A little over a year after its takeover, the Kinépolis du Polygone cinema is delighted with its debut in Béziers.
“It’s a first year in line with expectations, we are really confident for the future given the results we have had this year”smiles Lohan Pesci, the director. Taken over on December 13, 2023 by the Kinépolis group, the Polygone cinema has just completed its first full year of activity.
“It was a great year of transition, even if it’s hard to take stock given all the work that has been done, he continues. We put the cinema in the colors of Kinépolis and “up to the standards” of 2024 (read below)”. The cinema actually remained open despite its renovation, which disrupted its operations.
Record figures for French cinema
In terms of figures, reflecting national box office trends, admissions were boosted by French cinema, which represented nearly 45% of admissions, the highest score since 2008, the year of release of Welcome to the ch’tis. “Our top 5 entries are almost the same as the national one, tell Lohan the Fish. In order: A little something extra, Vice-Versa 2, The Count of Monte Cristo, Vaïana and Despicable Me 4. The only difference here and the entry of phew love in fifth place. We have a clientele who likes these kinds of films, which are more mature.”
For 2025, some new features are expected: “We are going to keep the preferential rate on Mondays as well as every morning, and we are going to launch the Kinépolis concepts, which are events themed around a film release,” concludes the cinema director.
“We create a communion around a theme”
Thus, “The Magic Morning” will return regularly, after the successful premiere upon the release of Mufasa. These are activities around a preview screening. At the beginning of January, participants were treated to an indoor African dance show, a bouncy castle and creative workshops. The “Super fan” sessions will also start on January 17 with the release of the film Les Tuches. “Around a saga, we do animation like quizzes, people who come in cosplay, We create a communion around a theme”explains Lohan Pesci. Finally, “Cultissime” starts on January 8 with the screening ofInterstellar. We will find Seventhe 24th, and Top Gun Maverickin Screen X, on the 31st.
From January 22 to 28, the cinema will host the Télérama festival, which brings together the biggest critical successes of the year 2024 to make a retrospective.
Significant work
Major work has been done since the cinema was purchased by the Kinépolis group, starting with the replacement of all 1,200 seats, the screens in the eight theaters and the switch from bulb projectors to laser projectors. A central shop was also set up before the reception desk and a complete redevelopment was carried out (carpet, paint, light bulb). “Everything has been changed to bring cinema up to dateexplained Lohan Pesci. Today there are a few small finishing touches left, but it’s really light.”
Two premium rooms have also been added: the “Laser ultra”, with a 4K projector and immersive 360 sound and the “Screen X”, with two additional screens on the sides to broadcast a 270 degree image on certain scenes of the film . “Cozy” armchairs have been installed to improve the comfort of spectators. They have a table, lifting armrests and headrests. Finally, the numbering of seats allows reservations in advance so that you can arrive at the last moment.
