Film fans literally flew into Cheshire’s new IMAX screen as a Mission: Impossible style zip-wire was installed at the Cheshire Oaks venue.
Visitors to the Vue cinema on the Coliseum Leisure Park leapt at the opportunity to earn free tickets and cinema refreshments by braving a 9.2m high zip line inspired by Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, the first film to be showing in the state-of-the-art new IMAX theatre at Vue.
More than 80 daredevils made their action-packed entrance from the top of the zip wire outside the cinema each armed with IMAX tickets, popcorn and drinks and being allowed to keep whatever they successfully clung onto during the high-speed descent.
The contest was inspired by the film’s thrilling scene in which Tom Cruise and Rebecca Ferguson’s characters make an airborne escape from the Vienna State Opera.
The event also paid homage to Ellesmere Port racer Jenny Tinmouth who was a stunt double for Ferguson in some of the film’s amazing motorcycle action sequences.
Among the zip wirers was Linda Borowski , 56, from nearby Stanney Grange.
“It’s my 56th birthday today and I only came here to buy a pair of shoes, the next thing I knew I was flying through the air”, said Linda.
“My grandkids were doing it and managed to convince me. I got up there and didn’t look down, just let go – it was so scary, I’m still shaking but glad I did it.
“I like Tom Cruise so good to feel like I’m following in his footsteps!”
Tony Bywood, general manager of Vue Cheshire Oaks commented: “We are delighted to launch the new IMAX screen and what better way to celebrate than to provide our customers with a thrilling opportunity to win tickets.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more action-packed movie to debut on this incredible screen and we’ve been thrilled to see so many local film fans rise to the challenge”.
The brand new IMAX theatre, now open, includes an advanced projection system and a floor-to-floor, wall-to-wall curved screen measuring 57ft wide and 33ft high, making it the largest screen in Cheshire.
