Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Regal Entertainment is posed to enter Hawaii market

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Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 04-28-2004, 06:18 PM:

The Honolulu Advertiser this morning reported the possible sale of all Signature theatre's 384 screens in California and Hawaii to the Regal Entertainment group, the nation's largest exhibitor. The deal has already been signed and only need to be closed by the third quarter, the paper reported. Regal now operates under the Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatre and it is not known if the Signature Theatres will continue to operate under that name or be known as Regal Cinemas, United Artist or Edwards Theatres. All of Pacific's Hawaii theatres operating as Consolidatres Theatres are also for sale and have been for several months now and wouldn't it be something if Regal also bought them too. If they did, do you suppose it will be a violation of federal anti trust laws when one motion picture exhibition chain controls almost all of the movie theatres in Hawaii?

-Claude

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 04-28-2004, 06:43 PM:

Considering the nature of our current political administration, I strongly doubt anyone in the federal government would raise a fuss if a single company owned all the movie theaters in Hawaii.

One company controlling all Hawaii cinemas could be potentially bad for Hawaii movie-goers however. A complacent theater circuit in a market with no competition could let a lot of things slide in terms of show quality and customer service --all just to save a buck and improve those margins for "investors." And you could expect some price increases too. This could happen, at least unless Regal understands such moves could drive a lot more customers to just watching DVDs at home.

As to the name change, it will cost Regal a good amount of money to change all the theater signage, uniforms, marquees, interior decoration, etc. from Signature Theaters identity to Regal. On top of that, customers would expect something "new" and "better" with the name change. So, I would bet Regal may just leave the theater names as they currently exist. Cost is the only reason why they haven't changed out all that United Artists and Edwards theater identity to Regal.

I'm wondering what it cost Sony to change all those Loews locations to "Sony Theaters" only to have to change them back to "Loews" again. Funny.

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 04-28-2004, 07:18 PM:

A former client was not considered a monopoly in his market since the government authorities counted his cinemas in addition to video store operators....money wise the cinemas made more per unit but location numbers where the only statistic that mattered ( 100 cinemas / 450 video stores ) [Roll Eyes]

Posted by Mike Williams (Member # 1140) on 04-29-2004, 05:21 AM:

quote: Bobby Henderson
Cost is the only reason why they haven't changed out all that United Artists and Edwards theater identity to Regal.

Regal rebranded 52 Hoyts locations (equal to the number of Edwards locations that were taken over).
Regal Cinemas, UA and Edwards are legally seperate companies that are all under Regal Entertainment Group.

Posted by Dennis Benjamin (Member # 1137) on 04-29-2004, 06:54 AM:

Well, as long as there is a Republican in the White House.....

(Oops.. sorry this is not a political thread)

When the time comes that the government feels Regal is getting too big. There will be some 'scandal' in which the execs at Regal will be brought up on some kind of charges (fraud, etc)While these charges will be completely false, Regal would have forgotten their yearly campaign contribution and be in deep.

Posted by Jesse Skeen (Member # 586) on 04-29-2004, 02:29 PM:

Holy shit- I had a nightmare a few months ago that this actually happened! [Eek!]

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 04-29-2004, 03:39 PM:

Our evening paper, the Honolulu Star Bulletin reported Regal's intention to have the Signature theatres here in Hawaii as well as the others in California to retain it's name when the chain takes over after the formal sale documents are signed. Everything will remain the same except for the way Regal manages their theatres with various promotions such as the screening of rock concerts and renting of theatres for meetings and special showings. Consolidated was asked to comment but did not answer telephone calls. Scott Wallace of Wallace Theatres did comment and he had indicated that Regal will drastically make a big difference in theatre operations here in Hawaii.

-Claude

Posted by Jesse Skeen (Member # 586) on 04-29-2004, 07:35 PM:

"Everything will remain the same except for the way Regal manages their theatres with various promotions such as the screening of rock concerts and renting of theatres for meetings and special showings"
-AND endless on-screen advertising of course. Not that Signature had anything against that by themselves of course. I worked for them before they even had slides (or even called Signature for that matter), and I still cry over how we had to keep the curtains open and stage lights off at the now-closed Cinema 2 to show those ugly things! [Mad]

In my dream the Cinema 2 was still open, and the Regal train/rollercoaster/whateveritis trailer was playing. Yes, I'm deranged [uhoh]

Posted by Robert Stawiarski (Member # 1842) on 04-29-2004, 07:52 PM:

Regal's advertising is actually fairly unobstrusive. It starts BEFORE the advertised showtime. If you show up on time, you do not see ANY ads. Much better than the days of 10 minutes of rolling stock playing right at the showtime.

Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 04-30-2004, 03:03 AM:

Don't worry, Jesse, the roller coaster has been gone for over a year now. Its the new policy trailer thats frightening [Big Grin]

.

I, personally, wish they'd bring back a new shiney updated version of the coaster trailer, with better music, and at least one upside-down loop.

Posted by Emma Tomiak (Member # 1862) on 04-30-2004, 05:09 AM:

I agree with Mike about the Regal policy trailer. Make it spiffier, but be sure to keep the huge piece of popcorn popping right in front of the roller coaster. In fact, make that popcorn piece even bigger, with louder popping action! [Big Grin]

Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 04-30-2004, 01:03 PM:

3 of our remaining UA's in SF still show slides and the Roller Coaster. [Big Grin]

The other two have The 20wenty. I also agree that Regal should incorporate the famous Roller Coaster into their 20wenty policy show. Would be cool if they put it on their website too. (Like how Century has their policy trailer on their website). [thumbsup]

Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 04-30-2004, 03:19 PM:

quote: Mike Olpin
the roller coaster has been gone for over a year now.

Its still being used in Bakersfield, but two-twenty hasn't been installed yet.

Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 04-30-2004, 03:41 PM:

I was under the impression that the 2wenty rollout had been completed. Guess not, my bad.

I any case, I don't much care for the policy trailer that ends the 2wenty. (Perhaps thats because I have to watch it 60 times a day!) I'd like it to be changed to incorperate a new version of the coaster.

Can someone tell me if theatres still playing the coaster have updated versions reflecting the change in candy stock? When we dumped the coaster, it featured Nestle candy, and Regal has since switched to M&M/Mars.

Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 04-30-2004, 04:00 PM:

Every time I see the Roller Coaster, a different candy is featured. (Usually it's the candy of the month they're promoting with their combos). I.E. one time it will be Skittles and Milk Duds. The next time it's Popables flying by on the coaster. I guess they must make and distribute new prints of the trailer featuring the candy they want to promote that month.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-30-2004, 04:22 PM:

Claude,
I feel very sorry for you that they are entering the Hawaiian market. They are barely a step above Carmike!

Mark

Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 05-02-2004, 11:01 AM:

The 2wenty hasn't rolled out here in Eugene either (Cinema World 8). Still slides and the roller coaster.

This location's ticket sales was decimated by the opening of rival Cinemark 17 back in 1999. Yet they hang on, and Regal is obviously approving expenditures needed to keep the place in good shape.

It probably all comes down to the local people actually running the theaters: If they're conscientious and interested in keeping things in good shape, it looks like Regal supports them.

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 05-02-2004, 06:17 PM:

I hope what David said turns out to be true. We already have a pretty bad exhibitor here and do not need another. Wallace Theatres was very pupular when they first started theatres operations in Hawaii but the combination of new and better cinemas built by Pacific's Consolidated Theatres and Signature have made Wallace operate almost all of it's theatres in Honolulu as a 2nd run $1.00 venture because of the sub standard manner they run their theatres. Because of the lack of better theatres in the area, only their north shore theatre in Laie still show first run films.

By the way, what is a 'Roller Coaster' at a Regal theatre?

-Claude

Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 05-02-2004, 08:19 PM:

It's their policy snipe. You're on an animated rollercoaster going past lots of snack bar items and theatre policies.

Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 05-02-2004, 09:25 PM:

Enjoy a low quality QuickTime of the Coaster. (1.1 MB)

This file originated from regalcinemas.com a few years back.

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 05-02-2004, 10:28 PM:

Thanks, Mike

I thought the trailer looks very cool. I am not sure I will feel the same about it after I had seen it a lot of times at a Signature theatres after Regal takes over. Pacific's Consloidated theatres here in Hawaii has a policy trailer that features ancient Hawaiian hula dancers on a beach at twilight that is excellent and I have enjoyed it everytime I see it

-Claude

Posted by Robert Stawiarski (Member # 1842) on 05-02-2004, 10:34 PM:

Come on... you all are forgetting the best Regal policy trailer ever. The good ol' Western-style Pepsi girl one!

Posted by Christopher Duvall (Member # 284) on 05-03-2004, 04:16 AM:

AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [puke]

I thought I had gotten over that. Guess not.

Anyhoo, I am going to try to be one of the trainers that will be sent out if all goes well. My wife will hate me if that happens. I currently have an employee that works for me now here in Vegas that is totally excited about it because she is moving back there in June. If this transaction goes through, she will try to be transferred in one of the locations near her home.

I have a question for you Claude. I hear the culture there runs deep and the population is pretty faithful to it. My employee said something about places of business getting blessed. If it does not happen people will just about completely avoid going. Is that true?

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 05-03-2004, 12:11 PM:

Chris, while waiting for Claude to come along with more details, try this link on Hawaiian customs:

http://www.hawaii.com/visit/homestory/customs.html

The Hawaiian blessing

When a place of business or a new home opens its doors, it is common to have the location blessed by a Hawaiian kahu(guardian or minister).

The blessing ceremony dates back to the early days of Hawaiian culture. Though it has come to incorporate Christian elements since the arrival of missionaries in Hawai‘i in 1820, the ceremony is based on the traditional Hawaiian belief in kapu (taboos) that can be placed on a physical space. Although some societal kapu were immutable, other kapu, such as curses or negative energy, still linger in modern-day places. During a blessing ceremony, a kahu clears any kapu that might have been placed on a space, so the new occupants may move forward with a "clean slate."

The details of this ceremony can vary depending on the occasion — whether it is a home, office, building or other enterprise being blessed. Kahu often personalize blessings with readings and chants they specifically select for the occasion. Three elements are fairly universal to a blessing, however: the asking for blessings from Akua (God), the sprinkling of salt water, and the untying of a maile lei (made from the leaves of a fragrant, native twining shrub) that has been gently draped and tied across a real or virtual threshold.

An extension of huikala (a ceremonial cleansing with the healing waters of the ocean), salt water is sprinkled by the kahu on both the space and the people involved in the venture, to cleanse them of impurities. The untying of the maile lei, made from a plant sacred to Hawaiians, opens the space being blessed. The threshold may then be crossed; the kapu are ‘amama (done, finished).

* * * * *

The Hawaiian blessing sounds like it is very similar to the Shinto purification rites performed by the Japanese at auspicious occasions like the beginning of a new business venture.

BTW, 'Vegas just became a little less like Hawaii for me this week--my favorite ('cause I could walk to it [Smile]

) okazuya closed! [Frown]

Now I gotta take da bus when I need a spam musubi or loco moco fix. [Roll Eyes]

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 05-03-2004, 02:56 PM:

Christopher and Paul,

Yes, it is very common for a business to have a religious clergy bless the new premises during the grand opening. I was hired several years ago by Consolidated Theatres to cover the grand opening of their Mililani 12 and Ward 16 Theatres and there was a Hawaiian Christian minister (Kahu) present. By the way, "Kahu" in Hawaiian means 'Shepherd' I have also been to the opening of several Japanese business and there were times when a Shinto priest would bless the premises. Some have also used the services of a Shinto priest and a Kahu. It is also not unusual to have other clergy members of other faiths bless people's place of business during an opening. It is also very common to see some people have their new home or a car blessed by a clergy.

Paul,

Eh Brah! You sound pretty much like a local guy with a fantastic knowledge about our favorite 'grinds' such as Spam Musubi and Loco Moco. [Smile]

-Claude

Posted by Chris Medley (Member # 2145) on 05-06-2004, 07:14 AM:

I have followed Regal's buying frenzy sort of...and I have seen the Dallas UA's and the Carmikes in the area, plus some in ElPaso...does anyone else think that these guys are setting themselves up for a fall?? I mean they seem to have the "money" to grow more, but I look at othet industries were smaller weaker companies were bought out and with those smaller companies come their problems...any bets on when the fall is gonna happen??

Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 05-06-2004, 12:51 PM:

I don't think Regal is going to fall just because they bought Signature Theatres. From the Signature theatres I've seen here in CA, I thought this was an excellent move for Regal. All of them that I've seen are either new megaplexes in excellent areas (Sonora and Santa Cruz, CA) or are newly remodeled with stadium seating (Jack London-Oakland, and Crow Canyon-San Ramon, CA--Crow Canyon would make an excellent "Cinema Art" location!!)

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 05-06-2004, 01:33 PM:

Signature is at four locations here in Hawaii. Their 'Flagship theatres is the Dole Cannery with all 18 auditoriums THX certified. There is also the site near me in Pearl City, the Pearl highlands as well as the complex at Windward Mall. Signature only theatres on the neighbor islands is in Kailua Kona on the big island of Hawaii. All of Signature theatres in Hawaii are almost brand new. The Pearl Highlands was the first one established in Hawaii and it opened about 6 years ago and the most recent one in Kona opened about two years ago. I have not been to the Windward or the Kona theatres but the Dole Cannery and the Pearl Highland are very well maintained and I am sure the two others are the same. Based on the Star Bulletin news article about the sale of it's theatres to Regal, Signature's Hawaii based general manager was surprised when he had learned about the sale of his theatres when all of his theatres in the islands are highly profitable.

-Claude

Posted by Brandon Willis (Member # 2345) on 05-07-2004, 01:13 PM:

The 2wenty policy trailer sucks! It sounds like a damn text-to-speech voice. The voice on the rollercoaster did too, but that one was made cool by the candy flying by and the popcorn popping in your face which scared the crap out even the most veteran moviegoers. To this day I'm still tempted to put my arms up when I'm sitting in a non-2wenty theatre and the rollercoaster comes on.
"Your feature will begin after the following previews." Please! And then you have to count to 5 after the little projector icons and the snow appear on the screen before you can push start. I'll take a (properly maintained) slide projector and rollercoaster trailer over that any day of the week.
Every Regal in Richmond has the 2wenty, except the Westhampton (art house) which doesn't have DCN at all and the Chesterfield (formerly UA) which only has the lobby show (on CRT monitors, not plasmas.) Sometimes when it freezes up it's funny to reboot the PC and see the Windows XP startup logo on the screen. Makes people laugh every time.

Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 05-07-2004, 01:28 PM:

If you can see the icon, it's done. No need to count afterward.

Posted by Emma Tomiak (Member # 1862) on 05-08-2004, 02:04 AM:

Yeah, that counting stuff was really annoying. I've seen the Windows XP screensaver projected on our screens once or twice. We even got flying Windows once! Woo! [Big Grin]

It's really funny when you can see someone at HQ actually messing with the computer. Confuses customers. [evil]

Posted by Christopher Duvall (Member # 284) on 05-12-2004, 06:51 PM:

Looks like I get to go out the Windward Stadium 10 in Honolulu. Claude, if I remember, you stated that you are near there. I will be there for 11 days from 6/17-6/28. I would like to meet you during that time. Maybe you can give some tips from looking like a total "Barney" while there as well.

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 05-13-2004, 01:57 AM:

Christopher,

I was g;ad to hear about your visit to our city in early June. Yes, a visit to the theatres at the Windwartd mall would be nice because I have not been to those Signature theatres since they opened. The theatres you should visit is Pacific's Ward 16. I will try to arrange my schedule so we can spend some time together and I would enjoy theatre hopping with you. Please send me a private email so we can work out a plan to visit some theatres [Smile]

-Claude