Sunday, September 15, 2013

GV Grand @ Great World City to close for renovations

The Golden Village cinema premises at level 3 of Great World City (GV Grand) will go on renovation, starting from Monday, 16 September.

The cineplex features 6 halls including a Gold Class theatre. Hall 1 was previously named "megascreen" when it used to screen movies in IMAX format until 2004. Additionally, hall 6 is one of GV's biggest cinema halls in terms of seating capacity.

Other cinemas around the Orchard area include Shaw Lido, Cathay Cineleisure, The Cathay and GV Plaza.

Renovation works will last for a month. The new GV Grand is expected to be unveiled in October 2013.

GV Grand
1 Kim Seng Promenade,
#03-29 Great World City,
Singapore 237994

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Disney's Planes (movie) - from Cars to Planes

After the films in the Cars franchise - namely Cars (2006) and Cars 2 (2011) - and a lot of Lightning McQueen toys and merchandise, Disney takes flight from land to air to release the first film in the Planes trilogy.

Disney Pixar's Cars (2006)
Disney Pixar's Cars 2 (2011)
The film was released on 9 August in the United States. The character Dusty Crophopper (voiced by Dane Cook), an orange-top and white-bottom cropduster plane, is the protagonist in the 92-minute film. Clearly, the film was made with young children in mind. It has received some less than favourable reviews from professional critics, but is said to have gorgeous colours and amazing computer-generated imagery (as also seen in Cars 2) to keep the younger viewers entertained, and also for the young at heart.

A sequel, titled Planes: Fire & Rescue, has been confirmed and is expected to reach cinemas on July 18, 2014. A video game has also been released in conjunction with the film's opening, and some of our local cinemas have also introduced Planes-themed cups with toppers for its popcorn combo. If Planes would follow the success of the Cars franchise, perhaps soon there would be characters from Planes at the toy store and a bunch of merchandise to come.

Poster for Disney's Planes (opening in Singapore on 5 Sep)
"From above the world of Cars"

From above the world of Cars, Planes opens in Singapore theatres on Thursday, 5 September 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.