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The twinning of the Capri was insufficient to arrest falling cinema attendances, the growth in popularity of the
video market was the major contributor to the decline. The original Lyric/Gapri (Cinema 1) was closed in June
1980. This space was converted into a shopping area along with the foyer space for Cinema 2 {the surviving
screen); the complex was completed in May 1981 and was renamed the Capri Centre (5). Access to the
Cinema was now via a new entrance around the corner in Stewart St. (through the side wall of the former
Capri).

In 1988 the McMillans sold the Capri Centre and the cinema business to the Sali Brothers. The upturn in the
film industry encouraged the Sali's to build a second screen. This time it was built above a car park next door,
at 90 degrees to the original Capri building. A new foyer to service both cinemas was constructed in what was
void space within the original Capri auditorium. This new Cinema 2 opened on 21 December, 1990 and seated
319. It is equipped with a Bauer U3 projector fitted with a 1.6kw. Xenon lamp house. aLP 270 Platter. a Dolby
CP55 sound processor. The Bauer, originally fitted with a larger 4 kw. lamp. was sourced from the Golden
Drive-In (Bendigo). This equipment is remote controlled by means of a Village Ezymation automated system.
Both Cinemas use Hokushin slide projectors.

During 1992 the original Cinema 2 (now called Cinema 1) was refurbished with new carpets and 188 seats
(formerly 215 seats).

In recent years the Capri has been associated with Village Theatres, film booking and advertising being under-
taken through the Village chain.

1966 CAPRI OPENING - COVER OF SOUVENIR PIROGRAMME

Various architects have been involved with the design and alteration of the Lyric/Capri over the years:-

Lyric [1924] Mr. Hugh Philp, Queen St. Melbourne.
Lyric [1938] Mr. R. Le Poer Terry, Little Collins St., Melbourne.
Capri [1966] R.G. Monsborough & Assoc., 45 Grey St., East Melb.
Capri Twin [1976] R.G. Monsborough & Assoc.
Capri Twin [1992] Barry Adams Architects, Shepparton

REFERENCES:
(1) New Lyric- Souvenir Programme: 1924 opening.
(2) New Lyric - Souvenir Programme: Introduction of Talkies, 1930.
(3) New Lyric- Souvenir Programme: 1938 rebuild.
(4) Capri- Souvenir Programme: 1966 opening.
(5) Capri Centre Special Feature- Shepparton News April1981 .

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