Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have a private movie theater for you and your dear friends? If you’re after the classic cinema experience with popcorn, the big chains can accommodate you. However, if you prefer a more upscale, exclusive night out, a fresh initiative by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chain founder Tim League could be exactly what you need.
Step into Metro Private Cinema, an upcoming 20-screen venue in New York City’s Chelsea district, designed for film enthusiasts seeking a more eventful movie experience. Select your theater (seating capacities range from 4 to 20 people), pick your movie, and decide on your gourmet meal (perhaps blue prawns with summer risotto?). Then, you’re all set for an unforgettable cinematic journey.
The idea addresses a frequent complaint about modern movie theater chains: they must place greater emphasis on improving customer service and enhancing their overall experience to remain competitive against streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube, as well as the cozy convenience of home viewing.
League mentioned in an interview on Thursday that his new venture is about having a unique night out. If you’d usually go to the cinema to watch a film like ‘The Legend of Ochi’ at places like the IFC Center, Alamo, or AMC, then you’re probably used to that. But if you’re seeking something more extraordinary, an evening with dinner, friends, and a movie, I believe there’s a market for that experience here.
At the opening of the theater, viewers can enjoy fresh summer hits such as F1 or Superman, or opt for selections from the theater’s diverse collection of classic films, including Donnie Darko from 2001, Back to the Future from 1985, and Dogtooth from 2009. The theater guarantees that if a movie not in their collection is desired, it can be acquired for an additional charge.
During these viewing sessions, you’ll find a selection of food that surpasses typical movie theater snacks. When we open, our menu will include a late summer selection (featuring stone fruits, heirloom tomatoes, and summer squash) and a garlic-focused dinner with appetizers, main courses, and desserts served communally before the film starts.
According to the League, the chef in the theater has prepared around seven to eight unique gastronomic experiences tailored specifically for movies such as Superman, Paddington 2, and Goodfellas. As they’ve previously found joy in creating similar experiences at Alamo, their aim here is to take it a step further.
A four-hour session at the small theater for four people will set you back $200, while the larger one accommodating twelve people comes with a price tag of $600. Each individual’s meal costs an additional $100, and if you wish to include alcoholic drinks, be prepared to spend at least an extra $50 per person.
The idea originated from a discussion between Brian Sharples, founder of Homeaway, and League (then CEO of Alamo Drafthouse) around 2016. While League was still in the role at Alamo Drafthouse, which he vacated in 2020. Sharples expressed that he had a spacious entertainment media room and people were frequently dropping by for movie nights or major events like the Super Bowl or Oscars. He suggested, “I think there’s something here,” League recalled.
In 2017, League established a testing ground, but the concept wasn’t actively pursued until approximately 2021. Most of the development occurred this year, with Alamo Drafthouse providing significant support for the project. Notably, League continues to offer strategic advice within the company, which was acquired by Sony in 2024.
The League believes New York City was an ideal choice for the first location due to its bustling urban landscape and the limited space most residents have for a large entertainment setup at home. They suggest that if successful, it’s possible other theaters could be established with a similar concept. The League is currently concentrating on the Chelsea location as a trial run, but their ultimate goal is expansion.
I’m eagerly waiting for the day when Chelsea takes center stage, and while the exact date is still undecided, a spokesperson from Metro Private Cinema hints at late August or early September as a probable timeframe.
The project launches amidst debate about the fate of U.S. theater-based movie viewing, with opinions fluctuating: Will cinemas disappear, or is a resurgence in shared cinema experiences indicated by mid-2025 box office predictions? Last year, significant investments of $2.2 billion were pledged by major cinema chains for enhancements aimed at improving the experience. However, this year AMC Theatres introduced commercials into the traditional time slot previously dedicated to movie previews.
The League is wagering on the charm of a luxurious cinema experience. Metro Private Cinema, with its gourmet food, drinks, and hand-picked movie selections, appears to add a sophisticated sheen to Alamo Drafthouse, which now boasts 45 locations nationwide.
However, there’s one significant difference between the old and new locations: “You can actually text and talk here, which I find regrettable to mention,” League notes, referring to Alamo’s strict “no talking, no texting” policy. Since these are private screenings, the hosts have the authority to establish their own rules, enforced by attendants who ensure each room’s unique requirements are met. “It simply implies that you’re a less considerate individual if you choose to.
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2025-07-11 02:24