December 2, 2005

AMC Eastridge 15 exceeds opening day projections

By Bea Baechle
Editor

They’re here. They’re finally open. AMC Movie Theatres right in their own backyard.

Preparing for the ticket-tearing ceremony, pictured from left, are Mara Weaver, AMC corporate marketing; Dallas Perry, general manager, AMC 15 Eastridge; Annie Huertas, senior manager, AMC 15 Eastridge; Jason Pollac, manager, AMC 15 Eastridge; Linda Edventson, San Jose Chamber of Commerce; Pat Dando, president, San Jose Chamber of Commerce; Anita Pagliasso, San Jose Chamber of Commerce; Alice Lam, asst. marketing manager, Eastridge; and John Peterson, general manager, Eastridge.

That was the reaction of several Evergreen families who took advantage of opening day festivities and contests on Nov. 23, when AMC Eastridge 15 opened its doors.

And for the naysayers who doubted that Evergreen needed any movie theaters, at least initial ticket sales would beg to differ. AMC 15 Eastridge projected 4,000 tickets sold on opening day. Ticket sales exceeded that by 300 tickets, totaling 4,300 tickets.

The AMC 15 Eastridge also ranked No. 1 for AMC’s gross sales “in the mix,” meaning a movie theater that is part of a shopping center, rather than a freestanding theater.

Evergreen responds
“This is really nice,” said Remy Bourekas, who has lived in Evergreen for 10 years. “We used to go to the movies in Milpitas, or to Oakridge (in Almaden Valley) or even to Mountain View.”

“Finally, we got them,” said Irene Ytuffalde, who has lived in the Evergreen area with her husband James since 1976. “In years past, we’ve gone to malls across town.”

Another resident, enjoying the proximity of the new theaters to his home “right down the street” from Eastridge, said he used to take his son to other San Jose-based locations, including Century Capital Theatres, Oakridge and Berryessa or the Mercado in Santa Clara.

“It’s just awesome,” said Yolanda Hecht, who moved to the Evergreen area in 1997 from Sunnyvale. “This is way overdue. All the pictures of the movie stars remind me of Hollywood.”

A Professor Dumbledore look-alike teaches Remy Bourekas, her children Joshua, Joseph and Rachel, and their friend Andrew Tran, how to cast a spell.

Her daughter Michelle agreed. “I was so excited to hear that we would have movie theaters at Eastridge, because we live right around the block. I like having the food court so close to the theaters, and parking is great.” She was referring to Parking Lot E for the most convenient access to AMC Eastridge 15, located between Macy’s and Sears.

Features
Bringing Hollywood flare to the theater, celebrity graphics and famous movie quotes adorn the building, and a modern-day rendition of the red-carpet carries guests to their seats for a fun, comfortable and inviting environment.

AMC Eastridge 15 includes all of the modern amenities that have made AMC Theatres an industry leader in moviegoing since 1920. Located at 2200 Eastridge Loop, within San Jose’s Eastridge shopping center, the new state-of-the-art theater complex features:

- 15 auditoriums with more than 3,000 seats

- Stadium seating with 18-inch risers for unobstructed viewing from all seats, in all auditoriums

- AMC’s exclusive LoveSeat-style seating featuring “articulating” backs and armrests that lift up so you can “cozy up”

- Two large, efficient, fast-service concession stands with digital plasma screen menus offering a wide variety of food and beverage options

Irene Yturralde signs up for AMC’s free MovieWatcher program, the industry’s leading frequent moviegoer rewards program, offering members free popcorn, Coca-Cola products, movies and more. To join, go to the Web site: www.moviewatcher.com.

- Two AMC guest service areas for superior attention to guest satisfaction

- A luxurious 30-foot wide promenade for custom comfort and convenience

- State-of-the-art surround sound and floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall premium movie screens in every auditorium

- Advance credit card ticket sales by phone or online at www.moviewatcher.com

- Automated Box Office kiosks for easy ticket purchasing and advance ticket pick-up

- Four auditoriums with 300 seats each and screens 27 feet wide and 50 feet tall

AMC Eastridge 15 is one of 223 AMC Theatres with 3,463 screens in the United States, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. For more information, go to the AMC Web site at www.amctheatres.com.