Magic Johnson Theatres

Magic Johnson Theatres

Company type	Private
Industry	Entertainment, Movie theaters
Founded	1994
Founder	Magic Johnson
Area served	United States (urban neighborhoods)
Products	Multiplex cinemas
Parent	Johnson Development Corporation (original), currently operated by AMC Theatres

Magic Johnson Theatres is a cinema chain launched in 1994 by Johnson Development Corporation, the enterprise owned by former professional basketball star Magic Johnson, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony-Loews Theatres.

After the 1998 consolidation of Sony-Loews and Cineplex Odeon Corporation into Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Magic Johnson worked alongside Lawrence Ruisi, then CEO of Loews Cineplex, to plan and develop new theater locations. The venues that once operated under this brand are currently managed by AMC Theatres following its acquisition of Sony-Loews in 2006. While the Magic Johnson Theatres name remains, AMC has full operational control, and Johnson no longer participates in management or strategic decisions.

History

Magic Johnson Theatres focused on urban neighborhoods with the goal of providing premium multiplex cinemas that supported local economic development and employment opportunities. Inspired by Loews Cineplex Entertainment but concentrating on underserved urban areas, each facility typically includes 10 to 15 screens spanning around , outfitted with Sony Dynamic Digital Sound (SDDS), stadium-style seating, several concession stands, and seating capacities ranging from 3,200 to 5,000 guests. The success of the Harlem location spurred interest from retailers such as Old Navy, Disney, and HMV.

The chain primarily established multiplexes in or near large U.S. cities with significant African-American populations lacking modern cineplex options. Drawing on his understanding of the community, Johnson customized concession offerings to match customer tastes, featuring items like chicken wings, buffalo shrimp, and flavored sodas reminiscent of Kool-Aid.

To ensure a secure atmosphere, theater policies banned gang-related colors and large group congregations inside venues. Prior to screenings, Johnson often addressed audiences directly:

Los Angeles multiplex

The initiative commenced in July 1995 with the opening of Magic Johnson Crenshaw 15 at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza located in South Los Angeles. This was the inaugural multiplex under the Magic Johnson brand but ceased operations in early 2010. After undergoing extensive refurbishment, it reopened as Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 in June 2011. Currently owned by Cinemark Theatres, it operates as Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 15 and XD.

Other multiplexes

Two theaters from the original Magic Johnson collaboration are still active: AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9 situated in Harlem, New York City, and AMC Magic Johnson 12 Capital Center located in Largo, Maryland, near Washington, D.C.

Several other sites like Randall Park 12 in Cleveland, Northline 12 in Houston, and Greenbriar 12 in Atlanta were shuttered by AMC due to financial losses.

The Magic Theatres Cap Center 12 in Largo, Maryland continues to operate under AMC Theatres. Importantly, it was the first multiplex to use the Magic Theatres branding without direct involvement from Magic Johnson; this naming was applied by Loews Cineplex Entertainment for that location.

External links

• Magic Johnson Enterprises official site