It's more than just a movie, it's a 'big' night out: MJR Southgate debuts new IMAX screen

It's Marvel-ous timing for MJR Southgate Cinema, which will debut its new IMAX screen on Thursday, tied to the release of "The Marvels," the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

It's the first IMAX screen for MJR Theatres, which operates 10 locations in Metro Detroit. The 20-screen Southgate multiplex is consistently the chain's top performer, so it was a natural to land its first IMAX, says Joel Kincaid, MJR's vice president of operations, who says MJR plans to add IMAX screens to more of its cinemas in the future.

"I don't think our intention is a one-and-done," he says. "I can guarantee you we will have another IMAX at some point."

The new screen is outfitted with IMAX with Laser technology, a 4K projection system that offers the latest and greatest in picture quality advancements from the premium film company, says Jason Swanson, IMAX's VP of sales.

"It's really about creating that depth of field and an immersive experience on the screen that makes you feel like you're part of the action," he says.

The new IMAX screen becomes the 11th in Michigan and the first Metro Detroit IMAX auditorium outfitted with recliners. The screen takes over the largest auditorium in the Southgate complex, which features about 160 seats.

Talks with IMAX began about a year ago and the $1 million-plus renovation took about 21/2 months to complete. The debut was timed to the release of "The Marvels," Kincaid says; had "Dune 2" hit screens Nov. 2 as was originally intended before Hollywood's actor's strike pushed the film's release date, the timeline would have moved up a week, he says.

IMAX, which features large format screens and optimal sound, recently saw its second highest-grossing quarter ever at the global box office, largely on the strength of Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," which grossed $183 million on IMAX screens.

"We're on a roll, it's a good time to be in the IMAX business right now," says Swanson. "Post-pandemic, people coming out to cinemas are choosing premium experiences, and they're choosing IMAX in an overwhelming fashion."

Following "The Marvels," MJR Southgate plans to screen "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," Ridley Scott's "Napoleon" and December's "Aquaman" sequel in its IMAX auditorium.

Kincaid, who is going on 25 years with MJR and started as a concession worker at the Waterford Township location, says the new screen is the best he's seen since being in the business. "I don't think I've ever seen a picture this clear with the amount of sharpness and resolution," he says. "It kind of blew my mind."

agraham@detroitnews.com