Europe’s first luxury cinema
EK Odeon introduces fully-reclining seats
Film buffs can now watch the latest blockbuster in style at East Kilbride Odeon which today relaunches as Europe’s first luxury cinema.
The multi-million pound makeover has put the town centre leisure attraction on the map as Odeon’s flagship ‘Luxe’ cinema introduces fully-reclining seats and cutting-edge surround sound.
And general manager Robert Murphy insists bosses wanted movie fans to be blown away the minute they walked through the door.
He told the News: “The cinema hasn’t been refurbished in 30 years and, with the The Hub coming in, I think Odeon saw this as a unique opportunity to get East Kilbride back into the marketplace.
“The cinema has always done well but it was very tired so this sort of investment will bring more people into the area and start pulling in big numbers again. “When you walk in you get that ‘wow’ factor.” Boasting 652 luxury handmade leather recliners across nine screens, with increased leg room, retractable tray tables and a host of new food and drink options, cinema-goers are ensured ultimate comfort. A whole new experience is promised with a new state-of-the-art ISENSE screen with 4K projection and Dolby ATMOS sound. As well as new drink options including a Coke Freestyle machine with over 100 different flavours to enjoy and self-service Tango Ice Blast machines, there is a new Oscar’s bar serving a wide selection of alcoholic drinks.
Around 300,000 people are expected to visit the venue this year.
“Odeon are investing a huge amount of money – you’re talking three-to-four million in each cinema and £100 million overall.
“They want to enhance their position as the number one cinema operator,” said Robert.
“The screens seem more intimate as there are less seats but spacious at the same time.
“We’ve got a whole new retail stand including selfservice food and drink which is an added bonus and with Oscar’s bar now prominent, our alcohol sales have went through the roof! “It just goes to show the power of social media and word of mouth – people are talking about it and the amount of positive feedback we’ve had with people saying how much they love the new place has been phenomenal.
“It’s a whole new experience.”
When you walk in you get that ‘wow’ factor . . . Robert Murphy