Whitefish movie theater reopens

After weeks of closure for remodeling, Mountain Cinemas in Whitefish reopens today with "Polar Express" and "After the Sunset."

The two existing 200-seat theaters are now equipped with DTS digital sound.

Gary Dupuis, general manager for Polson Theatres Inc., said it's the first site in the 11-theater chain to upgrade to digital sound.

The lobby, restrooms and snack bar have all been redecorated in what Dupuis called the "Polson Theatres" theme.

"It's our seventh remodel," he said.

Mountain Cinemas is adding two new screens, which Dupuis said should be open before the busy Christmas season. The new auditoriums will have about 100 seats each and feature surround sound rather than digital equipment.

The Montana-owned and operated Polson Theatres owns nine theater locations in Montana, including facilities in Polson, Havre and Dillon, and two in Idaho.