New laser projector shines new light into Goondiwindi Cinema

Film-lovers in the Goondiwindi Region will have a better cinematic experience from today thanks to the installation of a brand new laser projector at the Goondiwindi Cinema and Theatre.

The new projector means Goondiwindi cinema-goers will be able to catch the latest releases like Doctor Strange, Downton Abbey and The Northman in vibrant crisp colours and exceptional 2K resolution.

Cr Susie Kelly holds Goondiwindi Regional Council’s portfolio for Community Facilities. She said the new projector was an investment in the future of the heritage-listed cinema, as the old projector had been nearing the end of its lifespan.

“We’d had the old projector in Cinema One for about 10 years, since before the re-opening of the cinema, but it was no longer providing the type of quality our movie-lovers expect,” Cr Kelly said. “The new laser projector will not only provide much more consistent image quality, but it will also be much more cost-effective for Council to run,” she said.

“The previous projector required a fair bit of maintenance, with the bulb needing to be replaced every 600 hours, or about four times a year,” she explained. “Each replacement bulb could cost around $900, so that maintenance really adds up.

“On the other hand, the new projector is all laser and is expected to last 30,000 hours or longer. That means a lot less maintenance for the cinema team and less ongoing costs to Council. The new one is also about half the size of the old projector, much quieter to run and has a far lower power consumption, making it more efficient all-around.”

The new projector took about two days to install at the start of this week. The installation required a lot of calibration to get the best image quality, as well as the transfer of stored assets such as films and adverts from the old projector.

New software in the laser projector will also enable the cinema team to access films digitally, whereas previously they were delivered via courier (often from Sydney). The new digital access means films can be ready to screen instantly, and will prevent any disruption due to road closures or freight delays.

It also allows the potential for the cinema team to access more films from different distributors.

Cr Kelly said the investment in the new projector was part of Council’s commitment to the maintenance of community facilities.

“The Goondiwindi Cinema and Theatre is a million-dollar community facility, and we’re extremely lucky to have it right on our doorstep,” she said. “However, it depends on ticket sales to operate, so I really want to encourage residents to actively support the Goondiwindi Cinema if they value the service.”

Cinema memberships are available for just $10 and include one free film ticket, film discounts and discounts at the lolly bar. Gift cards are also available.

Films showing at the Goondiwindi Cinema from tomorrow, Thursday 12 May, include The Northman, The Lost City, and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

More films out later this month include Downton Abbey: A New Era, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness and The Drover's Wife: The Legend Of Molly Johnson.

For screening times and to book online, visit https://www.goondiwindicinema.com.au.