The new IMAX theater in downtown Merced will be ready just in time for residents to find a cool place to escape the summer heat.
Ali Anwar, construction manager for Regal Cinemas, told The Merced FOCUS that July 19 has been set as the opening date for the new IMAX theater at the Regal Hollywood Cinema at 403 W. Main St. in the heart of downtown.
Merced’s planning department approved the commercial tennant improvement permit on April 24. Construction workers are already on-site, working diligently to get Merced audiences ready for the ultimate cinema experience.
IMAX theaters use massive screens and special projectors to create a high resolution visual experience for audiences. Ticket prices for the enhanced experience can be double that of regular admission.
Anwar told The Merced FOCUS the screen will be 25 feet tall and 46 feet wide, with laser techology that will include next generation images, projection and a immersive sound system. There will also be screen shakers, which reverbrate behind the screeen to amplify images and reclining comfort seats.
“It will be a great experience for our customers,” Anwar said.
In order to compete with streaming and other at-home movie options, the film industry is banking on IMAX being part of the formula to get audiences in seats.