History of Star Theater 20 Southfield

By the 1990s many moviegoers had thought of the movie theater experience as cutting edge, and for many looking back at the decade. The experience was balanced exceptionally well with independent films, the birth of modern blockbusters, and groundbreaking practical effects blended with early CGI. Many audiences could feel the experience of the cinema, that just a decade ago would have been nearly impossible. With the crowds these films would bring in the need for a state of the art theater was needed. While Star Theater had became famous since it’s creation in 1985 for its Jukebox styled theaters and premiere stadium style seating, alongside great service. With a great example of a early location being the Star Taylor 10. By the late 90s the cinema experience had expanded so far the need for flagship type locations was growing, and in 1997 the Star Theater brand decided to build that location for themselves in Southfield MI. Alongside this location it would be the final 3 of Star Theaters built by the chain before being bought by AMC in early 2006. With Star Great Lakes 25 in Auburn Hills (opened April 1999), the Star Fairlane 21 in Dearborn (opened May 2000), and the Star Southfield 20 in Southfield (opened June 1997). The Southfield location was much larger then typical Star locations before it, such as the Star Taylor 10 (Closed 2009, 2012) or Star John R 15 located in Madison Heights, MI (Still open). Both of these theaters featured the Jukebox look in the main lobby of the theaters, and were both built in 1989, serving as a strong foundation of the chain. By 1997 the chain had became the largest movie theater chain in Michigan, and while other competitors such as MJR had been around since 1980 operating out of the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak, it wouldn’t expand into multiplexes until 1990 with the opening of MJR Adrian Cinema 10. It wouldn’t be until a year after Star in 1998 when MJR would too, build it’s own Megaplex Theater in Southgate MI. What set aside Star’s Flagship location from others was its grand main lobby section, featuring movie themed designs built into the theater’s design, alongside a theme that blended the task of going to the movie and getting snacks and tickets into the design. a true example of just how much the chain had grown since its founding a decade and a half ago.