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MOVIES
If you’re anything like me, you love your movies. Films are one of the contemporary world’s greatest art forms and heading to the cinema is eternally a gateway into a new, exciting, wonderful world. For a tremendous movie ‘buff’, Melbourne is a cinematic paradise, with no less than one hundred theatres showing the best that celluloid has to offer. So, when you stay at the CWA B&B, where to go when you want to catch a flick? Detailed below are my personal top five cinemas in Melbourne, based on comfort, film variety, surrounding environment and location: 5. Chadstone Shopping Centre (Hoyts) – in terms of variety, it’s difficult to surpass the sixteen screen Chadstone Cineplex. Showing a fantastic mix of independent and big-budget releases, Chadstone is also the home of Victoria’s biggest shopping centre, making it well worth a visit for any trip to Melbourne. To get to Chadstone, catch a number 8 ‘Moreland’ tram from stop 37 to stop 30, transfer to a ‘Pakenham’ or ‘Cranbourne’ train at South Yarra, get off at Oakleigh station and transfer to a number 862 bus to Chadstone. 4. Crown Casino (Village) – situated at Southbank along the Yarra River, Crown specialises in big-budget, commercial releases. While the surround sound system on all screens is the highlight for a dedicated movie-goer, Crown itself is also Melbourne’s premier entertainment venue. Restaurants, cafes, bars, shows and of course the casino itself make for a great day out in Melbourne. Grab the number 8 ‘Moreland’ tram from stop 37 to stop 14 before walking approximately 600 metres along the beautiful Southbank esplanade to Crown. Alternatively, catch a ‘city loop’ train from South Yarra to Southern Cross station and walk about 200 metres down Spencer St to Crown’s western entrance. 3. Melbourne Central (Hoyts) – located in the heart of the CBD, Melbourne Central is also a hub for the latest releases. Like Crown, it houses a magnificent surround sound system enhancing any movie going experience. ‘The Half-Pipe’ is also a unique Melbourne Central cinematic feature, allowing viewers to see selected movies in the comfort of a ‘bean-bag’ chair. While at Melbourne Central, check out the enormous array of stores, eateries and displays that this shopping centre has to offer. Catch a ‘city loop’ train from South Yarra station direct to Melbourne Central, before proceeding up to level three where the cinema awaits. 2. Rivoli (Village) – positioned in Camberwell, the Rivoli is both the geographical and spiritual home of Melbourne’s independent cinema community. Specialising in arthouse and foreign features, the variety on offer and comfort level of this theatre is unmatched anywhere in Victoria. A strong sense of history greets patrons from the moment they step through the doors of the converted stage-house. While it is a little trickier to get to than some of the other cinemas in this selection, it is well worth the trip for something more stimulating to the mind and the eye. Take a ‘Toorak’ bound number 8 tram from stop 37 to stop 43, transfer to a number 16 ‘Kew’ tram from stop 63 to stop 70 and then board a number 70 or 75 tram from stop 32 to stop 40. The Rivoli is about fifty metres away in Camberwell Road. 1. Jam Factory (Village) – in terms of location, comfort and an all round colourful, friendly atmosphere, it’s difficult to surpass the Jam Factory on Chapel Street. Offering a wide range of big budget releases and independent features, the Jam Factory is a movie lover’s heaven. The vibrant atmosphere and dominant tribute to cinematic history is on show immediately. The Jam Factory is also a great base for shopping and visiting some of Melbourne’s best restaurants and cafes. Simply catch a Number 8 ‘Moreland’ tram from stop 37 to stop 31 and walk about 200 metres down Chapel Street to arrive at the Jam Factory. Enjoy your movie going experience, wherever it may be. Ashley BraybonCWA B&B night duty person
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