LINDSAY - By the end of September, movie goers in Lindsay may not recognize the Century Theatre in Lindsay at first - but in a good way.

Over the new few months, there will be massive changes in the local theatre, beginning with switching over to digital film.

The theatre will close Friday, June 29 to begin the process and reopen Friday, July 6.

Also current managers Bill Howell and Sheila Domenic will be stepping down and new manager Dave Dymond will be taking over.

Dymond, who has worked in and owned theatres for a total of 41 years, said the upgrade to digital video will offer an all-around better quality picture and sound.

"There is no downside to it," Dymond said.

In addition to to the new digital film and Dolby Digital Surround Sound, the theatre itself will go through a number of upgrades throughout the upcoming months.

Dymond said there would be new seats installed with more space in between for comfort.

Also there will be air conditioning installed in the main lobby.

Beginning in September, more upgrades will be made including a new sign, the lobby will be repainted and new carpet installed and the entire frontage of the theatre will be matched up with the lobby itself.

As well, there will be new LED flashing lights and a new snack bar.

"We are basically rebranding the theatre," Dymond said.

Steve Podolsky, who represents the landlord and now owner of the theatre, A&L Investments, said with digital they will also have the possibility of showing PPV specials and live concerts.

He also noted they would be able to bring in a wider range of films.

"Once you go digital you'll have access to just about anything," Podolsky said.

For the past 28 years, Dymond owned Empire Theatre in New Liskeard.

He said although he has only been in Lindsay for a short time, he has fallen in love with the town.

"I love the downtown I just love it," he said, nothing he feels Century is a "great theatre".

Dymond said he wanted to thank Podolsky and Shawn Marr of A&L as well as Howell and Domenic for their help as he gets started.

He also wanted to let customers know though that any existing gift cards will be accepted under the new management.

-dave.flaherty@sunmedia.ca