Karlovy Vary – Starting today, the first multiplex in the regional capital and the Karlovy Vary Region will begin screenings in Karlovy Vary. It is part of the roughly one-billion-crown reconstruction of the Varyáda shopping center. It will be operated by Premiere Cinemas. The six-screen cinema, with a total capacity of over 700 viewers, is the fourth multiplex operated by Premiere Cinemas in the Czech Republic.
“Karlovy Vary was the last regional capital without a multiplex, so we decided to fill that gap,” said David Horáček, one of the owners of Premiere Cinemas. He anticipates that the cinema will gradually find its audience. For it to at least break even economically, an average occupancy of around 30 percent is needed.
Two classic cinemas currently operate in Karlovy Vary: Kino Čas and Kino Drahomíra. Only during the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival does the number of screening halls increase to 14. However, until now, there was no multiplex in the regional capital. Besides Premiere Cinemas, two other large multiplex chains operate in the Czech Republic: Cinema City and CineStar.
In Karlovy Vary, Premiere Cinemas will replicate a concept already tested in Olomouc, where it introduced VIP admission and services. VIP viewers have access to better seats, unlimited refreshments, and a lounge. The six screens also feature state-of-the-art projection and sound technology with a 7.1 system, and one screen also has Dolby Atmos technology. The projectors are not operated by a projectionist; they are located in the main corridor from which they project into the individual halls.
The reconstruction of the Varyáda shopping center began in early 2024 and is proceeding gradually while the center remains open. According to Martin Malý from the marketing department of EPG Varyáda, the estimated cost of the reconstruction is around one billion crowns. During the construction, the internal layout of the center was changed, and upon completion, it will feature more than a hundred shops. The food court has been expanded, and a new section housing the multiplex cinema has been added. Although the parking area will be partially reduced, according to Varyáda shopping center manager Martin Nikodém, it will still be more than sufficient. The final completion and opening of the expanded Varyáda center is scheduled for October 18.
ORIGINAL SOURCE: https://www.ceskenoviny.cz/zpravy/2704116