B&B Theatres Wildwood 10 Opens!

Besides bringing cooler Fall temperatures, the first of October has brought a new state of the art movie showcase to the St. Louis area. B & B Theatres (the 25th biggest national theatre chain dating back to 1924 with locations also in Florida, Oklahoma, and Kansas) opened their Wildwood 10 theatres. The morning before the grand opening to the public, this writer got to take an advance peek courtesy of B & B’s director of Marketing, Bobbie Bagby (representing the fourth generation to work in the family’s theatre operations). The facility is part of the Westwood Town Center shopping village a few miles west of St. Louis. Here’s what the exterior looked like that morning.

Just inside the theatre, across from the front entrance is the self service kiosk where you may pick up tickets ordered in advance. The monitor above displays feature showtimes.

Those patrons who do not purchase their tickets in advance can walk to the right and pay for their movie tickets at the fully stocked concession stand. This way tickets and snacks can be put on the same charge card. Beside the usual movie concession fare, they offer freshly spun cotton candy. A self service seasoning and butter counter is off to the left of the stand. And unlike most theaters, the concession will not close a few minutes after the beginning of the last screening. Instead they’ll provide treats till the end of the final late film.

Going down the hallway to the auditoriums you can enjoy the framed movie posters and future releases along the grey, black, and red art deco-themed corridors. You can also take a look at the digital heart of the theatre. All the films are projected digitally and the computer banks can be seen thru glass display doors.

All of the auditoriums feature stadiums seating (with 16 inches between your seat and the next row allowing more room to move), plush high back rocking chairs, and cup holders. In the center of the auditoriums is the Grand Screen with a massive 56 foot wall to wall screen and all encompassing Dolby 7.1 Surround sound(all the screens feature this sound system).

These eight screens offer exceptional viewing enjoyment, but what really sets Wildwood 10 apart from your neighborhood multiplex are the two Marquee Suites. The suites seat 48 and 52 patrons respectively for a more intimate viewing experience. They’re available to guests over 21 who can enter the them thru a separate side entrance. Outside the auditoriums is a lounge area where guest can relax at several tables prior to showtime.

Marquee Suite guests can enjoy their own private concession stand which offers alcoholic beverages, appetizers, flatbread pizzas and traditional movie snacks. If a food selection is not ready by the film’s start time the guest is given a pager device to tell them when to return to the stand (no waiters serving food in the theatre blocking the screen).

Inside the Suite theatres granite table tops for resting concession items are located between every two seats (which are larger leather recliners). This makes the Suite a perfect spot for couples enjoying a “date night” or a fellow looking to impress on that very first date.

A few hours after my tour it was time to return for the big opening ceremony. Moviegoers lined up on the red carpet waiting to be the first to experience the new facility.

An hour before the first film start time, and after some opening remarks from the mayor and the B & B owners and family, the ribbon was cut (actually a strip of film clipped by a movie slate).

First-nighters enjoyed complimentary popcorn, sodas, and the music of a jazz trio.

Fortunately I was able to enjoy the premiere Grand Screen showing of THE SOCIAL NETWORK. The seats were very comfortable with plenty of ample leg room. The picture quality on the massive screen was sharp, bright, and crisp. I did not miss any of Aaron Sorkin’s great dialogue thanks to the impeccable sound system. A superb night at the movies. B & B Theatres Wildwood 10 is a great addition to the St. Louis film scene. You can find ticket prices and showtimes at their website www.bbtheatres.com, become a fan on Facebook here, and follow them on Twitter here