Cinépolis, the fourth largest cinema exhibitor in the world, has announced its official entry into the GCC’s movie theatre sector with the opening of its first location in Bahrain.

The biggest cinema chain in Latin America, Cinépolis - which also operates theatres in the US, Spain and across India - will open its new location at the Atrium Mall, Saar, Bahrain, on January 31.

Founded in Mexico in 1971, Cinépolis is a cinematic powerhouse that boasts more than 338 million guests and 5,707 screens worldwide. Bahrain expands the company footprint to 16 countries.

The Gulf’s first Cinépolis, in Bahrain, will feature 13-screens, including Bahrain’s first Junior theatre and 4D E-motion viewing experience, as well as two large-format screens, MacroXE with Dolby Atmos, object-based sound, and a range of seating options, all of which include rocking leather chairs and fully reclining leather seats, along with gourmet food and drink options.

Located at a prominent mall on the left of the King Fahd Causeway when entering into the country from the Saudi Arabian city of Khobar, the Cinépolis cinema is ideally placed for Saudi visitors as well.

A unique cinema offering, Cinépolis Junior allows families to enjoy a movie within a space that caters specifically to their needs.

The only children-focused cinema screen in Bahrain, Cinépolis Junior is equipped with a Jungle Gym, bean bag seating and provides a 15-minute intermission to allow youngsters to take a break. Only films rated G or PG will be shown in this theatre.

Another cinematic experience that Cinépolis will offer the community is its state-of-the-art 4D E-motion experience. This immersive theatre format allows cinema-goers to “live” the movie, including motion seats and special effects such as wind, water, motion, smell and air shots, all perfectly synchronized with the action on the screen.

As well as serving traditional cinema snacks such as popcorn and nachos, the in-house ‘Coffee Tree’ venue offers gourmet items and concessions including paninis, crêpes and high-quality specialty coffee drinks. In keeping with the move towards web-based bookings, downloadable apps (Cinépolis Bahrain on Appstore and Playstore) and new technologies designed to prioritise ease of use for customers, Cinépolis Atrium in Saar, Bahrain, will provide an online booking system (www.cinepolisgulf.com) and an abundance of e-kiosks on site.

Sheikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, the chief executive officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, highlighted the value added to the tourism and entertainment sector in Bahrain by launching this significant project.

He said, "With the new and unique experience delivered to the nationals, expats and the visitors of the kingdom, this opening adds a valuable element to the tourism and trading attractions in the kingdom of Bahrain.”

Sheikh Khalid praised the ability of the private sector to attract leading global brands and companies to invest in Bahrain, just as Cinépolis has done.

Cinépolis Gulf CEO Ashish Shukla said that with easy access for visitors from Saudi as well as Bahraini and expatriate film-goers, an extensive range of luxury viewing options, the latest big-screen technology, family-focused screenings and gastronomic F&B options, Cinépolis is braced to become an important player in the GCC movie sector.

“The launch of the first Cinépolis Gulf location in Bahrain is a proud moment for the brand and we are honoured to bring our world-class cinema to the region,” said Shukla.

“We know how much the community in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia loves movies, and we are relishing the opportunity to present a premium yet wonderfully accessible cinema experience that can be enjoyed by all. Our location just off the Causeway will prove incredibly convenient for Bahrainis and Saudis alike, and we hope we can become a central part of the community for all. We are offering Cinema like never before to the Bahrain community,” he added.

Ticket prices range from BD3 ($7.9) to BD10 ($26.3). - TradeArabia News Service