Luxury best describes the new Empire Theatre – a new eight-screen movie theatre in The Columns II on Vann Drive.

From the way a moviegoer purchases tickets, to a concession stand with an expanded menu, and electric reclining seats with attached trays, this 21st Century-type Theatre offers more than the usual.

“We’re very proud to be here,” said Phil Zacheretti, president/CEO Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, “We’re getting close to opening – another month or two to go. A lot of the seats have gone in, but there is still a lot of work to do.

“We’re going to have an expanded concession menu … pub style with french fries, pizzas, Orville Redenbacher Popcorn, chicken strips, mozzarella sticks, soft pretzels, Coke products and local craft beers.”

It gets even better once a visitor is inside an auditorium to watch a movie, with new electric reclining seats, in what has become the latest trend in movie theatres around the country.

All seats at the new theatre will recline, but the “Empire Theatre X-perience” will be the only auditorium in the Jackson area to offer recliners with armrests that will raise between two recliners to allow more space between the customers.

The “ETX” auditorium features the only NEC laser projection system in the state of Tennessee.

The 11.1 premium digital sound system will feature immersive surround sound, including ceiling speakers.

The “ETX” auditorium will offer both 2D and 3D films.

The screens will be wall to wall and the digital sound system will be of the highest quality.

“All seats will be reserved seating,” Zacheretti said, “When you order a ticket, three- or four days or a couple of weeks in advance, you get to pick out exactly which seat you want in that auditorium you want to sit in.

“Once you pay for it, it’s guaranteed to be there when you come to the movie that night.”

The theatre will have seating for 700.

(PHOTO: Empire Theatre, Vann Drive)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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