Image Credit: Megan Mills
There are times you don’t realize you’ve been missing something, until you’ve found it. You don’t realize you need something, until you have it. However, if you’re lucky, this ‘thing’, finds you. Instantly your world changes, along with everything you thought you knew.
I followed a white rabbit down Market Street. It galloped through the business crowd, heading to and from the Financial District. My feet lifted off the ground, it felt like I was moving through time. I was pulled through an eclectic mix of modern architecture, of different shapes and sizes. Suddenly the white rabbit vanished, leaving me surrounded by a mass of distinguished concrete. The walls were made of tall, reflective, glass windows, allowing the sunlight constant admission. The Embarcadero Center Cinema had something to show me and I wanted to see it.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
Naturally, I followed the path to an environment, that futurist Arthur C. Clark would approbate. I stood underneath what resembled a vault , lying on its back above my head, engineered with dripping lights, I reached to touch them. This contrasted heavily with its reflection, a floor of modern sophistication and smooth surfaces. Metropolis was reversed, the underground flourished above, while wealth prospered below.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
Suddenly, light from a different source, grabbed my attention and whisked me off to a place of bursting colors and bold flavors. Hansel and Gretel, had truly walked in the wrong direction. I faced a nest of cinema delicacies with a gourmet touch: organic beverages, fair trade chocolate bars, several hot food dishes and my favorite, freshly popped kettle corn! I was beginning to sense something special, I knew there was more to discover.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
After the touch and taste, of this magical fortress, my sight yearned for an equivalent courtesy. The Embarcadero Center Cinema, obliged readily. With the turn of my heels, I was seated in a palatial auditorium, built for specialty films worthy of Mr. Oscar. From all points of view, every angle perfected. In addition, the seating was made to match with style and comfort. No seat was better than the other, every inch, gave a spectacular view of the beautiful, Big Screen.
I had made my way through the auditoriums with captain chair seating, finding it perfectly suited for a girl with a captain hat. A communal experience, in a digitally remastered room, offering constant quality in presentation. It was an overwhelming experience, that called for applause. I felt like the captain of a ship, steering through calm and clean aisles. I used the light on the walls, as a guide to my next destination, which I enthusiastically sought.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
As captain, I stood at the helm of the ship and marveled at its structure. As I peered through the window, it all became crystal-clear, my next adventure would take place here. I looked over, to the other side of this cinema wonderland, it was waiting for me to turn the page and jump inside. Perhaps I was half way through this book, no matter, this chapter seemed promising. Perhaps the next auditorium would hold a game of croquet with The Queen of Hearts…maybe better?
Image Credit: Megan Mills
Originally, I collected my ticket the traditional way, from the box office, minus the box. A stellar staff member gave me my golden ticket, sending me off with a smile. Now I had the option to reserve my seat. At first, my brain wouldn’t allow itself to rack around the simplicity of this technology. Before I knew it, my ticket had printed out and I wanted to play again. The idea of choosing my own seat felt like a game, exhilarating and empowering. Always walking off a winner.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
It would not be long, before the sun sets. The Financial District would empty its fill of movers and shakers, into the belly of this futuristic multiplex. Further, awakening the beacon of neon lights that sits atop. I took a moment to experience the effects of interior decoration, executed brilliantly.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
With the sound of cups filling to the brim, I snapped out of my recluse and joined what sounded like a Mad Tea-Party. However, the tea was local and micro brewed beers, along with a menu of hand picked wines, crowning this cosmopolitan affair.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
Pristine, Spacious, Modern and Tasteful.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
A few feet away, revealed a new wonder waiting for introduction. A place to relax and unwind, surrounded by richly saturated reds and golds. This lounge eases the mind, welcoming guests, to gather, rejoice in art, culture and community.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
Elegant, Comfortable, Sophisticated, and Tranquil.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
The clock was running, I dashed from the lounge to the auditorium. All drinks and menu items were welcomed, but of course, I opted for popcorn. I thought I had seen it all, again, I sat corrected. As always the best was saved for last. I imagined the proud multiplex spared no expense, in creating my priceless expression. Reclining chairs had made its way from our living rooms to the cinema; only these were covered in leather. A button on the inner armrest replaced the well-known handle. It was like a rocket ship take off, accompanied by professional Seaters, instead of Nasa. They helped with reserved seating and made unscripted announcements, introducing films eloquently. This raised the quality of the film experience through the roof and to the moon. Palatial cinema matched by palatial treatment.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
I laid back, drifting in the comfort of what felt like home.
A place that never seemed crowded, because of its consideration for comfort and space. A place that had risen from a 90’s beat, transforming through a renaissance beyond expectation. A place for avant garde films and movie goers.
I was drifting from a dream, into another. The sweet and salty clouds, satiated my craving, coupled with leather cushions, cemented my hypnotic state.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
Luckily for me, this was no dream, but a reality.
…I lived happily ever after.
Image Credit: Megan Mills
PaleFO Cinema 