High-Tech Theater Opens in Raleigh

The new Raleigh Grand theater is located on Lynn Road, off of Glenwood. For the next five nights, the theater is hosting a "sneak preview" with $1 movies and replays of past Hollywood hits like "Forrest Gump" and "Jerry Maguire." Popcorn and sodas are $.50 each. It's all to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation.

Even though the crowd of movie-goers who showed up Friday had seen some of the movies before, they had never seen a movie theater quite like the Raleigh Grand. Even the coming attractions never looked so good.

At the Raleigh Grand, everything is grand-- especially the seats. Stadium seating is the latest and greatest in the movie theater industry. Every row is 18" higher than the row in front of it. The 58" high back chairs cost $200 a piece, and are the largest in the industry with plush headrests and retractable arm rests with cup holders.

Each of the 16 theaters at the Raleigh Grand has them, as well as state of the art JDL digital surround sound.

"With the 58" high back chairs and the incredible sound that you might hear," explains general manager Aubrey Stone, "it's truly a different experience than you might have at a regular theater."

Charlotte-based Consolidated Theaters says it's an experience Triangle movie-goers are demanding. That's why the company is also breaking ground on a 22-theater facility at Cross Roads Plaza in Cary. It's slated to open next spring.

For now, the new and improved view of the big screen is only showing at the Raleigh Grand. It's the only theater with stadium seating in the area. There are only a few across the country, as well. Consolidated Theaters believes that all new theaters being built will model the stadium design.

The price tag for the Raleigh Grand-- nine million dollars. The official grand opening is next Friday, May 15th, when they start showing first-run films.

For more information about movies showing at the Raleigh Grand, call(919)788-8000.