AMARILLO, TEXAS -- UPDATE 5:30: It's something that has taken years to make its way to Amarillo, up until now the closest IMAX theater was in Lubbock, but now Amarillo will be one of the newest places in the United States to get an IMAX theater.
Thursday morning, we learned of the exciting news that our city will join two others in the country to get an IMAX, Eugene, Oregon and Shreveport, Louisiana.
Construction is scheduled to start this month at the United Artists Theater, on West Amarillo Boulevard. We've been told the theater will be renovated for the new IMAX, which means a new convex screen and sound system.
It's the kind of premiere that just about everyone is excited to hear about.
"It's a unique entertainment opportunity to have an IMAX. IMAX was originally for educational films less and less now, so now it's mostly Hollywood films...those get ported over to IMAX format. Still some wonderful films get made," said Joe Hastings, Executive Director of the Discovery Center.
According to Regal Entertainment, when possible the new IMAX will also show IMAX 3D.
So are you excited an IMAX is coming to Amarillo or could you care less, vote in our web poll below and let us know.
Previously Posted:
Some exciting news for the entertainment world here in Amarillo. The Regal Entertainment Group just announced that an IMAX theater is coming to our town. The IMAX theatres will showcase films through a newly installed digital IMAX projection system.
Construction will begin this month on the theater.
"Regal Entertainment Group and our moviegoers have embraced The IMAX Experience which transforms movies into entertainment events not to be missed," stated Greg Dunn, President and Chief Operating Officer for Regal Entertainment Group.
Two other locations are also opening in the U.S., Eugene, Oregon and another in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The IMAX theater locations:
United Artists Amarillo Star Stadium 14
Eugene Market - Regal Valley River Center Stadium 15
Shreveport Market - Regal Louisiana Boardwalk Stadium 14
The IMAX experience allows the audience feel as if they are in the movie. Every Regal IMAX theater also offer IMAX 3D. When filmmakers choose to integrate IMAX 3D into their movies, images leap off of the screen and into the laps of the audience, further enhancing the feeling of being in the movie.
We will have more on this story soon, check back to find out more.
