Landmark Cinemas

Landmark Cinemas is a Canadian cinema exhibition company operating multiplexes and premium-format movie theatres under the Landmark Cinemas brand. Based in Calgary, Alberta, the chain has historically concentrated its network in Ontario and western Canada and is generally described as the country's second-largest cinema operator after Cineplex. Its business is focused on theatrical film exhibition, including regular screenings, reserved seating, recliner auditoriums, premium large-format presentations, concession sales, and promotional admission programs. The Landmark name was adopted in 1974 as an umbrella identity for holdings associated with Towne Cinemas, Rokemay Cinemas, and, in some cases, May Theatres. A major early expansion followed the acquisition of Rothstein Theatres, which added approximately fifteen locations, although some acquired sites were closed or sold rather than operated for an extended period. In 1984, the company expanded again by acquiring most of Canadian Odeon Theatres' Alberta and British Columbia assets during the corporate consolidation that accompanied the formation of Cineplex Odeon. Landmark made its largest transformational expansion in late 2013 by acquiring a substantial portion of Empire Theatres' locations in Ontario and western Canada. The transaction included 23 theatres and was later supplemented by additional sites in Kanata and Whitby, along with Ottawa's World Exchange Plaza location under a short-term management arrangement. The former Empire theatres reopened under the Landmark name on November 1, 2013, following the closure of Empire's operations after the previous evening's screenings. The deal brought Landmark several former IMAX locations and made the company a national-scale competitor with approximately 54 locations and 359 screens at the time, although the network subsequently changed through closures, divestitures, and other portfolio adjustments. The chain differentiates its venues through upgraded seating and premium presentation. Selected auditoriums offer free reserved seating with leather recliners under the 'Reserve, Recline, Relax' positioning. Some locations also offer Premiere Seats, which may include privacy screens, coat hooks, side tables, adjustable headrests, and heating. Premium formats have included IMAX digital screens, Extra Experience auditoriums, Xtreme auditoriums, and Laser Ultra venues. Laser Ultra, introduced at Calgary's Shawnessy location, combines a Barco laser projector with Dolby Atmos sound. In 2023, Kinepolis and Landmark announced plans to upgrade the chain's IMAX sites to IMAX with Laser. Kinepolis announced an agreement to acquire Landmark Cinemas in September 2017 for C$123 million, subject to regulatory approval. The transaction was completed on December 8, 2017, making Landmark part of the Belgian cinema group's international operating portfolio. Landmark continues to operate as a Canadian cinema brand within that ownership structure. The chain's stated and reported footprint has included 36 theatres and 299 screens, although historical sources describe larger totals immediately after the 2013 Empire acquisition.

Landmark Cinemas emerged from a group of Canadian cinema holdings that included Towne Cinemas, Rokemay Cinemas, and, at times, May Theatres. The Landmark umbrella name was adopted in 1974 after the acquisition of Rothstein Theatres. That deal represented an important expansion, adding approximately fifteen theatres, although not every acquired property remained in Landmark's operating portfolio. The company expanded substantially in 1984 when it purchased most of Canadian Odeon Theatres' assets in Alberta and British Columbia. The transaction took place during a period of consolidation in Canadian exhibition, as Canadian Odeon was being absorbed into the Cineplex Odeon corporate structure. Landmark thereby established a stronger presence across western Canada and became one of the country's significant regional cinema operators. A further stage of consolidation occurred in late 2013. Landmark acquired 23 theatres from Empire Theatres in Ontario and western Canada. Several additional locations were associated with the transition, including theatres in Kanata and Whitby that were intended for sale to Cineplex Entertainment, as well as Ottawa's World Exchange Plaza theatre. Landmark managed World Exchange Plaza from November 1 through December 31, 2013, after which the lease expired. The former Empire sites reopened under Landmark branding on November 1, following Empire's final operating night on October 31. The acquisition included five IMAX screens and temporarily increased Landmark's reported network to 54 locations and 359 screens, making it Canada's second-largest cinema chain after Cineplex. Landmark's operating model combines conventional first-run movie exhibition with differentiated seating and premium presentation. Some theatres provide reserved leather recliners at no additional charge, while selected auditoriums offer paid Premiere Seats with additional privacy and comfort features. The company has also operated premium formats under several names. Extra Experience used a Barco 2K projector, custom 7.1 surround sound, and upgraded seating. Xtreme, offered at West Kelowna, used Dolby Atmos. Laser Ultra, developed within the Kinepolis system, combines a Barco laser projector with Dolby Atmos and was first introduced at Landmark's Shawnessy location in Calgary in 2019. Some former Extra auditoriums were later converted to Laser Ultra. In September 2017, Kinepolis announced its agreement to acquire Landmark for C$123 million. The transaction was completed on December 8, 2017, and Landmark became part of Kinepolis Group, while continuing to operate as a Canadian consumer-facing cinema brand. Under Kinepolis ownership, the chain continued investment in premium presentation, including a 2023 announcement concerning the conversion of its IMAX sites to IMAX with Laser. Landmark's portfolio and screen count have changed over time as locations were added, closed, transferred, or removed from operation; reference material describes a later network of 36 theatres and 299 screens.

• 2023

  IMAX with Laser upgrades announced

  [1]Landmark Cinemasen.wikipedia.org

  Landmark and Kinepolis announced plans to upgrade the chain's IMAX locations to IMAX with Laser.

• 2019

  Laser Ultra introduced at Shawnessy

  [1]Landmark Cinemasen.wikipedia.org

  Landmark introduced Kinepolis's Laser Ultra premium format at its Shawnessy cinema in Calgary.

• 2017

  Kinepolis acquisition completed

  [1]Landmark Cinemasen.wikipedia.org

  Kinepolis completed its acquisition of Landmark Cinemas for C$123 million.

• 2015

  Extra auditorium opened in Winnipeg

  [1]Landmark Cinemasen.wikipedia.org

  Landmark opened an Extra auditorium in Winnipeg.

• 2013

  Empire Theatres acquisition completed

  [1]Landmark Cinemasen.wikipedia.org

  Landmark acquired most of Empire Theatres' Ontario and western Canadian locations. The acquired theatres reopened as Landmark Cinemas on November 1.

• 2010

  Extra auditorium introduced in Waterloo

  [1]Landmark Cinemasen.wikipedia.org

  The premium auditorium later associated with Landmark's Extra Experience format opened at the Waterloo location under the Empire Extra name.

• 1984

  Canadian Odeon assets acquired

  [1]Landmark Cinemasen.wikipedia.org

  Landmark acquired most of Canadian Odeon Theatres' Alberta and British Columbia assets during the consolidation of Canadian Odeon into Cineplex Odeon.

• 1974

  Landmark name adopted

  [1]Landmark Cinemasen.wikipedia.org

  The Landmark Cinemas umbrella identity was adopted for holdings associated with Towne Cinemas, Rokemay Cinemas, and some May Theatres after the acquisition of Rothstein Theatres.

A Canadian multiplex operator positioned around broad theatrical film access, convenient regional coverage, reserved recliner seating, and premium large-format cinema experiences.

• Cinema exhibition

  Regular cinema auditoriums

  Landmark's standard auditoriums screen first-run theatrical films and form the core of the chain's multiplex business. Revenue is supported by ticket sales, concessions, and related promotional programs.

• Premium large-format cinema

  IMAX

  Landmark has operated five IMAX digital screens, including one in Calgary and four in Ontario at Kingston, Waterloo, Kanata, and Whitby. The sites were inherited through earlier cinema portfolios, and an agreement announced in 2023 provided for upgrades to IMAX with Laser.

• Premium large-format cinema · 2019

  Laser Ultra

  Laser Ultra is a premium format associated with Kinepolis that combines a Barco laser projector, Dolby Atmos sound, reserved seating, and an enhanced auditorium environment. Landmark first introduced it at Shawnessy in Calgary in 2019.

• Premium large-format cinema · 2010

  Extra Experience

  Extra Experience auditoriums use upgraded seating, a Barco 2K projector, and custom 7.1 surround sound. The format began as Empire Extra at Waterloo and was subsequently deployed at selected Landmark locations, although some auditoriums were later replaced by Laser Ultra.

• Premium large-format cinema

  Xtreme

  Xtreme is a premium auditorium format at the West Kelowna location. It is comparable to Extra Experience but uses Dolby Atmos sound.

• Seating experience

  Reserve, Recline, Relax

  This seating proposition provides reserved seating with leather recliners at selected Landmark locations. The recliners were manufactured by Winnipeg-based Palliser Furniture.

• Premium seating

  Premiere Seats

  Premiere Seats are paid premium seats available in selected auditoriums. Features may include paired or grouped seating, privacy screens, coat hooks, side tables, adjustable headrests, and heating.

• 2013Empire promotional-program transition

  Ontario · Western Canada

  Following the Empire Theatres acquisition, Landmark carried over selected Empire promotional offers, including Reel Deal Tuesdays and a University/College Student Combo, although availability varied by location.

  Outcome. The promotions helped preserve continuity for customers during the conversion of the acquired theatres to Landmark branding.

  Source

• 2023

  IMAX with Laser upgrade programGeneration change

  Background

  Kinepolis and Landmark sought to modernize the presentation technology at Landmark's IMAX locations.

  Action taken

  The companies announced an agreement to upgrade the relevant IMAX screens to IMAX with Laser.

  Source

• 2017

  Sale to KinepolisM&A

  Background

  Landmark pursued a sale to an international cinema exhibitor as part of the continuing consolidation of the movie-theatre industry.

  Action taken

  Kinepolis agreed to acquire Landmark for C$123 million and completed the transaction on December 8, 2017.

  Aftermath

  Landmark became a Canadian operating brand within Kinepolis Group.

  Acquisition consideration. C$123 million (2017 acquisition)

  Source

• 2013

  Acquisition of former Empire Theatres locationsM&A

  Background

  Empire Theatres was exiting operations in Ontario and western Canada, creating an opportunity for Landmark to expand beyond its existing regional footprint.

  Action taken

  Landmark acquired 23 theatres and later added or managed additional associated locations, reopening the principal acquired sites under its own brand on November 1, 2013.

  Aftermath

  The transaction made Landmark Canada's second-largest cinema chain at the time and added five IMAX screens to its portfolio.

  Source

1. 1Landmark Cinemasen.wikipedia.org