You know that feeling when you pull into the parking lot at Solano Town Center, and you see the neon glowing against the California sky? That’s the Edwards Fairfield Stadium 16 & IMAX. It’s a staple. Honestly, if you grew up in Solano County, you’ve probably spent more time in those seats than you’d care to admit. But here’s the thing: movie theaters are changing faster than a Marvel post-credits scene, and the Edwards Fairfield movie theater isn't just another boxy multiplex. It’s actually a fascinating case study in how Regal Cinemas—the parent company—is trying to keep the "big screen" relevant in an age where everyone is glued to their iPhones.
People usually just show up, grab their popcorn, and complain about the ticket prices. They miss the details. They miss the fact that this specific location has survived bankruptcy scares, a global pandemic, and the rise of streaming services that promised to kill the cinema for good.
Why the Edwards Fairfield Movie Theater Experience Actually Matters
It’s about the scale. Seriously.
When Regal (under the Cineworld umbrella) renovated many of its Edwards-branded properties, they weren't just swapping out old upholstery. At the Edwards Fairfield movie theater, the draw has always been the IMAX wing. If you’re watching a Christopher Nolan flick on your couch, you’re basically eating a gourmet meal out of a Tupperware container. You're missing the point. The IMAX screen here uses a specialized projection system that offers a 1.90:1 aspect ratio. That’s about 26% more picture than your standard theater screen.
But it’s not all sunshine and 4K lasers.
The Solano Town Center Anchor
The theater sits as the primary entertainment anchor for the Solano Town Center. Think about that for a second. While retail stores like Macy's or JCPenney struggle with the "Amazon effect," the cinema provides something physical. It's foot traffic. You can't download a $15 tub of buttery popcorn—well, you can via DoorDash, but it's soggy by the time it hits your porch.
The relationship between the theater and the mall is symbiotic. If Edwards goes under, the mall dies. If the mall loses its appeal, the theater loses its casual "dinner and a movie" crowd. It’s a delicate dance. Local business analysts have pointed out that theaters in regional malls like Fairfield serve as a "social third place"—somewhere that isn't home and isn't work.
What Most People Get Wrong About Ticket Prices and Concessions
I hear it all the time. "Twenty bucks for a movie? That's insane!"
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Yeah, it's pricey. But here is the industry secret: the Edwards Fairfield movie theater—and almost every other Regal location—barely makes a dime on the actual movie ticket. Most of that money goes straight back to the studios like Disney, Warner Bros., or Universal. Especially in the opening week. The studio might take 70% to 80% of the gate.
So, how do they keep the lights on?
The popcorn. The soda. The overpriced nachos.
The profit margin on a bag of popcorn is roughly 90%. When you buy that large combo, you aren't just paying for corn and oil; you are subsidizing the air conditioning, the staff's wages, and the massive electricity bill required to run those high-intensity projectors.
Regal Unlimited: The Game Changer
If you’re going more than once a month, you're throwing money away if you don't use Regal Unlimited. It’s basically the Netflix-ification of the theater. For a monthly fee, you get "all you can watch" movies. It’s the brand's way of guaranteeing attendance during the "dump months" of January and September when the movies usually... well, they usually suck.
The Technical Side: IMAX vs. RPX in Fairfield
A lot of folks get confused between IMAX and RPX (Regal Premium Experience). Here’s the breakdown.
IMAX is a specific brand. It involves proprietary cameras, projectors, and sound systems. The Fairfield IMAX is a "Digital IMAX" (sometimes called Liemax by purists), meaning it's not the massive 70mm film version you'd find in San Francisco, but it’s still significantly better than a standard screen.
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RPX is Regal's own "luxury" brand. It usually features:
- Extra-large screens (though not IMAX dimensions).
- Dolby Atmos sound systems that make your seat vibrate.
- Heavily padded, slightly larger seats.
Honestly, at the Edwards Fairfield movie theater, if the movie wasn't shot with IMAX cameras, you’re often better off saving a few bucks and going with the standard digital projection or the RPX if you want the "oomph" in the audio.
The Ghost of Cineworld’s Bankruptcy
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Cineworld, the UK-based giant that owns Regal and the Edwards brand, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection a couple of years back. There was a legitimate fear that the Fairfield location would end up on the "closure list."
It didn't.
Why? Because the Fairfield market is surprisingly resilient.
It draws from Vacaville, Suisun City, and even parts of Napa. While other theaters in more saturated markets (like the Bay Area proper) were shuttered, the Edwards Fairfield movie theater stayed operational because its "revenue per screen" remained high enough to justify the lease at Solano Town Center. This is a business of margins, and Fairfield keeps its head above water by being the only major game in town for miles.
Challenges and Local Competition
It’s not a monopoly, though. You’ve got the Brenden Theatres over in Vacaville. That’s the rivalry. People in Solano County are fiercely loyal. You’re either a "Brenden person" or an "Edwards person."
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Brenden often wins on the "vibe"—it feels a bit more independent despite being a chain. But Edwards wins on the tech. If you want the biggest screen and the most advanced digital backbone, you end up in Fairfield.
What to Expect When You Visit Today
Things are a bit different post-2020. The "kiosk-first" model is in full swing. Don't expect a friendly face at a box office window outside. You’re likely going to buy your tickets on the app or at a touchscreen in the lobby.
The staffing levels are leaner. This is a trend across the entire cinema industry. They are focusing more on the "high-value" areas—the concession stand and the bar. Yes, the Fairfield location has been leaning into the "bar" aspect, because nothing helps a three-hour epic go by like a local craft beer or a themed cocktail.
Seating and Comfort
Most of the auditoriums in Fairfield have been upgraded to the "luxury recliner" style. If you’re still sitting in a theater with those old-school rocking chairs that smell like 1998, you’re in a dying breed of cinema. The recliners at Edwards Fairfield are motorized. They take up more space, which means the theater actually holds fewer people than it used to.
Think about that: they purposely reduced their capacity to increase the "premium" feel. It’s a move toward quality over quantity.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
If you’re heading to the Edwards Fairfield movie theater, don’t just wing it.
- Check the "Value Days": Usually, Tuesdays are the designated discount days. You can often snag a ticket for a fraction of the weekend price, provided you’re a member of the Regal Crown Club (which is free to join).
- The App is Mandatory: Don't be the person waiting in a 15-person line at the concession stand just to buy a ticket. Buy it on the app, scan the QR code at the pedestal, and walk right in.
- Parking Strategy: During the holidays, the mall parking lot is a nightmare. Use the parking garage levels nearest the theater entrance (usually the north side of the mall) rather than trying to find a spot on the surface lot.
- Audio Sensitivity: If you’re seeing an action movie in IMAX or RPX, be prepared. The decibel levels in these premium formats can reach 100+ dB. If you have sensitive ears or are bringing small kids, a pair of high-fidelity earplugs (like Loops) will save your hearing without muffling the movie.
- Refill Policies: Generally, large popcorns and sodas at Regal come with one free refill. If you're with a group, buy one large and share it rather than three smalls. You'll save about ten dollars.
The Edwards Fairfield movie theater isn't just a place to watch a movie; it’s a survivor of a changing cultural landscape. Whether you’re there for a blockbuster or a niche indie flick, knowing the "how" and "why" of the theater makes the experience a lot more interesting than just staring at a screen for two hours.
Next Steps for the Savvy Moviegoer
- Download the Regal App: Before your next visit, set up your Crown Club account to start racking up points for every dollar spent—these points eventually cover the cost of your overpriced popcorn.
- Verify the Format: Always check if a movie was "Filmed for IMAX" on sites like IMDB or the official IMAX website. If it wasn't, you might be better off choosing a standard digital screening and saving the $5 surcharge.
- Arrive 20 Minutes Early: Regal runs about 15-22 minutes of "Noitom" and trailers. If you want to skip the ads but catch the trailers, aim to be in your seat exactly 15 minutes after the listed showtime.