A well-known local cinema has called it a day
Movie buffs are reminiscing about stars walking the red carpet and lighting up the big screens of a popular cinema, as it draws the curtain closed forever.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Thousands donned their dirndls and lederhosen to celebrate Oktoberfest in Townsville
- Townsville Snake Catchers Facebook page surges in popularity
MOVIE buffs are reminiscing about stars walking the red carpet and lighting up the big screens of a popular cinema, as it draws the curtain closed forever.
Townsville’s Event Cinemas made the shock announcement to close it’s Sturt street theatre for good as it focused on boosting a newer venue around the corner at Birch Carroll and Coyle Cinemas Townsville Central.
General Manager Arlene Valentine, who has been at the cinema since 1994 said it was a “bittersweet” moment to say goodbye to “the old girl” and the history it holds.
“There are actually time capsules in the walls from when the building was being converted from the twin to the five screen,” Mrs Valentine said.
“I’m sad that we’re closing it down but I’m still optimistic about the industry.
“When you come to the movies you forget about the problems of the world to be entertained and escape.”
Ms Valentine said she had fond memories of superstars walking the red carpet to cheering fans at movie premieres but admitted times have changed and it had been difficult keeping up with streaming services and a down turn in customers due to COVID-19.
“Absolutely there’s a future, we’ve just got to get over the other side of this,” Ms Valentine said.
“Nothing compares to 20 metre screens and in V Max we spent $300,000 just on the sound. “So you feel that sound and we always have the best technology with digital sound and digital vision.”
Originally published as A well-known local cinema has called it a day