Oman 3rd city gets new megaplex - Does new cinema distribution models effect world culture?

At times when looking at the biggest and best that the movie industry has to offer, it is interesting to read about a place where cinema is still the early stages of cultural integration. Sur is Oman’s third largest city and although I believe there are options for people to go to the cinema in or around Sur, this new two screen multiplex is touted to bring a new experience to people who are ‘starved for entertainment’.

The article goes on to state that due to the city’s infrastructure development combined with the new Hollywood practice of simultaneous worldwide distribution, the public are now more than every excided by the prospect of the cinema and less worried by the safety issues of leaving the house for entertainment.

So, cinema and culture are intrinsically linked with not only technology but urban development, an idea we in major western cities perhaps take for granted. Also, as Hollywood battles piracy though releasing its tent poles around the world in a matter of weeks, it is worth questioning the psychological impact this collective global viewing experience has on people in developing countries.  What I mean is; when a person in Oman sees Pirates of the Caribbean at the same time as those in NYC, there is a sense of jointly participating in a cultural experience. Does this bring the two worlds closer? Is this further solidifying western hegemony?  Good or bad. I do feel there is a connection that has cultural impact worthy of noting on both sides.