Regal Cinema Opens Renovated Theaters

Movie patrons no longer have to make the long trek to Randolph for the full-blown movie experience. Regal Cinemas at the Independence Mall in Kingston has redesigned, renovated and upgraded several of its 14 theaters to handle the top-notch sights and sounds of the theaters closer to Boston.

According to David DesRochers, the director of marketing for the Independence Mall, the theater is taking a few of its 14 cinemas out of commission at a time in order to reconstruct the traditional-style theaters into theaters with stadium seating, fancy captains chairs, and new digitally-enhanced screens and sound.

In the next few months, the chain will open three new theaters where Jo-Ann's Fabrics was once located.

The former fabric store has space for a 400-seat Regal Premier Experience, or RPX cinemas, which is similar to IMAX, and two other equally large cinemas, DesRochers said. When the craft store closed, Regal leased the location and has been working with the town of Kingston and the mall for two years to redevelop the location.

According to a Regal Cinemas press release, RPX will offer movie patrons a 60-foot wide image illuminated by dual digital projectors and the ability to show both 2D and 3D movies. The 100,000 watt sound system is capable of producing 9.1 channels of sound and supplies what should be an adequate amount of rumble with eight 21-inch subwoofers.

Last year, Regal underwent a 3-D conversion as all of the blockbusters began using the gimmick. The latest renovations will create 300 and 400 seat theaters.

It's not only the theaters that are being renovated. The entire cinema has been re-carpeted and repainted. The small concession area will be replaced with a new, much larger, concession area and food prep area, which are currently under construction. The once open floor plan at the front of the theater has already been enclosed and a new ticket office is also planned.

By the time construction is complete, DesRochers said Regal will be able to compete with the best cinemas around, offering the best audio, visual and comfortable movie experience on the South Shore.