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Special Engagements Celebrate Riverbanks New IMAX Theatre
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Riverbank youngster Urijah Lopez, 6, sporting a Superman cape, was among the lucky movie goers to see Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice in a special screening at Riverbanks new IMAX theater on Friday morning. It appeared as though the crowd was split between Batman and Superman supporters. Dennis D. Cruz/The News

Filmgoers were treated to a special sneak peek showing of ‘Jurassic World’ in 3D as the new IMAX theater opened its doors and lit up its screen for the first time on Wednesday, March 23.

The three-story auditorium features a floor to ceiling, wall-to-wall screen, luxury seating like that in the other 12 theaters, and a massively effective sound and motion system that envelops its audience completely in the movie experience.

The early showing, one day before the facility’s grand opening on Thursday, was held as a benefit to help kick off the fundraising campaign for the Riverbank Historical Society. The society is raising money to build an annex to its current historical museum, a former Carnegie Library on Santa Fe Street in downtown.

Historical Society Fundraising Committee members reported they received proceeds from the event at nearly $7,000.

The only disappointment, barely noticed by the audience, was the lack of the iconic “IMAX” sign to be installed at the top of the front of the facility. Complications with the manufacturer delayed its installation, according to a Galaxy spokesman. He said it is hoped it could be in place sometime this week.

Meanwhile, nearly 300 VIP tickets were given out to movie goers for a special showing of ‘Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice’ at the IMAX theatre at Galaxy Luxury Theatre. The select few got to see the movie at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 25. In an online over the weekend, Time magazine reported that Batman vs Superman grossed an estimated $170.1 million in North America, the sixth best weekend opening of all time, setting a new record for the best pre-summer debut as well.