I would really like to see a a theatre offering higher caliber films - indies, foreign, classics, etc, and possibly even an IMAX screen. There is nothing like that in the area, but we can catch all of Hollywood's latest offerings in Destin or PCB. If a new theatre shows more of the same old, same old, I don't think it will fare well. I doubt the too high-end Gold Class Cinema would work either, people here are hurting financially, not many would be able to spend over $20 on tickets alone. Keep the ticket prices sane, serve alcohol with a classy cafe/restaurant in the lobby and I think it would be a hit.
Very interesting article:
Movie theaters are turning up the luxury with food, bars, seats - USATODAY.com
I really like the idea of showing alternative programming:
Meanwhile, in more and more theaters, customers aren't just watching movies. Instead, they're watching a simulcast of New York's Metropolitan Opera or A Prairie Home Companion With Garrison Keillor. They're cheering a boxing match or singing along at a Celine Dion concert, or laughing as Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly rant and banter on their current Bold & Fresh tour. Or they're watching The Wizard of Ozremastered in hi-def for its 70th anniversary.
Also, it would be beyond fantastic if one of the auditoriums was a flexible space outfitted for live performances. It would be a huge draw for local performing arts groups, plus attract national acts to the area with an indoor venue... And then when nothing is booked, show films.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed, Grand Boulevard. You've raised the bar in other ways, I hope you do with this venture too!