Prince T’Challa will soon be in the house! And he’ll be accompanied by a Special Forces squad of smart and fierce women. Have you heard? Black Panther will be in wide release starting this Friday, just in time for President’s Day weekend. Yes, we figured you probably already knew, since it’s being buzzed about like crazy. It’s actually becoming a huge Thing, with people arranging to see the film with friends and family, some in African attire to pay homage to the first major studio film starring a black superhero. Here at Dandelion Chandelier, we are totally excited about this film, and we’ve been investigating the most luxurious options for viewing it on opening weekend. Happily, there are lots of ways to see it in royal splendor in glamorous cities all over the world.
Fifty-two years after debuting in the pages of Marvel Comics, Black Panther arrives in theaters worldwide on February 16, riding a wave of overwhelming critical acclaim. it’s Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 98% score. What seems like just another entry in the superhero movie genre is actually something much more significant. The film hasn’t even hit theaters yet (although there have been premieres and previews in LA and New York) — but the impact it is having already is enormous. Rather than dodge complicated themes about race and identity, this film grapples these issues head-on, while also being a fun-filled thrill ride of espionage-laden adventure and action. The story is described as “absorbing,” and the characters as “fully realized.” That’s really hard to pull off, and attention must be paid.
Black Panther begins in the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, in which audiences were first introduced to Chadwick Boseman’s Prince T’Challa and his superhero alter ego Black Panther. Taking place in the secluded, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda, the story sees T’Challa battling the combined forces of exile Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) and arms dealer Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis). With the aid of the CIA and Wakanda’s all-female special forces, T’Challa must battle his new foes for the future of the country – and the world. In addition to Boseman, Serkis and Jordon, the film’s all star cast includes Lupita Nyong’o, Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Danai Gurira. But wait, there’s more: the film has a director with serious chops, Ryan Coogler, and a stream-worthy soundtrack from Kendrick Lamar.
Advanced tickets for the world premier have already broken online pre-sale records; the film is projected to make $120 million on opening weekend alone. If reading the early reviews isn’t enough to get you excited to see Black Panther, than maybe booking a screening at a movie theater where the the viewing experience is ultra-luxurious will.
With new technology that extends beyond the theater screen and into the seating itself, luxury movie theaters now offer a range of innovations on the age-old theater-going experience. Movie theaters such as Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas have installed buttons on each seat allowing you to silently summon the staff when you’re ready to order food. Others, like the Alamo Draft House, offer the luxury of not having to worry about disruptive guests – the film house has a zero-tolerance policy on talking.
Intrigued? Here’s a sampling of high end theaters around the world that will be screening Black Panther on its debut weekend:
At Cine de Chef Cinemas in Kathmandu, Nepal and Seoul, Korea, guests can watch Black Panther in luxurious built-in massaging armchairs and fully reclining beds while Thai, Indian, Italian or French cuisine and drinks are brought to their table. The theaters also feature top-of-the-line Meyers EXP sound systems and digital 2K and 4K projectors.
With comfortable seating and gourmet food and drinks, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema delivers one of the most luxurious movie-watching experiences available right now, from world class sound systems to localized craft beer offerings. To celebrate the release of Black Panther, Alamo is offering an immersive menu of eats and treats inspired by the film, drawing on the flavors of Ethiopia at select locations. The chain has over 22 locations in the US. including Texas, LA, New York and San Francisco.
If comfort is what you seek, you’ll love the big cozy seats and beds complete with cashmere blankets at the Electric Cinema in London. The theater is part of the Soho House family, so you know it’s going to be fabulous and chic. Moviegoers also have vast array of snacks and drinks from which to choose from the theater’s bars.
With a push of a button, Cinéopolis guests can summon the theater’s staff to take their food order, while they lounge on all-leather seats that fully recline. Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas has locations in Connecticut. New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas and Ohio. The theaters feature cutting-edge sound and projection, 4DX auditoriums, fully reclining leather seats and full stocked premium bars.
Whether you decide to kick it like a prince and see the film in a luxury cinema, or just head to head to your local multiplex, don’t miss this one. The film has captured many elements of the current zeitgeist, and you’re going to want to be able to discuss when the weekend ends. Pop the popcorn! It’s movie time.
