ArcLight Cinemas Hollywood Earns #1 USA Box Office Spot for ``Episode III: Return of the Sith'' Opening Weekend; Reserved Seating, Online Ticketing, Commercial-Free Environment, Bar and Cafe Make for a More Enjoyable, Crowd-less Experience.

LOS ANGELES -- Known for making the most out of the movie-going experience, ArcLight Cinemas Hollywood made the most out of the opening weekend of "Episode III: Return of the Sith" and claimed the highest box office in the United States for the film's record-breaking opening weekend. After hosting a fan-packed opening night event on Wednesday, which included a Stormtrooper-led procession through Hollywood and a live lightsaber duel performance pitting Sith against Jedi, the cinema complex opened its doors with sold-out performances of the film, on nine screens, for 24 consecutive hours. Business continued unabated through the weekend, earning the #1 national box office spot for the Hollywood movie complex, which includes the famed Cinerama Dome.

"Our customers know they have an advantage at ArcLight," explained Pacific Theatres CEO Christopher Forman. "We are the only movie theatre complex in California that has all-reserved seats. And to make it even easier, you can purchase your reserved seat online, with no extra fee. In a sense, the online advantage trumps the inline madness!"

The 15-screen complex (including the Cinerama Dome) has become a haven for people who want the most from their movie-going experiences. Not only do the black box auditoriums offer superb sound and the best screens, but the commercial-free environment, online ticketing, easy parking and other amenities complete the experience: "You can show up at the theater, ticket in hand, knowing you have a seat and still have plenty of time to mingle at our bar, have a nosh in our cafe or just hang with friends in our lobby rather than having to endure the irritation of long lines. It certainly makes the experience of seeing the movie that much more enjoyable," added Forman.

ArcLight Cinemas, created by Pacific Theatres, represents a new evolution in the movie-going experience. The beautifully designed facility, which opened in March 2002, offers an unprecedented combination of technology, amenities, comfort, and customer service. The cinema complex includes the historic Cinerama Dome and 14 state-of-the-art "black box" auditoriums as well as a cafe bar and a cinema-focused gift shop. Tickets can be purchased online and pre-printed at home, and ArcLight offers a free membership program with purchasing rewards and other members-only benefits. ArcLight Hollywood is located at 6360 W. Sunset Boulevard, between Vine and Ivar. For more information about ArcLight visit www.arclightcinemas.com.