(cue the late Don LaFontaine)

“In a world where your favorite movie theater has closed for total renovation, there can only be one event that will ease your suffering…The Grand Opening of The Theatres At Canal Place.”

It would be an understatement to say that I am excited about the opening of The Theatres At Canal Place. Some of my best New Orleans memories were made at what, prior to the failure of the Federal levee system, many thought to be the cinematic hub of the city. The first time I saw an independent film on the big screen was at what was then known as Landmark Theaters or Canal Place theater (Memento, if you’re curious). The first film I had ever paid to see more than once, I saw at Canal Place (Kill Bill: Vol. 1). The first film that I saw THREE TIMES in a theater (Napoleon Dynamite!) was at Canal Place. This is significant because that was also the first film my (now) husband and I would see together, and the first time he met my daughter. Ah, yes. Memories.

It is safe to say that my cinematic preferences were influenced by the films that were showcased at Canal Place. The films I viewed remain favorites that I mull over to this day. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Landmark’s latest issue of FLM Magazine. Like a child with a toy catalog, I would circle the films I knew I would be spending time with in the near future. I considered it a sign from the movie gods that at least one day of the annual New Orleans Film Festival coincided with my birthday on more than one occasion. I anticipated the arrival of the weekly (I believe) emails written by the theater’s general manager, Brian Jones. He would list the showtimes and post a trivia question, the answers never difficult to find. Get it right and reply to Brian and you could have won a DVD! Yes. Great memories. And now, a new chapter begins in movie-watching at Canal Place.

I scored a tour of The Theatres At Canal Place on Tuesday afternoon, the day before the official opening. Color me surprised. I had been following the progress of The Theatres and couldn’t believe the amenities that we would be offered. Me being Leslie and this being NOLA Eats, in addition to my cinema geeking, I was interested in particular with the ingenious and luxurious service that will be available to all movie-goers from the in-house café Gusto. There’s nothing like this in the state; appetizers and gourmet sandwiches created by James Beard Award semi-finalist Chef Adolfo Garcia, paired with select wines or enjoyed with real, hand-crafted cocktails, all delivered to your seat. I couldn’t wait to tour the facility. When I was told to ask for Brian upon my arrival, I had no idea I would be meeting with Brian Jones, the man whose emails I read for years, hung on his recommendations and, well, tried to win some DVDs from.

And yes, I did eventually win a DVD. My prize of Dogville has made me a huge fan of the works of Lars von Trier.

Brian graciously showed me around, taking time out of his busy and most certainly hectic schedule. One of the first things you will notice, especially if you enter the third floor from the parking garage elevators, is how digital screens have replaced traditional movie posters. The pictures below were the same screens photographed a few seconds apart. The images rotated between films currently being shown and future releases.

While most of the projectors are digital and possess 3D capabilities, one theater will house a 35-mm projector so that all films, regardless of budget or date of origin, can be shown.

The seating arrangements has incurred what will be the most significant change, I believe. The individual theaters are substantially more intimate than the old theaters. One particular theater houses just fifty seats. This change was necessary so that stadium seating could be implemented. Now I won’t have to bring phone books to see over the heads of people that are taller than me, which is basically every adult that I’ve ever sat in a theater with. Regardless of the reduction in seating, Brian tells me they are working to continue hosting the New Orleans Film Festival at The Theatres. This makes me a very happy woman, as I am a juror for this year’s festival.

Brian said that for guests to secure the best seats in the house, online ticket ordering is encouraged. You can still visit the ticket counter, but since seats are reserved rather than general admission, the best seats will go quickly.

In addition to improved visibility, the leather high-back seats have a tray you can use when dining, rather than necessitating a tapas and wine balancing act. When you’re finished with your tidbits, the tray swings out of your way.

So, just how do you get your food delivered to your seat? Why, you press the shiny red button, of course. This triggers a signal that is displayed at the attendant station, notifying them that someone needs food or beverage service. Management is requesting that guests arrive at least half an hour early to order their food and give a credit card. When the credits are rolling, the attendant will close your ticket so that you may leave as soon as you like.

If traditional movie-watching snacks are more to your liking, popcorn and candy is readily available, along with some local favorites from Hubig’s, Southern Candymakers and Angelo Brocato.

Dining isn’t limited to those who are coming in for a movie. The full-service café and bar open daily at 11 a.m., so anyone can enjoy Chef Adolfo’s gourmet treats. Well, anyone over the age of 18, that is. Management is currently experiencing liquor licensing challenges, but they are hoping to have that cleared up very soon, especially since they will be featuring Toy Story 3.

I can’t begin to tell you how enamored I am with The Theatres At Canal Place, and I haven’t even seen a movie here yet. While I hope to rectify that this weekend, I will also be working on organizing a Dinner And A Movie event for NOLA Eats. I am looking forward to making new memories at The Theatres At Canal Place.