Muvico Theaters opens

Muvico Theaters The Movie Nut has often dreamed of sipping a chilled Stolichnaya while watching "Dr. Zhivago" on the silver screen, perhaps a frothy piña colada in front of "Pirates of the Caribbean" or a '61 Chateau Margaux during "Night of the Living Dead" (because in reality, The Movie Nut isn't all that particular).

But slurping a happy concoction while viewing Hollywood fare has always been an empty fantasy—until now.

The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks introduced a Muvico 14screen cineplex over the weekend. This bright, lavish, wellappointed cinematic village is complete with bar (upstairs is reserved for adultsonly seating), game room, stadium seating, premium stadium seating, gourmet dining, 3-D-friendly theaters and ultrahighdefinition film projection.

Ah, for purists, this last tidbit might merit a comment or two. For those of us who simply had to purchase Blu-ray technology for our home entertainment systems (because watching every subtle snowflake fall in "Gladiator's" opening sequence was just as important as the movie itself), ultrahighdefinition projection is integral. Think Blu-ray for movie theaters. Think digital crispness and hi-def rendering. Think rollercoaster ride for the eyeballs.

Dreamwork's giddily anticipated, kid-friendly "Monsters vs. Aliens" is coming. And, really, is there any other way to view CGI? I've already reserved my seat.

So, yes, one can enjoy a martini or two—before, during or after a flick—or a fine entrée from Bogart's Bar and Grill without leaving the theater. One can choose to spend an entire evening inside Muvico for a variety of reasons, but, of course, the screen's the thing.

And yeah, hi-def is worth the ride.

There are, of course, other perks. Muvico offers patrons reserved seating (with extra legroom). Or balcony seating, if one prefers. And, while this may not be exciting to some, the huge concession stand offers cola Icees (yes! The Nut is thrilled).

One can also forgo the traditional licorice sticks and Reeses Pieces and chomp instead on curly fries, pizza or popcorn shrimp. But be forewarned: Somewhere in the darkness behind me, someone was munching on fried calamari— utterly distracting on an empty stomach. So come prepared to feast.

Curbside valet parking and child care are coming, and there's even a Baby Tuesday package with matinee pricing and free admission for tykes.

Not a film freak? Even posers can hang at the bar pretending to love cinema and just watch the world go by. And if you have time to spend after the movie's over, rumor has it there's even a mall attached to the theater, somewhere out there.

This could get addictive.