MJR Theatres debuted its first IMAX screen at its Troy cinema Friday, followed by a screening of "Fantastic Four: First Steps" on what is now the largest laser IMAX screen in Michigan.
The Troy location marks MJR's second IMAX screen across its 10 Michigan theaters; the first at MJR Southgate opened in November 2023.
Anthony Taylor, director of marketing at MJR Theatres, said the cinema chain was "so happy" with the results of its first IMAX screen after it became popular with Southgate moviegoers. The success made it simply a matter of "where can we open up another one?"
"And Troy felt like a perfect spot for it," he said.
Prior to the renovation, Troy was the only MJR location without any reclining chairs in any theater.
"We've really tried to find ways to get recliners in this building and this was the perfect opportunity to not only bring the biggest and the best, but also to put recliners in here finally," said Joel Kincaid, vice president of operations.
The revamped theater boasts 300 "zero gravity" reclining chairs. But the real draw is the larger-than-life screen powered by dual 4k lasers, full dynamic sound, increased brightness and deeper blacks. Select rows offer VIP seats with heated recliners, side tables, storage compartments and more.
"The giant screen, breathtaking sound quality of IMAX make it an ideal setting for witnessing some of the most epic and visually stunning moments in cinematic history," said Kincaid. "Whether it's the breathtaking landscape of "Pandora," the epic battle of "The Avengers," or the emotional depth of Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar," IMAX takes storytelling to the next level."
The new theater is hard to miss, with over 2-foot-tall "IMAX" letters greeting visitors. Upon entering the lobby, the screen sits in theater eight, right across from the bar area.
After cutting the ribbon alongside Ethan Baker, the mayor of Troy, Kincaid described what the cutting-edge technology means for Troy and the greater Metro Detroit area.
"You are partaking in an adventure, a visual spectacle that engulfs your senses and transports you into the heart of the story," he said.
Baker presented an award to Kincaid recognizing MJR for having the largest laser IMAX screen in Metro Detroit. The unveiling concluded with a few movie trailers and the theater's inaugural screening.
"Fantastic Four: First Steps" is just one of eight IMAX films out or premiering this summer, in addition to films such as "Superman," "F1 The Movie" and "Jurassic World Rebirth," driving IMAX's market share, according to the company.
"With the third quarter off to a very strong start, IMAX is taking its performance to the next level year to date," said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, in a press release on the company's corporation reports for the second quarter of 2025. "We remain on track to deliver a record $1.2 billion in global box office in 2025."
MJR Troy is located at 100 E. Maple Road. Visit mjrtheatres.com for more information.
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