A SCREEN so big and sound so crisp you feel like you’re inside the movie, cavorting among the characters.
This was the overwhelming experience film lovers enjoyed at the old Imax theatre in the V&A Waterfront – and for the first time in years, they can feel the magic once again at the new Cape Gate Brackenfell theatre.
Imax theatres opened recently at Gateway in Durban and The Grove Mall in Pretoria with enough success to convince Ster-Kinekor it was time to bring the really big screen back to Cape Town.
The cinema chain has chosen to launch its giant new theatre with one of the most hotly anticipated film releases of the year. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies will be screened next Thursday at the public opening of the new Imax – a day before it is released nationwide.
“It was always our plan to open an Imax cinema in Cape Town,” said Ster-Kinekor chief executive Fiaz Mahomed. “And Cape Gate was selected as the most feasible venue to accommodate the complex conversion.”
The Cape Gate cinema complex was chosen because one of its auditoriums met all the stringent specifications to be an Imax in the making: it had the right geometry to provide viewers with the overwhelming Imax experience.
The auditorium has been transformed from a normal movie house into a theatre with a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screen and top quality acoustics.
Ster-Kinekor’s press release said: “Imax’s cutting-edge projection system – which delivers crystal-clear images – coupled with its customised theatre design and powerful digital sound system, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the film.”
Joburg Imax fans won’t be far behind, as another one is set to open at Eastgate Mall late next year.
“The Imax Experience takes viewing a film to the next level,” Mahomed said. “With films such as The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Exodus: Gods and Kings and Taken 3 scheduled for Imax release in the next few months, we are looking forward to a busy holiday period that will give Ster-Kinekor a positive push-start into the new year.”
The Imax opening comes hot on the heels of another Ster-Kinekor innovation: two Cine Prestige theatres, which opened at Cavendish Square last week.
“The cinemas are fitted with 44 and 40 seats, respectively, made up of a combination of single and double automated recliner chairs that ooze lavish comfort,” Mahomed said.
“Each chair has a snack tray neatly fitted into it to accommodate gourmet platters and refreshments, and includes a refrigerated cup-holder to ensure that your drink stays cold throughout the film. Guests are able to order refreshments, including a delicious selection of gourmet platters, making use of a tablet for fast and efficient service.” - Cape Argus