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local road trips put your best foot forward an organized college life

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Luxury at the Movies<br />

S<strong>an</strong> Ju<strong>an</strong> Capistr<strong>an</strong>o Theater offers<br />

a higher st<strong>an</strong>dard of comfort<br />

Article <strong>an</strong>d Photos by Se<strong>an</strong> Buckm<strong>an</strong><br />

The words “here’s looking at you kid” may flash<br />

through <strong>an</strong>y “Casabl<strong>an</strong>ca” f<strong>an</strong>s’ head while walking<br />

the streets of downtown S<strong>an</strong> Ju<strong>an</strong> after seeing<br />

the Rick’s Café sign next to the The Depot train<br />

station. If not, the gi<strong>an</strong>t Regency sign above it will<br />

catch <strong>your</strong> eye after sundown when it’s completely lit up like<br />

<strong>an</strong> old style movie marquee.<br />

Inside this building,<br />

beneath its m<strong>an</strong>y<br />

signs, is a theatre<br />

<strong>an</strong>d restaur<strong>an</strong>t that<br />

specializes in giving<br />

their guests the highest<br />

st<strong>an</strong>dard—VIP<br />

treatment.<br />

It was in March of<br />

2010 when Regency<br />

reopened the doors of<br />

the previously ab<strong>an</strong>doned<br />

theater in the<br />

heart of downtown<br />

S<strong>an</strong> Ju<strong>an</strong> Capistr<strong>an</strong>o,<br />

next to the train station<br />

<strong>an</strong>d Old S<strong>an</strong><br />

Ju<strong>an</strong>.<br />

The owners decided<br />

to try something a<br />

little different by taking<br />

the high <strong>road</strong> of<br />

providing luxury <strong>an</strong>d<br />

great customer service<br />

while audiences relax <strong>an</strong>d enjoy movie entertainment.<br />

Regency has three full sized auditoriums equipped with<br />

leather reclining seats <strong>an</strong>d adjustable arm rests. There is <strong>an</strong><br />

additional VIP auditorium which features even more space for<br />

guests, <strong>an</strong>d less seats to accommodate as m<strong>an</strong>y people, making<br />

the atmosphere more intimate for the those observing.<br />

If the cushy leather seats aren’t enough, Rick’s Cafe offers<br />

a full menu that includes everything from appetizers to full<br />

entrees that c<strong>an</strong> either be enjoyed in Rick’s Café upstairs, or<br />

the staff will serve you while you enjoy <strong>your</strong> movie. Rick’s<br />

also offers a bar featuring 28 different beers <strong>an</strong>d 31 different<br />

types of wine.<br />

Regency, because of its size, doesn’t get as m<strong>an</strong>y titles as<br />

the larger theatres. However, M<strong>an</strong>ager Lawrence Lopez explains<br />

that they still get great selections. “We actually receive<br />

first pick of some movies, allowing us to veritably show some<br />

films that other theaters in the area maybe won’t be showing.”<br />

He also led on to<br />

tell that movies are<br />

chosen based on the<br />

general customer<br />

demographic which<br />

covers <strong>an</strong>ywhere from<br />

21 to 80. “We like to<br />

show films that are<br />

popular with our VIP<br />

crowd,” which is the<br />

demographic that elect<br />

the VIP auditorium for<br />

viewing.<br />

“M<strong>an</strong>y of the other<br />

films we show are<br />

mainstream family<br />

features, adult dramas<br />

<strong>an</strong>d comedies.”<br />

This me<strong>an</strong>s that horror<br />

film movie-going<br />

f<strong>an</strong>s will be sorely dissappointed,<br />

but those<br />

seeking <strong>an</strong>ything else<br />

will probably find what<br />

they w<strong>an</strong>t here.<br />

With the theater less th<strong>an</strong> four miles from Saddleback,<br />

it’s <strong>an</strong> ideal place to unwind, be entertained or celebrate<br />

something special. Matthew Kulick is a 21-year-old student<br />

confirms: “It’s one of those places you c<strong>an</strong> spend special occasions.”<br />

Regency adds a nice twist on the entire “dinner <strong>an</strong>d a<br />

movie” cliché making it a spot to hit to enjoy a movie without<br />

the crowds that a normal theatre offers, or perhaps just grab a<br />

bite to eat <strong>an</strong>d a beverage.<br />

Or<strong>an</strong>ge Appeal spring 2012 21

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