Movie and a beer: Big changes for longtime Seattle theater Metro set to reopen as Sundance Cinemas Seattle

The Metro Cinemas, shown here in 2008, have closed and the space is being renovated into a Seattle location for Sundance Cinemas. The 10-screen multiplex was first opened in Feb. 1988. The Metro Cinemas, shown here in 2008, have closed and the space is being renovated into a Seattle location for Sundance Cinemas. The 10-screen multiplex was first opened in Feb. 1988. Photo: Google Street View Photo: Google Street View Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Movie and a beer: Big changes for longtime Seattle theater 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

If things go as planned, moviegoers will soon be able to have drinks at a familiar Seattle theater.

Last month, Robert Redford's Sundance Cinemas announced plans to renovate and rename the Metro Cinemas into one of its specialized theaters. The space, which operated as the Metro since 1988, is now getting stadium-style seating in the 10 theaters along with digital projectors and sound systems.

The Seattle Sundance Cinema also is expected to have a bar and bistro, a lounge with wi-fi access, food and no commercials before films. Sundance already has locations in San Francisco, Madison, Wis., Houston, Westchester, N.Y., and West Hollywood, Calif.

The Metro, at 4500 Ninth Ave. N.E. on the edge of the University District, stopped showing movies last month. Sundance got the keys May 1, and the company website says movies will begin again in two weeks.

"When we begin to operate in June, we'll have very few of the amenities that Sundance Cinemas is known for," the theater's website reads. "Over the next few months we'll transform the theater into a grand location to watch a movie in comfort, with true respect for the patron and filmmaker. We won't open with reserved seating -- that will come later."

Further information on an expected grand opening event hasn't been released, and a Sundance spokeswoman didn't return a message for comment.

Other Sundance Cinemas sell only reserved seating, either through the box office, ticketing kiosks or through their website. While there aren't what staff call "amenities fees" for first shows Monday through Thursday, there is a fee from $1 to $3 at other times. The Seattle theater is expected to charge the fee after the renovation is complete.

Sundance Cinemas Seattle filed for a liquor license May 3 and that license is pending, Liquor Control Board spokesman Brian Smith said.

Built next to the old University Chevrolet building, the Metro was Seattle's first 10-plex. Before its Feb. 12, 1988 opening by Landmark Theaters, it was billed as having "state-of-the-art projection systems, high quality bi-amplified Dolby stereo, concert hall seating and a European-style espresso lounge."

Films at the opening mixed major Hollywood films with foreign and independent releases, including "Patti Rocks," "The Glass Menagerie," "The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne," "My Life as a Dog," and "Jean de Florette."

At the time, some neighbors and moviegoers worried about the crowds. Up to 1,500 people could attend with all 10 theaters full, and the Oak Tree Cinemas on Aurora Avenue North – another multiplex that opened in the 1980s – was notorious for horrendous traffic after films.

In recent years, both the Metro and Oak Tree have seen dwindling numbers as the theaters showed their age and moviegoers flocked to newer multiplexes, including the Regal Thornton Place Stadium 14 and IMAX. That complex and others were completed in 2009 on what for years was a massive parking lot near Northgate Mall's south entrance.

While there are several Portland, Ore., cinemas that offer food and beer, they are rare here. Different liquor laws in Oregon and Washington are a factor.

Big Picture, at 2505 First Ave., serves cocktails, beer, wine and food to moviegoers. The Cinebarre in nearby Mountlake Terrace serves alcoholic beverages, and Seattle's Central Cinema at 1411 21st Ave. is well known for pizza, beer and real butter on gourmet popcorn.

Earlier this year, Seattle's mayor, city attorney and city council defended Central Cinema in a letter to the Liquor Control Board after cinema staff were told they might be in violation of a 2010 section of the Washington Administrative Code. The rule, city leaders said, could jeopardize the Central Cinema's family-friendly business model.

So what happens to a person who is caught sneaking a beer into a regular Seattle movie theater?

Police say it's likely that the person would be asked to leave and if they didn't, they could be arrested for trespassing – a misdemeanor. Police say theater staff also could have an officer issue a trespass warning, notifying the person that he or she would be arrested if they return.

Another option is that Seattle police could give a ticket for violating the city's open container law. That fine is $27 – half as much as the ticket for leaving dog poop unscooped in public.

Information from the seattlepi.com archive is included in this report. Casey McNerthney can be reached at 206-448-8220 or at caseymcnerthney@seattlepi.com. Follow Casey on Twitter at twitter.com/mcnerthney.