todd stars Johnny Depp, and includes Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman and Sacha Baron Cohen. P.S. I Love You stars Hilary Swank, and Charlie Wilson's War stars Tom Hanks. Savages begins December 25^th. For more information and showtimes, see their website at www.landmarktheatres.com or mobile.landmarktheatres.com from your mobile device. Ticket prices were not available, but their new theater in Baltimore is comparable to multiplex prices.