FOLLOWUP: Admiral Theater’s 2nd new auditorium now open; 3rd and 4th expected within weeks

When we reported last week on the debut of the first of four new auditoriums at West Seattle’s only moviehouse, the city-landmark Admiral Theater, management was hoping to have the second one open by Thanksgiving. So we checked – and indeed, it is open. If you’re going there today/tonight or for the rest of the holiday weekend, you have three movie options, because the theater confirms that both halves of its newly twinned Pier 1 are open, as is Pier 2, where twinning work starts next week. The second new auditorium is showing “Doctor Strange” plus an added early-evening showing of “Moana.”

According to this week’s e-mail newsletter, The Admiral hopes to have the rest of the work done by “mid-December in time for the ‘Star Wars’ (Rogue One) premiere on 12/16.” Also, if you haven’t been lately: “Restrooms have already been renovated as has repainting of the lobby and enhancement of our concessions area. Our goal has been to remain open during construction with crews beginning early each day and finishing their work by the time afternoon movies begin. We recognize that we are still somewhat of an active construction site but have been able to offer movies in a quality and professional environment. The entire project will be complete within a matter of weeks and we look forward to welcoming the community with 4 brand new state-of-the-art auditoriums and the most current digital laser projection and sound quality.”

BACKSTORY: The renovation work began two months ago – three months after a key approval from the city Landmarks Board, a year and a half after the theater’s longtime management announced “an agreement in principle” with its owner to allow the renovations, which they had warned in mid-2014 were essential to the historic moviehouse’s survival.

Laurel November 24, 2016 (9:39 pm)

The new seats are excellent. We had a great time seeing Fantastic Beasts this week and can’t wait for the full renovation to be complete.

RayWest November 25, 2016 (10:54 am)

I went last week, and I am very impressed with all the changes. The theaters are very nice and comfortable. The women’s bathroom has been refurbished nicely (new sinks and bigger stalls). I will be a regular customer.

FreGirl November 25, 2016 (10:37 pm)

Really impressed with the renovations so far. Love the new restroom and seeing the old murals. Clever splitting of the auditorium. However, my wife and I did find the new seats pretty darned uncomfortable. Better than the old seats totally, but was really hoping for something a bit more comfy. They constantly lean backward, you can’t just sit up straight, and at least in the two rows we tried, it’s impossible to keep your feet flat on the floor. I am five foot six and my wife an inch shorter and we felt like children in too tall chairs. My lower back was screaming by the end if the movie. There are supposedly ‘non rocking seats’ in addition to the ones that constantly move and lean back, someone told us, but we couldn’t find any before the movie started. And they are rather narrow as well. Cup holders are nice though, and they are more cushioned, with good keg room, so that is nice. I hope they will also be introducing some new food, like fresh local pastries or baked goods, fruit, nuts, some other kinds of healthier, and hopefully lower sodium snacks. Get away from the way way salty artificial popcorn and chemical drenched microwaveable nachos and hot dogs. Really good snacks alternatives like you can get at some of the nicer indie theaters around the area.