Sunday, September 1, 2013

Cathay Jem to open September 6 (new cinema)

The largest multiplex in the west will be unveiled from 6 September.

A roll up banner placed outside the premises of Cathay Jem 

Earlier, an image has been uploaded on the Cathay Cineplexes Facebook page which appears to feature the seating plan of a theatre in Cathay Jem - one that is larger than that of The Grand Cathay. The cinema at Jurong East has previously been forecast to open in August this year.

10 screens altogether
2 Platinum Movie Suites
6 September, Friday is stated as the opening date

50 Jurong Gateway Road, #05-04 Jem
Singapore 608549

Saturday, January 5, 2013

2013 most anticipated movie - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The most anticipated movie of the year, according to news sources, turns out to be The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

This second film in The Hunger Games trilogy will open in cinemas in November this year. Following the fairly successful release of "The Hunger Games" last year, this might not turn out as a surprise as movie-goers desire for more killing and action in the 75th Annual Hunger Games. The main cast are the same as the previous one, with Jennifer Lawrence taking the spotlight, playing Katniss Everdeen in the film; but this time Francis Lawrence takes over Gary Ross as director.

Catching Fire theatrical poster
This film is expected to be released in IMAX. Fans can expect two more films, in 2013 and 2014, as "Mockingjay" will be split into a two-part final instalment. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is scheduled for release in theatres in the United States on Friday, 22 November 2013.

Sources
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/03/entertainment-us-mostanticipated-idUSBRE9020CI20130103
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games:_Catching_Fire

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.