It's time for popcorn, sodas, and summer movie blockbusters. I remember growing up in an era when most movie theaters were "alike" - the differences from one theater to the next were so subtle it really didn't warrant going to the other side of the city - we all frequented the local theater. Now, movie theaters are competitive. In-theater dining, gigantic leather seats, 100+ soda selections, bigger, better, bolder screens and sound systems.... the competition is on!
Kansas City's movie theaters are truly rolling out the red carpet for patrons.... these are our favorites across the metro (with several great runners up):
Union Station Extreme Screen
- Where: 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO. (lower level in Union Station) 816.460.2020
- Fast Facts: Seats 440 for 2D movies and 380 for 3D movies. MDI silver screen, 80 feet by 53 feet. Two 4K digital DCI-compliant Barco projectors. Two lenses with 6.6K lamps. GDC 4K digital server. Three 9-foot-tall JBL stage speakers behind the screen. RealD 3D.
- Ticket Prices: Adults: $13.50 and Children (ages 3-11) are $10.50
- The Cool Factor: Housed in the historic and grand Union Station, a fitting location for the biggest and most high-tech theater in the region. Winter 2013 marked the debut of the $400,000 renovation for this theater, the biggest screen in the region offering a real 3D experience. If you're all about special effects and epic films, this is the place to be.
- Perfect For: A Blockbuster Special Effects Feature Film!
- Tip: Union Station Members receive a free bag of popcorn with ticket purchase.
- While you're there: Be sure to visit Science City and this year's Real Pirates exhibit!
Alamo Drafthouse
- Where: 1400 Main St Kansas City, MO. (KCP&L District) 816.474.4545
- Fast Facts: Free parking (unique for KCP&L District) and free bike valet. The theater has a zero-tolerance policy towards talking and texting during the movie - first a warning, then asked to leave without refund. The former flagship AMC Mainstreet Theater in the downtown Power and Light District, the Alamo opened fall of 2012. The Mainstreet underwent an extensive $30 million dollar renovation in 2009, and now the theater features six screens with 4K digital projection, wall-to-wall screens and Dolby 11.1 sound. The Alamo Mainstreet provides food and drink service to your seat and will uphold its famously strict no-talking policy. Age Policy: 18 and up; Children 3 and up will be allowed only with a parent or guardian. No children under the age of 3 will be allowed and families with loud children will be asked to leave.
- Ticket Prices: $5 - $13 (varies based on time of day and type of showing - whether a regular showing or special event)
- The Cool Factor: The historic downtown movie theatre opened as the Alamo Drafthouse fall of 2012 and in less than a year it is a popular destination for a night on the town. My husband and I recently enjoyed a film at the Alamo and the theater lived up to its reputation. You walk into the gorgeous theater with famous movie quotes decorating the floor and a cool retro vibe throughout. Guests select their seat when purchasing tickets (we found row 3 to be too close, row 4 was just right). Prior to the film each guest views a menu of appetizers, meals, or bottomless popcorn for $6 and as the name implies - a large selection of beers. Write your order on a slip of paper (provided) and the wait staff serves you thoughout the film. This isn't disruptive as there is plenty of space and they are quiet and efficient. The food is good and the prices are very reasonable as theaters go. The atmosphere, location, and dine-in theater are all super cool, but the signature cool factor for the Alamo has to be the Preshow. Prior to each film you'll enjoy a custom preshow of fun clips and footage setting the tone for a truly retro experience. The Alamo also hosts special events like Girls Night (showing classic slumber party films), Costume parties (for instance a Great Gatsby Party in May), Horror Films for Halloween, Classic Holiday Films and more throughout the year, making it a fun venue to catch classic films on the big screen.
- Perfect For: A Date Night (or Alamo Special Event!).
- Tip: They offer FREE Kids Camp Movies for children 3 and Up throughout the summer.
- While you're there: Go old school and play the arcades - the Alamo features a wide selection of retro arcade games with $5 unlimited play!
Cinemark Palace at the Plaza
- Where: 526 Nichols Rd., Kansas City, MO. (Country Club Plaza) 800.326.3264 Exp Code 1120#
- Fast Facts: Free parking. Stadium seating, RealD 3D, Digital Presentations and HFR 3D - a brand new motion picture format - This innovative format presents the picture in 48 frames per second (fps), which is closer to what the human eye actually sees. This is twice the rate of the standard 24 fps, which is the current format in cinemas worldwide. Age Policy: Be aware of Country Club Plaza Curfew (no one under 18 after 9pm)
- Ticket Prices: $4.25 (2D matinee) - $13 (varies based on time of day and type of showing - whether a regular showing or special event)
- The Cool Factor: The best matinee value in town and one of the most beautiful settings... what's not to love? When we want to treat the kids to a first run film, we catch a matinee here (best value hands down!). The theater is comfortable, beautiful and spacious and for a treat - we love the VIP Room. The VIP Room is an adult movie lounge (21 and up) where guests enjoy comfortable large leather recliners, and full service dine-in experience with a full menu.
- Perfect For: Inexpensive Matinee or Date Night.
- Tip: They offer a Summer Movie Clubhouse for Kids ($1 films). Free Weekly Concession for email subscribers.
- While you're there: Enjoy the Country Club Plaza - shopping, dining, and live music.
AMC Studio 30 with IMAX and Dine-In Theater
- Where: 12075 S Strang Line Rd Olathe, KS. 913.393.3030
- Fast Facts: Free Parking. This theater features something special for every movie-goer. Cinema Suites are a specially designed feature for guests 21 and over - reserved seats, luxury recliners and in-theatre dining. Forks & Screens (guests 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult) - in-theatre dining with a full menu of sandwiches, pizza, appetizers and treats. Sensory Friendly Films - in partnership with the Autism society, films are shown on a monthly basis with lights up, sound down, and opportunity for guests to get up and dance, walk, or talk during the show.
- Ticket Prices: $5.50 (2D matinee) - $15 (varies based on time of day and type of showing - whether 2D, 3D, regular seating or special seating)
- The Cool Factor: Forks & Screens is a great way to enjoy dinner and a movie - and we love that it's available for the whole family (unlike many other dine-in theaters). The theater is large, luxurious and nice - and they feature Coke Freestyle - the machine that lets you select from 100+ flavors to create your very own soda.
- Perfect For: The whole family!
- Tip: Pre-purchase tickets to new releases - this theater is very popular!
AMC Ward Parkway 14
- Where: 8600 Ward Parkway Ste 14 Kansas City, MO. (Ward Parkway Mall) 888.AMC.4FUN
- Fast Facts: Free parking. Stadium seating, digital projection, Coke Freestyle (all AMC theaters), fresh hot food, and the large plush recliners.
- Ticket Prices: $5.50 (2D matinee) - $13 (varies based on time of day and type of showing - whether 2D, 3D, regular seating or special seating)
- The Cool Factor: True confession? I almost left this one off the list out of pure selfishness.... last week my husband and I took the kids to the very first (early morning weekday) showing of a cartoon feature and we arrived 30 minutes before showtime and it was sold out! Why? Because word has spread my friend... These are the MOST COMFORTABLE seats in Kansas City! The recliners are GIGANTIC! The aisles are so large you could push a shopping cart through. They are ideal for taking the entire family or a date. Without a doubt the nicest, most comfortable, most luxurious theater I have ever enjoyed - at a mere $5.50 / matinee ticket! The theater was renovated last fall and Kansas City caught word - this is one popular movie theater and rightfully so. As much as I love the other theaters on this list (and I do, I really really do) - Ward Parkway won our family over!
- Perfect For: EVERYONE!
- While you're there: Stop by Trader Joe's, do some window shopping, and enjoy lunch at Five Guys Burgers & Fries (note: Five Guys serves peanuts in the shell - caution for allergies).