RAWALPINDI:
To cater to a burgeoning film-going culture, a first of its kind Arena 3D cinema was launched at Bahria Town here on Thursday. The state-of-the-art cinema has been designed by Architects Inc in collaboration with Ali Ishaq and is set along the lines of international movie theatres.
Saad Qureshi of Architects Inc said the auditorium was redone and completed in four to five months. The architects travelled to Singapore, Bangkok and parts of Europe to get an idea of movie theatre designs in these countries, he added.
The detailing and finishing of the cinema is remarkable. Large embossed glass doors lead visitors inside. As people wait for the show, they can relax on cushy lounge-esque seating.
Thick carpeted stairs lead one to the cinema, which has a total of 260 seats with two VIP lounges.
Most of the equipment such as the project and the seats were imported from America and Dubai. At the seats, tables slide out of the arm and move to the front with a cup holder on the side.
“This will keep me from dropping snacks in the dark or juggling with food on my lap,” said Sarah Khan, a visitor.
Qureshi explained, “The setting is modern and contemporary with subtle brown and black paisley patterned wallpaper paired with crystal lights and thick carpet for a comfortable feel.”
He added that a great number of people live in Bahria Town and the cinema is meant for them. Open only to families, the cinema will also eventually have side attractions like a play area and a shopping mall.
Natalia Tariq, another visitor, said, “Even though, it’s far from Islamabad, I’d still go because it’s so nice.”
The single-screen theatre can project movies in both 2D and 3D. The ticket costs Rs400 for a 2D film, while Rs500 for 3D. Cinepax, another popular hangout for the twin cities’ movie buffs, bests Arena 3D’s offerings with more screens and lower ticket prices – Rs350 for 2D and Rs450 for 3D.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 28th, 2012.
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