With more than 1,800 seats, 10 redesigned auditoriums and a new concessions lineup, Rochester Hills citizens are buzzing about the $4 million rebirth of what was once the AMC Star Rochester Theatre.

Since opening on Dec. 22, Emagine Theatre has greeted nearly 20,000 moviegoers who were eager to sit in the new, high-back chairs in a stadium-style seating format while sipping on cocktails.

On Tuesday, Dec. 21, Emagine Entertainment Inc. celebrated the grand opening of the theater with a charitable event to benefit the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan. Seven hundred guests attended the grand opening party and experienced the renovations of the theater for the first time.

The Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan is a non-profit organization run by volunteers providing assistance to those in need through philanthropic projects throughout the state.

The group of 270 members recently finished its annual clothing drive called Operation School Bell, where volunteers collected enough items to clothe more than 1,700 children for the winter.

Betty Zych, of the League, was excited to be part of the organization chosen as the charity partner for the grand opening of Emagine Theatre.

“We had a wonderful turnout,” she said.

Ellen Couch, also a member of the League said “We cover two shelters and also do tutoring and give scholarships. So we are busy all the time.”

The League received a $10,000 check from the event that will go toward future philanthropic projects.

When the AMC Star Rochester Theatre closed mid-August, construction and renovation plans for the new theater were underway by Sept. 1, said Paul Glantz, founder and owner of Emagine Entertainment Inc.

“I am absolutely ecstatic with how this venue has turned out,” Glantz said. “In my opinion, you wouldn’t recognize it compared to what was there last August.”

In addition to what has been described as plush seating, Emagine Rochester Hills also offers a new take on concessions — Crust Pizza & Wine pizzas and Poppin’ Olive popcorn are available for purchase — in addition to the typical movie snacks like nachos, popcorn, candy and soft drinks.

The goodies don’t stop here, however.  Unlike any other theater chain in the state, the new location also offers its guests a full bar selection. Moviegoers can take their drink selection to their seat, but there is a two-drink limit.

The Rochester Hills location is not the first Emagine Entertainment Inc., theater in Michigan as it joins the Novi, Canton and Woodhaven theaters.  Current plans for an Emagine Royal Oak Theatre are underway and is expected to open this year.

Oakland University students receive a discounted price — $6.50— when purchasing a movie ticket by presenting an ID.