thePULSETaking movie-going to a new stage
December 2004 – Ever notice how movie theater complexes keep getting bigger and fancier? In Central Mass, the current apex of this trend is Millbury’s Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema De Lux, located at the intersection of Routes 146 and 122A in the new Shoppes at Blackstone Valley.
Just a couple of miles south of Worcester, this fancy,14-screen facility features a large, comfortable lobby that offers concession treats from Nathan’s, Ben & Jerry’s, Sbarro and Starbucks, an adjoining restaurant and bar and two Director’s Theaters with premium seating.
The lobby is spacious and open with a high ceiling. In the center of the room are comfortable leather chairs clustered around a full grand player piano. There is also an alcove in the back of the lobby with more chairs and a large plasma TV that is usually tuned to the news or a sports event.
The two Director’s Hall theaters cost $2 extra during the week and $2.50 more on Fridays and weekends. These theaters have assigned seating, so you can pick your favorite seats in advance. While all the theaters in the complex have comfortable stadium-style seating, the Director’s Theaters go a step further offering wider seats with adjustable arm rests. Lucky customers also don’t have to wait in line for concessions — they just an order form and the food is delivered right to each seat.
The Sbarro pizza and Nathan’s hot dogs are definitely a cut above your standard movie theater concession fare. The restaurant offers a menu on par with your standard mall food-court, like pizza, hot dogs, burgers, chicken nuggets and nachos. You can also get bottled or draft beer, wine-by-the-glass or mixed drinks.
If you’re waiting to meet up with friends or want to grab a quick bite, then the restaurant is a reasonable deal. If you have more time available, you should keep in mind that the theater is in the same shopping complex as T.G.I. Friday’s, Applebee’s, UNO Chicago Grill, and LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants — all of which offer a better burger and a beer for about the same price.
If you haven’t been out to Cinema De Lux yet, this writer definitely recommends that you give it a try. This holiday season is the perfect opportunity to treat someone special to a seasonal film in deluxe comfort.
