A special ceremony Wednesday kicked off the opening weekend of Cinemark’s new eight-screen movie theater at Spring Hill Mall.

Visitors to the invitation-only event could watch a free movie and experience the state-of-the-art elements of the new 37,000-square-foot theater, including luxury recliners, enhanced sound systems and wall-to-wall screens in each auditorium. Refreshments and snacks from the full-service concession stand were also available.

The West Dundee theater opens to the public today, commencing one phase of a roughly $50 million redevelopment project that officials hope will breathe life back into the mall and its surrounding properties.

Other renovation plans include a new outdoor plaza, free-standing buildings for restaurants and retail, and a new mall wing with outward-facing stores.