Charities get lift as Everett's new megaplex opens

The seats are in, the screens are operational, and they've rolled out the red carpet and hauled out the searchlights.

Regal Cinemas' Everett Mall Stadium 16 is open for business.

The grand opening with first-run films is on Friday, but charity groups have been using the new theater complex since Monday for fundraisers, a practice by Regal in most openings, according to Regal Entertainment Group spokesman Robbie Arrington.

All movies — second-run features such as "King Kong" — are $1 today.

Regal, the world's largest motion-picture exhibitor, will open eight such theaters this year, the next in Salem, Ore., in September.

The new Everett complex has at least two firsts. Not only is it the city's first 16-plex — the average size of complexes Regal builds now in the U.S. — but stadium seating is also new to Everett. Rows of seats on a steeper slope offer unobstructed views of the screen.

Vic Larson of Marysville, who brought two grandchildren to the theater, said, "These have to be some of the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in at a movie theater."

The sightlines are typical of new 16-screen complexes. The theaters have digital sound and the latest in technology, according to Arrington. Each theater also has disabled-access seating.

Of the megaplex's size, Arrington said: "We found it's a good standard number of auditoriums to accommodate the product that's out there and to hold it over long enough to appreciate the financial benefits of each film. Studios want to keep reaping those box-office dollars."

Ushers wore tuxes and white gloves this week as families poured in to check out the theater for $1 a film, which also has been the rollback price for a soda or bag of popcorn.

On Monday, the theater's first operational day, teens played video games in the lobby, and moviegoers nestled into the new seats.

Services include a guest desk, free Regal Crown Club membership cards for accumulating points, Internet ticketing and self-serve ticket kiosks. The theater also will rent auditoriums and show live simulcast events in high definition.

"It's thrilling," said Robin Roth of Everett. "It seems a little more upscale."

Roth and her husband, Nick, drive as far as Monroe for big-screen amenities.

For theater manager Brian Kelley, "It's a constant recharge of batteries to see thousands of people coming through with nothing on their mind except having fun."

Kelley is former manager of Everett 9 Cinemas.

"The Everett 9 had been there for 14 years, and in theater years, that's about a good run," he said.

The Everett Mall Stadium 16 replaces a three-screen theater inside Everett Mall and the Regal-owned Everett 9 on Everett Mall Way.

The new 70,000-square-foot theater has a capacity of about 2,300 people, and the preview days have been a way to introduce people to the building, said Arrington. "We used to do it for free, but we got to thinking there's an opportunity to give back to the community."

Monday's screenings benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. Tuesday's movies aided the Moyer Foundation, and today's proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

On Thursday evening, the theater will host a private function, with guests including city officials. Members of participating nonprofits and their families will attend a movie of their choice that night.

Regal also will offer free showings of G- or PG-rated films at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Aug. 23.

"It's tremendous for us," said Linda Spain, the director of marketing and development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. "Regal Cinemas are doing this around the country for Boys & Girls clubs. Clubs will be able to schedule a movie as part of their field trips."

Diane Wright: 425-745-7815 or dwright@seattletimes.com

Today's $1 movies

"Benchwarmers," PG-13: 12:35 p.m., 3:20 p.m., 7:35 p.m., 10 p.m.

"Curious George," G: 12:20 p.m., 3:35 p.m., 7:20 p.m.

"Failure to Launch," PG-13: noon, 3:05 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 10:25 p.m.

"Firewall," PG-13: 12:05 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 7:55 p.m., 10:55 p.m.

"Hoodwinked," PG: 12:30 p.m., 4:35 p.m., 7:50 p.m., 10:05 p.m.

"Ice Age 2," PG: 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 10:20 p.m.

"Nanny McPhee," PG: 12:10 p.m., 3 p.m., 8 p.m., 10:35 p.m.

"The Pink Panther," PG: 12:25 p.m., 3:40 p.m., 6:20 p.m., 9:50 p.m.

"RV," PG: 12:45 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 7:40 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

"Scary Movie 4," PG-13: 11:55 a.m., 2:40 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 9:25 p.m.

"She's the Man," PG-13: 11:50 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:35 p.m., 9:55 p.m.

"Take the Lead," PG-13: 11:45 a.m., 2:55 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 9:20 p.m.

"Wallace & Gromit," G: 12:40 p.m., 3:25 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:45 p.m.

"King Kong," PG-13: 1:35 p.m., 5:40 p.m., 9:40 p.m.

"Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," PG-13: 11:35 a.m., 3:55 p.m., 8:15 p.m.

"Shrek 2," PG: 1:15 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 6:55 p.m., 10:50 p.m.