Marcus Theatres adds 3D screens, cuts prices

Marcus Theatres is installing new digital 3D systems at 34 of its theatre locations, including Coral Ridge Cinema in Coralville.

The Milwaukee-based theatre chain is completing installation of 37 RealD 3D Cinema Systems in the 37 theatres, bringing the total number of its screens with digital 3D capability to 103.

The company also lowered the premium charged for 3D tickets for children ages 2 through 11 and seniors over age 60, citing economic conditions facing families. The former $3 premium was reduced to $1.50 for those age groups.

The installations will be completed in time for the May 20 opening of the highly-anticipated sequel, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the company said.

Marcus Theatres is the sixth-largest theatre circuit in the United States, with ownership or management of 684 screens in 55 locations.

Fourteen new 3D pictures will be released over the next four months, Marcus Theatres President Bruce Olson, an unprecedented number. He said the large number of new 3D releases leads many to believe that the summer movie season may be one of the strongest in years.