Kinepolis : re-opens IMAX theatre in Brussels

16 November 2016

Brussels, Belgium - Kinepolis Group and IMAX Corporation are working on the opening of a 400-seat IMAX theatre with 4K laser projection in Kinepolis Brussels. IMAX with laser will offer film lovers in Brussels the sharpest, clearest and most lifelike digital images on a screen of 532 m², combined with an unparalleled immersive audio experience. The opening is planned for 14 December, to coincide with the release of 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story', the first film that will be shown there.

Kinepolis opened its cinema complex in Brussels in 1988, with 25 screens the world's first megaplex. One of the cinema rooms hosted the first IMAX experience in a commercial cinema. Previously, IMAX had mainly been associated with museums and only documentaries were shown. Despite a large fan base, among them Queen Fabiola, Kinepolis closed the IMAX theatre at the end of 2005, due to limited content available at the time. Today 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 revitalise 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 look forward to this new milestone in offering an immersive movie experience at this iconic location.'

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.

Contact

Kinepolis Press Office
+32 (0)9 241 00 16
pressoffice@kinepolis.com

About Kinepolis

Kinepolis Group NV was formed in 1997 as a result of the merger of two family cinema groups and was listed on the stock exchange in 1998. Kinepolis offers an innovative cinema concept which serves as a pioneering model within the industry. Kinepolis Group NV has 47 cinemas spread across Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Poland. In addition to its cinema business, the Group is also active in film distribution, event organization, screen publicity and property management. 2,300 employees are committed each day to providing millions of cinema visitors an unforgettable movie 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/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).