Last Thursday, for the first time in 12 years, I set foot inside the New Farm Cinemas. It was as if I had been transported in a time machine. The revamped Purple Room cinema looked almost exactly the same as I remembered it – complete with fresh seats and carpets.
There’s nothing functionally wrong with the big Event/Hoyts multiplexes but the New Farm Cinemas have a history, a charm that it almost impossible to replicate. You only need to step inside the Purple Room cinema to see what I’m talking about. It was a pleasure to be invited along to the cinema opening and the Queensland premiere of Guardians Of The Galaxy. A few photos from the night can be found below.
There are currently two cinemas in operation – the Purple Room (which seats about 200) and the intimate Bronze Room (which seats about 30). There’ll be six screens in total when the revamp is fully complete next year.
The opening seems to have sparked a price war that might entice those with shallower pockets. Tickets at the New Farm Cinemas are just $11.50 for adults (with an extra $2 surcharge for 3D films). If you join their movie club (which costs just $16.50 per year), tickets only $9.50!
The Palace Centro and Palace Barracks – two close competitors – have responded by dropping their top ticket price from $17 to $11. That’s a permanent change too. Hopefully the competition isn’t too fierce as I’d like to be able to see all the above mentioned cinemas putting bums on seats and making some cash.
The New Farm Cinemas are licenced and also offer light meals, pizzas, gelato and brownies (in addition to normal popcorn, drinks and confectionary). You can check out more by visiting their website at http://newfarmcinemas.com.au/. Hopefully I’ll see you there!
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