The latest in movie-going technology and audience experiences is coming to American Dream Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the largest ScreenX auditorium in the world will open.
B&B Theatres, the largest privately held and 5th largest theatre chain in the U.S., marks its New Jersey debut with its opening at American Dream. The ribbon cutting and grand opening are still being worked out.
Developed by CJ 4DPLEX, the world’s leading producer of premium film formats and cinema technologies, this technology is the world’s first multi-projection cinema that enhances the traditional movie-going experience by seamlessly extending the screens onto the surrounding walls of the auditorium.
“This revolutionary approach offers viewers a captivating 270-degree panoramic viewing adventure. Through its unique presentation of key scenes and exclusive scenic elements, ScreenX immerses audiences in an unparalleled visual environment, reimagining the way movies are experienced,” according to a statement.
The new ScreenX location at American Dream will be the largest ScreenX auditorium in the world with a massive 80-foot-wide center screen and side walls measuring 82 feet each boasting 242 feet of ScreenX viewing range for the moviegoer.
American Dream: A Landmark Destination
The new venue at American Dream is aiming to be a landmark destination for entertainment in the region. Full details of the amenities and features will be unveiled at a later date, but it is confirmed there will be
- Eight screens of cutting-edge cinematic technology
- Laser projection
- Wall-to-wall curved screens
- Heated, leather, electric recliners
- Multiple bowling lanes
- Full redemption arcade
- Various foods and beverages
- Sitdown Restaurant
- Full-service bar
“We are incredibly excited to announce this deal with the American Dream. This new location underscores our commitment to providing the most immersive and enjoyable entertainment experiences possible,” said Brock Bagby, B&B Theatres President and Chief Content, Programming and Development Officer.
“Our presence at the Mall of America has been a tremendous success, and we are eager to bring our unique blend of cinema and entertainment to even more guests at the American Dream. Stay tuned! What we have in store is worth the wait,” Brock Bagby added.
Shedding a little further light on the exclusive amenities, B&B Theatres CEO Bob Bagby commented on ScreenX located within one of the location’s Grand Screen auditoriums.
“ScreenX is the world’s first multi-projection platform, meaning the movie won’t just play on the screen in front, but on the two sidewalls. It’s a remarkable presentation and we’re thrilled to announce that the American Dream ScreenX will be the largest in the world, located only seven miles from Times Square at the Greatest City in the World,” Bob Bagby said.
Mall of America in Minnesota, as well as American Dream in New Jersey, are both owned by Canadian developer Triple Five.
Why American Dream Was the Best Pick
American Dream, known for its world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings, provides the perfect backdrop for B&B Theatres’ new venture. This venue is designed to be a destination for families, movie lovers, and anyone looking for an extraordinary outing. The announcement of this new location is a testament to B&B Theatres’ innovative spirit and dedication to the future of cinema and entertainment.
“Bob, Brock and the entire B&B Theatre team have been a trusted and pivotal partner in the growth of the ScreenX brand in the U.S. and we are thrilled to announce the opening of the world’s largest ScreenX auditorium at American Dream,” said Don Savant, CEO & President, CJ 4DPLEX America. “This premiere location, already home to high-end retail and attractions, now offers an unmatched cinematic experience, enhancing the appeal of this iconic New Jersey landmark and drawing visitors from around the world.”
“We are ecstatic that B&B theatres will open its first New Jersey location at American Dream, offering our guests yet another exceptional immersive entertainment experience,” said Bryan Gaus, Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Dream. “American Dream truly offers something for everyone with endless ways to relax, unwind and enjoy quality time with friends and family.” This new development is poised to not only enhance the entertainment landscape of American Dream but also further solidify B&B Theatres’ position as a leader and innovator in the cinema and entertainment space.
ABOUT B&B THEATRES
B&B Theatres is the largest privately held and 5th largest theatre chain in America overall. B&B operates 550 screens at 57 cinema locations in 15 states (including three under construction) and also maintains 64 bowling lanes, 231 redemption arcade games and three distinct restaurant brands across multiple locations called the Marquee Bar & Grille, Sterling’s and Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille. B&B is proud to be celebrating 100 years in business this year under the same family ownership, four generations later.
ABOUT AMERICAN DREAM
American Dream, developed by Triple Five Group, is an unparalleled mix of world-class entertainment, retail and dining, comprising more than 3 million square feet just minutes away from New York City in East Rutherford, New Jersey. American Dream is home to leading attractions, including DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Big SNOW Ski Hill, Dream Wheel – a 300-foot observation wheel overlooking the NYC skyline, as well as attractions debuting soon such as The Game Room Powered by Hasbro and Skip Barber Racing Go-Kart Academy. American Dream’s immersive luxury shopping and dining experience – The Avenue –
is coming soon to American Dream, featuring the world’s largest ScreenX auditorium. This state-of-the-art cinema and entertainment venue will set a new standard in the industry.
Highlights include:
• 8 screens with cutting-edge technology
• Multiple bowling lanes
• Full redemption arcade
• Restaurant and full-service bar
• Heated, leather, electric recliners in every auditorium
Designed as a premier destination for families, movie enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an extraordinary outing, this new venue will enhance our extensive offerings in retail, dining, events, and entertainment.
Designed as a premier destination for families, movie enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an extraordinary outing, this new venue will enhance the firm’s extensive offerings in retail, dining, events, and entertainment.
B&B TODAY is the 6th Largest Theatre Chain in America, with 429 Screens and 49 locations in 9 States that feature Marquee Suites, PLF GRAND SCREEN , screenPLAY!, MX4D, SCREEN-X, Lyric and 21+ auditoriums.
THE BEGINNING B&B Theatres stands for Bills and Bagby, two families that both launched movie theatres and joined forces — for business and love — in 1980. The history of B&B stretches back to 1924 when Elmer Bills, Sr., bought the Lyric Theatre in Salisbury, MO, and founded Bills Theatres.
It was there that he met his future wife, Johnnie, while she played the piano along with the silent movies. Years later, their son Elmer Bills Jr., was born into the business. In 1936, the elder Elmer hired 10-year-old Sterling Bagby as a concession clerk. Sterling grew up, fought in World War II and came home to marry his Higbee, MO ticket seller, Pauline. Together, they started the Bagby Traveling Picture Show and roamed rural Missouri with their films, projection equipment, seats and snack bar.
The Bagby Traveling Picture Show screened movies in barns, schools and parks. Eventually, Sterling and Pauline’s company evolved into a Kansas circuit of drive-in theatres and “hardtops” (their nickname for indoor theatres).
Meanwhile, young Elmer Bills, Jr. had met his wife-to-be, Amy, when both were 13 (he lovingly refers to her as “the best popcorn girl I ever hired”) and gone on to graduate from the University of Missouri in 1959. Elmer and Amy joined his parents Elmer Sr. and Johnnie and continued the expansion of Bills Theatres, Inc.
On January 1, 1980, the Bills and Bagby families cemented decades of friendship by formally joining their two theatre companies into B&B Theatres.
At the same time, Sterling and Pauline’s son Bob married Elmer and Amy’s daughter Bridget truly wedding the families together.
After taking B&B into the 21st century, Sterling Bagby passed away in October of 2000. From 2000 to 2014 B&B replaced several of its existing locations with new state-of-the-art facilities.