By ED SALVAS
A theater chain with locations in India, Romania and Bulgaria has signed a lease to operate the Middlebrook Galleria Cinemas in Ocean Township.
Cine Grand has reopened the complex which had closed October 26 when the lease held by Bow Tie Cinemas with the Middlebrook Plaza ended. The company has re-named the complex the Cine Grand Galleria Middlebrook Cinemas and opened for business on Fri., Nov. 7.
Middlebrook represents Cine Grand’s entry into the North American market. Robert Silverstein, whose family owns the Middlebrook Plaza, said Cine Grand plans to spend a significant amount to upgrade the nearly 20-year old theaters, primarily to bring in digital technology in order to compete for new first-run features which are no longer being shown on film. Silverstein said he could not comment on Cine Grand’s overall plans for the theaters other than they’ve promised to make major improvements to the 10-screen complex to provide an improved movie going experience.
Maurice Zunig, Manager of the Middlebrook Cinemas for the last 18 months, said he and about 10 other employees have been hired by the new owners and will remain on the job. Zunig said the Galleria Cinemas opened last weekend with two films showing in four theaters and by this weekend, all 10 screens will have digital projection and sound. Zunig said other upgrades are planned, including reclining seats in each theater.
Cine Grand has contracted with Alerion Services, a management company, to operate the Middlebrook Galleria Cinemas. According to Alerion’s website, the company handles a variety of specialty films for independent Art Houses, Bollywood, regional language and Hollywood releases. Alerion Services is based in the Atlanta area.
