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New Front Street Movie Theater Opens Today

Four-Screen Cinema, Restaurant First Business In Development

By SUSAN DUNNE

November 16, 2012

On Friday, Hartford's newest cinema opens. Spotlight Theaters, a four-screen complex on Columbus Boulevard between Front and Arch streets, is the first business to open in the Front Street development across the street from the Connecticut Convention Center.

Also opening Friday is the Front Street Bistro, in the lobby of the theater.

"During the week, the restaurant and bar will open at 3 weekdays and noon weekends," said cinema managing director Steve Menschell. "Eventually, it'll be open at noon every day of the week."

People who go for a meal and a movie can take the remainder of their meal, including beverages, into the theater. Beer and wine also will be served at the snack bar. The snack bar doubles as the box office, "so nobody has to stand in two lines," Menschell said.

Visitors also can use unsecured wifi in the building.

Movies opening this weekend are "Argo," "Flight," "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and "The Master." All of the films have been in theaters for a few weeks. Menschell said that because of the timing of the opening, new films could not be shown this week. That will change next week with the opening Wednesday of "The Life of Pi."

Today, screenings start at noon. To see showtimes, visit http://www.spotlighttheaters.com. Admission is $11, $8 seniors and kids, $6 for all on Tuesdays. Two of the theaters are 3D capable, and there is a $3 surcharge for 3D.

In the South garage behind the theater — the entrance is on Front Street Crossing between Front and Arch streets — parking is $2 for those who show their movie ticket stubs. This validation applies in the South lot only. Those who park in the North lot will pay regular rates.

Parking also is available at metered spots on the street. After 6 p.m., and on weekends and holidays, on-street parking is free. Motorists are asked not to use the Arch Street Tavern's free parking lot unless they are going to the Arch Street Tavern.

A few free, unmetered spots are on Front Street. Menschell guessed that in the future, those spots would be metered.