Multiplexes and Megaplexes

The concept and design of movie theaters have gone through many changes over the years. The technological innovations along with the demand of the public for a better and more enjoyable experience of movie-watching have greatly contributed in this regard. While earlier days, people were going to the far corner of the city in order to view the movie of their choice, with the advent of the multiplexes they are offered more choice at one place. Although this concept was started late, its popularity grew rapidly and today, you would come across many multiplexes and megaplexes in every city. Even many owners of the movie theaters have redesigned their existing theaters to accommodate more than one auditorium.

The concept of multiplexes was first started by Stanley Durwood. Since, all the auditoriums are situated nearby; the multiplexes can be managed with lesser number of staffs. That apart, the lobbies along with other amenities like restaurants and sometimes, even the washrooms are shared. 

Another advantage of the multiplexes is that, you don’t have to return without watching a movie. Sometimes, popular movies are also screened in multiple auditoriums simultaneously so as to cater to the public demand. There is a time gap in between the shows in the different auditoriums to facilitate the shifting of films prints from one auditorium to the other.

Megaplexes are generally large multiplexes where, you would find as many as twenty-five screens.

In multiplexes and megaplexes, there is always the possibility of confusion due to the large number of screenings that go on. People may find it difficult to choose the movie they want to view and its availability of tickets and also the timings of the shows. For this usually the name of the film, the number of the auditorium in which it runs, its timings and the availability of tickets are usually displayed to on large electronic boards outside the multiplexes.

The close proximity of the auditoriums also gives the options to families to view the films as per their personal likings. For example, the children can go to an auditorium to view their favorite cartoon movie, whereas the parents would go to watch the classic in another. After the completion of the movie, they all can meet in the lobby and go to the restaurants to have dinner. The availability of this multifarious facility have made the multiplexes and megaplexes hugely popular as far as movie-viewing is concerned.