Sidney’s Star Cinema is now fully digital thanks to a new projector funded by generous donations from the community.
The cinema began fundraising efforts last year to raise enough to buy two new digital projectors and seating for the local theatre. The goal of $185,000 was reached earlier this year and the second projector was purchased and installed last month.
“Customers have been really happy with the picture,” said Sandy Oliver, owner of the Star.
“The projection is so bright, crisp and clear from top to bottom and corner to corner. With the old 35 millimetre this type of picture was never possible so this is really nice.”
Now that the cinema has its two new digital projectors up and running (the other was installed last year) and a new five-year lease signed in the building, the last piece of the puzzle is expected to fall into place in August when the new seats are scheduled be delivered and installed.
“We’re expecting to pull out the old seating, paint and install the new seating the first week in August,” said Oliver, who anticipates the theatre will close from Monday, Aug. 5 to Friday, Aug. 9.
“Once we open up again we’ll have a big unveiling and grand opening. We’re really looking forward to it,” she added.
Oliver said the theatre is expected to be busy through the summer up until the seat installation, with several school groups visiting to see screenings of Monsters University and The National Theatre’s The Audience featuring Helen Mirren.
“The first screenings of the National Theatre’s The Audience were near sell-outs so this will be a good opportunity for those who missed it the first time,” said Oliver, adding that tickets ($24 for adults, $20 for seniors) are on sale already at the theatre.
For the latest showtimes and screenings, visit www.starcinema.ca.