Cinépolis to Start Construction Soon

In case you haven't noticed, there has been little activity at the future Luxury Cinemas in the former —until now.

Recently, two large blue banners with the words "Coming in 2012" appeared across the building at 32401 Golden Lantern St., in the .

Renovation plans and a liquor license application will be submitted to the city this week, according to Carlos Wellman, Cinépolis' managing director.

"The construction team will begin working first on gutting the auditorium and concession area, and making space for the new reclining chairs and new concession/lobby area," he said.

Cinépolis, a Latin American theater chain, took over the site Oct. 1, replacing the Edwards theater that anchored the center for 20 years.

Laguna Niguel will be the company's third theater in Southern California, following Del Mar and La Costa.

Work should be completed in five to six months, enabling the posh theater to open in April 2012, he said.

Cinépolis will screen new movies in seven auditoriums that feature state-of-the-art digital equipment, HD, 3D and Surround Sound technologies. Each auditorium will seat guests in custom-designed leather recliners that offer 7 feet of space to lean back or kick up the footrest.

The seats will also come equipped with a button that summons waiters so guests don’t have to leave the auditorium to grab a snack.

The food menu will include standard movie fare, such as popcorn and candies, plus gourmet finger foods, artisan sandwiches, alcohol and cheese. 

Pricing will be comparable to the average restaurant menu, Wellman said.

The venue will also host live-feed concerts, sporting events and more, he said.

Movie-goers can expect to pay between $13.50 and $18 a ticket.