5/15/2008
Tomorrow (Friday, May 16, 2008) sees the much-anticipated public opening of the UK’s very first Showcase Cinema de Lux – a concept designed to redefine the UK cinema experience.

The new 12-screen Showcase Cinema de Lux in Derby’s Westfield shopping centre was created by National Amusements, a world leader in the exhibition industry, under the leadership of Shari Redstone, president of National Amusements.

With the Cinema de Lux concept, Ms Redstone, whose company operates more than 1,500 screens in he US, UK, Latin America and Russia, wanted to take movie-going to a whole new level of luxury, comfort and service.

“Since the opening of our first Showcase location in Nottingham, England nearly 20 years ago, National Amusements has focused on providing our United Kingdom guests with the best in service and entertainment,” said Shari Redstone.

“We are proud now to offer the City of Derby the ultimate cinema-going experience at our luxurious Showcase Cinema de Lux. Our emphasis on customer service, the lush décor, great food and other high-end amenities will provide the best overall entertainment experience for the entire family to enjoy, before, during and after the movie.”

The theatre is fitted with approximately 2,000 custom-designed, deep-cushioned rocking recliner seats in 10 of the stadium-style auditoria. With a capacity of more than 500, Screen 7 is the largest cinema auditorium in the East Midlands.

The remaining two auditoria – Screens 5 & 6 – are the unique Director’s Halls, which are fitted with luxurious Ultra Leather love seats.

Patrons who purchase Director’s Hall tickets also have exclusive access to the Director’s Lounge, offering a luxury club atmosphere where guests can enjoy restaurant-quality food and signature cocktails. And they can order food to eat while they enjoy watching the film, with a menu ranging from Cajun chicken skewers and vegetable pakoras to chocolate fudge cake.

Patrons with standard tickets also have access to an impressive menu of international restaurant cuisine and full bar service featuring specialty cocktails in Studio One, National Amusements new restaurant concept located off the cinema’s spacious main lobby.

The lobby contains a 30-metre concessions stand selling soft drinks, pop corn and hot dogs, as well as an “Elite Services” desk, where a concierge will be able to respond to almost any need – from booking a guest’s preferred Director’s Hall seat to ordering a taxi.

The cinema offers the latest digital projection capabilities including state-of-the-art sound and digital 3D screening capability ,as well as dozens of LCD screens installed throughout the lobby areas, displaying show time information, film trailers and other programming.

The focus on technology extends to the advanced method of ticket booking possible at Cinema de Lux. For the first time in Derby, cinema-goers will be able to go online to not only select their preferred seat in the auditorium, but to also print their ticket at home.

Ms. Redstone is also focused on making the theatres a community entertainment destination by offering cinema-goers more than just a movie. In addition to the latest film releases, Showcase Cinema de Lux Derby will screen regular live events, including sporting events, as well as live comedy performances. The theatre will also feature several of National Amusements’ specially designed programmes, including Nickelodeon Film Club, Baby Pictures, Bookworm Wednesdays and Insider Programme.

The cinema also contains two function rooms, which can be used for a variety of events, including private parties and business meetings.

The following films will feature at Cinema de Lux Derby on the opening programme, from Friday, May 16: What Happens In Vegas, Doomsday, Made Of Honour, The Eye, Nims Island, Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Director’s Hall), Smart People (Director’s Hall), Iron Man, Speed Racer, Charlie Bartlett, Shutter, Speed Racer, Spiderwick Chronicles, Outpost.

For further details on current releases and any of the above programmes, visit www.cinemadelux.co.uk .

National Amusements is scheduled to launch two further Cinema de Lux theatres later this year. Leicester audiences will be the second city to host Cinema de Lux this autumn, at the new Highcross Centre, closely followed by Bristol, at Cabot Circus.

Notes to Editors:

National Amusements, Inc

National Amusements, Inc., is a world leader in the motion picture exhibition industry operating more than 1,500 screens in the US, UK, Latin America and Russia. National Amusements delivers a superior entertainment experience in theatres around the world under its Showcase, Multiplex, Cinema de Lux, and KinoStar brands. Based in Dedham, Massachusetts, National Amusements is a closely held company operating under the third generation of leadership by the Redstone family. National Amusements is also an equal partner in the online ticketing service, MovieTickets.com, and is the parent company of both Viacom and CBS Corporation.

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