THE LONG wait for an IMAX cinema experience in Swindon will be finally be over when Empire Cinemas opens its new screen on Friday.

The launch of the new screen, at the Greenbridge Retail Park, comes just in time for the release of the much anticipated release of Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Trudy East, General Manager at Empire Cinemas Swindon, said: “We’re really excited about the upcoming opening of the IMAX screen here at Swindon.

“I have been the general manager of the cinema since 1999 and the addition of this amazing screen will provide Swindon’s film lovers with a really exceptional cinema experience, unlike anything they’ve ever seen before.”

The old main screen at the cinema was closed in February to allow for the installation of the IMAX setup, all the seating was replaced along with new sound and projection systems.

The new capacity is expected to be slightly reduced from 320 people to about 260 in order to accommodate the larger, curved screen.

Movie fans will also be asked to pay a higher price for the IMAX experience – while a showing of Batman vs Superman on a standard screen will cost £8.50, a 3D showing will cost £10 and the IMAX screen will cost £15.

Justin Ribbons, CEO of Empire Cinemas, said: “We’re really excited that the launch of the IMAX screen in Swindon is finally here.

“The addition of this screen will provide Swindon residents with an exceptional cinema experience, and with some fantastic releases coming to the big screen this year, it seems like the perfect time for this addition.”