Hartford offers new movie theater experience

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A long-time project to revitalize downtown Hartford took a major step forward Friday night. The first business in the Front Street District finally opened its doors.

When you think of going to the movies, you think multi-10plex, with popcorn and candy, but in Hartford, the Spotlight theater has only four screens, and a restaurant, bar, even private conference rooms for business or birthdays. They are reinventing the theaters of old.

"It used to be in downtown Hartford," said Steve Menschell, Spotlight Theater. "There were many theaters and everyone had the one they liked, they knew the people working there and they thought it was their own, and that is what we want for the people of greater Hartford want, to come in here and know everybody."

While the concept may be a throwback to the old fashioned days, it is not an old fashioned theater. As a matter of fact, there is no film involved, it's all servers, hard drives and done by satellite. It's a brand new technology used in the theater.

"We are going to be showing art films, independent films, and crossover commercial films," said Menschell.

Spotlight is the first tenant in Front Street, which has sat empty for nearly two years. It's the second leg of the Adriean's Landing Project, which is anchored by the Connecticut Convention Center.

And while the managers say they are a little nervous to be the first one to open their doors, now people are excited about it.

"I am really excited about it," said Matt Gianquinto. "I live in downtown Hartford and it's a really exciting thing and it has been a long time coming."

"You were the first one through the door tonight," asked News 8's Bob Wilson.

"I guess, that is what they are telling me," Tony said.

"What do you think, you were pretty anxious to try it," asked Wilson.

"Very good, this is the area I grew up in when I was a kid," said Tony.

"People just walked around calling their friends and relatives telling them about it," said Menschell. "So once you are here, you are going to fall in love with the people here."