5 San Diego Movie Theaters Perfect for the Premiere of 'Black Panther'
With days before it hits theaters, anticipation for Marvel’s “Black Panther” has reached a fever pitch.
Chadwick Boseman heads the all-star cast as (soon to be King) T’Challa, joined by Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, and Daniel Kaluuya in what is being predicted to be a box office smash. Pre-sales for this film have not only set a new record for Marvel Cinematic Universe films in its first 24 hours, beating out “Captain America: Civil War,” but also set a new record on Fandango, becoming the site’s top-selling superhero movie ever.
No matter where you choose to see “Black Panther” this week, this premiere is expected to be a celebration, with special screenings across the country and unique events in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Some will include red carpets; others may simply be fun get-togethers where people get dressed up as their favorite characters.
If you’re in San Diego County this weekend, here are five movie theaters, some of which are hosting events, worth visiting to make your “Black Panther” viewing experience the best it can be.
AMC Mission Valley 20 — Mission Valley
The San Diego Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has reserved an entire theater for a 7 p.m. screening on Friday, February 16 in Mission Valley. According to event details, not only can you enjoy a night at the movies, but you also have the opportunity to donate a film ticket to one of their youth program participants. The AMC Mission Valley 20 offers Dolby Cinema, IMAX, RealD 3D, and AMC signature recliners to complete the movie-going experience.
The Lot — Liberty Station
If you just want to find a great movie theater to watch the film opening weekend, pre-sale tickets are still available here. The Lot at Liberty Station is located in a rehabbed historic building where they preserved the original oak stage and exposed concrete proscenium. The theater offers leather theater recliners, in-theater dining options, a glass-enclosed café, bar and restaurant, as well as free (and readily available) street parking.
Angelika Film Center — Carmel Mountain
With showtimes beginning the evening of February 15 for both 2D and 3D, the recently renovated Angelika Film Center in Carmel Mountain is a “state-of-the-art luxury cinema highlighting the best in quality film and events.” The theater was voted the Best of San Diego in 2017 by the San Diego Union-Tribune and offers tons of amenities, including reserved seating in leather recliners, Dolby Surround sound, Dolby Digital 3D and more.
They also have an “after the film” option, where if you bring your same-day ticket to their café, patio, or lounge, you’ll receive 50 percent off all food and drink.
UltraStar Cinema — Mission Valley
The AAACE Team (African-American Association of County Employees) is hosting a 1 p.m. screening on Monday, February 19 at the UltraStar Cinema in Mission Valley. Their screening invites those 21 and over to enjoy beer and wine in the theater’s auditorium, available for purchase in the café. Tickets are only $9 per person (probably the cheapest ticket in town) for this special matinee show.
Still, for film and Marvel enthusiasts, waiting until Monday may be hard to do. Perhaps consider this for your second viewing.
Cinépolis — Vista
If you can’t make it to any of the events mentioned, there is still a way to make it a celebration. If you head on down to Vista, check out their Cinépolis theater as it offers the limited seating-style of 4DX. Here’s how they describe the 4DX experience on the Cinépolis site:
“Each chair is equipped with motion simulators and programmed to the film. Inside our 4DX auditorium, motion chairs and environmental effects such as wind, bubbles, and scent work in perfect synchronicity with the action on screen.”
We’ve had the pleasure of experiencing 4DX already with “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” and enjoyed it so much that we’ll be making a return trip for “Black Panther” opening weekend.