WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – Before breaking the seal on a renovated Images Cinema, its leadership expressed gratitude to everyone who made it happen.

 

“Matt [Brogan] just said something to me about what a lucky day it is,” Images Board Chair Steve Simon said at the outset of Friday morning’s brief ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Spring Street movie house. “And I have to say, that is exactly the sentiment I have. What a lucky day.

 

“This has truly been a project of heart and love, envisioned, in many ways, by Kevin O’Rourke and Wit McKay. As we responded to what’s happened to theaters in this country with COVID and streaming, we were like, ‘We have to do something different and better.’ “

 

The result is a very different Images than the one that closed for renovations last October.

 

The most striking change is that where the facility once was a single, 150-seat theater, Images now boasts a 70-seat main screen, 18-seat second theater and 15-seat lounge. The new theaters also boast better seats and technical upgrades to enhance the viewing experience, like 4K laser projection in the big theater.

 

“In our main theater, thanks to a grant from Feigenbaum Foundation, we have a Dolby Atmos-certified system, the only of its kind in Berkshire County, and the only of its kind between New York and Boston,” Executive Director Dan Hudson said before joining Simon in cutting the ribbon. “It's truly a world class cinema that is a gift from the community back to the community. So proud and privileged to be part of all of this.”

 

The theater reopened in May but celebrated its rebirth Friday as part of the townwide, two-day celebration of America’s birth.