Brussels, Belgium - Kinepolis Group CEOs Eddy Duquenne and Joost Bert, together with Andrew Cripps, President of International and EVP IMAX Corporation, today officially opened the new IMAX theatre in Kinepolis Brussels. The former IMAX theatre, which closed its doors in 2005, has been completely revamped and fitted with IMAX 4K laser projection and an astonishing sound system. The theatre can seat 400 guests and offers film lovers the sharpest, clearest and most vivid picture quality on a gigantic screen measuring 532 m².
The IMAX theatre was officially opened during a press conference this morning and will be followed this evening with the Belgian premiere of 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' in 3D. Tomorrow, on Wednesday 14 December, the film will premiere for public audiences at 9.45 a.m. Kinepolis has already sold more than 18,000 tickets in Belgium during pre-sales for the latest Star Wars blockbuster. 2,500 are tickets for an XL movie experience in the Brussels IMAX theatre.
Kinepolis is convinced that IMAX next-generation laser projection, combined with blockbusters adapted to the IMAX format, will provide Belgian film lovers with an additional, exclusive movie experience. "Pushing the boundaries of innovation to enhance the customer experience has always been the cornerstone of our success. This commitment, combined with the success of IMAX in markets such as The Netherlands, France and Germany, has made us decide to re-open our former IMAX theatre, equipping it with IMAX's new cutting-edge laser and sound technology," says Eddy Duquenne, CEO Kinepolis Group. "We're delighted to revitalize our collaboration with IMAX and in doing so, further invest in a unique cinema experience for our customers."
"Kinepolis is Belgium's top exhibitor and a key player in the European exhibition landscape," says Andrew Cripps, President of International and EVP at IMAX Corporation. "Given the exceptional traction we're experiencing in nearby regions, we believe we can replicate the same success in Belgium and we are proud of this new milestone in offering an immersive movie experience at this iconic location."
At this moment, IMAX Brussels is the only IMAX theatre in Belgium. The IMAX dual 4K laser projection system, using two projectors at all times, is equipped with the latest IMAX technologies. These make it possible to project images with an aspect ratio of up to 1.43:1 with maximum resolution and sharpness and unparalleled levels of clarity, contrast and colours. The new system also includes the latest sound technology from IMAX, with an update to 12.1 audio with even more power and precision, and extra audio channels on the sides and in the ceiling which ensure that sound can be positioned even more effectively for a truly immersive experience.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. As of Sep. 30, 2016, there were 1,145 IMAX theatres (1,037 commercial multiplexes, 16 commercial destinations and 92 institutions) in 74 countries. On Oct. 8, 2015, shares of IMAX China, a subsidiary of IMAX Corp., began trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "HK.1970."
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience®, IMAX Is Believing® and IMAX nXos® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imaxmovies), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).