New Sun Valley 6 Offers A Discounted Theater Experience

Ira Miller notices similarities between his new operation, Sun Valley 6, and the JF Theaters facility he opened in the early 1970s when he was a film buyer and head of marketing. Both are family-oriented, and JF Theaters eventually became a discount theater like Sun Valley 6. But what makes Sun Valley 6 stronger than its predecessor, he said, is that it is new, it fills a market need and it boasts visual appeal.

“There has been a void in Glen Burnie,” said Miller, who owns five theaters in Maryland, including Marley Station Movies. “At one time, there were six or seven movie theaters in that area. Now there are two that we have.”

President of Horizon Cinemas and Sun Valley Movie Theaters Inc., Miller opened his new venture on December 19. Located at the intersection of Mountain Road and Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard, Sun Valley 6 airs movies following their initial run. Movie prices are $3.50 before 4:00pm and $4.50 after. The cost for children 12 and under remains at $3.50. Concessions are also offered at an affordable rate.

Miller considers Sun Valley 6 a family theater, but the facility screens films of all genres. “We have three kids’ movies playing all the time,” Miller noted. “But we want to play the best and most entertaining movies - family, megahits, comedies. It’s a diversified product.”

The 18,000-square-foot multiplex boasts two large screens and four smaller ones, totaling 752 stadium seats with high back rockers. The facility also has a surround sound system and projectors with 3D capabilities. “It’s really a beautiful theater and it has sparked a tremendous interest in the neighborhood,” Miller indicated.

Mary Burkholder, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) executive vice president, expects the business to have a positive community impact. “Theaters are very good support businesses for other types of retail,” Burkholder said. “Going to the theater is often associated with getting a meal, and so that type of development is generally good for a shopping center.”

According to Burkholder, real estate developer Leonard Attman was looking to upgrade the Sun Valley Shopping Center for three years. He spent more than $4 million on Sun Valley Shopping Center improvements, including a resurfaced parking lot and upgraded lighting to rejuvenate the area.

Sun Valley Shopping Center is located in one of 16 areas designated for revitalization and reinvestment by the AAEDC, which aims to improve commercial districts and residents’ quality of life. Burkholder said businesses located in those districts can meet certain requirements to become eligible for low-interest loans and tax credits. This incentivizes business owners to upgrade their property.

Miller saw Sun Valley 6 not only as a way to address an entertainment need and upgrade the area but also as a method of aiding local residents. Miller hopes to serve the community not only by offering affordable ticket prices but also by hosting birthday parties, fundraisers and other events. To thank the community for its support, Miller also plans to screen free movies during designated summer days.

“When I was little and I lived in Pimlico [in Baltimore], we had three or four neighborhood theaters. You remember the neighborhood theater you grew up in,” he said. “It’s a nice thing when you are able to give back to the community.”

Miller has more than 30 years of experience owning and managing movie theaters in Maryland. In addition to Sun Valley 6 and Marley Station Movies, his current ventures include Pikes Theatre in Pikesville, Rotunda Cinemas in Hampden (which will soon close) and Beltway Movies, another discount theater, in Fullerton.

Miller said feedback of Sun Valley 6 has been positive so far, and he confirmed there have not been any security issues. For those concerned about the area, he has a simple request: “I think people should come to the theater and see for themselves. The most important thing is that once people go, they will keep coming back,” Miller expressed. “They will love the theater, no question in my mind.”