IMAX 3D comes to TT

Launched by Giant Screen Entertainment, the IMAX theatre will be installed at One Woodbrook Place, Port-of-Spain in July.

IMAX, which stands for image maximum, allows viewers to experience movies projected onto a much larger screen and at a much greater resolution than conventional cinemas.

The IMAX 3D experience promises to put the audience into the movie, with a screen measuring 40 by 70 feet, and pave the way for a new generation of cinemas in the Caribbean.

Speaking at the launch at Aura Cocktail Bar and Restaurant at Cipriani Boulevard, Port-of-Spain, on Thursday, Ingrid Jahra, co-founder and CEO of Giant Screen Entertainment said IMAX will change the way Trinidadians experience movies.

She noted that with Digicel as the main sponsor, the Digicel IMAX Theatre will screen Hollywood blockbusters that have been enhanced through IMAX’s proprietary digital re-mastering process specifically for presentation in IMAX’s format and hopes to open the theatre in July with the IMAX version of Transformers in 3D and the final chapter of the Harry Potter series.

She noted that later this year, there will be an IMAX version of many other films like the next Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stronger Tides has an enhanced IMAX verison in 3D. According to Jahra: “Everything in the IMAX theatre is designed to immerse the audience in the movie. The exciting slate of films include Hollywood blockbusters and entertaining documentaries in 2D and 3D,” Jahra said.

IMAX Corporation’s SVP and General Manager, Geoff Atkins said the theatre would have a comfortable seating capacity of 360 persons and would provide the opportunity to watch films in a classy ambience and noted that it will feature a powerful film projector, which will throw up images onto the giant screen.

He explained that the sound quality will be amplified using the special IMAX projector, which he described as one of the most advanced and powerful film projection systems in the world.

“The theatre is just under construction and it’s a very nice model, perfect for events and product launches. We are excited about IMAX In Trinidad; it’s safe with easy access. Patrons would experience gourmet popcorn and everything would be of a high level of class,” Atkins said.

He noted that the IMAX theatre is also the perfect opportunity for school trips. Patrons will enter the new theatre at One Woodbrook Place using the Damian Street and Tragerate Road entrance.

He said positive response by sponsors fueled his company’s interest in opening the IMAX Theatre in this country.

The pricing of tickets has not been finalised, but Atkins estimated that they would not cost more than $75. He said students tickets would be much cheaper and in some instances they would benefit from free shows.

IMAX corporation is one of the world’s leading entertainment and technology companies, specialising in the creation and delivery fo premium entertainment experiences with a growing suite of cutting edge motion picture and sound technology.

The company’s new digital projection and sound systems combined with a growing blockbuster film slate are fueling the rapid expansion of the IMAX network in established markets such as North America, Western Europe and Japan, as well as emerging markets such as China and Russia.

IMAX is headquatered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo and Shanghai. As of December 2010, there were 518 IMAX theatres operating in 46 counters.