Calgary-based Landmark opens first location in Regina
East-end theatres feature recliners, free reserved seating
Landmark Cinemas Canada CEO Bill Walker remembers sneaking in to see the 1994 movie Speed with a friend, instead of seeing the movie for which they had actually bought tickets, as kids at a small theatre.
“I shouldn’t be so proud of (that), but it is one of those really impactful memories of a big screen movie that really made an impact on your childhood,” he said.
Memories like that have made Walker a firm believer in the importance of viewer experience at a theatre, a belief he is carrying into Landmark Cinemas’ 45th location, which opens in Regina’s east end on Friday.
The Calgary-based company’s new Queen City theatre boasts eight auditoriums all equipped with recliner seats, wide walkways between rows, laser projectors and surround sound. Its premium auditorium also features an upgraded laser projector with 4K capabilities and a Dolby Atmos sound system, which provides more specific sound placement.
For Walker, it is that dedication to comfort and crafting the best moviegoer experience that sets Landmark Cinemas apart from its competition.
“The Landmark experience is all about the movie lover, so it’s all about personal comfort, personal space, the best onscreen presentation and the latest movies you can see,” Walker said at a media sneak peak of the location Thursday.
The theatre’s features — from free reserved seating to the paired seating with arm rests that flip up — are all about “taking away some of the typical challenges of movie going,” he said.
The wider walkways between rows make the theatre more comfortable for young families, and means having someone walk past you for a bathroom break is less disruptive, and reserved seating ensures groups or families will be able to sit together, said Walker.
“Our experience is about getting you off the couch and getting you into a theatre more often to share those experiences with loved ones and your kids and your family and your friends because it really is an experience that people value when they get out and do it, especially in the format we offer,” he said.
Cineplex Entertainment, which operates theatres in the city’s south and north ends, is currently Regina’s main theatre operator, and Walker said he is happy to bring a little competition to the market.
“We believe that any city this size that only has one operator, a lot more can be brought to the market with competition ... and I think you’ll quickly see what that competition brings to moviegoers.”
For its opening night, the theatre will be screening Joker, Abominable, Downton Abbey, Judy, Rambo: Last Blood, and Hustlers.
Three of the auditoriums have 129 seats each, and the other five have 100 seats each. General admission tickets are $13.99 for ages 14 to 64, with movies shown in 3D or Ultra Laser an additional $3. Children ages three to 13 are $9.50 and seniors 65 and older are $9.99.
After some U.S. theatres recently banned costumes from Joker screenings, Walker said Landmark is keeping its same policy for Joker as for any other movie: costumes are allowed without face coverings, face paint or toy weapons.