Two Minnesota Movie Theaters Acquired by Florida Based Paragon Theaters

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida-based theater chain Paragon Theaters has announced they will be acquiring two Minnesota movie theaters, The Atlantis 15 (now The Odyssey 15) in Burnsville and The Chateau 14 in Rochester; adding amenities and technologies and upgrading the facilities at both locations.  New plans for the theaters include the installation of all-digital Sony 4K projection, premier and reserved seating, 3D screens, theater lobby renovations, and the addition of an exciting bar-lounge component.

Both theaters will be closed for a short time for facility upgrades and staff training.  The Paragon Odyssey (previously The Atlantis) in Burnsville is scheduled to reopen in mid-February while The Paragon Chateau is scheduled to reopen in late February to early March.   "We want to deliver a unique movie going experience to the residents of Minneapolis and Rochester.  They deserve the latest technology in picture and sound quality, amenities not typically found in the existing theaters in the marketplace and the best possible customer service," says Michael Whalen, CEO of Paragon.

At The Odyssey, upgrades will include a unique VIP premier seating area for those 21 and over as well as a bar and lounge with small plate food offerings. The VIP Premier is scheduled to open in Spring 2011.   The Odyssey will also see a state-of-the-art expanded arcade and interactive gaming for kids and families.   The centerpiece of the venue will be its 70-foot large format screen with the best available picture and sound, including 3D capability.  "We plan to create a premier movie going experience and family destination with great amenities and outstanding customer service at a price point that is competitive with the other theaters in the marketplace," said Whalen.

At The Paragon Chateau 14, an extensive lobby renovation will incorporate a bar as well as expanded food offerings.  Future plans include additional 3D screens, reserved seating, and aesthetic improvements in the auditoriums and theater hallways. "One of our goals is to quickly reach out and partner with the local businesses in both towns to promote and raise money for charities and do our part to immediately give back to this wonderful community," stated Michael Wilson, a partner of Paragon.

An update in the technology and picture quality at both theaters will be the most palpable element of the facility improvements.  Both new theaters will be outfitted with Sony 4K digital projection providing 4x the resolution of any other digital projector available.  Sony 4K projection enables viewers to sit close to the screen and be completely immersed in a vibrant and incredibly detailed picture.  The two theaters will now be the only all Sony 4K HD theaters in the Minneapolis and Rochester marketplace.

Additional information can be found at www.paragontheaters.com.

ABOUT PARAGON

Founded by the former executive management team of Muvico theaters, Paragon was established in order to create unique entertainment offerings that are a step above traditional movie theaters in comfort, technology, and amenities.  Paragon has created entertainment destinations by utilizing the latest technology and such amenities as expanded food offerings, restaurants and bar/lounges, reserved and VIP seating, ancillary entertainment including bowling and expanded arcades, and most important, superior customer service.

Paragon currently has two theaters open and more in the works. The first theater, which opened in April 2010 through a partnership with Splitsville Luxury Lanes, is a 70,000 sq. foot entertainment center in Fredericksburg, VA. The theater portion boasts 12 high-definition digital screens, 3 of which include Premier VIP seating for 21 and over serving cocktails and food. The luxury bowling facility has 16 lanes of bowling with Splitsville's signature gourmet restaurant.

The second theater opened in June 2010 in CocoWalk (Coconut Grove, Miami). The site at CocoWalk was operated for many years by another theater company but saw a $4 million upgrade to include stadium seating, high-definition digital projection with 3D, all reserved VIP seating, beer and wine offered at concessions, and the Backlot Wine Bar & Lounge and Prestige Audi private screening room.

SOURCE Paragon