THE finishing touches are being put in place for Witney’s new cinema.

The five screens of Cineworld, in Marriotts Close, Welch Way, have been installed — including two 3D screens — ready for its opening on Thursday, October 29.

Members of the public will be able to view films such as Up in 3D and Fantastic Mr Fox on Friday, October 30.

General manager Rob Steere said: “We are literally a shot away from being able to open it.

“Practically, we just need to get the staff in and the stock in, that’s what we are waiting for — if you cleared out the builders’ stuff, you could watch a film.

“It’s safe to say it’s bang on schedule.”

It will be the second cinema in the town which already has the Screen At The Square in the Corn Exchange.

Cineworld's largest screen seats 272 people and Mr Steere said that viewers would be able to see films using the latest technology. He said: “What this is going to bring to Witney is really a good chance to view the cinema product that’s out at the moment, we have made the effort to get hold of the latest technology.

“We will open with 3D in two of the screens and all of our screens are digital.

“We are going to make sure that we show a good range of films, it won’t just be the blockbusters but some more out-of-house stuff.”

He added: “We are one of only two Cineworld cinemas to have entirely digital equipment. The majority of cinemas in the UK operate with 35mm projectors.”

A new system of purchasing tickets with sweets and drinks will be introduced at the Witney cinema, with two machines for buying just tickets.

The 21 members of staff are undergoing their three weeks of training — one week of theory in The Marlborough Hotel, Witney, one week in another Cineworld and then one week on site.