Cineplex tests $1 reserved seating surcharge at some Star Wars screenings

Cineplex Inc. is giving Star Wars fans a surprise twist at the box office by charging an extra dollar for assigned seating at some showings.

The country’s biggest exhibitor has tacked on a surcharge at select regular screenings of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” across Canada in hopes moviegoers will be willing to pay more for not waiting in line.

It’s a move the company says makes it convenient when a screening is sold out, which often leaves latecomers hunting for empty seats.

While reserved seating isn’t entirely new at Cineplex, the cost has usually been built into ticket prices for the company’s premium Imax, VIP and Ultraavx theatres. The exhibitor also experimented with charging an extra $2 for “prime seats” at the centre of a few of its busier theatres.

With “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” likely to be the biggest film of the year, Cineplex wanted to gauge how audiences reacted to the concept on a wider scale. The company says about 20 per cent of its Canadian locations are testing the $1 fee for reserved seats at regular screenings.

If the concept is received positively, it’s likely Cineplex will revisit the reserved seating at regular screenings for other event movies expected to draw huge crowds. following.

December 16 Dance at the Ramana Hotel Sawyerville

(former Crete’s) in on Saturday, December 16 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Music by

All welcome.

$8.

the Country Swingers. Admission

December 16 Old fashioned Christmas Dance,

Saturday, December 16 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Trinity Anglican Church, 409 South St., Cowansville. Come celebrate the season with the Music for all tastes. Friendship and good humor abound. Come be a part of it all. Enjoy the canteen with Jane’s hot dogs and Barbara’s baked goods. Door prizes, 50-50 drawing and treats.

County Folks Band.

Support the church and food bank. $8.

December 17 Christmas Sing-along: Join in the singing of your favourite Christmas music, both sacred and secular,