The Malco Oxford Commons in Oxford, MS on October 8, 2013. (DM Photo/Vince Davis)
Malco Theatres Inc. will be opening its second Oxford location, the Oxford Commons Cinema, this Friday on the corner of Sisk Avenue and Highway 7. The new cinema will be in its old location but with a much-needed facelift, featuring an eight-screen theater and outside amphitheater with all top-of-the-line sound and picture quality.
“The previously shuttered theater has been remodeled with a lobby bar, all new luxury seats, upgraded sound systems and state-of-the-art digital projection,” said Karen Scott, director of marketing for Malco Theatres Inc.
The additional screens will allow Malco to show a variety of films, including foreign and independent films. Malco management said the digital projection systems will enable Malco to show concerts, operas, live theater and sporting events.
“In the past, our ability to bring in more of these kinds of films has been limited by our screen count,” said Jimmy Tashie, executive vice president of theatre operations. “We believe Oxford will support a broader range of films and our plan is to bring them in, subject to availability, on a regular basis.”
This week’s new releases of “Captain Phillips” and “Machete Kills” are scheduled to be shown at the theater, along with “Parkland,” “Blue Jasmine,” “Rush,” “Grace Unplugged,” “The Way, Way Back” and “Enough Said.”
A full-service grill will offer a variety of food choices as well as traditional movie snacks such as popcorn and Coca-Cola products.
The theater is also using its opening as a way to give back to the community.
“As part of the overall grand opening festivities, the theater will be hosting a donation drive all weekend to benefit The Pantry,” Scott said. “Guests donating non-perishable foods/canned goods or new school supplies will receive a collectible poster from ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.’”
The opening of the eight-screen theater and amphitheater completes Phase I of Malco’s new expansion project.
Phase II, projected to open in spring 2014, includes development of The Family Entertainment Center with the expansion of the theater onto land purchased adjacent to the building.
The center will also eventually include a bar and restaurant, a new ultra-modern bowling center with miniature golf and a laser maze.
Molly Rowland, a senior at The University of Mississippi, thinks The Family Entertainment Center will be a great form of entertainment for a variety of ages.
“I think this is a great opportunity for Oxford,” she said. “Not only will this center feature activities for children and families, but it will also feature entertainment and activities for students at Ole Miss and in college. I cannot wait to catch a movie in the theater soon.”
