Toronto repertory theatre reopens with HD projection

One of Toronto's late, lamented revue cinemas reopens on Friday after a makeover.

The Royal Cinema, one of four neighbourhood repertory theatres that shut earlier this year after the death of the owner, has been taken over by Theatre D Digital.

The company plans to do post-production film work in four editing suites during the day and show movies in the evenings and on weekend afternoons.

The central Toronto cinema reopens to the public Friday with a screening of Canadian film Monkey Warfare, about two former revolutionaries whose livesare thrown out of kilter by the arrival of an attractive young would-be urban guerrilla.

Director Reg Harkema and actors Don McKeller and Nadia Litzare scheduled to introduce the film and answer questions after the screening.

Theatre D, whichalso owns the Regent cinema in Toronto,has equipped the Royal to show high definition and 35-millimetre film and installed a state-of-the-art sound system.

The plan is to restore the old charm of the original 1939 theatre, including upgrading seating, Theatre D spokeswoman Sarah Etherden said in an interview with CBC.ca.

The public programming at the Royal is still being worked out, said programming director Stacey Donen.

Canadian films, international films and some titles not in wide release will be shown, with local filmmakers invited occasionally to speak about their work.

The cinema will show shorts and participate in small film festivals.

The stage of the Royal also can be used for readings and music performances.

For now, entry to the cinemawill cost $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors, a little less than regular theatres, but the Royal may introduce a membership system next year.