Tokyu Recreation will open “109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku” on the 9th and 10th floors of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower (1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), which will open on April 14.
The new brand of 109 Cinemas, which is distinct from conventional cinema complexes, will be located on the former site of “Shinjuku Milanza,” which closed its 58-year history at the end of 2014, much to the regret of many movie fans. The concept is “a movie theater that opens your senses.
At the media preview held prior to the opening, Mr. Naoto Masunaga, General Manager of 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku, took the stage to explain the various facilities and special features.
The theater will consist of eight screens on two floors. All theaters are equipped with the “SAION -SR EDITION-” sound system supervised by Ryuichi Sakamoto, Theater 3 is equipped with the “Dolby Atmos” surround sound format that rushes overhead and flows dynamically around the audience, Theater 6 is equipped with the “ScreenX” three-screen Theater 6 is equipped with the “ScreenX” wide-view theater, and Theater 8 is equipped with a 35mm film projector.
Of particular note are the “all-premium seats,” the first of their kind in Japan. All 752 seats are up to 2.3 times larger than those in a regular cinema complex, and in addition to the comfortable reclining function, both side tables and armrests can be used independently without overlapping with neighboring seats, and there is also space for storing luggage.
Two types of premium seats are available: Class A (4,500 yen for adults) for a comfortable fit, and Class S (6,500 yen for adults) for a sense of privacy without worrying about one’s surroundings.
The interior of the theater is based on the color black to eliminate visual noise as much as possible, and the walls have a three-dimensional design to provide optimum auditory sound. The walls have a three-dimensional design that provides optimum auditory sound. The theater’s high-spec projection and acoustics allow the audience to immerse themselves in the world of the movie to their heart’s content.
Ticket purchasers spend their time before the viewing in the “main lounge” dedicated to each floor. Here, drinks and food are offered to be enjoyed during the waiting time and viewing. The background music that plays throughout the theater and the chimes that announce the start of screenings were also composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Soft drinks and popcorn (salt/caramel/mixed) are included in the ticket price in advance and can be ordered freely at the “WELCOME CONCESSION” located in the lounge on each floor (until 30 minutes before the screening ends).
THE BAR, also located in the lounge on each floor, offers a wide variety of Japanese whiskeys and cocktails, seasonal craft beers, and other selections for a fee.
The restaurant also recommends food items such as hot dogs and truffle-flavored french fries, which are made with the finest ingredients.
In addition, a premium lounge “OVERTURE,” available only to Class S ticket purchasers, has been opened at the back of the 10th floor. Here, visitors can enjoy a view of the Shinjuku cityscape, sip a service drink, or discuss the film before or after their visit to the theater.
Visitors can also enjoy shopping at POST CREDIT, a souvenir store on the 9th floor, while soaking up the afterglow of the movie. The shop offers a wide variety of goods, including not only official movie goods, but also collaborative products, limited edition items, and souvenirs typical of Shinjuku and Kabukicho.
Only POST CREDIT can be entered and used even if you do not have a ticket to see the show.
Mr. Masunaga, who has been preparing for the opening of the cinema for a long time, said, “This is a cinema complex that leaves behind the noise of everyday life and opens up your senses. We hope you will watch your favorite movies here,” he said, “relax in the main lounge where drinks and popcorn are served, and immerse yourself in the world of cinema to the utmost limit in the theater where sound and images are thoroughly focused on and all seats are premium.
He also spoke about the future prospects of the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, one of the largest complexes in Japan, saying, “We will provide an environment where people can enjoy hotel accommodations and other entertainment stores together,” taking advantage of its strength.
From April 14 to May 18, “Ryuichi Sakamoto Premium Collection” will be held to celebrate the opening. Special screenings of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s related works, including “Merry Christmas at the Battlefield” (35mm film version), a masterpiece of film music, and “Sheltering Sky,” directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, will be held.
For the schedule of other long-run and new film screenings and events, please check the official website of “109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku”.
© Source travel watch