Luring Asians from their TV sets.

This article reports that living standards are rising in Asia and so Asians can afford higher ticket prices. Theater owners are replacing their old firetraps with modern multiscreen cinemas that have plush stadium-style seating, computerized ticketing, curved screens, the latest audiovisual systems, bountiful concessions and plenty of parking. Many of these U.S. style complexes are being built by Kansas City-based AMC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Multiplexes are one of those American retailing innovations, like fast-food outlets, that travel well. INSET: Narcotic betel nut on your popcorn? (theater in American Samoa).