Want to see a scary movie? Or really any movie? Universal Studios Hollywood has always been at the forefront of the movie going experience.  With state-of-the-art theaters, the 19 screen movie palace was a beckon of fantasy and cinematic immersion.

Times change of course. Today movie going audiences expect to be comfortable. Stadium seating is standard and the simple seats just don’t cut it anymore and the seats had better have cup holders. Buttered popcorn is not acceptable unless it is real butter. and the coffee needs to be fair trade.

Universal Studios Hollywood and AMC Theaters have partnered to bring this opulent movie palace into the 21st century with stunning, crystal clear projection systems and incredible sound in every single theater. Wait a minute.  Let’s start at the beginning.

Universal CityWalk invited us to take a behind-the-scenes tour of their multi-million dollar renovation of its AMC Theatre. The goal was to create an all-new state-of-the-art Universal Cinema, debuting just in time for the Oscar season and upcoming 2017 blockbuster summer.

To begin with, ticket booths are no longer behind impersonal panes of glass. Outside there are automated ticket machines for those that prefer no interaction. However, guests can now enter the lobby and purchase their tickets in a welcoming, open space.

Guests will enter the lobby and, once tickets are in hand they won’t head to the snack bar. Instead there is a free form “Market Place.”

As guests wait for their film they can lounge, not wait, in a few luxurious areas.

Downstairs there are large living spaces in which to hang out. There will also be rotating displays of props and costumes from the latest releases.

Upstairs is the Director’s Lounge. Yes, a full bar and lounge is upstairs.

A complete remodel of the split level structure includes the installation of deluxe recliner seats in 19 theatres—the equivalent of those found in Hollywood screening rooms—making every seat, the best seat in the house.

The seats also have retractable armrests!

Each redesigned theatre has been fully upgraded with Christie RGB Laser projection, Dolby Atmos immersive surround sound and equipped with Christie Vive speakers for optimal audio performance. The installation of new, state-of-the art screens, perforated to enable 360 degree audio, complement the overall enhancements.

Next generation IMAX 4K laser projection and 12-channel sound further round out the entire movie-going experience.

With new horror films out now like M. Night Shyamalan’s Split, and upcoming flicks like Gore Verbinski’s A Cure For Wellness, and the Blumhouse film The Belko Experiment, there is plenty to look forward to. Now then. Who’s ready for a movie?

Additionally, movie-goers can enjoy $5 Movie General Parking with a theatre ticket box office rebate.

More information on CityWalk is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com. Regular updates can also be found on CityWalk’s Twitter @CityWalkLA, Facebook-Universal CityWalk Hollywood and on CityWalk’s Instagram @CityWalkLA.