MORE: Changes underway for Middletown movie theater include more showtimes
Mark Mangus, who runs the City Cafe in the Middletown City Building, said he saw “Bohemian Rhapsody” at the Republic Theatres Cinema 10 this past weekend. Before the movie, Mangus purchased what was advertised as an “Unbeatable Deal”— a 24-ounce unlimited free refill drink and a 46-ounce bag of popcorn for $5.
But he said the drink was actually a 12 ounce cup and the popcorn bag was “much smaller” than the size advertised.
When he questioned the concession stand employees, they told him those were the size of cups and popcorn they were told to serve for the $5 special.
Mangus said while the theater offers free refills, he would have “missed the movie” if he kept filling up the 12-ounce cup.
Once inside the theater, Mangus said the temperature was between 55 to 60 degrees, what he called “very uncomfortable” even while wearing his winter coat.
“Not far from seeing your breath,” said Mangus.
Jim Dillon, assistant director of operations at Republic Theatres, said the theater had “a lot of neglect” over the years.
He said seven new HVAC units are being installed this week. Two of the 10 theaters are “bad” because of temperature issues and one has been closed until the new HVAC units are operational, he said.
When asked about the complaints about the size of the drinks and popcorn, Dillon said there are free refills on beverages and the bag should be 46 ounces, just as advertised. He had “no idea” why the employees would have used such a small bag, as Mangus claimed.
In addition to the HVAC updates, the site’s landscaping is being improved to make the theater more visible and a new sign is being installed, according to Dillon.
Also in the works is the installation of new speakers and new carpet, he said.
Republic Theatres officially took possession of the former Danbarry Cinemas Middletown on Nov. 2.
The movie theater chain features nine locations — five in Ohio, three in Kentucky and one in Indiana.
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