They say as one door closes another opens, and that is certainly so for film fans in Milton Keynes.
For while The Point ceases trading in the heart of the city tonight (Thurs), the much talked about Odeon complex opened up shop at the expanding MK1 hub, treating VIPs to the shape of things to come.
The state-of-the-art complex boasts the first IMAX screen in the region – turning your cinematic experience from a big one, to a gargantuan one.
The largest screen in Milton Keynes, the IMAX clocks in at a staggering 18.5 metres wide and 10.3 metres high.
“We’re incredibly excited to have the flagship ODEON cinema in Milton Keynes and within the MK1 Shopping and Leisure Park,” said ODEON MK general manager, Stephen Shaw.
“Milton Keynes has always led the way with cinema technology, opening the UK’s first multiplex 30 years ago and this is set to continue with the new state-of-the-art facility. It has been months in the planning... I hope everyone gets the chance to come down and take advantage of the fantastic new facilities.”
[gallery link="file" columns="5" ids="8500,8511,8510,8509,8508,8505,8504,8503,8502,8501"]Total MK joined A-list actors Richard Gere, Dame's Judi Dench and Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy for the launch event.
Granted they were on the big screen and we were sampling the seats for one of the first showings of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, but in one form or another we were all present and correct!
Meanwhile, MKs star-on-the-rise Bailey McConnell (below) was spotted heading in to a second screen catering for fantasy fans by airing the final two episodes of season four of Game of Thrones. It was the first presentation of the programme in an IMAX theatre outside of North America.
The cinema opens to the public tomorrow (Fri) and across the weekend visitors to MK1 are invited to join in with celebrations including a free Roller Disco.
Get your skates on between 11am and 10pm on Saturday, and 11am and 4pm on Sunday.
Members of the MK Roller Derby will also make an appearance and demonstrate their skills on Saturday.
'Roll on' the weekend...
