Cedar Rapids movie theater to get recliners

CEDAR RAPIDS - Local moviegoers will be able to sit back and relax a bit more while watching the newest flicks at a Cedar Rapids theater.

Marcus Theatres, the owner of the Cedar Rapids Cine at 5340 Council Street NE, will begin the installation of their 'DreamLoungers” in the theater this week. The company describes the DreamLoungers as leather recliners that offer seven feet of legroom, or about double what is in the theater currently. Customers also will reserve their seats before attending a movie.

Julie Caan, a spokeswoman for Marcus Theatres, said the company will replace every seat in the Cedar Rapids Cine's 16 auditoriums with DreamLoungers. Seating will be replaced in one auditorium at a time.

'As each auditorium is renovated, the existing seating will need to be physically ripped out prior to installing the DreamLoungers. As such, this process requires a limited amount of downtime,” Caan said in an email.

Caan did not say whether ticket prices will increase due to the new seating, but said 'prices will be evaluated.”

The DreamLounger installation is a part of larger renovations planned for the Cedar Rapids Cine, but those plans are still under development.

Milwaukee-based Marcus acquired Wherenberg Theatres and its 14 locations, including the Cedar Rapids Cine, in December 2016. Renovations at other theaters have included DreamLounger installation and added food and beverage options.

l Comments: (319) 398-8366; matthew.patane@thegazette.com