Carmike Cinemas, Inc. will unveil its newest entertainment complex in the Bradley Square Mall at 200 Sgt. Paul Huff Parkway NW in Cleveland, on Thursday. The new 12 screen theatre complex will seat over 2,300 guests in luxurious comfort and features the critically acclaimed “BIGD” auditorium.
“We’re providing the ultimate entertainment experience that centerpieces large format Digital with bigger screens, bigger and better sound, and the finest in-theater seating for cutting edge presentation and the definitive enjoyment of our audiences,” notes David Passman, Carmike’s president and CEO.
The new facility is equipped with auditoriums featuring state-of-the-art stadium style seating, with "comfortable high back luxury chairs," in addition to retractable armrests and cup holders. The Bradley Square 12 also contains large, wall-to-wall screens, as well as DLP DIGITAL projection and DIGITAL sound. The new theatre has an upscale lobby, multiple concession areas featuring Coca Cola Freestyle drink centers and an indoor box office.
The Bradley Square 12 will open at 7 p.m. on Thursday featuring a selection of recent blockbuster movies throughout the complex. This special gala charity grand opening night at the theatre will feature $1 admission with $1 small popcorn and $1 small drinks; with all proceeds benefiting The Ronald McDonald House which provides a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. The House provides a comfortable, supportive, temporary residence near the medical facility where family members can sleep, eat, relax and find support from other families in similar situations. The event will be promoted by area radio and television stations.
Cleveland is one of the first communities in the nation to offer theatregoers the new “BIGD” format recently launched by Carmike Cinemas, an industry leader in Digital projection and 3-D technology since 2006.
The “BIGD” auditorium includes a wall-to-wall screen measuring 60 feet wide and nearly three stories tall, the latest in surround sound and Digital projection of both 2-D and 3-D features. In technical terms, Carmike’s “BIGD” DIGITAL experience is powered by a Christie Brilliant 3-D flash projector. The end result is a light output of 30,000 lumens, creating a picture quality with noticeably higher resolution than HD.
The custom QSC DIGITAL audio system is tuned to a 7.1 speaker array with 16 channels and the ability to upgrade to 11.1, a revolution in surround sound technology with DIGITAL audio processing supported by quad-amplified, 4-way speakers and 21-inch subwoofers. The new, expanded configuration at the Bradley Square 12 promises a new gold standard in unparalleled picture clarity and deep resonating DIGITAL sound, officials said.
“The success of 3-D releases for features like the iconic blockbuster ‘Avatar,’ ‘Dr. Seuss’, The Lorax,’ ‘Amazing Spiderman,’ the record-breaking ‘The Avengers,’ and the soon to be released ‘The Hobbit,’ proves that audiences are excited about and enjoy the new DIGITAL experience, and are demanding it,” notes Mr. Passman. “These early successes will no doubt persuade producers to release more movies in this format, and with the “BIGD” experience – in either 3-D or 2-D DIGITAL – Carmike has the full capability to provide our audiences with the technology and total luxury that brings theatergoing to a new level.”
“Plans for Carmike’s “BIGD” experience consist of more locations to open in 2013. Complexes featuring Carmike’s “BIGD” experience that are currently under construction include Decatur, AL, Sandestin, FL, Champaign, IL, Jacksonville, NC, and Winchester, VA; and plans are underway for construction to begin in Opelika, AL, Oak Grove, KY, and El Paso, TX. Whether it is a movie, concert, sporting event, motivational speaker or church service, Carmike guests will find “BIGD” placing them at the heart of the event,” notes Terrell Mayton, Carmike’s director of Marketing.