Nanaimo's Landmark Cinemas theatre in Woodgrove Centre has completed its interior renovations, adding reclining seats in every theatre, along with an IMAX screen and this blue theatre room enhanced with Laser Ultra technology. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

enhanced experience

IMAX and recliner seating now available at Nanaimo theatre

Jul 8, 2026 | 4:34 PM

NANAIMO — A local theatre is ready to welcome back movie-goers to take in its upgraded and more comfortable theatre settings.

Landmark Cinemas, which operates the Avalon theatre at Woodgrove Centre, has completed its interior renovations, bringing recliner and luxury seating, an IMAX screen and another screen enhanced with Laser Ultra technology.

Speaking at Avalon on Wednesday, July 8, Landmark Cinemas vice-president of operations Ryan Dion said they were eager to upgrade the seating in all eight of their theatres, investing “several” million dollars into this upgrade.

“If you’ve come to this theatre previous, the seating experience was not fantastic…this was a priority of the senior leadership team, was to get an extended lease and be able to invest in this theatre and that’s what we’ve been able to do. This is the experience we’re creating across Canada.”

A look at the Premiere Seats in the Laser Ultra theatre. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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While all theatre seats at Landmark now recline, the Premiere Seats feature heated recliners, adjustable headrests, privacy winds, personal tables and coat hooks.

Dion said Canadians now expect recliners as part of the movie-going experience, with the total capacity at the theatre reduced by 40-50 per cent to make room for the larger, more luxurious recliner seats.

Dion said their ticket prices will remain the “standard general pricing that exists in the market,” with prices looked at a few times a year to adjust for inflation and other factors.

“You’re always going to find we’re reasonable and fair in terms of what we’ve done…where we’re going to make our money on this renovation is that people are going to choose us, because it’s a better experience, and they’re going to come and see more movies.”

Projection and sound enhancements are being made to all of Landmark Cinemas eight screens at Avalon theatre.

The iMAX offering in north Nanaimo is the second commercial theatre on Vancouver Island to have the enhanced audio/video technology, in addition to Victoria.

The seats in the IMAX theatre. Previously, IMAX had not been available commercially on Vancouver Island outside of Victoria. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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by Jordan Davidson

IMAX and recliner seating now available at Nanaimo theatre

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