IMAX Theater Planned for Southern Pines

As of Wednesday, June 27, 2012

BY JOHN CHAPPELL – Staff Writer

IMAX is coming to Southern Pines – at least some version of it.

The big-screen exhibitor announced a 10-theater deal with Frank Theatres on Wednesday. Under the revenue and risk sharing deal, IMAX will open four IMAX theaters in November in Southern Pines, York, Penn., Delray Beach, Fla., and Northfield, N.J. Another two – in Ranson, W. Va., and Kingsport, Tenn. – are set to open in May of next year. Locations are still to be set for the four remaining screens.

The Frank company bought Sand Hills Cinemas and added it to its chain which now totals 25 theaters with 256 screens in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

“Since 1921, we've been committed to delivering the best available entertainment experience and now, with the addition of IMAX, this long- standing tradition will be raised to a whole new level,” said Bruce Frank, President and CEO of Frank Theatres. “As we expand our circuit throughout the U.S., IMAX will serve as the anchor attraction for our new entertainment complexes. With a globally recognized brand, the most immersive movie-going experience available and a slate of the biggest Hollywood event films, we're confident that IMAX will be a hit with our guests, drive increased attendance and help position us for long-term success.”

See full details in Friday's edition of The Pilot.

More like this story

doughnuts 10 months, 3 weeks ago

"See full details in Friday's edition of The Pilot." - This does not prompt me to buy a newspaper. It prompts me to look to another source for local news.

debsalomon 10 months, 3 weeks ago

Instead of putting in seats that bump and grind (at a hefty price) and IMAX (at a surcharge) how about bringing better films and keeping them longer. Too many slasher, sciifi, raunchy-for-raunchy's sake, computer-generation action flicks. Retirees flock to your theater in the afternoon when something interesting is playing. Maybe they don't buy much popcorn but they would be faithful customers if films were available.

Mozambique 10 months, 3 weeks ago

All the fancy movie effects in the world won't make up for the loud, rude, unsupervised kids that scream and shout and play with their cell phones all movie long; effectively ruining it for everyone else.

RD28327 10 months, 3 weeks ago

It'll still cost an arm, a leg, and another body part to be named later to go to a movie, so what's the big deal???

DoubleHeroides 10 months, 3 weeks ago

Because this newspaper is a free service you should just be given, right doughnuts? I mean these newspaper folks must be crazy to expect you to pay money for the thing they work to create right, you just deserve to know. Tell me because I think we should all hear what local news outlet is just giving out papers and putting everything online for your free enjoyment?

TooHot 10 months, 3 weeks ago

The IMAX at BotB in Myrtle Beach closed. Southern Pines has a bigger base to draw from than that?

Arestorer 10 months, 3 weeks ago

Imax was the most expensive and worst movie going experience Ive had....Will not go again...

Toda 10 months, 3 weeks ago

Overrated...I'll stick with 3-D...

Arestorer 10 months, 3 weeks ago

Another (gimic,gadget) for GenX.....

roobidy 10 months, 3 weeks ago

Oh, boy, another money-making scheme by a big corporation, coming in to ruin what remains of the small town charm of Southern Pines. Many posters above have already pointed out the real problem: no one wants to pay $10 to go see a piece of junk movie. But that's okay. I guess another corporate gimmick will fit right in line with the Olive Garden and the McDonald's and the Taco Bell and the Wal-Mart and the Ruby Tuesday and all the other chains that don't add a single thing to the local economy except provide low-paying jobs while putting out of business all the mom and pop places. Great.

JD 10 months, 3 weeks ago

putting everything online for your free enjoyment?

It's called online ad revenue. They make more off this than selling physical papers.

On topic: Too expensive. Date night at Sandhills 10 costs about $40 if you want to see a 3-D movie with the D-box seats. Only reason I liked them the few times I went is that they are in the middle of the theater and are reserved so you have no need to show up 30 minutes early for a good seat.

herecomesthescience 10 months, 3 weeks ago

Gotta love this area, home of the crotchety old retiree that thinks that EVERYBODY who lives here is over 80. debsalomon, Mozambique, and Arestorer forgot to add "and you kids stay off my lawn!" Too funny.

RmeMP 10 months, 3 weeks ago

It appears I'm in the minority here, and that's ok, but I am VERY excited about this news!!!

imax offers the very best movie experience possible; and, you know what they say, "if its too loud or too big - YOU'RE TO OLD"!

CSmithson 10 months, 3 weeks ago

"Gotta love this area, home of the crotchety old retiree that thinks that EVERYBODY who lives here is over 80."

There may be younger people here but they don't run things.

-The Median age in SP is 47

-The median age of registered voters in SP is 57

-The median age of SP people who voted in the 2008 presidential election was 59

-The median age of people who vote in municipal elections is usually over 70

Arestorer 10 months, 3 weeks ago

hcts; Dont care what other people want to do in their spare time...I was just opining, that"I"didnt like Imax, and "I" wont be going back....So "young one",You got something to say about Imax,or you just want to stir the stink??? I think Theaters are a Great asset to the area...The Imax thing,,not so much..AND IM NOT OLD,YOU LITTLE WHIPPER-SNAPPER!!! AND,GET OF MY LAWN!!

Hembloche 10 months, 3 weeks ago

Had to laugh when i read all these comments. This is probably one of the most harmless stories printed in the Pilot but there's nothing but negativity. I would argue that its a VERY good thing to have the imax theatre here. Now, instead of going to Cary for an imax movie (dinner, drinks, etc. beforehand) i'll be spending my money here. Seems like a win for all of us. Avengers in imax 3d was hands down the best movie theater experience i've had. One of the few times i've actually felt like i got my money's worth.

Bflat 10 months, 3 weeks ago

Hurry up and develop every sq.in and bring in all the commercial stuff just like Cary and Fayetteville. It will be so convenient for all of us. Next, be sure there is enough water for all the new development in Southern Pines.

DaveyNC 10 months, 3 weeks ago

You people are going all NIMBY over a movie theater!?!? Seriously?!?! Do you have heatstroke already?

It's a movie theater, people, not a big ass car lot that someone wants to build on his own legally acquired land.

Jeez.

native 10 months, 3 weeks ago

yeah, we need another car lot for kia.

RmeMP 10 months, 3 weeks ago

The movie 300, watched at an Imax, was... EPIC!!!

CAN'T WAIT :)

older people around here spend their money on golf, while younger people spend theirs on technology - what's wrong with that?

herecomesthescience 10 months, 3 weeks ago

This whole country started going downhill ever since Jazz and talkies!

Courseaire 10 months, 3 weeks ago

I would think the elder residents here would love the IMAX - they'll finally be able to hear the movie.

RmeMP 10 months, 3 weeks ago

+1 couseaire.