Unconventional theater chain favors quirky gems over mainstream hits…
With so little live entertainment currently available in Las Vegas, some of us who yearn for something to do have been rediscovering the cinemas. Alas, the only apparent winner from a business perspective has been West Wind Las Vegas drive-in, which I’ve reported on several times. But a gorgeous new indoor multiplex on the north side is shaking things up. And it’s definitely worth a visit.
As an avid movie buff (and former manager for AMC Theaters) who attends film screenings at least three times per week, it pains me to admit that the expansion of MAYA Cinemas to Las Vegas escaped me. The high-tech complex began operations in early 2019, but was apparently overshadowed by the hype surrounding downtown’s ECLIPSE Theaters. That pricey restaurant/bar/cinema hybrid reportedly failed to connect with movie-goers, and remains dark for the eight month. Expensive $18 movie tickets certainly didn’t help.
MAYA Cinemas, on the other hand, is a more economical alternative. While their ticket prices are in line with bigger brands like Regal and Cinemark, snack prices are remarkably reasonable. For instance, a large drink/popcorn combo runs $10 at MAYA, compared to over $16 at AMC Town Square. And before you complain about snack prices, keep in mind that food and beverage sales are what keep your local movie house in business, not ticket sales. The vast percentage of your admission price goes back to the studios who make the movies. So…no concession sales equals no movie theater. Period.
MAYA Cinemas is based in California. The Las Vegas location is their first in Nevada. It’s only a few minutes from the NEON Museum, and next to old-time locals casinos Silver Nugget and Jerry’s Nugget. While the location might seem puzzling to some, it was deliberately chosen in keeping with the company’s mission statement.
Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2000 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, megaplex movie theaters in under-served, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities. In January 2019, Maya Cinemas North Las Vegas opened its doors bringing state-of-the-art movie-going to an area of Las Vegas seeing rapid growth of new business.
Maya Cinemas offers first-run Hollywood movies in high-end theaters focused on quality of design, state-of-the-art film presentation technology, and superior customer service.
It’s hard to downplay the visual appeal of MAYA Cinemas N. Las Vegas. The massive modern structure features a spacious parking lot that’s landscaped beautifully with thoughtful accent lighting. Inside, touchscreen podiums allow you to reserve your tickets, or you can pre-order them online. All seats are assigned, and physical distancing protocols are automatically implemented.
An enormous lobby houses Energi Gaming arcade, a dining area, and Maya Cantina, which serves alcoholic beverages that you can take into the auditorium. Snacks, meals, and drinks can be ordered via the MAYA Cinemas App, which also includes MAYA Rewards loyalty program. Sign up to receive a free small popcorn and accrue points towards future discounts. You’ll be eligible for periodic email deals, too.
Throughout the week, you can take advantage of discounts like “Date Night Mondays”, “Family Day Tuesdays”, and “Senior Day Wednesdays”. Specially-scheduled presentations are targeted towards guests with sensory sensitivities, and the theater is available for private rentals and birthday parties.
The wonderful design of MAYA Cinemas continues into the corridors and auditoriums, which are decorated with mellow earth tones and vibrant yellows. Plush electronic recliner seats are equipped with dining tables that easily swing into position and back out of the way. There is ample spacing between rows, once again ideal for physical distancing. Auditoriums are thoroughly sanitized between each showtime, and extra precautions are regularly implemented by the staff to protect your health.
If you’re a techie, you’ll appreciate the presence of DOLBY ATMOS sound systems, D-BOX motion seats (in select auditoriums), and MPX, Maya’s own large-screen premium format.
MPX is the most immersive movie experience yet! Be engulfed in our large silver screen with the clearest and brightest 2D and 3D images from our projection technology. And hear every detail in amazing clarity with a true 360-degree sound! MPX clarity of sound effects is phenomenal and delivers total immersion into the film.
Attention to detail is even evident in MAYA Cinemas restroom facilities. Family restrooms are ideal for those with small children or special needs. There are environmentally-friendly waterless fixtures for the gentlemen, and all-in-one sinks have high-speed blade dryers that instantly dry hands without paper towel waste or mess.
The best thing about MAYA Cinemas, aside from the unbelievably-delicious popcorn, is their unique approach to programming. As I mentioned in yesterday’s article on the release of STEALING CHAPLAIN, theaters have been impacted by a drought of Hollywood product. Of course, this was caused by the pandemic that shut down all film and television production this year. In place of new titles, theaters have been relying on classics, mostly from the 80s, with a few major studio releases peppered in.
MAYA Cinemas has taken that business model one step further. They’re featuring low-budget indies, urban-appeal thrillers, film festival favs, and genre-busters that might have otherwise gone straight to video. But let’s face facts…no matter how high-end your home system is, nothing beats the massive screens, booming sound, delicious smells, mouth-watering tastes, and captivating atmosphere of a real movie house.
My first visit to MAYA Las Vegas was for LOVE AND MONSTERS, a critically-acclaimed (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) post-apocalyptic romantic adventure starring Dylan O’Brien of the MAZE RUNNER trilogy. Also showing were SPELL, a voodoo chiller featuring an African-American cast, JUNGLELAND, a boxing drama with SONS OF ANARCHY‘s Charlie Hunnam, and THE INFORMER with Joel Kinnaman. None of these titles are playing anywhere else in the city.
Previous discoveries include SAVE YOURSELVES, a riotous comedy of two city-slickers stranded in a rustic cabin during an alien invasion. Horror film favorites Tobin Bell (SAW) and Lin Shaye (INSIDIOUS) teamed up for THE CALL, a nail-biter from the creator of FINAL DESTINATION. Coming soon are SPIRAL, the latest in the SAW franchise, and MURDER IN THE WOODS with Danny Trejo (MACHETE).
Of course, with over a dozen auditoriums to fill, major Hollywood releases like HONEST THIEF and older classics get their fair share of screen time. Ongoing series include family favorites like THE WIZARD OF OZ and BACK TO THE FUTURE, musicals like GREASE and FOOTLOOSE, and the entire HARRY POTTER series.
Retro titles are only $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children, so pack up the kids and allow them to experience TOY STORY, CHRISTMAS VACATION and more on the big screen for the first time. It’s time to get out of the house and rediscover the pleasures of going to the movies.
MAYA Cinemas Las Vegas is located at 2195 North Las Vegas Boulevard North Las Vegas, NV 89030. Click here for showtimes, ticket prices and more information.
Photos: Sam Novak
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