Dark night over for UAE Batman fans

(AP)

Published Saturday, August 18, 2012

By Sneha May Francis

Christopher Nolan’s epic Batman series has finally risen after suffering a minor setback on Friday following a technical snag at the IMAX screening.

All shows on Friday were cancelled with the movie showcaser Grand Cinemas offering a full refund to the tickets.

The issue was resolved within the day, with all shows resuming from 9am on Saturday.

“The issue was resolved last night and all screenings to ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ have resumed,” confirmed Andy Fordham of the Grand Cinemas.

The update was also posted on their official Facebook page.

“GREAT NEWS. After 5 hours on the phone with IMAX in CANADA we have resolved the problem affecting all IMAX sessions today. We have been testing for last one hour and all is back to normal with the sound. The next session at 9.15pm will run as normal,” wrote Andy.

Soon after the issue surfaced, Grand Cinemas used their social media network to report about how their IMAX projection system suffered a technical fault at 3am on August 17.

“We are flying in an IMAX technician from UK who is bringing the part to fix the problem tonight. All things going to plan then we will be up and running again less than 24 hours after the fault occurred,” wrote Fordham.

The customers who had booked for the Friday shows were offered three options – a full refund plus a free regular ticket, partial refund of Dh25 plus a regular ticket to ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ on Friday and a free regular ticket, or a transfer to another IMAX show plus a voucher for free regular movie.

Although the issue spoilt the plans of many eager Batfans, the audience was forgiving. “Was sitting in the hall waiting for the movie to start at 3.30 am...bt yeah can't help it...technical faults...no one to blame!” facebooked Cibby Cherian .

The back-up plan was also appreciated. “Guys you did the best that you could..you are true amazing dealer with customer satisfaction :D,” Mohammed Slaiman.

“Excellent customer service guys! others should learn from you!:)” Grace Florence

Some customers, however, weren’t as lucky.

Cleona Godinho-Pathak posted on facebook that the ticketing officer was confused and refunded them Dh25 each for 4 IMAX tickets plus the tickets for another IMAX show.

“However, we did not get four free tickets to use for another movie as you mentioned in the posting above. How and where do we get these?”

The Christian Bale-starrer Batman tale had already witnessed a month-long delay in its release as local distributers did not wish to showcase it during the holy month of Ramadan.

MUST READ:

It's Aishwarya Rai versus Sushmita Sen yet again...