After many years as a single cinema hall, Majestic Cinema is now home to a Cineplex to give movie goers a greatly enhanced viewing experience. With one revamped and three new theatres, viewers can now indulge in a whole new world of make-believe.
Words Prasadini Nanayakkara Photographs Menaka Aravinda
With the opening of the new Cineplex at Majestic City, both children and adults can look forward to a greater choice of newly released and sought after movies. Viewers need not wait for DVD releases following mere sneak peaks from trailers – it’s now a cinema culture in the making. “We wanted to give people a novel experience for their entertainment, which we felt was lacking,” says J C Page, Managing Director of Ceylon Theatre – a member company of CT Holdings. Opened in December, last year, the introduction of the Cineplex – situated a floor above the old – is a refreshing addition. The lobby area itself exudes a chilled vibe and ample space for early comers to while away the time. This atmosphere is further complemented with TV screens above the three ticket counters that run trailers of the movies ‘now showing’.
An upgrade that is another first for the country is the sound quality that all the theatres are equipped with. All the theatres have what is called Dolby Digital ex 7.1 – a surround sound feature that is all encompassing for an experience that promises to transport viewers from the realm of reality.
The three new theatres labelled with individual shiny plaques read Superior 3D, Gold and Ultra. They differ in that the Superior 3D as its name indicates, screens 3D movies and has a seating capacity of 170 while the Gold and Ultra, with a capacity of 50 and 148 seats respectively screen regular films. Incidentally the 3D cinema at the Cineplex is the first in the country treating movie goers to its debut film, ‘The Three Musketeers’. At the entrance viewers are each handed a pair of Dolby 3D glasses, which comes in two sizes – for adults and children. Vivid poster stands at the lobby add a typical upbeat cinematic atmosphere showcasing ‘Don 2’ that is currently being screened and ‘Puss in Boots’ upcoming at the Superior 3D.
The cool interior of the Gold theatre goes an extra length in terms of comfort, with larger seats accommodated with leg space, intended for screenings for corporate outings. On such occasions a movie of choice can be selected from the archive and the ease and comfort is complemented with a meal and a soft drink. The older theatre at the floor below too has been refurbished complete with new seats, lighting and enhanced sound. Named the Platinum theatre, it holds a capacity of 445.
An upgrade that is another first for the country is the sound quality that all the theatres are equipped with. All the theatres have what is called Dolby Digital ex 7.1 – a surround sound feature that is all encompassing for an experience that promises to transport viewers from the realm of reality. With four viewing times a day and each theatre screening a different movie, movie-buffs can enjoy a choice of the latest movies.
Already the feedback has been positive and upbeat not just from movie goers but film directors and producers. “They say, ‘this is what we have been waiting for, for so long’ and they are looking forward to having their own films screened with these facilities,” says J C Page adding that “this won’t be the first and the last as there will be more cineplexes coming up in future.”
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