Tuesday, December 25, 2012

New Year Special: Cinemas in Bangkok, Thailand

It's Christmas!

As the year comes to an end and another begins, we explore some movie theatres in the city of Bangkok, Thailand and attempt to spot the similarities and differences between those in Singapore. The cinemas there are generally new, well equipped and offer the latest international blockbusters (though release dates and language may differ). In some of the cinemas in slightly high-end shopping malls, such as the one featured immediately after, prices are generally similar to Singapore. Shows are shown in digital 2D, 3D and in some theatres, in IMAX.

Cinema in Siam Paragon, Bangkok which is equipped with 3D and IMAX theatre

Interesting feature - automated ticketing machines. 
These allow you to choose your own seats as well as a seating plan will be shown on the screen when buying tickets.
As shown below, the machines can be operated in English or in Thai.
"Please select a language"
And there are many machines in each cineplex so patrons don't need to queue for too long.
And in fact there aren't anyone queueing for them, at that moment at least.

Payment can be made by cash card or credit card.
Tickets are printed on the spot.

The walkway to theatres.

As seen below, cinemas enforce stricter security measures for both safety and copyright considerations. 
In the cinema depicted below, patrons are subject to 
security screening by means of the metal detector gate.
And as expected outside food are prohibited.

Very comfy sofas for patrons who are waiting for their movie.
They even come with popcorn and drinks holders. 

The concession counters.

A priority lane, present in Singapore as well. 
With white floors and posters above the ticketing and concession counters, the design of this box office appears to resemble that of Filmgarde Bugis+.

And their popcorn are also either sweet or salted. 
Not sure if patrons can opt for a mixture of both flavours.

So how do the cinemas in Bangkok compare with that of Singapore?
It's all too difficult to compare.

Happy new year in advance!

Note: All photos contained within belong to singaporecinemas.blogspot.sg for blogging uses. Other than for the purposes of fair use, the author wishes to deny any unauthorised reproduction for commercial purposes and/or modification to the above content.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey opens 13 December

Theatrical release poster, which shows the protagonist Bilbo Baggins

Directed by Peter Jackson, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is an action film based on the novel The Hobbit. The plot revolves around the quest of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, to venture to the Lonely Mountain. This is the first instalment of the film series and two other films will be released in 2013 and 2014.

Catch the trailers for the film here:
Trailer 1 (CieonMovies, released Jan 30)
Trailer 2 (WarnerBrosPictures, released Sep 19)

Preliminary reviews have generally been positive and the film appears to be comparable to that of The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will open in Singapore cinemas on 13 December, in IMAX, 3D and conventional 2D format.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

3 cinemas to be opened in 2013

Movies are a popular past time for Singaporeans and the presence of 25 cinemas serving such a small population is testimony to its appeal. The year 2013 will see the opening of the following cinemas.


1. Cathay Jem

This cinema will be located at the new mall Jem which is expected to be open its doors in the second quarter of 2013. Located near Jurong East MRT station (where Shaw Theatres JCube is also at), the suburban retail mall - which would be the third largest of its kind in Singapore - is said to span six levels and house brands such as H&M, Uniqlo, Marks&Spencer and FairPrice Xtra.

  • Organisation: Cathay Cineplexes
  • Number of halls: 10 (to include two Platinum Movie Suites)
  • Total number of seats: 1800
  • Vicinity: Jurong East

2. Cathay West Mall

Located at level 5 of West Mall, the new cinema will replace the previous WE Cinemas West Mall which has since been closed.

  • Organisation: Cathay Cineplexes
  • Number of halls: to be announced
  • Total number of seats: to be announced
  • Vicinity: Bukit Batok

3. WE Cinemas Empress

This 10-screen cinema will be at Empress Square, a soon to be opened entertainment mall.

  • Organisation: WE Cinemas (by Eng Wah)
  • Number of halls: 10
  • Total number of seats: 1300
  • Vicinity: Clementi

With new cinemas springing up everywhere, it is likely that the cinema industry in Singapore will continue to prosper and the population can benefit from a wider selection and increased accessibility to movies!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Stolen opens 29 November



Starring Nicolas Cage (known for his work in Ghost Rider; National Treasure), this film revolves around "12 hours, $10 million and 1 kidnapped daughter" and, rather expectedly, involves the protagonist robbing a bank and evading custody. The 96 minute film opens in Singapore cinemas two months later than its initial release in US, where it performed less than satisfactory in terms of box office revenue in September - though of comparable budget to Frankenweenie which was released in Singapore two weeks earlier.

Stolen opens in Singapore theatres on 29 November.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 opens 22 Nov

The concluding instalment of The Twilight Saga film series will see the return of Kristen Stewart (as Bella Cullen), Robert Pattinson (as Edward Cullen) and Taylor Lautner (as Jacob Black) to the big screen for the last time.

Breaking Dawn part 2 official theatrical poster
The film is directed by Bill Condon (also the direction for Part 1 of the film) and lasts 116 minutes.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 opens in Singapore box offices and theatres island-wide on Thursday, 22 November.

On Wednesday, 21 November, a Twilight movie marathon was held at Shaw Theatres Lido in Orchard where the preceding four films are screened before the final one, lasting from 8am to 11.30pm.

List of The Twilight Saga films:

  • Twilight (121 mins)
  • The Twilight Saga: New Moon (130 mins) 
  • The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (124 mins)
  • The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (117 mins)
  • The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (116 mins)

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Frankenweenie opens 15 November


This film is the first of its kind to be released in IMAX 3D format, as it is produced by stop-motion animation (using many individual frames and putting them together) and is also shown in black-and-white. The plot centres around a boy Victor Frankenstein and his dog and the movie presents itself as part horror and part comedy. Frankenweenie opens on 15 November in IMAX, 3D and 2D format. The two IMAX theatres in Singapore are at Shaw Theatres Lido and JCube.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Filmgarde Cineplex Iluma

The independent cinema operator Filmgarde owns two cineplexes in Singapore – one in Iluma and the other in Kallang. The Filmgarde Iluma cineplex near Bugis MRT station houses 8 halls with a total of 1,400 seats.

Box office at Filmgarde Iluma with bright floors and interiors


Opened in 2009, the cineplex looks really new with very modern design and pleasant-looking surroundings. The box office and popcorn counters are on level 5, and patrons take the internal escalator to the cinema halls on level 6. Overall, there is generous leg room in the halls and comfortable seats. As with many other cinemas, it can be rather cold when air-con is on at full blast, so do remember to bring a jacket.

Address: Level 5, Iluma, Bugis 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067

Note: The Iluma mall has been renovated recently.

Friday, July 6, 2012

The Dark Knight Rises opens on 19 July

Sequel to Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, the third and concluding installment in the Batman film series will be released in Singapore a day before the US opening date. At a budget of US$250 million, the film will be 165 minutes long, with over an hour of footage being shot with IMAX cameras.

"A fire will rise"
The Dark Knight Rises in Singapore islandwide on 19 July, in IMAX and 2D theatres.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

The Amazing Spider-Man now in theatres

Theatrical poster
The Amazing Spider-Man opens in Singapore theatres on 29 June, 4 days ahead of the US release. It screens in IMAX, 3D and 2D theatres.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Prometheus opens in theatres 7 June

Distributed by 20th Century Fox, Prometheus is a science-fiction film set in the future. Following the discovery of a star map, the crew of the spaceship Prometheus sets out on a scientific expedition to follow the map and attempt to search for the origins of mankind, and in the process faces a threat which could potentially cause the extinction of the entire human race.

Theatrical release poster for "Prometheus"

Ridley Scott is both the director and producer for the film which stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Idris Elba, Logan Marshall-Green and Charlize Theron.

Prometheus is set to open in Singapore cinemas on 7 June in IMAX, 3D and 2D theatres.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted opens 7 June

The second sequel of the series produced by DreamWorks Animation, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted will be the first Madagascar film to be released in 3D format. The main characters in the animation film - Alex (the Lion), Marty (the Zebra), Melman (the Giraffe), and Gloria (the Hippopotamus) - tries to return to the city of New York after their escape to Africa. Instead, they landed up in Monte Carlo where they will have to flee from animal control led by Captain Chantel DuBois, and then joins an animal circus which tours several European cities, in the process bringing circus performance to a whole new level.

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

Hans Zimmer is the composer for the film's soundtrack. His other works include the soundtrack music for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises.

Madagascar 3 opens in Singapore theatres on 7 June in both 3D and 2D format.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Movie openings on 31 May

Snow White and the Huntsman

Theatrical release poster
 Starring:
  • Kristen Stewart (who played "Bella" in Twilight)
  • Charlize Theron (Academy Award winner who is also a cast in Prometheus which will open on 7 June)
  • Chris Hemsworth (who played "Thor" in Thor and The Avengers)
Directed by: Rupert Sanders
Budget: US$170 million

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Men In Black 3 opens on 24 May

Men In Black 3 is the third film in the MIB series, and sequel to Men in Black II (2002).


The blockbuster primarily stars Will Smith as Agent J and Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K, alongside other actors including Josh Brolin, Emma Thompson, Alice Eve and Jemaine Clement. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the film involves having Agent J to time-travel back to 1969 in an attempt to prevent Boris, an alien criminal, from assassinating Agent K.

Men In Black 3 opens in Singapore cinemas on 24 May 2012, in IMAX, 3D and 2D conventional theatres.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Review of WE Cinemas Suntec City

A movie theatre at WE Cinemas Suntec
WE Cinemas was formerly known as Eng Wah Cinemas until its recent re-branding in 2011. It has two cinemas in operation - Suntec and West Mall, while one at Empress (near Clementi) is due to be completed in 2013 together with the entertainment complex. WE Suntec is the newer of the two cinemas, as it underwent an extensive major renovation in 2011.

The first thing you would see is a big screen at the walkway entrance to the cinema made up of 9 TV screens which shows the latest movie trailers. Walk a bit more and you will step onto the soft light purple carpet of the box office area. Unlike other cinemas, WE Suntec does not have separate popcorn counters - the ticketing counter is the same as the popcorn counter, allowing you to get everything you need at one place. It's usually not very crowded and the queue is not long perhaps except for the peak hours, so it is generally quite a peaceful cinema for you to sit back and relax.

The 5 halls at WE Cinemas Suntec are all digital halls with 2K digital projectors, while two of the halls have 3D capabilities. It is worth noting that all of them have the same seating configuration - about 200 seats in each theatre with a middle aisle cutting through. They offer good elevation but slightly less legroom though. One thing I like about this cinema is that the seats look very new and clean each time you visit it, which definitely provides a good cinematic experience.

Just on a side note, since most patrons would sit along the aisle so that they would be at the middle of the screen, the blue lights which show the row and seat numbers are a bit too bright and glaring if you sit just beside the aisle. Because of the single aisle configuration it sort of shines at the opposite row. Not that it really that uncomfortable, but perhaps something for the management to think about.

Till next time!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

The Avengers ranks second of all-time US box office openings

Marvel's The Avengers Theatrical release poster

On its opening day on 4th May, Marvel's The Avengers achieved the 2nd best all-time opening at US$80.5 million in US and Canadian cinemas. This was just behind "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" which had a US$91.1 million first day opening at the box office. Noting that the film opened slightly earlier in other countries worldwide, it has reached US$414.8 million as of 4 May.

The American superhero blockbuster produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures was also well received by worldwide critics for its powerful storyline and special effects. The film also appears to receive much praise by local cinema-goers.

Marvel's The Avengers opened in Singapore cinemas on 1 May, in IMAX, 3D and conventional 2D theatres.

Monday, April 30, 2012

New renovated GV Jurong Point reopens 1 May

Golden Village Jurong Point will reopen tomorrow on Tuesday, 1 May 2012! Its opening on May Day also coincides with the opening of the blockbuster movie Marvel's The Avengers, which will dominate the movie screenings on that day, and will run in both digital and 3D format.

After the complete renovation, the 6 halls will be fully digital and feature wider legroom and better elevation. They are also equipped with the latest 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound system. To mark the much anticipated opening of the newly refurbished cinema, exciting re-opening day promotions have been lined up. They include free Magnum/Vitamin Water with tickets purchased and treats from Aunty Lucy!

With the recent opening of Shaw Theatres JCube at Jurong East, it seems like residents in the west now have a wider variety of choices and greater accessibility to theatres!

Address:
1 Jurong West Central, Jurong Point Shopping Mall, #03-25B/26, Singapore 649846
Nearest MRT station: Boon Lay (EW27)

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Photo: WE Cinemas Suntec City

Here's a photo taken at WE Suntec. A review is coming up on the next post.

One of the very new and well-conditioned halls at WE Suntec


Address:
WE Cinemas Suntec City
#03-051 Suntec City Mall (Tower 3), 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
(It's located just above Carrefour and next to the arcade)

Nearest MRT stations: Promenade/City Hall

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Battleship movie premium received!

Presenting to you... an exclusive Battleship replica cap!

Replica of the cap worn by the Battleship cast

The cap is labelled as for promotional purposes only

Theatrical poster for the movie Battleship
Battleship opened in theatres on 12 April 2012. Catch it in IMAX and 2D conventional theatres. Battleship is brought to us by Universal Studios and United International Pictures.

All photos by singaporecinemas.blogspot.com

Sunday, April 8, 2012

The Cathay Cineplex

The Cathay houses a total of 8 halls and 1700 seats. Situated near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, this flagship cinema of Cathay Cineplexes features The Grand Cathay and The Platinum Movie Suites. Cinema auditoriums are on level 6 while the box office, popcorn counters and Platinum Movie Suites are on level 5.

The impressive Hall 1 (The Grand Cathay)
If you happen to be watching a movie in Hall 1, there is sort of a unique "curtain opening show" before the trailers/advertisements begin screening. A recording welcoming you to the Grand Cathay is played followed by the opening of the curtain and unveiling of the slightly concave screen.

Address: Level 5, The Cathay, 2 Handy Road

Shaw Theatres Lido

Recently upgraded in May 2011 after a S$20 million major renovation, Shaw Theatres Lido now has 10 regular halls and Singapore's first digital IMAX theatre.

The iconic Shaw Theatres Lido

All 11 halls have stadium seating and they have a total capacity of 1960 seats. The IMAX theatre promises the "most immersive movie experience" through superior panoramic views, crystal clear images and brilliant surround sound.

The seating area and 8.2 x 2.7 metres Panasonic screen.
Halls 1, 2 and 3 are on level 6, with the rest on level 5.
The halls all feature ergonomic seats and headrests. 7 of the halls, including the IMAX theatre, are RealD 3D digital halls equipped with the latest Dolby Surround 7.1.

Some of the smaller halls seem to experience minor sound leakage though. Overall, the experience is as impressive as it looks.


Address: 350 Orchard Road, 5th/6th Floor, Shaw House, Singapore 238868