Movie-going became a homebound activity when theaters closed in response to stay-at-home orders put in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. As a result, have you missed the buttery goodness of movie popcorn and the added enjoyment of washing it down with an iced soda?
The company that operates most of the theaters in the Santa Barbara area wants to bring that movie-going experience into your living home.
Metropolitan Theatres has set up a promotion called “Movie Night In,” where movie fans can enjoy their favorite snack-bar items in the comfort of their home.
The Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara and Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta are participating in the event that runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 8 through Thursday, May 14. There will be no service on Monday, May 11.
The procedure is just like making a grab-and-go order at a restaurant. Call the Arlington (805.963.4408, press 0) or the Camino Real Cinemas (805.968.4140, press 0) to place an order for popcorn, fountain sodas and candy, pay by a credit card, and make a contact-less pickup outside the theater.
“We’re trying to stay connected with our consumers and guests, because it’s been awhile we’ve been closed,” Natalie Eig, vice president of marketing for Metropolitan Theatres, said of the promotion. “We’ve had people reach out to us and say, ‘Oh, we miss your popcorn, we miss you guys.’ We thought this would be a fun way to stay connected. We value everybody, we miss everybody.”
Two combination deals are being offered:
» The Movie Night In Family Combo consists of a family size/jumbo popcorn, four 32-ounce fountain sodas, and the choice of four candies for $25.
» The Date Night In Combo includes one jumbo popcorn, two 32-ounce drinks and a choice of two candies for $15.
The candy options include boxed Buncha Crunch, Chocolate Almonds, Cookie Dough Bites, Junior Mints, Reese’s Pieces, Skittles and Milk Duds; Kit Kats; bags of peanut and plain M&Ms, Reese’s Peanut Butter Mini Cups and Sour Patch Kids; and Sour Punch Strawberry and Red Vine licorice.
“We have a set menu, but we’re going to be flexible with that,” Eig said. “We just want to give people some ideas of fun things they can create with their own movie night.”
Metropolitan Theatres has launched a gift card promotion for May and June — purchase a $30 gift card and receive a $10 drink/food voucher.
It’s also offering virtual cinema, where movie fans can rent newly released films to watch at home.
“We’re working with different production companies that have first-run movies they haven’t been able to release in theaters,” Eig said.
Members of the theater’s Rewards Club will receive double points with a rental. Rental fees range from $3.99 to $12 for 72 hours. Check metrotheatres.com for a list of films.