Jason Joyce
Sundance 608 Cinemas hosted another tour for media Wednesday afternoon, revealing the slate of films planned for its grand opening on Friday, May 11 in the process. Sundance's Nancy Gribler, who is supervising the theater's opening, also confirmed that popcorn served at Sundance 608 will feature "real Wisconsin butter!"
The Sundance experience will offer a significant departure for those accustomed to seeing their movies at the large cineplexes around Madison. Patrons are encouraged to use self-service kiosks or the Sundance website to purchase their tickets, which entitle them to reserved seating. The lobby itself looks more like a hotel lobby than a movie theater's, including the presence of a "concierge" desk which can handle ticket transactions as well as reservations in the second-floor restaurant.
Located on the south corner of the Hilldale Shopping Center, kitty-corner from the new Great Dane, Gribler says the facility is meant to be used as a "third space," with a cafe serving Peet's coffee opening at 6 a.m. and two Wi-Fi enabled lounges open to the general public, not just those planning to catch a movie, throughout the day.
Sundance 608's focus is on independent film, which is reflected in its opening week offerings:
Click the "Gallery" tab under the photo at right to see ten shots from the interior.
