The theater formerly known as the Edwards Island 7 in Newport Beach, California has reopened as the Island Cinema, an upscale theater offering at-your-seat dining and drink service. The seven screen theater opened to the public on December 16, 2011 in the Fashion Island shopping center.

The theater's auditoriums feature stadium seating with oversized seats that have wide arm rests and lots of leg room thanks to rows that are spaced further apart than traditional movie theater seats. Every auditorium is equipped with Sony's 4K Digital Cinema Projection systems, and three are capable of 3D presentations.

Photo courtesy the Island Cinema. Copyright © 2002-2012 The Irvine Company LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Movies will be presented without commercials preceding them and all seating is reserved. Seat locations can be reserved when buying tickets at the box office or though the "Theater Concierge" at the theater, who can also assist with dining reservations at restaurants in Fashion Island.

Customers will be able to enjoy sandwiches, specialty pizzas, quiches, vegetarian spring rolls, pastries, and other menu items. Drinks include specialty coffee, premium beer, champagne, and wine.

In the press release for the theater's opening was the following statement:

"We are excited to unveil a truly spectacular theater complex for the holiday movie season," said Dan Sheridan, president of Irvine Company Retail Properties. "We are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for shopping, dining and entertainment, and this beautiful new theater will be the perfect addition to Fashion Island for locals and visitors alike."

The theater's grand opening was marked with two events that benefitted local charities. On December 13th, 2011, the Newport Beach Film Festival held a movie screening that benefitted the annual film festival, which is held in the city each spring. The next day, Fashion Island and ocean conservation nonprofit Oceana presented an "Evening at the Cinema," which featured martinis, a movie, and restaurant tastings from Roy's, Island Hotel Newport Beach, Cafe Beau Soleil, California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, and Daily Grill.

Irvine Company owns Fashion Island and the Island Cinema, and they have contracted with Regal Cinemas to manage the theater. This is fitting, as the theater was previously a Regal-owned Edwards location.

To find out what's playing at the Island Cinema and when, head over to the Showtimes page! If you've attended the theater, be sure to leave some comments for your fellow readers on the Reader Comments page.

Source: The Irvine Company Press Release