United Cinemas Urawa now offers visitors a new way to enjoy cinema beyond simply seeing a movie.

 

In April 2010, Sumitomo Corporation subsidiary United Cinemas Co., Ltd., a theater management company, opened Japan's first projection room museum at United Cinemas Urawa. The museum provides visitors with a chance to learn about movie history and what goes on behind the scenes.

 

Visitors can directly observe a projectionist preparing for and screening a movie on a projector and watch a regularly shown short educational film (about 22 minutes) that explains the ins and outs of film projection. As Manager Takayuki Makita says, "The educational film explains the mechanisms of film projection in a way that's easy to understand. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves movies."

 

The museum also houses a variety of displays, including one titled the "Wonder of Movie Theaters," a map of filming locations in Saitama, and another featuring projection devices and similar equipment.

 

According to Mr. Makita, "We opened this museum for people to enjoy before and after seeing a movie, hoping to attract more viewers into the cinemas. We will work hard to become the best-loved cinema in Saitama, notwithstanding the large number of other theaters in the area."

 

An additional attraction is the Slouc Café, which is located right next door to the museum and stocks a range of film-related books.

 

Visitors are invited to get know the facts behind film screenings at the Projection Room Museum and become immersed in the world of cinema at United Cinemas Urawa. Film fans will discover a new way of enjoying cinema, as something to watch, learn and read about.