Australian Firm Brings Luxury Cinemas To U.S.

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STEVE INSKEEP, host:

Of course, you can always escape the tough economy by going to the movies. And today's last word in business is luxury cinemas. An Australian company is bringing its gold class luxury cinemas to the United States. The Los Angeles Times reports that the plan is to make movies even more of an escape. You get to watch a movie in an atmosphere that might make you think of some Hollywood executive's screening room. Tickets will cost you more, a lot more, about $35. But you get smaller crowds.

Instead of hundreds of people, you'll share the theater with only 30 or 40 people. You sit in plush seats that have not just cup holders, but tables. And waiters will bring you lobster spring rolls, along with creme brulee, chardonnay and pinot noir - with your film noir. There's no word, though, if you can still get the five pound box of Junior Mints, nor do we know if you'll be permitted the ultimate luxury of watching the film in your bathrobe, as you do at home.

And that's the business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Steve Inskeep.

RENEE MONTAGNE, host:

And I'm Renee Montagne.

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