Cinemagic in Durban: Nu Metro Gateway opens with South Africa’s first ScreenX
Nu Metro Gateway has unveiled the first ScreenX auditorium, a revolutionary 270-degree panoramic format that surrounds audiences with visuals on three walls, creating a fully immersive storytelling experience. It is believed to be the first of its kind in South Africa.
Image: Annie Dorasamy
IF you’re looking for a place that treats movies as an experience, this is it.
Nu Metro Theatres has unveiled its latest flagship cinema at Gateway in Durban, which officially opens today, October 3. The red carpet was rolled out a day earlier for the media launch and what a show it was.
The newly revamped Nu Metro Gateway complex features nine state-of-the-art cinemas, including a showstopper: South Africa’s first-ever ScreenX auditorium, a revolutionary 270-degree panoramic format that wraps visuals around three walls.
Nu Metro Theatres has unveiled its flagship cinema complex at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, which opened on Friday, October 3.
Image: Annie Dorasamy
It’s storytelling like you’ve never seen (or felt) before and Nu Metro’s boldest move yet, fusing luxury, cutting-edge tech, and a heavy dose of wonder.
The cinema boasts exclusive large-format Xtreme cinemas with state-of-the-art 3D Atmos immersive audio, crystal-clear 4K ultra-HD laser projection as well as a multi-sensory 4DX.
The complex, upgraded from when Ster Kinekor held the space prior to closing its doors at the mall, is designed to deliver world-class cinematic experiences, where grown-ups can forget their to-do lists and just melt into comfort.
In addition to upgraded seating, visuals and sound, the cinema complex at Gateway also features a dedicated child-friendly auditorium.
Image: Annie Dorasamy
For those who want to level up their movie night even further, there’s the ultra- premium VIP luxury cinemas with lounges decked out with plush leather recliners, an exclusive lounge, and a gourmet, curated menu complete with a full-service bar.
Meanwhile, kids get the star treatment too. The Kidz Cinema is tailored for young audiences, complete with bright neon coloured seating and their own theatre entrance to make them feel like VIPs. Colouring stations are already in place, and a play area is on the way.
The only downside? You may have to explain to your kids (multiple times) that no, you can’t go every single weekend, unless you’ve got an unlimited popcorn-fuelled budget.
However, during the month of October, Nu Metro is offering ScreenX tickets for R100, with a lineup of titles including F1, How to Train Your Dragon, and Superman. After that, tickets will be priced at R220 per person.
To celebrate the launch, Nu Metro is also running exclusive competitions, VIP ticket giveaways, and hosting a special Tenant Welcome Movie Night to connect with the Gateway community.
The cinema house offers advanced booking systems, streamlined digital ticketing, and special pricing through rewards partnerships with Nedbank, ABSA, Momentum Multiply, Sanlam Reality, Vodacom, and Clientele.
With its VIP lounges and in-cinema dining, it’s a full-on event.
“From the sleek new design to the immersive formats, every detail reflects our commitment to delivering unforgettable entertainment. This complex sets the benchmark for what the future of cinema should feel like,” said Beverley Govender, Senior Marketing Manager at Nu Metro.
The relaunch also adds a fresh spark to Gateway.
“Entertainment has always been an integral part of Gateway’s appeal, and this next-generation cinema complex will further enrich the mix of experiences available to our shoppers, adding significant value to the overall offering,” said Feysel Potgieter, General Manager of Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
Nu Metro Gateway has made cinema magical again: for grown-ups, for kids, and especially for tired parents who just want their own popcorn, their seats clean, and their 10-year-old entertained for 90 glorious minutes.