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It’s lights, camera, action again in Duncan, where moviegoers no longer have to leave the city to see a film on the big screen with the reopening of the only local theatre.
The former Caprice Theatre, which was around for decades, is back with the new name Duncan Cinemas. Located at 404 Duncan St., it features two auditoriums.
Under new management, the theatre reopened earlier this month on Dec. 20 — nearly a year after the Caprice closed on Dec. 30, 2023, to the dismay of locals.
“It does honestly make me kind of sad because it’s the only local theatre around here. Otherwise, you’ve got to go to Nanaimo or Victoria,” said Cal Elliott, a former Caprice customer, in a previous interview with CHEK News last year.
The facility first opened in the early 1980s, according to Cinema Treasures, with seating for around 660 people in the two auditoriums combined.
It was back in January of this year when DJRD Entertainment Limited, the owners of the Caprice, shared plans to “re-introduce the (theatre) … to the Cowichan Valley community.” Previous tenant Moby Amarsi, who operated the theatre for about 10 years, suggested inflation and rent hikes were to blame for the closure, but DJRD said the latter was untrue. The company said rent was unchanged since 2019.
Amarsi told CHEK News fading to black was a difficult decision.
It came as movie theatres continue to “(battle) against the rise of online streaming services,” with more people opting to stay home, according to Ivy Business School.
Theatres also lost revenue amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Couldn’t be happier’
Now, the popcorn is popping at Duncan Cinemas, with Golin Cinemas Inc. taking over. This company also manages Capital 6 and The Roxy in Victoria.
People took to social media to share their excitement, saying the Cowichan facility was recently refurbished with new seating and upgraded projection and sound.
“The new Duncan Cinemas is stunning! The current owners renovated the theatre spaces with fresh carpet, reclining faux leather seats, and a sparkly clean black tile floor. It’s our family tradition to see a show over the holidays, and we couldn’t be happier,” wrote Stephanie Brown in a recent social media post.
“The staff, the seats, the shiny floor, the treats, the joy of having a special, cool, independent theatre in our town. Thank you Duncan Cinemas – we love you!” added Jordan Kawchuk in another Facebook post, which got more than 1,000 ‘likes.’
Currently screening at Duncan Cinemas are Mufasa: The Lion King and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 — two family films dominating the holiday box office in Canada and the U.S.
Find showtimes here.
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