Giants of Exhibition 2020

NATIONAL AMUSEMENTS
(SHOWCASE CINEMAS)
Norwood, Mass.
Founded . .......... 1936
Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Locations ............ 27
#11
STUDIO MOVIE GRILL
Dallas, Tex.
Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Locations ............ 34
2020 GIANTS OF EXHIBITION / TOP 6–15
#10
›› National Amusements’ U.S. presence with Showcase Cinemas underwent
a series of transformations in 2019. Theater upgrades included
the expansion of recliner seating to additional locations, while communal
spaces like lobbies and concession stands were similarly revitalized with
modern and sleek finishes. At the same time, the circuit’s focus on expanded
food and beverage menus has contributed to a new moviegoing experience
for its patrons. A free-to-join loyalty program, Starpass, offers easily
accessible rewards tiers and significant savings for members. Showcase
was one of the first U.S. circuits to adopt an in-house subscription program;
Showcase Subscribe starts at $11.95 per month for up to two films
each month. 2020 should bring additional updates throughout its circuit—
both at individual locations and to its digital presence on the web.
›› Studio Movie Grill (SMG) announced an ambitious plan to expand its circuit
in 2019, expanding the dine-in-cinema concept it helped pioneer to audiences nationwide.
Known across the industry for its focus on charitable efforts and giving
back to its local communities, SMG proudly features programs such as Special
Needs Screenings, a Chefs for Children program, and a Movies+Meals initiative
that helps underserved children and adults in need in its local communities. An
early supporter of cinema subscription plans, the circuit also expanded its SMG
Access plan in 2019. SMG’s approach to subscription is closely tied to its corporate
identity; members not only benefit from rewards and discount pricing, but also
help contribute to charity efforts with every cinema visit.
LANDMARK CINEMAS
OF CANADA
Calgary, Alb.
Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Locations ............ 45
#12
›› Landmark Cinemas is the second-largest theater chain in
Canada, covering western Canada, Ontario, and the Yukon Territory.
Acquired by Belgium’s Kinepolis circuit in December 2017,
Landmark offers an array of special deals including Kids’ Sundays,
Senior Mondays, and Wednesday bargain “Movie Twosomes.” The
chain is also a national sponsor of The Walk So Kids Can Talk, which
supports the mental health and well-being of youth. Landmark has
begun expanding premium experiences across its circuit. The Marketplace,
a grab-and-go concessions concept, has helped diversify
its food and beverage offerings, while traditional upgrades like
PLF auditoriums and recliner seating have become more prevalent
throughout its theaters. The circuit’s newest location, in Southeast
Edmonton, is expected to open in summer 2020.
›› After opening in Brooklyn in 2016,
the Alamo Drafthouse crossed another
major urban hub off its bucket list in
2019. The Texas-based chain, known for
pairing first-run films with fan-friendly
retrospective screenings and a full food
and beverage menu, opened its first L.A.
location in July. The milestone cinema for
the company wasn’t its only new build to
debut in 2019; another location opened in
Westminster, Colorado, and Drafthouse
already has its second New York theater
in the works. In 2019, the chain also expanded
the beta release of its subscription
program, Season Pass, to loyalty
card members in a handful of key markets.
Alamo Drafthouse enters the new
decade as one of the best established
brands in exhibition.
#13
ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE
Austin, Tex.
Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Locations ............ 41
FEBRUARY 2020 / 43