Secrets of Screen 17

摘要

As with many countries, Ireland suffered a hiatus in cinema-going before the trend was dramatically reversed in the early 1990s with the arrival of the "multis". Since then, like elsewhere, the drive has been towards ever-larger and more elaborate complexes, delivering ever-higher standards in projection to increasingly demanding audiences. The rebuilt and upgraded UGC complex in Dublin's Parnell St., opened last November, is no exception, and boasts 17 screens with stadium seating, wraparound screens, Kinoton projection equipment and both Dolby Digital and DTS sound systems. Located close to O'Connell St., the original multiplex on the site had 9 screens and was commenced by MGM in 1993 with ownership subsequently passing to Virgin, and latterly to UGC. The cinema was part of a larger development to re-vitalise the Parnell St. area, and for its time this was enormous, including restaurants, bars, amusements, and notably - Ireland's only IMAX cinema. To great dismay this ran into financial difficulties and closed in 2000. However, like the phoenix rising from the ashes, the shell of the IMAX building has facilitated the UGC expansion whilst also creating the opportunity for another, albeit different, "large screen experience" on site.