Agoura theater now taking direction from Regency

Calabasas resident Lynden Golin recently purchased Mann Theatres Agoura 8, adding one more act to his network of Regency Theatres in the Conejo Valley and Ventura County.

Golin, 42, purchased the theater on Nov. 14. Unlike the Regency Theatre on Lakeview Canyon Road in Westlake Village, which is considered an "art house," the Agoura Hills theater will feature mainstream releases.

The purchase brings Golin's ownership to 18 theaters in Westlake Village, Camarillo, Ventura and Santa Paula. He said he is now looking to open a theater in Calabasas.

"We like doing business in the Conejo Valley and Ventura County," Golin said. "It's a good fit for the community."

The new marquee isn't the only noticeable difference at the theater. Golin dropped ticket prices by 50 cents across the board, and Eisenberg kosher hot dogs will be sold for $1. Butter flavoring on popcorn has been replaced with real butter, he said.

"We pay a lot more to serve it, but we think it tastes a lot better," Golin said.

Customers can also sprinkle a variety of toppings on their popcorn. Shakers in the concession stand offer "Regency Kernel Seasons," including white cheddar, parmesan/garlic, nacho/ cheddar, jalapeño and ranch seasoning.

Senior Matinee Wednesdays offers adults 60 years and older $5 admission and $4 concession combos.

For everybody else, Golin offers a "Regency Movie Passport," which allows moviegoers to get a free movie ticket once they have seen five films at the venue.

As for the abundance of movie theaters in the Conejo Valley and Muvico, a 14-screen 74,000-square-foot theater, scheduled to open at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks at the end January, Golin says there are plenty of people to fill all theaters.

"(Muvico) is eight miles away from Agoura," Golin said. "I believe it is a different trade area. . . . Our goal is to provide a service for Agoura Hills."

Golin said he plans on remodeling the Agoura Hills venue with stadium seating and other amenities within two years.

So far, the economic downturn hasn't affected ticket sales at the box office, at least in Southern California. While ticket sales have mostly escaped the current economic downturn, expensive concession sales are sinking, the Hollywood Reporter says.

Some theater owners report that concession revenue has dropped between 5 percent and 8 percent.

But with Regency's dollar hot dogs and more affordable snack packages, Golin believes his movie business will continue to thrive.

"It's been a good year all around," Golin said. "All things considered, (the movie business) is one of those businesses that is holding steady."

"We would love for people to come and see what a Regency Theatre is like in Agoura Hills," he said.

Tickets can be purchased at www.regencymovies.com or at the box office. Call the 24-hour movie line at (818) 707-9966.

The Regency Agoura Hills 8 is at 29045 Agoura Road.