IMAX Theater's Opening Won't Hurt Local Landmark

 

 

The IMAX Theater's opening will greatly affect the community of Blacksburg, but not the town's local landmark movie theater, The Lyric.

 

By Matt Betcher

 

Construction is underway for the highly anticipated Frank Theatres CineBowl & Grille and IMAX at the First & Main shopping center.

 

The theater will satisfy Blacksburg residents and students, by providing cinema viewers with more than just an IMAX screen.

 

"WSLS 10 reported that the CineBowl & Grille will feature 11 screens, including IMAX and hopes to open in late 2014 in an March 2014 article."

 

Many originally had voiced concerns on how the opening of the theater would impact Blacksburg's local landmark The Lyric. Fearing that it would put The Lyric out of business.

 

"Collegiate Times reported that The Lyric wouldn't be impacted by the opening of the IMAX theater because their markets are different in an January 2013 article."

 

The Lyric offers several films throughout the year, with a runtime that usually lasts a week. These films are primarily independent in nature and feature films that had a very limited release.

 

"I don't see myself going to The Lyric less when the new IMAX theatre opens," said Corey Koepper, a cinema student at Virginia Tech. "They have a good selection of art house films that you wouldn't normally get to see in theaters anywhere."

 

The Lyric made a big commitment last year with their decision to go to a digital format. Requesting funding via Kickstarter, which has become very popular in supporting creative projects.

 

"The community is not going to stop supporting The Lyric," Koepper said. "They donated money to the Kickstarter campaign specifically to ensure that the theater wouldn't close its doors."

 

The Lyric also is a historical landmark, opening its doors in 1930 when cinema was just being born.

 

"The Lyric has history and richness, it's like a museum," said Nick Coogan a cinema student at Virginia Tech.

 

The Lyric serves as a community arts center supporting and putting on several different events for community artists to enjoy.

 

"The Lyric supports the film clubs on campus, with events such as the Progeny Film Festival," said Patricia Lavender, Director of Advising for the Theatre and Cinema Department. "The IMAX Theater isn't going to do that, neither is the Regal."

 

The Lyric's strong community support and history will continue to remain strong, as the IMAX Theater tries to make it's place in Blacksburg.