It's our goal not only to provide entertainment, but to stimulate economic growth within the areas we serve. However, he goes on to explain, local minority-owned companies don't generally reap the benefits because there aren't enough facilities in their surrounding area to generate a rotating cycle of business. Before launching the chain, Sony and Johnson talked to the studios and told them that they planned to show first-run movies and that the venues would be available for premieres. Magic Johnson Theatres in Baldwin Hills is the first in a chain planned to spread across the United States. Johnson picked the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza Mall as the first site because of its central location and its proximity to the major shopping center.
Patrons can shop, eat and attend a movie all in the same place.
In its opening weekend, a record crowd of 35,000 people, including King of Pop Michael Jackson and Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, came to see Magic's new theatre. A special touch unique to Magic Johnson Theatres is a mural depicting Magic in the different phases of his career. Below the mural are video monitors showing feature film previews. Video arcade machines and a photo booth provide a way for patrons to spend their time while waiting for a film to start. Security guards are on hand at all times, both at the theatre and at the bi-level parking structure built just for the cinema.