Spotlight kicks off switch to first-run films with ‘Matrix’

ORONO – Moviegoers will no longer have to wait months to view the latest flicks at Spotlight Cinema. The theater had two viewings of “The Matrix Reloaded” Wednesday night after being closed all day to prepare for the changeover from a second- to first-run movie complex.

“We felt we could better serve our customers in a first-run format,” assistant manager Nate Anderson said Thursday. The facility previously was a second-run theater, which meant it could not show newly released films.

With “The Matrix Reloaded” trending toward one of the biggest openings of the year, it was a good time to make the transition, Anderson said.

The movie is expected to bring in $150 million over the weekend, which would make it the biggest opening ever.

Both showings of “The Matrix Reloaded” sold out Wednesday, with about 322 people packing the cinema’s DTS and Dolby Digital Surround theaters. “We’ve been pondering [the changeover] for a while, but when we found out that ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ was available, we thought the time was right to do it right now,” Anderson said.

Anderson said workers prepared for the “fresh start” with a thorough cleaning and some minor renovations.

Although some patrons have voiced disappointment that Spotlight will no longer offer $1 movies on Tuesday nights, Anderson said the theater is still committed to offering the best value in the area.

Studios don’t allow first-run theaters to have a discount day.

“That was a price we paid to get new movies,” Anderson said.

Hoyt’s Cinema in Bangor also is a first-run theater, but Anderson said Spotlight’s owners feel there is enough business in the area for two first-run movie complexes to co-exist.

While Spotlight’s concession prices will remain relatively unchanged, ticket prices have increased. Tickets for children under 12 and senior citizens are $4.50 for all shows. For adults, tickets are $4.50 all day Monday through Thursday and before 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday; after 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, adult tickets are $7.

Anderson said the theater might also intersperse foreign films with the first-run movies, though no schedule has been set.

Theater renovations, including the possibility of new seats can be expected in the near future.

“It’s exciting,” Anderson said of the changeover. “We’re hoping it goes well.”