Cinema IV being renovated in Picayune

Published 7:00 am Tuesday, December 23, 2014

COMING ATTRACTION: Acadiana Cinemas has purchased the Cinema IV theater in Picayune and is currently renovating it with hopes of a March 2015 reopening. Photo by Dart Spiers

COMING ATTRACTION: Acadiana Cinemas has purchased the Cinema IV theater in Picayune and is currently renovating it with hopes of a March 2015 reopening.
Photo by Dart Spiers

People in Pearl River County are a few months away from being able to enjoy a night at the movies without a long commute to another city.

Acadiana Cinemas recently announced plans to renovate the Cinema IV theater in Picayune, which has been closed since November 2009. Doug and Cathy Collins, owners and operators of Acadiana Cinemas, said they are excited about coming to Picayune and added that local moviegoers should look forward to a brand new experience.

“The theater is all stripped out right now,” said Doug Collins, “Everything in there that the customer can see or touch is going to be brand new.”

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Doug Collins said all four auditoriums will be receiving substantial upgrades, including stadium style seating, new screens and digital projection. Two of the auditoriums will also be furnished with brand new luxury lounge chairs, which recline and offer more legroom.

“We have not used these chairs in any other areas yet,” said Doug Collins.

The renovations are expected to take about three months, giving the new and improved Cinema IV a projected opening date of March 2015.

Doug and Cathy Collins own three other theaters, all of which underwent comparable restorations and are located in small towns similar to Picayune.

“We have substantially renovated theaters in other small towns, and we have been pleased with how the community has responded,” said Doug Collins.

Acadiana Cinemas issued a press release providing more extensive details on upgrades the theater will receive.  All ceiling tiles and carpeting will be replaced, and the restrooms will be renovated. A new concession stand will be constructed as well, the release states.

In addition to the restored décor and aesthetic changes, a new ticketing system will make it possible to buy tickets online.

“We take much pride in bringing these theaters back to the community and offering a clean, exciting entertainment option for residents,” said Doug Collins in the release, “We are very excited to be moving into Picayune.”