Showcase Cinemas shows movies on over 1,200 screens worldwide.

 Coming Soon in a Movie Theatre Near You

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - Despite the explosive growth of the video industry, digital television, satellite dishes, and interactive multimedia, one simple fact remains - people still like to go to the movies. Nothing can replace the smell of popcorn, the low lights, the comfortable rocking seats, and the larger than life images of their favorite movie stars. 

It's not always what's playing that attracts the moviegoer, but where it's playing. A convenient, exciting location is also a big factor in what influences people to spend their entertainment dollars at the cinema. 

Divaris Real Estate, Inc. is currently working with several national movie companies to establish sites in new markets.

R/C Theatres

Headquartered in Reisterstown, Maryland, R/C Theatres, LLC is represented nationally by Gerald S. Divaris, chairman and CEO of DRE.

In July, a lease was signed between Frederick Westview Properties, LLC and A&C Florida Cinemas, LLP for a new cinema to be constructed at the Westview Entertainment Center, at the intersection of Maryland Route 85 and Crestwood Boulevard in Frederick, Maryland. R/C Theatres will operate a 57,000-square-foot, stadium-seating cinema complex. The company recently opened a similar complex in Hagerstown, Maryland, and has two additional sites under construction at ParkSide in Tampa and Ocean Walk in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Maurice A. Cohen founded the R/C/Theatres in 1932. It then was acquired in May, 1999 by J. Wayne Anderson, former president and COO of R/C Theatres.

Under Anderson's leadership, R/C Theatres has grown from a group of single-screen theatres to a major regional circuit of theaters with over 150 screens. Anderson has plans to build approximately 40 complexes over the next five years to serve the demand for a heightened level of movie-going experience. Billed as "technically correct," these complexes exceed the demands of the public and the experience available at other theaters. This includes custom-designed seats, perfect sound and sight from every seat and wide spaces between each row. The company intends to develop multi-screen cinemas with a higher-than-average screen count per location (16) and with a sufficient number of total screens (631) to clearly distinguish its identity from the competition.

Covering the national market, R/C Theatres' mission is to become a major U.S. cinema originator by building and operating superior theatres from the ground up. Development efforts are to be concentrated in Eastern and Midwestern markets, with a minimum trade area population of 100,000.

The prototype R/C Theatre complex for a small market averages 50,000 square feet, whereas theaters in larger markets will be 100,000 square feet each. A 75,000-square-foot unit is being built at ParkSide, a regional mall in Tampa Bay, Florida. ParkSide is owned by John Hancock Life Insurance Company and is managed and leased by Divaris Real Estate, Inc.

Favorable characteristics for R/C Theatre locations include: high visibility, accessibility, good parking, a considerable daytime population, a 5-mile distance from other stadium seating multi-screen complexes and close proximity to restaurants and other leisure activities. At ParkSide, for instance, a new ice-skating rink has been built in the center court area.

With a strong presence in existing theater markets, it's no wonder that R/C Theatres is fast becoming a cinema of choice.  With digital stereo systems, a good selection of films, great seats, good food, unparalleled sight lines from every seat and excellent service, R/C Theatres knows how to make a day at the movies the best it can be.

Consolidated Theatres
Since the early 1930s, Consolidated Theatres has prided itself on its consumer-oriented service and style. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company takes a grass-roots approach to business. Each new theater is customized to blend into the surrounding community. Consolidated is consistently the recipient of the "Peoples Choice Award."

Each Consolidated cinema is constructed to meet the highest standards in the movie-house industry. Building sizes range from 50,000 to 100,000 square feet, and include high-backed, rocking Euro chairs with padded headrests, retractable armrests and cup holders. The distance between seat back to seat back is 46 inches. Seat counts per auditorium range from 120 to 500. All auditoriums have surround sound with Dolby, SDDS and DTS digital capability. The lobbies have 40 foot ceilings, feature café-style seating and 18- by 12-foot rear screen projectors that run continuous loops of coming attractions and feature presentations.

Through the company's many years of experience, and with the expertise of its full-time film buyer, Consolidated is able to obtain the hottest hits from Hollywood. While films are distributed to specified zones, the latest flick with the highest ratings, is generally shown from the screens that will generate the most revenue for the production company. Consolidated is an effective competitor due to its quality, comfort and locations.

Ed Jennings, of DRE's Richmond office, is Consolidated Theatre's exclusive broker in Virginia. "We are working to finalize plans for a 12-screen theatre in Danville, Virginia," says Jennings. "Additional sites are under consideration in central and eastern Virginia."

Jennings represented Consolidated in the purchase of 12.71 acres of land in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Situated at the intersection of Routes 360 and 288, the 20-screen, stadium-seating cinema complex is the first of its kind in the area.

Consolidated operates 162 screens throughout the Southeast. Over the next three to five years, it plans to expand the company to over 500 screens on the eastern seaboard.

Showcase Cinemas
Based in Dedham, Massachusetts, Showcase Cinemas has been committed to being first class when it comes to construction, product and quality since 1936. 

Dana Wilson, assistant vice president of corporate communications for Showcase, says that the company doesn't base its expansion on area density or average household income. "A sufficient population justifies the number of screens," he says, "But we won't go into a market where the locals don't want or need us."

Showcase Cinemas feature state-of-the-art Dolby Digital Stereo, custom-designed rocking recliner seats, wall-to-wall screens and stadium-style seats in over 1,000 screens nationwide. In addition, it operates over 200 screens in the United Kingdom and 70 in Latin America.

Currently, Showcase is promoting the MovieWalk Café in several of its locations. Depending upon the size of the theater, and in addition to the regular concession stands, patrons can order burgers, hot dogs, fries or smoothies that are made to order. "Showcase is a one-stop entertainment destination," Wilson says. "You don't need to go to a restaurant, then to the movies. You can do it all here."

Showcase is owned and operated by National Amusements, the parent company of Viacom, which includes MTV Networks, Nickelodeon, VH1, Blockbuster Entertainment and several other major entertainment properties. Therefore, Showcase has the advantage of promotional events and contests, where patrons can win prizes from these conglomerates. "It's a win-win situation," says Wilson. "You can come to see the latest movie, and win a trip to MTV's summer beach house."

The size of each Showcase Cinema depends on the size of land the company purchases.  "We'll be as big as possible and squeeze in where we can," says Wilson.

DRE is working with Showcase in some of the markets Divaris serves. Showcase's preferences are freestanding sites, close to freeways with good access, great visibility and a strong regional draw.

Whether Egyptian Palace or Ship of Dreams, each Muvico is unique.

Muvico
In 1984, Muvico was founded with the purchase of a three-screen theater in Coral Springs, Florida. Over the next ten years, the company purchased or developed eight theaters with 59 screens throughout the state The opening of a Muvico complex in North Miami received national attention for its stadium seating, THX Sound System and extensive concession stand.

When going to one of Muvico's theaters, guests are treated to a unique experience, recapturing the era of the 1920s and 1930s, when movies were the top choice in entertainment. One cinema in Broward County recreates an ancient Egyptian Palace, complete with hieroglyphics and columns. A Muvico in Orlando is themed after a popular children's book, "Ship of Dreams" and the main character's air ship dominates the lobby.

Each theater features stadium-seating, excellent sight lines and state-of-the-art digital sound. Movies are shown on wall-to-wall screens, while patrons relax in Muvico's custom-made plush seats.

Not only can movie-seekers go see the latest blockbuster, but also they can walk away from the concession stands with more than just popcorn and soda. Guests have their choice of pizza, chicken breasts, french fries, international coffees or delicious desserts.

In July 2000, Muvico premiered the first cosmopolitan restaurant and bar inside any movie theater. Boca Raton welcomed The Premier Theaters Bistro & Bar. Guests are whisked away in a private escalator to a balcony level that features a full-service bar, 230-seat restaurant, concession stands and six screening rooms, each with oversized chairs and plenty of leg room. Visitors can enjoy the latest movie while sipping a cocktail or nibbling on a tasty dinner.

For those parents who want a night out but can't find a babysitter, Muvico has the solution in an on-site children's playroom. Staffed by trained day-care providers and certified teachers, the playroom has the latest in children's computer games, table games and arts and crafts.

Muvico's site criteria includes a population of 500,000 to 600,000 within a 10-mile radius, with average or above-average income. Each theater ranges from 74,000 to 102,000 square feet and holds 18 to 24 screens. Great visibility, interstate access and urban lifestyle entertainment centers are tickets to a great location.

Expansion plans for Muvico include doubling its 104 screens to 230 by the end of 2000. Currently, the company has several projects in various stages of negotiation throughout the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. Barry Ruzat of Synergy Retail Group is Muvico's national master broker. Divaris Real Estate, Inc. is helping Synergy secure sites for Muvico in southeastern Virginia.