Wednesday, November 8, 1995 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan The StarPhoenix F5 THE AT CIRCLE AND EIGHTH Centre fur Ute Saskatoon's new Centre of Arts and Entertainment askatoon's new Centre Cinemas offers the latest The theatres have served to the shopping centre, Devan lifestyle. local residents and officials, we askatoon's new § Eighth Centre is at not Circle only and big on shopping, it's big on arts and entertainment! In fact, the construction of two new movie theatres, Centre Cinemas and Rainbow Cinemas, was the first step in transforming the former Wildwood Mall into what is now known as Centre East. "Devan looked at what was needed in the marketplace, and realized there was a shortage of movie theatres on the east side of Saskatoon.We negotiated an agreement with an independent theatre operator out of Edmonton," says David Kevill, Centre manager. "The movie theatres were our first big draw, and started us off on the right path." The opening of Centre Cinemas and Rainbow Cinemas brings 15 screens to The Centre. Centre Cinemas offers the latest The theatres have served to film releases, split up into seven greatly increase traffic to The screening rooms. Rainbow Centre, attracting people from Cinemas features eight screening the immediate neighborhood, as room, showing last-run movies well as from across the city and - your last chance to see the surrounding rural area. Ticket films on the big screen prior to sales show that between 12,000 home video release. Rainbow to 15,000 people visit Centre Cinemas charges $1.50 Cinemas and Rainbow Cinemas admission for matinees, with a every week. "For example, over $2.50 ticket for evening shows. the past couple of weekends, the Centre Cinemas opened on Rainbow Cinemas have been July 14; Rainbow Cinemas 98% sold out," says van opened on September 15. The Haastrecht. opening of both theatre Existing retailers in Centre complexes required extensive East have seen a dramatic retrofitting and reconstruction of increase in business since the the former Wildwood Mall. opening of the theatres, says "There was a lot of work Kevill. "The Chinese Wok has involved in constructing both seen business increase by 450 theatres. The former structure percent, since the theatres had to be demolished to opened. Wal-Mart has also construct new theatres on the site commented on the higher traffic - even re-excavating the site to levels." install floors that slope toward CENTRE OF THE ARTS the screens," says John van In analyzing the city's spirit Haastrecht, company president. and culture, the new owners of Properties Ltd., came to realize "There is a very strong arts *found that there is a significant that the arts are an important component in Saskatoon. In arts community here. element in the Saskatoon Devan's discussions with many (continued on next page) Pass the popcorn! You can now enjoy your favorite movie at The Centre at Circle and Eighth. Centre Cinemas and Rainbow Cinemas offer a combination of 15 screens, featuring firstrun and finalrun movies. ABSOLUTE