IMAX screen to open in December

by Franco Aloisio

Malta's first IMAX screen and the first in the Mediterranean region, will open at the Eden Leisure Cinema complex in December.

The new ground-breaking IMAX technology is described as the "best of audio-visual technology providing fantastic detail and clarity". It is a large format multi-storey screen which towers over the audience and fills their peripheral vision. Developments in the cinema industry over the past years have enabled viewers to get the feeling of actually "being there".

The Eden Leisure Group's IMAX crew is currently working to ensure the system is up and running for the opening. Last week, Peggy May, the manager of Affiliate Services for IMAX, was in Malta for discussions with the Malta IMAX crew and to review and advise on planning operational requirements set down by IMAX Corporation.

Ms May, who is the liaison between IMAX Corporation, in Ontario Canada and the local IMAX team, will work closely with Edward Fenech, Eden Leisure Group entertainment and leisure director and Kate Decesare, marketing executive for IMAX - Malta to ensure that standards are in line with those set by the corporation.

Ms May said the IMAX Corporation believed the island was an ideal location for such a theatre and it was delighted with the progress made and future prospects. She added that a company like the Eden Leisure Group, with its accomplished track record in bringing quality entertainment to Malta, is uniquely positioned to open the first IMAX in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, the Eden Leisure Group is celebrating its 35th anniversary. The group, known in its earlier days as Sunny Resorts, was established in the 1966 with the opening of its first hotel, the Eden Rock.

Having identified a need for entertainment services both for the tourist and local markets, the group expanded to encompass various hospitality, entertainment and leisure facilities in Malta. The group's portfolio today includes the Eden Century complex, Galleria shopping and entertainment centre, Axis discotheque, Bay Radio and the Eden Superbowl.

In the coming year, the portfolio will increase with the addition of the Eden IMAX, the Eden Ice Rink, the Eden Hotel Resort and the Cynergi Health and Fitness Club.