Review Of The New Imax Theatre in Gateway & a review of Thor: The Dark World

There is a new Imax Theatre in Ster Kinekor, Gateway Shopping Centre, Umhlanga.

Last night I was invited to the launch of the new Imax Theatre in South Africa.
Opening in Ster Kinekor, Gateway Shopping Centre, Umhlanga, the evening was filled with wonderful food and drink, photo opportunities and a wonderful buzz in the air.

Ster Kinekor had especially set out a special theatre for their IMAX theatre.  Brand new seating and a huge screen.  I loved the attention to detail with a great space for your coldrink and popcorn.
The MC for the evening was Sureshnie Rider from 5FM and she had the audience laughing and taking selfies.
No matter where you sat you got the full experience of IMAX and it is an experience.

CEO of Ster-Kinekor Theatres: Fiaz Mahomed

Says Fiaz Mahomed, CEO of Ster-Kinekor Theatres: “We are confident that the time for IMAX® is now. We see its return as a wonderful opportunity for Ster-Kinekor to continue to deliver on its promise to bring the unrivalled power of the cinema experience to our audiences.

“The powerful IMAX® film slate will enable us to offer a wide selection of the world’s latest blockbuster titles from Hollywood and Bollywood, which is what our audiences expect to see on the massive IMAX screen. Bollywood films, in particular, continue to be an important focus market for us, particularly here in the greater Durban region,” commented Mahomed.

 “As Ster-Kinekor, we are focused on providing ongoing moments of ‘impact’ cinema – the element of surprise, launching new sites to reach more audiences, new digital technologies that continue to enhance the cinema experience, delivering a best-in-class online booking facility and providing more personal communication with customers via our various social media platforms. We need to ensure that our audiences keep coming back to enjoy more great moments, and launching this IMAX® theatre is the next evolution in our journey.”

Representing IMAX® at the Gateway opening was Giovanni Dolci, VP Theatre Development, EMEA at IMAX® Corporation, who stated: “We are delighted to welcome Ster-Kinekor to the IMAX® business and believe our partnership will not only raise our visibility in South Africa, but will also set the stage for further mutual growth opportunities in the region. 

“Our agreement with South Africa’s number-one exhibitor at the country’s number-one cinema complex represents the ideal scenario under which to establish IMAX®’s first commercial multiplex entry into the country. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Ster-Kinekor much success with this new venture, and we look forward to expanding our theatre network in South Africa,” stated Dolci.

On Friday, 08 November, the IMAX® theatre at Gateway will open with the international release, of Marvel’s latest superhero epic, Thor: The Dark World: An IMAX 3D Experience.

“Our role is to entice the consumer to watch a film as it was made to be seen – on the big screen. The IMAX Experience® will take this viewing proposition to the next level. With more than 25 full-length feature films expected for release in IMAX® during 2014, and the remainder of this year featuring big titles including Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Ender’s Game and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, we are looking forward to what we believe is going to be a really big year for Ster-Kinekor,” concludes Mahomed.

Film Review - Thor: The Dark World: An IMAX 3D Experience

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba

Director: Alan Taylor

This film marks the return of Thor as he battles to save the Earth and the Nine Realms.

This time Thor (Chris Hemsworth) fights to restore order across the cosmos.  An ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith return to plunge the universe into darkness.

Look out for a great performance by Idris Elba (Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom).

There are some amazing action scenes in this film.  Watching it in IMAX is truly a wonderful experience.  

You get a bonus point if you can spot Stan Lee in this movie.  

Remember not to leave when the closing credits pop up.  There is a nice surprise for you after the credits.  

Rating 9/10

The Trailer for Thor: The Dark World

For more information, visit www.sterkinekor.com. To find out about other exciting offerings and promotions, follow @SKTheatres on Twitter or on Facebook at Ster-Kinekor Theatres. You can also download the Ster-Kinekor app on any Nokia, Samsung Android, iPhone or BlackBerry handset for up-to-date information and to make bookings.

 To check out the IMAX launch on Twitter check out the hashtag #THOReality

(Images and quotes courtesy of Ster-Kinekor) 

Article and Review by +Fred Felton