It's finally here — the new Caribbean Cinema multiplex movie complex. And it's top-notch. With digital Dolby sound and cutting-edge equipment, Caribbean Cinema is bringing St. Thomas into the new age of motion pictures.
The premier opening is Thursday night and "we are ready," said Caribbean Cinema's Joel Matos, technical supervisor on the project.
The complex is opening only a few hundred yards from the site of the old drive-in theater at what is now called Market Square East, a retail center that also includes Cost-U-Less.
Glen Jakobson, president of Jakobson Studios, who creates the "front ends" (meaning the screens) of theaters across the country, said, "I'm really impressed. But then, they always do the right thing with their theaters."
Jakobson was referring to Victor and Robert Carady, the president and vice-president, respectively, and owners of Caribbean Cinemas, who with the addition of the seven screens at Market Square East, own 200 screens in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and St. Thomas.
"We are very committed to this business," Robert Carady said Wednesday, explaining why he chose to build a seven-screen movie theater in St. Thomas. "You're either in it and committed or you don't do it at all. We couldn't keep going with only three screens."
They've been 'in it' for 30 years in the Caribbean.
Fernando De Farice of Theater Video Productions Inc. said, patting one of the high-tech projectors, "I build theaters all over the country — L.A., everywhere. This is the top-of-the-line equipment."
"Having seven screens programmed is not only much easier, but it gives us a lot more options. We can run films longer, for one thing," Carady said.
With the seven screens they will be able to run more high-profile specialized "art" films. Carady plans to show ‘A Walk on the Moon' – the critically acclaimed story of a family experiencing the sexual revolution in the summer of 1969 — soon.
"We will also be showing family pictures all year long," he said.
"Service is the thing we are offering," Carady added. The seats are 40 inches back to back, and sloped, allowing for unobstructed visibility.
He also noted, smiling, that the auditoriums will be cleaned after each show.
The new cinema complex will employ 35 part-time people. Francesca Wenner, manger of Cinema One in Sugar Estate, will supervise both complexes.
Longtime employee Ronald Henry will manage Cinema One.
For complete listings of opening movies and times go to Arts/Entertainment/Movies.
