Header image courtesy of AMC Cinemas
Cinemas certainly offer something wholly unparalleled to regular film-watching. As much as you enjoy curling up on your ultra-comfy sofa at home and binge-watching the endless options on Netflix, you can’t deny that going to the cinema offers a one-of-a-kind experience only possible within the four walls of the screening theatre. Hong Kong certainly has no shortage when it comes to silver screens. But admit it, sometimes you can’t help but whine, “I’ve been to this cinema before”—when in fact they’re two different ones—or “I’m so fed up with the popcorn and soft drinks they offer.”
Worry not; we’ve searched around town to bring to you five of the best cinema experiences in Hong Kong. Whether you’re an avid movie-goer who’s looking for the ultimate cinematic experience or a couple wanting to splurge on a special occasion, shun the clichés and take note for your next movie night out. Let’s bid farewell to Netflix and Hulu (for the time being).
[pro_ad_display_adzone id="73367"]
Photo courtesy of The Oval Office
The Oval Office
Named after the official office of the President of the United States, the Oval Office is a VIP cinema house in AMC Pacific Place—so you know you’re to be treated with presidential reverence in there. With a hefty ticket price of around $300 per person, it offers its guests many high-end privileges, including a private lounge that serves a free-flow of light refreshments, like snacks and selective alcohol. If you’re craving for more, pay extra to get made-to-order meals from their exquisite French restaurant Plat du Jour, such as the palatable
Beer-Battered Solo Fillet ($240).
As you head into the intimate theatre featuring a total of just 18 seats, be ready to lean back and unwind in the comfiest leather recliner, replete with user-friendly service buttons for you to order food and drinks any time throughout the film. This luxurious cinema experience ensures that guests are met with top-notch services. Why not treat yourself after a long and winding workday?
Highlight: The exquisite food and beverages
Oval Office, AMC Pacific Place, Level 1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong | (+852) 2265 8933
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
UA iSquare
Back in 2007, UA was the first cinema chain to incorporate ultra-large screen formats in town. Its branch in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, iSquare, is notable for housing one of Hong Kong’s four IMAX screens. Decked out in seven theatres with a whopping total of 822 seats, it is perfect for viewing intense actions flicks and 3D epics—like the recently-released
Fast & Furious instalment and
The Lion King live-action remake.
Offering crisp cinematic experience, its tickets range from $100 to $200—a great deal in terms of IMAX screenings. Here’s a little tip: for the best immersive experience, buy tickets from Row H to Row K, since that’s where the screen draws out the best visual surroundings. But of course, the subtitles will also be more in-your-face. If the idea of intrusive translations makes you fret, the safer choice is from Row K to Row O, which ensures a view of every element in the screen immaculately without having to level up or lower down your head.
Highlight: Ultra-large and immersive IMAX screens
UA iSquare, 7/F, iSQUARE, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | +(852) 3918 5888
Photo courtesy of Broadway
PALACE ifc
An exceptional viewing experience also manifests in its sound system, as it draws the audience into the film. Situated in the hub of Central is PALACE ifc, the first cinema in town to install the three-way DTS:X, a top-notch immersive sound system. Taking surround sound up a notch, it aims to deliver greater realism than older formats and pinpoint each sound to its location. Don’t get flustered if the car seems to be crashing from front to rear or an explosion is jarring overhead—it’s all part of the experience. To make the whole screening better, there’s even a wine bar inside the lounge, where you can pick up some alcoholic drinks to bring with you into the movie. That’s slick!
Highlight: Top-notch sound system
PALACE ifc, Podium L1, ifc Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central | +(852) 2388 6268
Photo courtesy of U Lifestyle
The Metroplex
Housed within the iconic Kowloon International Trade & Exhibition Centre (KITEC) is The Metroplex, a state-of-the-art multiplex which aims to reinvigorate Hong Kong’s cinema scene. Equipped with imposing 4K digital projectors and Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound, the nine-screen complex also boasts three 20-seat VIP theatres—ideal for private screenings and when you’d like to cosy up with your significant other. The ticket for the VIP theatre is $220 per person and the rental price for the whole room is $20,000, which includes the minimum charges for food and beverage that comes with a “chef’s choice” tailor-made menu.
The independent movie house also shows a wide range of films from Hollywood blockbusters, local and independent films, to international award-winning pictures that guarantee to fit at least one discerning taste of yours. As the long-term partner of Sundance Institute, it is going to host the Sundance Film Festival in the coming September.
Highlight: Diverse range of films shown; private screenings for groups
The Metroplex, G/F, E-Max, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay | +(852) 2620 2200
Photo courtesy of MOViE MOViE Cityplaza
MOViE MOViE Cityplaza
MOViE MOViE is a stylish concept cinema at Cityplaza, developed from Hong Kong’s only international art-house movie channel of the same name. Combining culture and lifestyle, the theatre deploys a warm tone in its décor, embellished by wood and shiny brass. As you walk into the venue, embrace the tranquil (and frankly, quite high-end) vibe coming right at you. Better still, movie-goers can visit the House by Kubrick—a cultural art space named after the cinephile Stanley Kubrick. It boasts a polished café offering hand-made coffee, spirits, craft beer, some seriously good baked goods, and a bookstore selling film-related books and souvenirs—perfect for hanging out with your friends before or after the movie.
With the MM Moments VIP House that serves up to 16 guests, it also puts on an eclectic range of film programming ranging from film festival screenings, re-runs of classics, and theatrical performances encompassing National Theatre Live and Bolshoi Ballet. MOViE MOViE is something of a cinema tour de force in the 852.
Highlight: Ace combo of culture and lifestyle
MOViE MOViE Cityplaza, 5/F, Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Road, Tai Koo | +(852) 2388 0002
Read More! Check out the latest stories on
Cinema & TV around Hong Kong.
[button color=“#008BD2” size="medium" link="https://localiiz.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=c2964a434922598f5d8ee53ff&id=07d327a2e8" icon="" target="true"]Subscribe to receive our weekly newsletter[/button]
