Magic Johnson Theatres

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Magic Johnson Theatres are a chain of movie theatres, originally developed in 1994 by Johnson Development Corporation, the business holding of basketball player-turned-entrepreneur Magic Johnson, and Sony Pictures Entertainment through a partnership with Sony-Loews Theatres. A 1998 merger between Sony-Loews and Cineplex Odeon Corporation caused Magic Theatres to become part of the new Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corp, currently one of the largest theatrical film exhibition companies in the world. Currently the chain is owned by AMC Theatres after Sony-Loews was acquired by the cinema giant in 2005.

The focus of Magic Theatres was to build first-rate multiplexes in urban communities, bringing high quality facilities and technology, as well as job development, encouraging local economic growth. While Magic Theatres are patterned after the Loews Cineplex Entertainment model, they retain the Magic name and focus on urban markets. Each complex is around 60,000 square feet with multiple concession areas, 10 to 15 screens with SDDS stereo sound, stadium seating and a capacity of 3,200 to 5,000. After building the Magic Theatre in Harlem, multiple businesses followed suit including Old Navy, Disney, and HMV.

Earvin Magic Johnson is chairman of Magic Theatres and is actively involved in the management committee, strategic planning, operations and public relations.

[edit] Locations

There are currently six multiplex theatres in or near major cities of the United States of America, namely in areas which are predominantly African-American (hence the branding) and previously were underserved by modern cineplexes. The venture dates back to [1995] when the Magic Johnson Crenshaw 15 opened in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles, California.

Current Magic Johnson Theatres are located in the following locations:-

• Atlanta, Georgia: Magic Johnson Greenbriar Mall
• Largo, Maryland (Washington, DC): Magic Johnson Capital Centre
• Los Angeles, California: Magic Johnson Crenshaw 15
• New York, New York: Magic Johnson Theatre - Harlem (located on 125th Street)

Former Locations:

• North Randall, Ohio (Cleveland): Magic Johnson Randall Park Mall (AMC pulled out of this location in early 2008 and the theatre is now independently owned and operated.)

There was a location in Houston Texas, but as of November 2007 it has been demolished. Located in North Line Mall. The land was bought by the City of Houston to expand the Metro Light Rail.

[edit] External links

• Johnson Development Corporation page