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Jozi’s most immersive cinema just landed: IMAX with Laser is here

From the Michael Jackson biopic to Dune 3, see the biggest blockbusters in Gauteng’s first IMAX with Laser.

Liesl Bartlett
Written by
Liesl Bartlett
City Editor, Time Out Johannesburg & Pretoria
Ster Kinekor IMAX
Ster Kinekor
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Rosebank’s skyline isn’t the only thing getting an upgrade this month. Ster-Kinekor has officially levelled up the Jozi movie-going experience, unveiling Gauteng’s very first IMAX® with Laser theatre at The Zone @ Rosebank.

Opening its doors today, this isn’t just another screen; it’s the new crown jewel of Joburg’s cinematic landscape. If you’ve been settling for "standard" viewing, it’s time to recalibrate your senses.

Why the hype? The tech breakdown

What makes "Laser" different from the IMAX you already know? It’s all about the 4K. This new system features a ground-breaking optical engine and custom-designed lenses that move far beyond standard projection.

You can expect crystal-clear, lifelike 4K images that make you feel like you’ve stepped directly into the scene, paired with the widest range of colours ever seen on a screen, think deeper blacks and blindingly bright highlights that pop with realistic intensity.

The experience is rounded out by a multi-channel sound system that ensures you hear every detail, from a faint pin drop to a thunderous spaceship roar, with terrifying accuracy. The theatre itself is a beast, boasting a screen 17m wide and 9.7m high, configured to maximise sightlines for all 285 seats, ensuring there's no bad view in the house.

Now showing (and coming soon)

The launch kicks off with a double-feature punch: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the space-thriller Project Hail Mary. If you’re looking for a reason to get out this weekend, here is the upcoming slate:

Release Date Title Special Note
17 April The Mummy (Lee Cronin) Horror on a massive scale
22 April Michael The MJ biopic in immersive IMAX
08 May Mortal Kombat 2 Filmed For IMAX
22 May Mandalorian & Grogu The Star Wars event of the year
18 Dec Dune: Chapter 3 The ultimate sci-fi conclusion

A one-stop entertainment hub

Ster-Kinekor CEO Mark Sardi notes that this investment is about bringing the "magic of the big screen" back to the forefront, a sentiment I am absolutely in love with. By placing this tech in Rosebank, it becomes a central hub for film buffs in the Parks, Sandton, and Hyde Park.

But the Laser theatre is just one piece of the puzzle. The Zone @ Rosebank has quietly become a massive entertainment playground, now featuring:

  1. Cine Prestige: For those who want "business class" luxury and platters.
  2. SK-Xperience: An indoor adventure hub with axe-throwing and escape rooms.
  3. Kids’ Cinema: Complete with bean bags and slides (to keep the little ones busy while you catch a blockbuster).

The verdict: If a film is labelled "Filmed for IMAX," don't do it a disservice by watching it on a laptop. Head to Rosebank and see it through a laser-focused lens, I know I will.

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