Magic Johnson Theatres

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Magic Johnson Theatres is a chain of

Sony Pictures Entertainment through a partnership with Sony-Loews Theatres.[1][2]

A 1998 merger between Sony-Loews and Cineplex Odeon Corporation caused them to become part of the new Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corp. Magic Johnson worked with Lawrence Ruisi, President and CEO of Loews Cineplex Entertainment, during the planning and development of these theaters. Currently the chain's former locations are owned by AMC Theatres, after Sony-Loews was acquired by that company in 2006.[3] Although they are still branded Magic Johnson Theatres, they are solely controlled by AMC.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr., is no longer actively involved in the management committee, strategic planning, operations, or public relations.

History

The focus of Magic Theatres was to build first-rate multiplexes in

Old Navy, Disney, and HMV
.

There are/were two multiplex theatres in, or near, major cities of the

African-American
and previously were underserved by modern cineplexes.

Johnson brought his understanding of the community to his theater operations. In his concessions he planned on his customers eating their dinner with the movie adding chicken wings and buffalo shrimp to the selection. Flavored sodas were added to emulate the Kool-Aid the kids he grew up with would drink at home.

"Used to be we couldn't afford to go to dinner and the movie afterward. I told Loews 'Black people are going to eat dinner at the movies'"

No gang colors or "hanging out" in large groups was permitted in the theaters. Johnson would personally appear before each movie:

"So we got a few policies that apply to everyone. They are not meant to disrespect. They're there so we can all have a good time. So if you have a problem, leave it in the street."[4]

Los Angeles multiplex

The venture dates back to July 1995, when the Magic Johnson Crenshaw 15 opened in the

Los Angeles, California
.

It was the first multiplex theatre opened, and was closed in 2010.

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 15 and XD.[7]

Other multiplexes

The only two multiplexes that were opened during the partnership with Magic Johnson, and are still operating, is the AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 in

The

Northline 12 in Houston, Texas; and Greenbriar 12
in Atlanta, Georgia — were all closed by AMC due to lack of profitability.

The Magic Theatres Cap Center 12 in Largo, Maryland is still open and operated by AMC Theatres. The Cap Center 12 was the first multiplex opened that was not a partnership with Magic Johnson. Loews Cineplex Entertainment had used the Magic Theatres name only to brand the location.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Magic Johnson". Magic Johnson. Archived from the original on 2017-01-13. Retrieved 2013-05-16.
  2. ^ Vincent, Roger (28 March 2012). "Magic Johnson built business empire after court glories ended" – via LA Times.
  3. ^ Amter, Charlie (20 February 2009). "Magic Johnson" – via LA Times.
  4. .
  5. ^ Rothman, Tibby (25 November 2010). "A Magic Johnson Theatre Era Ends".
  6. ^ "Former Magic Johnson Theaters reopens as Rave Cinemas". 28 June 2011.
  7. ^ "Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 15 and XD - Los Angeles, CA - Cinemark Theatres". www.cinemark.com.
  8. ^ "AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9". www.amctheatres.com.

External links