New IMAX theater brings eye-opening entertainment to Kent

Kent TV 21 crew

Kent TV 21 crew

Tickets will cost more, but Kent moviegoers can experience movies in a new way with the grand opening Wednesday of a IMAX theater at AMC Kent Station 14.

“I think it’s where I’ll be every weekend, it was awesome,” said Dea Drake, city of Kent multi-media manager, who donned special glasses to watch a free, 45-minute screening of “Space Station 3-D” Friday during a lunch break. “The 3-D is amazing.”

Ticket prices at Kent Station 14 for IMAX movies are $14 for adults, $13 for senior citizens ages 60 and older and $11 for children ages 2-12. Those prices are $4 higher than tickets for regular films.

The film “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” opens Wednesday at the IMAX theater. That film will be in 2-D rather than 3-D, but still feature sharper images and better digital surround sound than most movies.

“You can see a difference compared to 35-mm film or digital,” said Stephen Smith, general manager of Kent Station 14.

Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke proclaimed Wednesday as AMC/IMAX Day at the June 16 City Council meeting.

AMC and IMAX reached a joint-venture agreement to install 100 digital projection systems at 33 locations in major U.S. markets through 2010. The AMC Southcenter 16 complex also features a IMAX theater.

Upcoming Hollywood movies to be released and shown at Kent in IMAX’s format include “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” at a date to be determined this summer; “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” on Nov. 6; “Avitar” on Dec. 18; “Alice in Wonderland” on March 5, 2010; “How to Train Your Dragon” on March 26, 2010; and “Shrek Goes Fourth” on May 21, 2010.

“With all of the technology, you’re always looking to upgrade the presentation,” Smith said about the wave of IMAX theaters across the nation. “It’s more intense and the sound system is the best quality.”

When Drake wore the 3-D glasses, the “Space Station” movie came right up to the front of her face. When an astronaut tossed an orange at the camera, Drake reacted.

“I almost moved when that orange came at me,” Drake said. “I’m not sure how to describe the difference, but it’s like watching something completely different.”

Smith figures the new theater to attract a lot of moviegoers.

“We expect a lot of sellouts,” Smith said.

JR Obligaciun, manager at Kent Station 14, recently watched “Space Staion” and came away impressed.

“Watching 3-D is a great experience,” he said. “It brings it to life. It feels like you’re in that movie.”

For more information and movie schedules, go to www.dailyshowtimes.com


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Life

t
Harlem Globetrotters to return to Kent Jan. 26 at ShoWare Center

World-famous team entertains with blend of dribbling, spinning and dunking

The Vienna Boys Choir will perform Oct. 17 at the Kentwood Performing Arts Center as part of the city of Kent Spotlight Series. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Lineup set for Kent Spotlight Series fall, winter concerts

Performances include Vienna Boys Choir; Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert and more

t
Car show returning Aug. 27 to Kent Station shopping center

Many vehicles to be displayed at fifth annual event

t
Theatre Battery returns this month with performances at Kent Station

‘Deep Purple Wiggle’ to be featured four days a week Aug. 24-Sept. 10

t
Thousands fill downtown streets for Kent Cornucopia Days | Photos

5K run and walk, dragon boat races part of the annual festival

t
Junior H to perform at ShoWare Center in Kent Sept. 29

Mexican singer has over 21 million listeners on Spotify and more than one billion views on YouTube

t
Kent Cornucopia Days street fair, festival set for July 14-16

More than 200 vendors fill downtown streets; dragon boat races, car show, 5K run part of free event

t
Fun times in Kent at Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian | Photos

Fireworks, food trucks, music and cooling off in the water

Check Out Washington’s Adventure packs come with a Discover Pass educational materials, pocket guides, and a pair of binoculars. Photo courtesy Washington State Parks
“Check Out Washington” with more Adventure Packs this summer

You can borrow a free Discover Pass, educational materials about state parks, and a pair of binoculars with your KCLS library card