New Cinema Offers Unique Movie Theater Experience

Movie lovers in the Barrington area now can enjoy watching the newest flicks in an entirely different way. 

IPic Theater, the newest addition to the South Barrington Arboretum, held its grand opening event July 29. The theater, formerly Gold Class Cinemas, offers more than just movies. The biggest difference between iPic and other theaters is the reserved seating, said Mark Mulcahy, vice president of marketing for iPic.

“Often picking your seat can be one of the stress factors,” he said. “You can reserve your seat online before you get to the theater or buy them at one of our kiosk new the front desk.”

IPic offers two levels of seating: premium and premium plus. Mulcahy said the premium-plus seating offers a large, fully reclining leather seat with a pillow and blanket and small popcorn. IPic’s screening rooms are smaller than the average theater, said South Barrington manager Erin Duley. The South Barrington location features eight screens. The largest theater seats just more than 80 people and the smallest is fewer than 60.

IPic also offers special rewards for its members, Mulcahy said, including a free ticket on your birthday and specials on specific days of the week.

Duley said the South Barrington location was offering single free tickets to those who signed up to be members before Friday.

All iPic theaters also have Salt Sports Bar and the South Barrington location features a wine kiosk. The bar features drinks specifically for the Chicago location and includes a restaurant, where premium plus viewers can order food and have it brought to their seats up to 20 minutes into the film, Mulcahy said.

Duley said she hasn’t seen very many families come in for movies and that it is more geared toward adults and couples. Mulcahy said he has seen families come on a regular basis.

“It isn’t a place where you would drop your kids off for a couple hours to see a movie but more for a family night out,” he said.

Duley said iPic bought Gold Class Cinemas in October. The theater was opened while construction was under way.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Duley said.  

South Elgin resident Steve McQueen brought his son to see the new Harry Potter film in 3D on Thursday afternoon.

McQueen said it was his first time at the theater and that they usually go to AMC 30, also in South Barrington.

McQueen agreed it was more of a date-type setting and not for small children.

“We usually come during the afternoon anyways, because I’m not a huge fan of large crowds,” he said. “I would definitely come here again but it would probably have to be on a date.”

To learn more about iPic theaters or to become a member, visit their website at ipictheaters.com.