The first Sundance Cinemas theater -- it will be in Madison!

Ah, joy!

The new theater complex will be operated by the Sundance Group, a development company owned by actor and director Robert Redford. With six screens, the 27,250-square-foot complex will anchor the [Hilldale] mall's south end and will offer food and drinks as well as Sundance merchandise.

The Hilldale Theatre will continue operations until shortly before Sundance Cinemas opens next fall. The current theater is slated for demolition as part of the $70 million renovation project currently under way at the mall.

Good riddance! Madison has been plagued with the problem of the best films being shown in the worst theaters. We have lots of beautiful theaters but they typically only show the standard commercial films. Nearly every time there's a new film I've cared about seeing it's been at Hilldale or, worse, Westgate. It drives me crazy. Usually, I go into wait-for-the-DVD mode.

Thanks for picking us, Bob! Apparently, Madison has a big reputation for loving great films.