MOVIE fans can look forward to enjoying films in higher resolution, on bigger screens and in cutting edge immersive sound with the announcement that Swindon is to get its first IMAX cinema.

Work will begin soon to convert the main screen at the existing Empire cinema at Greenbridge Retail Park into an IMAX screen.

The company hopes it will be unveiled on Friday, March 25 to coincide with the release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Cinema bosses hope a film packed with the sort of special effects and action sequences that IMAX is so well-suited for will attract big audiences.

Trudy East, general manager of the Swindon Empire said: “This is something that has been in the pipeline for some time, it’s been really difficult to keep quiet about it.

“We’ve been here 18 years. This is something new and it will be a great new experience for the people of Swindon.”

All the seating in the current theatre will be replaced along with the sound and projection systems. The capacity is expected to reduce from 320 people to about 260 to accommodate the larger screen.

Justin Ribbons, CEO of Empire Cinemas, said: “Our IMAX screens have proved extremely popular. We’re delighted to announce our latest screen at Empire Cinemas Swindon and look forward to providing an exceptional film experience to our customers.

“With some fantastic releases coming to the big screen this year, Swindon’s cinemagoers are sure to be wowed with our latest addition.”

The Swindon IMAX will be only the 42nd such screen in the UK and the fifth in the Empire chain with other sites in Birmingham, London, Hemel Hempstead and Basildon.

The popularity of the format has grown in recent years, with the release of box office hits Spectre and Star Wars: The Force Awakens helping to make 2015 its highest grossing year yet.

While Empire say they have not yet made any firm decisions on ticket prices for IMAX screenings, they will almost certainly come at an increased cost to the customer.

At Empire’s Hemel Hempstead cinema, a regular ticket for an evening showing costs £7.95, whereas an IMAX ticket costs almost twice that at £14.50 with a 3D IMAX ticket costing £16.

With the investment required to convert the screen likely to be several hundred thousand pounds, it suggests a lasting commitment to Swindon by Empire despite the arrival of other cinema chains to the town.

In the months leading up to the opening of the Cineworld cinema at Regent Circus, a number of local people took to Twitter saying it was time Swindon had an IMAX screen.

The news that the wait is now over will no doubt be very well received.