OmniplexMaxx Coming to Cork

missingtime

It will be operated by Omniplex, the biggest cinema chain on the island. Omniplex already run two giant format screens north of the border, in Antrim and Newry.

The company, owned by businessman Paul Anderson, is investing €4m in upgrading the Mahon Point cinema complex, which will be converted to digital screening, the latest in cinema technology.

Full refurbishment and digitisation of all 13 screens at Mahon will take place and work is expected to begin in the next few months, once a fire certificate and other safety certificates have been secured.

“The Omniplex-MAXX plan is being finalised but we are renovating all screens at Mahon, including digitisation, and that is going to be done within the next six months,” said operations director Mark Anderson, son of the owner.

“Digitisation is already well advanced in Cork and, as we renovate our 22 cinemas nationwide, they will be fully converted to digital with at least one ‘Omniplex-MAXX’ cinema. Galway is next on the list.”

When completed, the Mahon screen will be 21m wide and 8m high making it the biggest by far in the Republic.

The move is part of further investment by the Anderson family in cinemas they operate in Dublin and elsewhere. This investment follows the completion of a long and tortuous High Court dispute with their former cinema partners, the Ward family.

Ward Anderson was the largest chain in Ireland until this year and operated cinemas north and south of the border.

The Ward and Anderson families agreed to split their cinema empire in January to conclude a legal struggle that lasted from 1999 to 2013.

Paul Ward and Paul Anderson, who are the sons of the co-founders of the Ward Anderson Group, Leo Ward and Kevin Anderson, now operate each of the cinema chains separately.

Mark Anderson yesterday outlined his group’s investment plans, saying that while the cinema industry in Ireland has not been immune from recession and immigration, it is still a good business.

“That is largely because the shared cinema experience cannot be replicated by home viewing,” he said

Although admissions have fallen each year since 2007, cinema attendances per head of population in Ireland remain among the highest in the world.

The group has also recently agreed to buy the Quayside cinema in Balbriggan in Co Dublin from Nama for €1.5m.

“Balbriggan is an exciting project from an investment and acquisition point of view and it demonstrates our commitment to the industry,” he said. “We are keen on keeping rural cinemas and, although Balbriggan is in Dublin, it is north of the city and, if it had closed, people would either have had to go to Drogheda or Swords.”

He added that conversion to digital is essential in any cinema, although not all cinema owners can afford it. “The digital cinema format is being pushed by both exhibitors and distributors and is the way forward as it opens up a whole new line of alternative content, like live productions from the Met in New York and the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow.”

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for cinemas, with After Earth with Will Smith, the new Superman film Man of Steel, and Despicable Me 2 among the slate of blockbusters coming to Irish cinemas in time for the school holidays.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/imax-screen-to-capitalise-on-irish-hunger-for-cinema-233565.html

As someone living in Cork, I'm delighted by the news although tickets wont be cheap.

Mr E

Sounds great. I'd definitely head down from Limerick just to try it out.

Oafley Jones

I'm not paying extra for that, I will for a proper IMAX cinema. Still at least they're investing in the place, unlike other Cork cinemas that have long been left languishing.

titan18

Oafley Jones wrote: »

I'm not paying extra for that, I will for a proper IMAX cinema. Still at least they're investing in the place, unlike other Cork cinemas that have long been left languishing.

The Gate still rules. Not much they can do wrong as long as I can still pay €5 a ticket to see a film.

Oafley Jones

titan18 wrote: »

The Gate still rules. Not much they can do wrong as long as I can still pay €5 a ticket to see a film.

The Gate is desperate need of renovation. The sound is completely ****ed in either Screen 1 or 2.

TheIrishGrover

That's a lot of Xs but they really should have made one of them bigger...... TO THE XTREME!!!!!!!!

titan18

Oafley Jones wrote: »

The Gate is desperate need of renovation. The sound is completely ****ed in either Screen 1 or 2.

Wouldn't say completely ****ed, but does need a renovation alright. The cheaper prices make it my preferred choice over Mahon Point though.

daveirl

This post has been deleted.

krudler

SimonPRepublic wrote: »

IMAX is a brand name. The OmniplexMAXX screens are bigger than IMAX screens, including the one in Dublin. It will be the biggest cinema screen in the whole of the Republic.

Not real IMAX though, which the one in Dublin isn't.

MisterAnarchy

“Digitisation is already well advanced in Cork and, as we renovate our 22 cinemas nationwide, they will be fully converted to digital with at least one ‘Omniplex-MAXX’ cinema. Galway is next on the list.”

Weren't all the cinemas in Ireland supposed to be digital anyway ???
This was supposed to happen years ago
http://www.electricnews.net/news.html?code=9595159

SimonPRepublic

krudler wrote: »

Not real IMAX though, which the one in Dublin isn't.

I think you'll find it is. In fact it is even listed on the IMAX.com website http://www.imax.com/theatres/t/cineworld-dublin-imax/

IMAX is a brand name; it stands for Image Maximum. The OmniplexMAXX is going to be a bigger screen, but is not an IMAX.

daveirl

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Sad Professor

IMAX used to refer to a large screen format using high resolution 70mm film projected in massive purpose-built venues. But these days IMAX is just a brand. IMAX-branded cinemas like the one currently in Cineworld are average size digital multiplex screens that have been retrofitted and re-branded as "IMAX". They usually have better sound and and brighter projection for 3D, but are mainly just an excuse to charge higher ticket prices. The success of this type of IMAX is built on the old format's reputation which is why many people refer to it as "LieMAX" or fake IMAX.

ScrubsfanChris

So at the end of the day its just a bigger screen, nothing special?

Except the €13 they'll charge for tickets :rolleyes:

daveirl

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Bacchus

Don't see any other thread on this... just back from Mahon (Captain Phillips). First time since before Summer that I've been there. Screen 2 is all refurbished, lovely new seats, the screen looks great. Did they get newer high definition projectors in? Might try and catch Thor in Screen 1. The price doesn't seem to have gone up drastically either. €9.10 for a ticket... used to be €8.50 I think.

Rhys Essien

Any updates when this will be up and running?

lertsnim

Saw a poster up in the lobby there tonight. Looks like they're building it now. Be nice if it's up and running for The Hobbit. Wishful think though I'd guess

Bacchus

Look like they're just doing work where the Ben & Jerry's booth was. I assume it's Screen 1 that is going to be converted... it was still showing Thor last weekend, can't imagine they'll close it down for work while that is running.

Murphycloete

When i asked last week about the maxx, i was told December if everything goes to plan. Plus screen 1 is currently closed.

hardwood

Anyone know will they be able to show 48fps films? (eg The Hobbit) Or 4K films (like Samsara).

edit: Just got an email back from them and they're opening Dec 13th with the Hobbit in 48fps.

We are very excited to announce the imminent opening of The OmniplexMAXX in Cork Omniplex which will be the wall to wall and floor to ceiling screen, the biggest and widest in the Republic of Ireland, with Barco Auro 11.1 Immersive Sound, and premium leather reclining seating throughout. Projection is digital and we will be opening with 48fpr The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on 13th December.

Roar

great news! Although no doubt tickets will now double in price...

Corcaigh84

I honestly don't give a sh1t how much they cost if I can see the Hobbit while reclining in a leather seat my good man.

This my local cinema too! Aaaahh yes boooy

lertsnim

Roar wrote: »

great news! Although no doubt tickets will now double in price...

If they do I will happily make the trek to Dungarvan and watch it in 48fps there (and visit the family while I'm at it I suppose)

Roar

Email from the Omniplex, I wouldn't be counting on a HFR version of the Hobbit

I’m sorry I can’t be more accurate about the HFR screening but we simply don’t know yet whether or not we will be. We had hoped to know by now but there are various factors involved in getting permission to screen it in HFR and because we are currently renovating the screen, they won’t let us know until it’s finished and we can do all the required testing, which will be very close to Friday.

As soon as we know, I will be emailing out to our Special Events mailing list to let them know that the tickets are on sale. If it is not in HFR, it will still be in our new OmniplexMAXX screen (Floor to Ceiling, Wall to Wall) which I will also be emailing about.

If you would like to be added to the list, then just let me know.

Outkast_IRE

I seen the tickets to the hobbit are on sale, the 22.30 show sat night seems to be in screen 2 according to the booking page anyway. might hold tough for a few days and see how this develops.

Outkast_IRE

I see there is a slot on todays listing for a HFR showing of the hobbit at 6pm.
As of this moment it doesn't seem possible to book tickets online.

I am holding tough on booking mine till later today in the hope this will open for tomorrow.

Necronomicon

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

I see there is a slot on todays listing for a HFR showing of the hobbit at 6pm.
As of this moment it doesn't seem possible to book tickets online.

I am holding tough on booking mine till later today in the hope this will open for tomorrow.

I haven't seen any indication of a HFR showing on the website.

The 2D showings all seem to be in either Screen 6 or Screen 11 :-/

Outkast_IRE

Necronomicon wrote: »

I haven't seen any indication of a HFR showing on the website.

The 2D showings all seem to be in either Screen 6 or Screen 11 :-/

its on the website now
http://www.omniplex.ie/cinema/cinema/cork

HFR 3D

Bacchus

Ugh, was considering The Hobbit to be my maiden OMNIMAXX in Cork experience. Put off completely by the 3D now. Was it made for 3D or is it just a post conversion job?

Necronomicon

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

its on the website now
http://www.omniplex.ie/cinema/cinema/cork

HFR 3D

I'm pretty conflicted. I'd rather see it in 2D but depending on times you're looking at Screen 6 or Screen 11 compared to the huge new screen.

Outkast_IRE

Necronomicon wrote: »

I'm pretty conflicted. I'd rather see it in 2D but depending on times you're looking at Screen 6 or Screen 11 compared to the huge new screen.

I seen the first part in 3d and to be honest, the 3d didn't work that well in comparision to Gravity, Avatar, Up and a few others.

I think I will have to head to the 22.30 3d show Saturday night which is in screen 2 which is a good size room. im currently studying for exams and need as much of the day free as possible so late show is the only option for me.

Wish there was a late show in 2d, but its not to be.

Outkast_IRE

Bacchus wrote: »

Ugh, was considering The Hobbit to be my maiden OMNIMAXX in Cork experience. Put off completely by the 3D now. Was it made for 3D or is it just a post conversion job?

I wasn't a fan of the 3d in the hobbit, it was grand but nothing special, if anything I found it a little distracting.

Roar

€11.10 for a ticket!! Bloody hell.

brevity

I picked up my tickets anyway. I was a bit conflicted about seeing it in 3D but I really want to see a movie in a proper big screen so I took the plunge.

lertsnim

Roar wrote: »

€11.10 for a ticket!! Bloody hell.

Doesn't include glasses either. Pricing is a bit of a piss take. I'll watch it elsewhere I think

Outkast_IRE

Are the glasses any different from the standard 3d glasses ?

brevity

I sure hope not, just after rooting around for the ones I bought for gravity.

I'm not to bothered about the pricing, its a treat. For other movies I'll go to a regular size size screen, I'm just glad Cork has a big screen cinema as I've never been in one before.

lertsnim

Regular glasses should work just fine.

brevity

Just back!! Really enjoyed it. Such a different experience seeing a movie on a screen that big especially for a movie like the hobbit.

imitation

Going to see it tonight, really looking forward to it. The original hobbit in non-hfr 3d was muck, I could hardly tell what was going on in the fast action scenes. However I did manage to stop in Limerick and see it in HFR, glad I did, it makes the 3d far better. I don't think 24fps can convey the amount of information you need to do a fast 3d action scene which of course is what 99% of 3d movies are selling on. Peter Jacksons getting a lot of flack because people think it looks like home video, honestly though you get used to it. That being said 24 fps is a must if you want to keep atmosphere for many movies.

Roar wrote: »

€11.10 for a ticket!! Bloody hell.

In fairness people were paying that in droves to see it on the ropey analogue projectors at MP for ages, at least they have brought down regular movie tickets and offer something in exchange for the premium.

Goldstein

Roar wrote: »

€11.10 for a ticket!! Bloody hell.

When the product and service on offer is an order of magnitude superior to that which people have happily paid €9 for years to avail of, that sounds like a reasonable deal. The food is unquestionably a rip-off in every cinema but the cinema experience is a bargain imo.

1ds

Just a quick question with regards to the Cork MAXX screen size. I'm after booking seats from the omniplex website only to notice after that what I'm after booking may not be decent seats at all.. Does the screen itself extend to both edges of the room?

imitation

1ds wrote: »

Just a quick question with regards to the Cork MAXX screen size. I'm after booking seats from the omniplex website only to notice after that what I'm after booking may not be decent seats at all.. Does the screen itself extend to both edges of the room?

Yes they do, went to the hobbit tonight, I was 5 seats out from the wall, it was grand, I think the only "bad" place would be against the wall or right down in the front row. The screen is huge as well

The Hobbit looked really well on the MAXX screen, but I did notice the 3d was off on some scenes, it wasn't quite right (crosstalk I guess), maybe because of my seat or maybe a projector. Most times it was unnoticeable but there were scenes of 3-4 seconds that were a blur to me.

1ds

Thanks a lot.. When I went back and looked at the seating map on the website, it was only then I noticed they had the screen marked out on the map.. And I wondered was it just a placeholder or was it an accurate depiction of where the screen is in the room..

Corcaigh84

Lads, I have pre-booked tickets (center of the house) for Wolf of Wall St tonight in Mahon.....

My question is, is every movie in Maxx 3D, or is it just normal 48fps unless otherwise stated? I hate unnecessary 3D!

Roar

thefloss wrote: »

Lads, I have pre-booked tickets (center of the house) for Wolf of Wall St tonight in Mahon.....

My question is, is every movie in Maxx 3D, or is it just normal 48fps unless otherwise stated? I hate unnecessary 3D!

It'll be 2D 24fps.

Mickeroo

Saw 12 Years a Slave there on Sunday. The screen was very impressive, unfortunately I was in the third row so it was probably the most uncomfortable cinema experiences I've ever had. If you're going to the maxx screen make sure you book in advance and get seats well back.

ScrubsfanChris

Going to see Wolf of Wall Street tomorrow, be going to the 1pm showing and had a look online to see only 4 seats were taken, so I don't think there's a need to pre-book, save 50c

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Sorry to bump old thread. Anyone know what the best row/seat is for the Maxx screens?

Would row C be alright or way too close?