The red carpet rolled out for new �750,000 screen and a certain Mr Bond

The name’s IMAX, Cinema IMAX... And its mission is to leave movie fans shaken and stirred!

Cineworld’s new �750,000 IMAX screen at its Ipswich multiplex was officially launched last night with the Suffolk premiere of the new Bond film Skyfall.

The new screen, one of eight that Cineworld is introducing across the country, is much larger than normal, and is designed to absorb the audience into the action.

Cineworld vice-president Crispin Lilly visited Ipswich to launch the IMAX screen at the gala showing of Skyfall yesterday – and is looking forward to it giving films in the town a real boost.

Mr Lilly said: “This is a substantial investment in the Ipswich Cineworld, which is one of our best performing sites. It outperforms many other places.

“There is a great appetite for film here and we are looking forward to seeing that grow with this new screen being introduced.”

The screen will allow films like Skyfall and the forthcoming latest instalment of the Twilight saga to be seen in a new way.

Some are technically enhanced while others are specially shot for IMAX.

A number of recent releases are expected to return to Cineworld in early 2013 so they can be seen on the IMAX screen.

Mr Lilly said the decision to install the IMAX had been taken because there was the demand for cinema in Ipswich and added that it had nothing to do with Vue’s plans to develop a rival cinema in the Buttermarket centre.

He added: “Whatever happens, we are confident this will remain the main cinema in Ipswich – the audiences are continuing to grow.”

There are further plans for the cinema – with a possible link-up with Starbucks which would create a coffee shop for film-goers and general visitors to Cardinal Park.

If that happens, there would be a refurbishment of the cinema foyer.

Last night’s premiere showed off the 007 glitz – with tuxedos and smart dresses on view inside and Aston Martins parked in front of the cinema. Bookings are already filling up for the IMAX screen – the film goes on general release today.

Are you looking forward to seeing the IMAX screen? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk