Part two in the Beyond Northeast Trilogy takes us to Old Town Pasadena for what is undoubtedly the nicest moviegoing experience of my life. I’ve never flown first class, but I imagine Gold Class Cinemas is the theater equivalent. The only danger in visiting is that no other theater I’ve been to can compare. Reserving our seats online ahead of time for Iron Man 2 (fine, but nothing special) we arrived at the theater a bit early to check out the lounge. For anyone looking for a first date idea, Gold Class Cinemas would be stellar. I’ve never been a fan of taking a girl to the movies early in a relationship because typically, you sit quietly watching a movie for a few hours and then feel compelled to come up with witty criticisms over dinner. The theater’s lounge is nice because it provides some very necessary elements to safeguard against the possible awkwardness of a first date: dim red lighting, comfortable seating, and a well-stocked bar.
The Lounge (thrillist.com)
The theater itself is laid out with large, plush, electronically controlled recliners with a table between them. Your waiter is only a press of a button away, service is prompt, and the cocktails are strong if a bit pricey at about $13 each. This brings up the inevitable down side of a visit to Gold Class Cinemas: the price tag. Two tickets ($23 each) four drinks (about $12 each) and an appetizer (average $12) will run you $106 (fortunately we had a gift certificate). Add a meal or some dessert and you’re looking at a small car payment. Considering that just the ticket at the Highland Theater is almost 1/6th the price on their $3 Wednesdays, you might not want to borrow against your 401k to see Shrek Forever After. Still, it’s nice to catch a movie without a family of five treating the row behind you like it’s their living room (my experience last time I visited the Highland Theater).
42 Miller Alley Pasadena, CA 91103
The Theater (reelguys.podbean.com)
