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Header image courtesy of Movie Movie Cityplaza (via Facebook)
Originally published by Gigi Wong. Last updated by Shania Siu.
After months of closed doors, UA Cinemas announced that they would cease operations in March 2021. Saddening news for cinephiles all over the city, but it has prompted a massive shift in the operation of cinemas in Hong Kong, as other operators began to fill in for old UA theatres and take the time to renovate their existing ones.
With cinemas re-opening this past February, Hongkongers are fortunate to still be able to enjoy local and foreign films alone or with friends (with proper social distancing, of course). Whether you feel like treating yourself to a luxurious cinema experience or if you are simply tired of watching Netflix on your small laptop or television screen at home, here are some of the best cinemas in Hong Kong for you to visit.
Nothing says fancy like a spiral staircase and a stunning view of the city’s busiest district. Emperor Cinemas at the Entertainment Building in Central also boasts a VIP theatre named the Coronet, which is equipped with 12 wide and comfortable recliner sofas. VIP tickets cost $290 each, and they come with a set gourmet meal and in-seat serving (though the meal service is currently suspended due to the pandemic).
Fortunately, movie-goers can still enjoy their set meals before or after the film from the spacious balcony while sipping on a cocktail, amongst other fine drinks. Other theatre houses also have lavish leather seats, with tickets to be had for as low as $70 per person. Next time you feel tired of shopping around in Central and want to enjoy a film while being comfortably seated indoors, come to the Entertainment Building for a great time.
Emperor Cinemas, 3/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road Central, Central | (+852) 2522 2996
Complete with a VIP theatre and five other large cinemas, the photos speak for themselves—Movie Movie at Pacific Place provides guests with top-notch services. For the ultimate intimate theatre experience, check out The Oval Office within Movie Movie, named after the official office of the President of the United States, so you know you’ll be treated with presidential reverence in there. Each ticket is priced at $250 and all 16 seats available are leather recliners with two armrests each, so rest assured that you can keep both to yourself during the film.
For those looking for a more affordable cinema experience, you can also head to its MM Plus theatre, equipped with a next-level AuroMax 3D sound system. On that note, why not treat yourself after a long and winding workday?
Movie Movie, Level 1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty | (+852) 2265 8933
Similar to Movie Movie at Pacific Place, the Cityplaza version of Movie Movie is a stylish concept cinema, developed by Hong Kong’s only international arthouse film channel of the same name. Combining culture and lifestyle, the gorgeous theatre deploys a warm tone in its décor, embellished by wood and shiny brass.
As you walk into the venue, embrace the tranquil (and deliciously high-end) vibe coming right at you. Better still, visitors can head to the House by Kubrick—a cultural art space named after auteur filmmaker Stanley Kubrick—which boasts a polished café offering coffees, spirits, craft beer, some seriously good baked items, and a bookstore selling film-related books and souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot for hanging out with your friends before or after a movie.
With the MM Moments VIP House that serves up to 16 guests, Movie Movie also puts on an eclectic range of film programming ranging from film festival screenings, re-runs of classics, and theatrical performances encompassing the National Theatre Live and Bolshoi Ballet. Movie Movie is something of a cinema tour de force in the 852.
Movie Movie, 5/F, Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Road, Tai Koo | (+852) 2388 0002
Emperor Cinemas at The Lohas was opened to the public in late 2020 to great fanfare. Designed with a refreshing colour palette that highlights shades of beige and green, this cinema house looks and feels luxurious, to say the least. In addition to its elegant design, each house is kitted out with Sony 4K laser projectors and Dolby 7.1 sound systems, offering Tseung Kwan O residents and movie lovers from near and far a well-rounded cinema experience.
Although we may have to wait a while before buying from their snack bar, they offer a mouth-watering selection that includes black truffle cheeseburgers, popcorn chicken, cheese hot dogs, and even vegetarian burgers and hot dogs!
Emperor Cinemas, L4, The Lohas, 1 Lohas Park Road, Tseung Kwan O | +(852) 2522 2996
An exceptional viewing experience also manifests itself in an exceptional sound system, as it draws the captivated audience into the immediateness of a film. Situated in the hub of Central is Palace IFC, the first cinema in Hong Kong to install the three-way DTS:X, a truly immersive sound system. Redefining what it means to be at a cinema with surround sound, Palace IFC aims to deliver greater realism than older formats and pinpoint each sound to its location. What’s more, their houses feature vibrating seats, so don’t get too flustered if the ground feels like it’s shaking or if a massive explosion goes off above your head—it’s all part of the experience!
Palace IFC, Podium L1, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central | +(852) 2388 6268
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