iPic, which offers a premium movie viewing experience
By Caroline Yaeger
A new movie theater, the iPic, has come to Westwood. The iPic prioritizes service, and upon entering the building, an employee escorts movie-goers to their seats. iPic is a part of a chain of similar movie theaters equipped with reclining chairs and popcorn that is delivered to the seats, but all of these accommodations come at a price: the premium plus seats cost $22 for members and $29 for non-members for the bigger, more desirable chairs.
There are chairs closer to the screen, which cost $12 for members and $19 for non-members. These seats are also cushioned, but they have less room in between them than the more expensive seats.
Becoming a member is free on the iPic website. The people in the $22 or $29 seats are given menus with cocktails and food which can be brought to their seats. As well as food and drink holders, there is a button in between seats that, if pressed, causes complimentary popcorn to be delivered. The servers are near silent while navigating the theater and delivering popcorn to movie-goers, limiting any disturbance.
There is very limited street parking, but there is valet parking around back. The parking can be paid inside or outside the theater. The valet costs $8.
While all of these accommodations are very convenient, some people believe they are overrated.
In speaking with a woman who attended the theater, she said, “It was around $60 for two seats and the only thing they really have going for them is comfy chairs. I just think it’s a little much.”
Others sing a different tune. Nancy Campbell said, “I think it’s great, dinner in the movie and blankets and pillows are provided… it’s just very comfortable and nice and the servers do not disturb the experience at all.”
Becoming a member (to receive member discounts) is free. There are different levels of membership depending on the number of points a member has, the points depend on the number of movies a member has attended at the iPic. All members get benefits, though. For example, a member with no points has access to the discounted ticket prices and a specialty food and drink menu on Tuesdays.
On top of the discounts, there are special member-only advanced screenings of movies. With a membership, the premium plus seating becomes only $8 more than a regular adult ticket most traditional theaters, and these other theaters don’t provide free popcorn, pillows, or blankets.
iPic is located at 10840 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles. For more information, call 310.307.7003 or visit www.ipictheaters.com.
