Three cheers for Cineplex Odeon, which is launching a trio of new, licensed VIP theatres in Toronto

Cineplex Odeon is expanding its adult entertainment offerings. No, not that kind. The chain is launching three new 19+ “VIP” concepts in Toronto: one at Silvercity Yonge and Eglinton, with three screens, another at the Queensway Cineplex (of Justin Bieber–spotting fame) and an all-new, five-screen VIP-only theatre at the Shops at Don Mills. Cineplex’s VIP theatres offer bigger, plusher seats, a full menu service with appetizers and entrées (or just popcorn, if that’s your thing), and, of course, booze (oh yes: and higher ticket prices). The concept has quietly resided at the Varsity Cinema at Bay and Bloor for some time, allowing patrons to buy a drink instead of sneaking one in (something we’d never advocate, of course). With last month’s licensing of the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, and this new announcement, it’s a good time to be a cinephile who enjoys a glass of white wine with his Wes Anderson (or a bottle of Bud with his Michael Bay). Expect the Queensway expansion to open late next year, and the Yonge and Eg and Don Mills VIPs in late 2014.