MJR Theatres
A Michigan-based cinema chain operating multiplex theaters under the MJR Theatres brand.
Last updated August 24, 2026
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Overview
MJR Theatres is a regional American cinema exhibition company headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Its theaters are concentrated in the Metro Detroit area and elsewhere in Michigan, where it operates approximately ten multiplex locations and around 160 screens. The chain presents first-run theatrical films and supplements conventional digital projection with premium formats, large screens, immersive sound, 3D presentations, reclining seating, and food-and-beverage services. The company traces its origins to 1980, when Mike Mihalich acquired the Main Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan. The initials MJR were derived from the company's original slogan, “Movies Just Right.” During the 1980s and 1990s, MJR expanded by purchasing additional traditional theaters and drive-ins throughout Michigan. It later shifted toward purpose-built multiplexes, opening its first newly constructed multiplex in Adrian in 1990. To help finance that construction program, the company sold some of its earlier theater and drive-in properties. Luna Enterprises acquired an interest in the business during the 1990s. MJR developed a position as a local and regional alternative to larger national cinema operators. Its business model combines movie admissions with concessions, premium-format surcharges, auditorium upgrades, and branded theater amenities. In 2014, the company introduced The Epic Experience, a premium large-format concept featuring a screen approximately 65 feet wide and Dolby Atmos sound. The format gave MJR a proprietary premium offering before the company later adopted internationally recognized formats through its relationship with Kinepolis. In 2019, Belgian cinema operator Kinepolis acquired MJR Theatres for $152.25 million. The transaction brought MJR into the Kinepolis group and represented Kinepolis's entry into the United States cinema market. MJR retained its established name and regional identity while gaining access to Kinepolis's operating resources, technology partnerships, and premium-format strategy. Following the acquisition, MJR began introducing Kinepolis's Laser Ultra premium large-format concept. The first reported deployment took place at the Brighton cinema in 2022 as part of an auditorium renovation that included laser projection and reclining seats. MJR also participated in Kinepolis's relationships with CJ CGV and IMAX Corporation. An IMAX with Laser auditorium with reclining seating opened at the Southgate location in 2023. In June 2024, the Waterford location received Michigan's first ScreenX auditorium, providing a panoramic presentation that extends imagery onto side walls. Additional ScreenX installations followed at the Marketplace and Westland cinemas. The chain's premium-format network continued to evolve. In July 2025, an IMAX with Laser auditorium opened at the Troy location, replacing the former Epic Experience format there. Additional Laser Ultra installations were planned for other MJR locations, including Chesterfield. The resulting estate combines standard multiplex auditoriums with selected IMAX, ScreenX, and Laser Ultra screens, although not every MJR venue has a premium large-format auditorium. MJR remains a regional cinema brand rather than a publicly traded standalone company. Its principal competitive strengths are local market recognition, a concentrated Michigan footprint, premium auditorium development, and integration into Kinepolis's broader international exhibition platform.
History
MJR Theatres began in 1980 when Mike Mihalich acquired the Main Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan. The company took its initials from the slogan “Movies Just Right,” which communicated a straightforward customer proposition while supplying the name used for later theater operations. Main Theatre was eventually sold in 1997 and was later demolished as part of a mixed-use redevelopment project. During its first two decades, MJR expanded through acquisitions of theaters and drive-ins across Michigan. The company subsequently pursued a more modern multiplex strategy, constructing purpose-built cinemas rather than relying solely on inherited single-screen or older facilities. Its first new multiplex opened in Adrian in 1990. Financing the construction program required the company to sell some existing theaters and drive-ins. Luna Enterprises acquired an interest in MJR during the 1990s, while the operating brand continued to develop its Michigan footprint. MJR's later history reflects the wider transformation of cinema exhibition from conventional auditoriums toward differentiated premium experiences. In 2014, the chain created The Epic Experience, a large-format presentation using a screen approximately 65 feet wide and Dolby Atmos sound. This gave MJR a branded premium product that could command attention within a market increasingly shaped by multiplex renovations, luxury seating, digital projection, and immersive audio. A major ownership change occurred in 2019, when Belgian exhibitor Kinepolis purchased MJR for $152.25 million. The acquisition made MJR a subsidiary of Kinepolis and marked Kinepolis's entry into the United States. Rather than replacing the local brand, Kinepolis continued operating the chain under the MJR name while bringing it into the group's broader technology, programming, and partnership framework. The post-acquisition period brought a new round of premium-format investment. In 2022, MJR began installing Kinepolis's Laser Ultra concept at Brighton. The format combines laser projection and a premium auditorium environment, including reclining seats in renovated locations. MJR also became part of Kinepolis's relationships with CJ CGV and IMAX Corporation. Southgate received an IMAX with Laser auditorium with reclining seats in 2023. MJR expanded beyond its earlier Epic Experience concept with ScreenX. In June 2024, its Waterford venue opened what was described as Michigan's first ScreenX auditorium. ScreenX uses additional side-wall imagery to create a wider, more immersive presentation. The technology was subsequently introduced at the Marketplace and Westland cinemas. In July 2025, MJR added another IMAX with Laser auditorium at Troy, replacing the Epic Experience format at that location. The chain's estate consists primarily of Michigan cinemas in and around Metro Detroit, with approximately ten theaters and about 160 screens. Premium formats are not uniformly available throughout the estate: some locations have IMAX, ScreenX, or Laser Ultra, while others continue to provide standard multiplex exhibition. Further Laser Ultra installations were identified for locations including Chesterfield, extending Kinepolis's premium-format strategy within MJR's regional network. Today, MJR Theatres operates as an active Kinepolis subsidiary and remains a recognizable regional cinema brand. Its identity is based on Michigan market concentration, multiplex film exhibition, concessions and hospitality services, and a selective premium-format rollout rather than on national-scale ownership of theaters.
- 2025
Troy receives IMAX with Laser
[1]An IMAX with Laser auditorium opens at Troy, replacing that location's Epic Experience presentation.
- 2024
ScreenX debuts in Michigan at Waterford
[1]The Waterford cinema opens Michigan's first ScreenX auditorium, followed by installations at Marketplace and Westland.
- 2023
IMAX with Laser arrives at Southgate
[1]MJR opens an IMAX with Laser auditorium with reclining seats at Southgate.
- 2022
Laser Ultra rollout begins
[1]The Brighton location receives the first reported MJR deployment of Kinepolis's Laser Ultra premium format, alongside auditorium renovation and reclining seating.
- 2019
Kinepolis acquires MJR Theatres
[1]MJR becomes a subsidiary of Belgian exhibitor Kinepolis in a transaction valued at $152.25 million.
- 2014
The Epic Experience launches
[1]MJR introduces a premium large-format concept with a large screen and Dolby Atmos sound.
- 1997
Main Theatre is sold
[1]MJR sells its original Royal Oak theater; the property is later demolished for mixed-use redevelopment.
- 1990
First purpose-built MJR multiplex opens
[1]MJR opens its first newly constructed multiplex in Adrian, Michigan, beginning a shift toward purpose-built multi-screen cinemas.
- 1990
Luna Enterprises takes an interest
[1]During the 1990s, Luna Enterprises purchases an interest in MJR Theatres.
- 1980
MJR Theatres is established
[1]Mike Mihalich creates the company through the acquisition of the Main Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Products and positioning
A regional Michigan cinema chain combining local market presence with premium-format exhibition and Kinepolis operating support.
Cinema exhibition · 1990
MJR multiplex cinemas
MJR's core offering is first-run film exhibition across a network of multi-screen cinemas concentrated in Michigan and the Metro Detroit region. Locations combine digital movie presentation with concessions, food-and-beverage services, and auditorium amenities. The chain's estate includes approximately ten theaters and around 160 screens, although the exact operating count may change over time.
Premium large format · 2014
The Epic Experience
The Epic Experience was MJR's branded premium large-format concept, introduced in 2014. It used a screen approximately 65 feet wide and Dolby Atmos sound to provide a more immersive presentation than a standard auditorium. Some sites later replaced or supplemented the format with IMAX with Laser or other premium concepts.
Premium large format · 2022
Laser Ultra
Laser Ultra is the premium format associated with Kinepolis's post-acquisition investment in MJR. It combines laser projection with upgraded auditoriums and, in reported renovations, reclining seating. The format began rolling out at Brighton in 2022 and was planned for additional MJR locations.
Premium large format · 2023
IMAX with Laser
MJR's IMAX with Laser auditoriums provide a premium presentation using IMAX's laser projection platform. The Southgate location received an auditorium with reclining seats in 2023, and Troy received another in 2025. These installations form part of MJR's premium-format relationship within the Kinepolis group.
Immersive cinema format · 2024
ScreenX
ScreenX extends selected movie imagery from the main screen onto the side walls of the auditorium to create a panoramic field of view. MJR introduced the format at Waterford in June 2024, describing the installation as Michigan's first, and later added ScreenX auditoriums at Marketplace and Westland.
Brand decisions
2025
Replacement of Epic Experience at TroyGeneration changeBackground
MJR continued modernizing premium auditoriums within the Kinepolis network.
Action taken
The Troy location received an IMAX with Laser auditorium, replacing its Epic Experience format.
Aftermath
The change further shifted MJR's premium strategy toward globally recognized formats operated through Kinepolis partnerships.
2024
ScreenX expansionProduct launchBackground
MJR continued broadening its premium-format portfolio beyond The Epic Experience and IMAX.
Action taken
The company opened a ScreenX auditorium at Waterford and later added the format at Marketplace and Westland.
Aftermath
ScreenX became one of several premium presentation options available at selected MJR locations.
2022
Adoption of Laser UltraGeneration changeBackground
Following Kinepolis's acquisition, MJR had an opportunity to align selected auditoriums with the parent group's premium exhibition standards.
Action taken
MJR began deploying Laser Ultra at Brighton, including laser projection and renovated seating.
Aftermath
The format was expanded or planned for additional locations, creating a broader premium network alongside IMAX and ScreenX.
2019
Sale to KinepolisM&ABackground
MJR was an established regional exhibitor in Michigan, while Kinepolis was seeking entry into the United States after expanding internationally.
Action taken
Kinepolis acquired MJR Theatres for $152.25 million and incorporated the chain into its group.
Aftermath
MJR continued operating under its regional brand while gaining access to Kinepolis premium-format partnerships and investment programs.
Acquisition value. $152.25 million (2019)
2014
Creation of The Epic ExperienceProduct launchBackground
MJR sought to differentiate its theaters from standard multiplex competitors through a proprietary premium large-format presentation.
Action taken
The company introduced The Epic Experience with a large screen and Dolby Atmos sound.
Aftermath
The format became MJR's principal branded premium concept until selected locations moved toward IMAX with Laser and Laser Ultra.
Sources2 sources
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