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!