New cinema about to open
BREAK out the popcorn, the choc tops and, now, even a glass of vino.
The Northern Rivers will have a new cinema, using state-of-the-art technology, from Wednesday at midnight.
That's when the Palace Cinema, that will replace the popular Dendy in Byron Bay, will have its first screening.
The film of choice - the final Twilight film Breaking Dawn Part 2.
Then, on Thursday, it's back to business for many of the former staff who have been reemployed by the new, Melbourne-based owners, and patrons who loved to catch a movie at this venue.
The final credits rolled for Byron Bay's Dendy at the end of October after financial troubles for the operation.
But the news that another boutique operator, Palace Cinemas, would take over, lifted local spirits.
Palace executive director Benjamin Zeccola said they would re-launch as a fully digital cinema with the very latest in digital projection and sound "introducing locals to a stunning state-of-the-art experience."
Rose Fox, who is now doing the marketing for Palace, said patrons would also be thrilled with a diverse range of programming.
These will include French film The Intouchables, based on a true story about an aristocrat who becomes a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident, and hires a young man from the projects to be his caretaker; Argo starring and directed by Ben Affleck, based on former CIA operative Tony Mendez's account of the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Tehran, Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis; and Woody Allen's new film To Rome With Love starring Penelope Cruz and Alec Baldwin, continuing Woody's love affair with Europe after last year's fabulous Midnight in Paris.
"Many patrons, including it has to be said myself, are also going to be delighted that they'll be able to enjoy a pre-film glass of wine or a premium beer from the Palace licensed bar," Ms Fox said.
