Art-house showdown: Utah flavor vs. New York slick

Madstone Theaters targets "child-free couples" with "independent and art-house films, concessions that go beyond popcorn and Milk Duds (including beer, if the state allows it), and special events like film series and discussion groups . . . The renovated theaters boast new projection and sound equipment, rows of seats broadly spaced so moviegoers can walk past without bumping knees, a lounge area with tables and big-screen TV, and a sparkling lobby opening out to Trolley Square's southern foyer and fountain."

Businessman Paul Liacopoulos bought the Tower in 2000. The Salt Lake Film Society, a nonprofit organization, operates the Tower and later took over the Broadway Centre 6 downtown.