Visitors to a Norwich cinema this weekend could be forgiven for thinking they have made a wrong turn – to Hogwarts.
That is because the Odeon cinema on Norwich's Riverside complex has undergone an internal transformation as part of the arrival of the latest instalment in the Harry Potter series.
Bosses at the cinema are giving film fans in Norwich the chance to experience Platform 9� as part of a bid to help immerse themselves in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
The film, which opens today, has seen the state of the art Imax auditorium at screen seven renamed Platform 9�, with film fans having to walk through the platform wall to get into the screen showing the film.
The transformation, which will remain in place until November 24, is hoped to add a little extra magic to the film-going experience throughout the much-anticipated movie's first week.
Justin Holmes, general manager of the Imax auditorium at Odeon Norwich said: 'We are delighted to be able to offer film fans across Norwich this state-of-the-art, immersive cinema experience.
'We can't wait to welcome guests through the Platform doors to witness Harry Potter in the highest quality and with a whole host of exciting films on the horizon, there's a lot more to look forward to.'
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the first of a two part adventure, is a film based on the seventh and final of the Harry Potter novels written by JK Rowling. The book was released on 21 July 2007, ending the series that began in 1997 with the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
It will chronicle the events directly following Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005), and leads to the long-awaited final confrontation between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort.
The film, which has made stars of Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, has not only been eagerly awaited by fans of the franchise but cinema bosses too.
As well as the transformation of the Odeon on Riverside there will be other events taking place in the city to celebrate its release.
To celebrate the film's opening night Hollywood cinema in Anglia Square are teaming up with Radio Norwich for a meet and greet night.
Staff from Radio Norwich will dress up as wizards and warlocks to meet and greet cinema goers coming to see the film.
But Trevor Wickes, who runs Hollywood cinemas, is also expecting film fans to dress up in costume themselves.
Meanwhile bosses at Cinema City and Vue cinemas in Norwich are also gearing up for a busy weekend with many showings of the film already sold out and the remaining tickets expected to be sold soon.
For more about the film and for information about what's on at the cinema this weekend, log on to www.eveningnews24.co.uk and click on What's On and see our Going Out magazine, free with the Evening News tonight.
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