As customers walk down the carpeted, luxurious east corridor of the Warren Theatre, they will notice the $20,000 gold dust-filled doors of the Warren 21 Theatre. After entering the renovated wing of the theater, guests ages 21 and older will be able to have an upscale movie experience.

Last Friday, the Warren East Theatre, 11611 E. 13th St. N., unveiled its latest project of a 21 and older theater. The new wing offers eight theaters with custom designed plush, electronic recliners that can heat the top and bottom of your seat. The chairs themselves offer their own armrests — so no more sharing with your neighbor — and tables, so moviegoers can eat their meal in the theater.

“We get accolades all the time for having the best theaters in the country,” Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell said during a media presentation Thursday. “When we talk about attracting talent and keeping companies, and doing the things we want to do to help Wichita grow, at the top of that list is quality of life. When you look at those things that make Wichita special, at the top of that list are certainly the best theaters in the country.”

According to Dan Gray, a Warren Theaters representative, the project totaled about $3.7 million, even though the estimated budget began at $3 million. With the new luxury theaters, Warren did not want to miss out on any of the features and designs he felt would be necessary for a quality experience, Gray said.

Along with renovated theaters, Warren 21 also offers draft and bottled beers, wine and specialty cocktails, said Les Padezensky, the theater’s vice president of food and beverage. The menu is full of concession stand food like popcorn and candy, but also features appetizers and entrees for the patrons to have during the film. These features are exclusive to the Warren 21 Theatre.

“These new items are delicious and everyone should be excited to try them out,” Padezensky said.

Along with the lavish décor and specialty chairs, each motion picture is presented with WAVE technology (Warren Audio Video Experience) and Dolby 7.1 sound. 

“It’s nice to see a business man like Bill Warren continue to up the bar in terms of what he wants for Wichita,” Longwell said. “I didn’t realize he could make the theaters more luxurious than he already has, but this is incredible.”

Tickets for these theaters are $12 for matinees and $16 for evening shows.