STORM Cinemas, having recently launched digital systems in all eight screens at their Castletroy complex, are to continue with further significant investment spread over the coming months.
Three weeks ago, they became the first in Ireland to introduce a Costa Coffee outlet in the foyer. Three ATM’s have been strategically placed to facilitate those wishing to book seats in advance. In another first for Limerick, they have introduced luxurious premium seating in two theatres, with the remaining six to benefit shortly.
On Wednesdays, Storm, with a total staff of 45, has made provision for early afternoon screenings for senior citizens, at a much reduced admission price.
Explained manager, Steve Routley.
“We are at the initial stages of a complete revamp; the ultimate aim is to provide the best in creature comforts for our patrons.
“Soon, we will be laying new carpets, as well as specially designed seating. While our current sound systems compare with best in the country, we remain forward thinking and within days, will be upgrading to the latest in technological advances, with the added bonus of sub-woofers to give that wow factor”.
Despite the downturn in the economy, the cinema industry continues to thrive, and with a plethora of blockbusters and other interesting releases winging their way here, box-office returns for 2012 look highly promising.
Back to Steve: “The Muppets movie, released two weeks ago, has been an enormous success.
“We start our daily screenings from early morning and it has been ‘house full’ on many occasions.
“This is an all-family show, with a whole new generation being introduced to the once famous TV series. In fact, the Muppets is further proof that parents enjoy providing their children with the cinema experience”.
Steve is equally excited about summer releases Spiderman and Batman, and a big surprise, he predicts, will be John Carter, adapted from Edgar Rice Burrough’s John Carter of Mars series, due on March 9.
Coming our way also are the 3D versions of Titanic and Beauty and the Beast, while the latest in the James Bond franchise is pencilled in for pre-Christmas.
Sandwiched in between are Red Dog, the true story of a loveable Australian mutt, which is due this Friday; We Bought a Zoo, with Cameron Crowe; The Raven, starring John Cusack, Mirror Mirror, with Julia Roberts playing the evil queen in the first of two films based on Snow White; Charleze Theron will be along later; American Pie Reunion, which is scheduled for April 6; A Thousand Words, with comedian Eddie Murphy inheriting a magic tree; Battleship, the live-action of the game, and starring Liam Neeson, to be followed by The Avengers, on April 27; with Ice Age Continental Drift, July 6.
Manager Steve Routley pictured with duty manager Jodi O’Donoghue.
