Hollywood is releasing summer blockbusters every time you turn around. And this week the biggest movie fans can see them on the biggest screen, the IMAX. The Chenal 9 and IMAX Theater opens Friday. It's the first business in the new Chenal Promenade shopping center near Rahling Road. Workers are putting the finishing touches on the place.
With a few additions to the landscaping and a few adjustments of the projectors, the new Chenal 9 Theater featuring an IMAX screen is almost ready to go.
And to say that general manager Tom Dereleau is excited is an understatement. He said, "I moved back here from Hawaii. I lived there a year and a half running a theater there and to bring somebody back from Hawaii, I love Arkansas and I've lived here since I was 10, but that says something upon itself."
Looking around you can see why: 8 all digital screens, 2 with 3D capability. And then there's the showstopper: an IMAX screen that extends from wall to wall and floor to ceiling.
Matt Drymon with Dickinson Theaters said, "IMAX really puts you into the action of the film. The screen is so large, the sound again is just phenomenal."
Starting Friday morning at 9:00 you'll be able to watch the animated movie Kung Fu Panda. It's the first in a long list of movies with versions made to fit this gigantic screen. The new installment in the Batman series is up next in July.
This is the second IMAX theater in Arkansas. But it's the first to feature Hollywood movies as opposed to documentaries. And those with the theater say this elevates Little Rock's movie going experience to the same level as larger cities like Dallas or LA.
And as for the crowds, Mr. Deraleau says you can expect the theater to be packed come Friday, so get there early. And if you go Friday through Sunday popcorn and drinks are
only $0.50 each. Profits go to the Salvation Army and the Compassion Center.
