Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas: User Reviews

Blew us away!
By miktalika from Elgin, November 30, 2008

Overall rating:

When my wife and I decided to go the Gold Class we had our reservations: $35 ticket, Pricey food, etc. But we had the time of our lives. We went to a Sunday 4pm show (go there 30 mins early so that you can look at the menu and enjoy the lounge.) The staff was very attentive...complementary valet and coat check. We purchased our tickets and opened a tab. (I recommend the tab so you don't have to wait an pay after the film....I'll come back to this.) We ordered drinks, a starter and split an entre. Gold Class gave us two complementary deserts just to thank us for coming. Five minutes before showtime, our server escorted us to our seats. Amazingly huge Micro fiber La-Z-Boys that have full automatic recline. The seats have a storage area in the arm rests for personal items (purse, etc). The server also brought my wife a soft cozy blanket. Previews but NO commercials before the movie. Kudos! Food came at great times. Appetizers about 15 mins into the movie, entree 25 minutes later, and dessert another 25 minutes after that...or so. We saw a 3 hr film, so I'm guessing that a shorter movie would have the courses spaced closer together. The food was amazing...melt in your mouth good. It is good enough to go here with some friends and just eat and drink in the lounge, but don't get me wrong, the movie experience was unlike any other. When the film was coming to an end the server dropped off the bill just like at a restaurant except since I opened a tab at the beginning of the night they had already run the credit card. All we had to do was add in the tip and sign. FYI: along with the bill was a coupon for a free appetizer for our next visit. Now, I can't afford to see all my movies here but for special occasions, movies that we are really looking forward to...this is the place. I think that this would be a great gift for people too since so many people may not think to splurge for a night at the movies. But don't think of it like just a movie, treat it like a nice night out. So to make a long review short: great service, tasty food, a little pricey but 100% worth it...Go there!

Upscale and affluent audience demographic???
By Star from Barrington, November 28, 2008

Overall rating:

I read all of the reviews prior to posting my own and needless to see, people either loved it – or hated it and in nothing I read did it have to do with the money. It’s all about the experience and I expected this movie going experience to far exceed any movie going experience that I had to date because that is what the marketing information communicated. The “upscale and affluent demographic” has high expectations and they were not met by this theater that provided me with marketing information that promised a personal waiter, personalized service and a luxurious movie-going experience. Instead my experience was extremely poor from the time I entered the theater until I left. My experience was as follows:
• Entered the lobby to long line, chaos and confusion, since tickets had already been purchased on-line, we went to find someone who worked in the theater to see if we needed to stand in line, they said yes. So we waited – something I wouldn’t expect from “Gold Class” service since other movie theaters separate those who have paid in advance for tickets from those who have questions or need to purchase tickets.
• We were not greeted by the person at the register (chaos and confusion), a receipt was shoved at us to sign without a pen while he carried on conversations with other employees behind the counter. He finally gave us a pen, told us to follow another person to our seats.
• We were not offered coat check, blanket, etc.
• Our first order was for drinks and popcorn with butter and salt, popcorn came with no butter, and it was explained to us that they did not put butter on the popcorn unless you request it. Well, we explained that we ordered it with butter, they said they would return with it. That took 20 mins. The drinks were served without cocktail napkins – we had to ask for those. We received no napkin – we had to ask for that.
• Our next request was for blankets – 20 minutes.
• Our next order was for dessert – 40 minutes – arrived as movie was ending.
Superior service is what would set this theater apart from other experiences. I already don’t expect sticky floors – so because they don’t have them – does not earn them any points with me. This is one of those experiences where the outside is wonderful, venue, picture, sound, seats and the inside is pathetic, poor service, poorly trained staff and management. I had big plans for girls night out and other private events. Because the theater did not exceed my expectations, I will not host these events at this venue. Word of mouth will have an impact on this business. I also will not keep these comments to myself. I am writing Mr. Robert Kirby, Chairman of Village Cinemas & Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas even though the Assistant Manager, Nick Weicheck, choose to inform me that Mr. Kirby is the “CEO of a multi-billion dollar company and does not read e-mail or customer feedback”. Nick should know that Mr. Kirby is the Chairman and Kirk Senior is the CEO. However, since it took 6 employees to come back to me with Nick’s last name (lack of training, shouldn’t the “manager” introduce himself to his team?), I’m not surprised that Nick doesn’t know who holds what positions.

A great night out!
By Kate from Burbs, November 20, 2008

Overall rating:

I went last night with some girls from work. The movie was great (Changeling). The service was wonderful (waiter, concierge, valet, bartender). At the end of the night we joked about doing this every weekend!!

Luxury movie not luxurious
By shirli from northwest suburbs, November 17, 2008

Overall rating:

After spending 35 dollars on a movie ticket, I would expect that one would receive 5 star service during the movie. I would say that 10 dollars would go toward the movie and 15 dollars toward the seats and the service you are supposed to get. One hour into the movie and we hadn't even recieved our salad course. Our waitress didn't even know that we hadn't received it (questionable seeing as though she was supposed to bring it). After the movie, we had to stand in a line to pay. Not very luxury if you ask me--more Fast Foodish We were told that the next phase of movie goers came early and the waitstaff got backed up. They ruined our experience. The only shining moment of the evening was the good wine we had (along with being able to enjoy it during the movie) and that we got our entire meal comped. Suggestion--if you want to try it, it could be comfortable and relaxing, just go for the drinks and appetizers or dessert. Steer clear of the mediocre dinner. We told them to train their waitstaff better and we would reserve judgement as they only opened a month ago.

All I have to say is WOW!!!
By JW from Schaumburg, November 16, 2008

Overall rating:

I live in Schaumburg and heard about this place months ago. My friend and I meant to go check it out but never had the time. Finally, this past Friday we decided to go because of the Bond Movie. When we pulled up to the theatre we were approached by one of the valets who greeted us warmly and took our car. We weren’t exactly sure how this worked since we heard that this wasn’t your typical theatre so we decided to ask one of the guys up front about the place. They were very knowledgeable about the theatre and the movies and answered all of our questions. Once we got in we realized just what kind of place this is. The lounge area is almost like something out of a Downtown Chicago nightclub. The girls at the front counter greeted us and gave us our tickets. We still had some time to kill before the show so we got some drinks at the bar. The selection of drinks they had was unbelievable (not something you expect at a theatre). After we threw a few back it was time for the movie. We went inside and were surprised once again. We knew the theatres were not like your typical theatres but this was basically like having your own private screening room. Except here you didn’t have to get your own food. Instead you just pushed a button and a waitress came to take your order. This was a great experience. Everyone from the valet out front to the concierge, waitresses and bartenders inside did a great job. Will definitely be back again.

It's You Not Me
By Murphy from Crystal Lake, November 14, 2008

Overall rating:

If you go in the with attitude it's too expensive, not impressed, critical - you're bound to be treated much the same. Was an enjoyable experience because I appreciated the opportunity from the start. The people that work there like to be appreciated - much the same as the visitors. That door swings both ways. If you want to have a good time - better than a home sofa and DVD on a HD - have access to great wine and good food - and spending less than $100 a person, then go into it with that attitude and leave your criticism for more expensive entertainment. Going to see a show downtown and paying for dinner - parking - is lots more. Is a movie theater with class - no stick on the arm rests and floors or lice on the seats. I'll pay for that. Otherwise - stay home with your fritos and lite beer. Remember - Most attitudes are mirrored no matter where you go. Working service people respond best to smiles.

A Joke
By Jballs from Downtown, November 10, 2008

Overall rating:

Went to Gold Class with a client. The cost of entry is definitely not worth it. They claim that the seats are comfortable...they are far from comfortable. The food is priced like Ruth Chris Steakhouse, but tastes like Burger King. The service was poor, however I do give new venues some slack when they first open, but clearly there is a lack of training. Do NOT waste your time or money at this place...as the title reads...it is a joke.

Not good or bad, wierd maybe?
By Restaurantista from Barrington Hills, November 8, 2008

Overall rating:

Me and my wife came in one night to watch Body of lies. It was a late show (one of the last), and we ran in. First, they weren't obviously peeved, but still had the hints of it. We were then proceeded to our theater and seats which were great. We ordered our drinks and food. The overall cinematic experience was great, but lack of service dropped it a few points. Never once did i see the server after getting sat (except when the bill came). Still i understand the nature of the business. But what i did not fathom, is when going to the bathroom, i saw what i believe to be the manager sitting at the bar with a basket of calamari just chowing down with the bartender. And again i know the business. It was late, people get hungry, but thats un called for to be eating in the open, with your staff (especially with your bartender, i dont want oily hands all over my drink), and your a manager?
so for an overall concept, it is a very good thing. people want the finer things in life. unfortuneatly, it would not be with a place like this. i expect better service from the staff, and professionalism from the managers.

sure to return
By nightoutter from lbs, November 3, 2008

Overall rating:

if i could have seen some of my favorite movies here that i've been watching in dirty, crowded, theaters for all these years, maybe i could feel that i've given that part of culture some justice. the price is not intended for people who don't feel they should pay adequately for film, wine, and gourmet food, and i know that i will keep this at the top of my list when i'm looking to surprise my wife with a romantic, luxurious night out. wonderful on all counts. thank you!!! we will be back!!!

Great Great Great
By joannacoletti from South Barrington, November 2, 2008

Overall rating:

On Friday night my husband and I went out looking for a good night out, and we had heard of Gold class from a newspaper ad, and decided to try it out. Once we got there we got greeted by the wonderful concierge. Afterwards we were sat in the lounge and tried some of the lobster rolls which were fantastic. The service was great we didn’t have to ask our server for refills on our sodas. And for our wine all he did was tape the call button and a server was right there. The seats were very comfortable and they even offered me a blanket! The movie we watched was Body of Lies and it was great. It was so nice to walk through a cinema for once and not step in popcorn or on a sticky floor. That in itself was worth the trip. Since we had such a great time my husband and I had a couple drinks afterwards and still great service at the bar. They made you feel like you’re at home. I would go back anytime!