Going to a cinema can be so much more than simply sitting in a dark room with strangers and staring at a giant screen. Now it can entail a butler, a glass of wine, ample legroom and cuddle time with your boo — if you’re willing to cough up the coin, that is. Cinema operators try to outdo each other in offering a blockbuster experience through high-class theatres located at leading malls, the latest being Emprive Cineclub on the fifth floor of The Emporium. This week we present you with a side-by-side comparison of the most hi-so cinemas in Thailand — in alphabetical order — to help you decide where to get the biggest bang for your baht.
Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Screens
(5/F, Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon, Rama I Road, BTS Siam; 02-129-4635)
Setting: There are three theatres, with 32, 38 and 72 seats, respectively. Enjoy a glass of wine at Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge before the movie.
Budget: B1,000 per person; B1,800 for two.
Seating: Sit back and relax in recliner chairs. There’s a table for every seat in the 32-seat and the 38-seat theatres. Hide your face behind a provided blanket during extra-scary scenes.
F&B: The ticket price includes a butter cream cake or a muffin with coffee or tea from Starbucks. You can choose something else of similar value, if you want. Pay extra for popcorn.
Bonus Features: If you’re early, get a 15-minute neck and shoulder or foot massage before you go in. Don’t eat too much before going into the theatre, though, or you might fall asleep.
BSC Diamond Screens
(5/F, Esplanade Cineplex, The Esplanade, Ratchadaphisek Road, MRT Thailand Cultural Centre Exit 3; 02-354-2133)
Setting: There are two theatres, each with 38 seats. Posh perks include pre-movie access to the lounge area and automatic massage chairs.
Budget: B600 per person; B1,200 for two.
Seating: Each theatre has 19 pairs of leather recliners. Each pair is divided from the others by an upholstered partition on the back and sides, allowing for some privacy. Blankets and pillows are also available.
F&B: Ticket price includes a soft drink and snack. Pay extra for popcorn.
Bonus Features: The partition should provide opportunity for couples to show some PDA. Keep it clean(ish).
Embassy Diplomat Screens
(6/F, Central Embassy, Phloenchit Road, BTS Phloenchit or Chidlom; 02-160-5999)
Setting: On your way in, you’ll pass beneath the golden entrance hallway inspired by a 33mm filmstrip before reaching the gourmet bar and luxurious lounge area. There are five theatres, aptly named Cinema I-V.
Budget: B900 per person for Cinemas II-V (Mon-Wed); B1,100 per person for Cinema I (Mon-Wed). Extra B100 per person on Thu-Sun.
Seating: Cinemas II-V offer cocoon-style seats — two leather recliners attached to one another with space for a small lamp, food and drinks in the middle. USB slots are available for you to charge your electronic devices. In Cinema I, there are five types of seats, including sofas and daybeds, to choose from depending on the size of your group. Grab a Heineken (one per person) and all the soft drinks you can gulp from the minibar. There’s also a button at every seat for you to call a “movie concierge” who will attend your every need. (Don’t abuse it.) Cushions and duvets are provided, of course.
F&B: Ticket price includes snacks, canapes and juices. Pay extra for wine, cocktails or popcorn.
Bonus Features: Cinema I is the most hi-so. It has its own lounge, bar and reception area in case you want to book it for a private function. Tickets can be purchased via the Embassy Screens application, available on the App Store and Google Play.
Emprive Cineclub
(5/F, The Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Road, BTS Phrom Phong Exit 2; 02-268-8899)
Setting: Buy your ticket over a marble counter at this five-screen cinema, which blends the classic and modern.
Budget: B350-B900 per person, depending on the type of seat and day of the week.
Seating: There are three types of seats. Executive Seats (B300 on Mon-Wed; B350 on Thu-Sun) are for one person. Executive Suites (B700 per pair on Mon-Wed; B800 on Thu-Sun) are for two people. First Class (B700 per person on Mon-Wed; B800 on Thu-Sun) can be adjusted to recline 180 degrees. Each type of seat is available in every cinema, and includes a cushion and duvet.
F&B: First Class ticket-holders have access to the Director Lounge, where they can help themselves to snacks and desserts. They will also be served popcorn and soft drinks throughout the movie.
Bonus Features: You can buy and print your ticket at www.emprivecineclub.com, avoiding the need to queue up.
Enigma The Shadow Screen
(6/F, Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon, Rama I Road, BTS Siam; 02-129-4635)
Setting: Relax before the show in the snazzy lounge, where you
can enjoy a glass of wine in a massage chair — or get the real thing at VIE Movie Spa. The theatre shows a film four to five times a day, every day.
Budget: B3,500 for two people. Seats are sold in pairs only.
Seating: Each seat is essentially a bed big enough for two — and piled with enough cushions to start a pillow fight. A high backrest and armrest of the seat provide some privacy so lovebirds can get cosy. Place your cocktail on the table in front of the bed.
F&B: A ticket covers popcorn, a drink and a choice of food from the menu. Pay extra if you want something more from the wine fridge.
Bonus Features: The theatre can be booked as a venue for a private party. And if the movie turns out to be a snooze-fest, at least you can sleep through it in your bed.
First Class
(SF World Cinema, 7/F CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road, BTS Chidlom; 02-264-5555)
Setting: Buy your ticket at the exclusive box office and relax in the exclusive lounge, which opens one hour before the show time — we suggest you make the most of it and enjoy a high tea set.
Budget: B700 per person.
Seating: Nestle into a red recliner that can be adjusted until it is nearly flat.
F&B: A ticket gets you all the popcorn and soft drinks you can stomach.
Bonus Features: Push the button at your seat to summon a staff member who will fetch you popcorn and refill your soft drink. Six similar theatres are located at SFX Cinemas in Central Rama IX, Central Chaeng Watthana, Central Pattaya Beach, Central Lat Phrao, Central Phuket and Maya Lifestyle Center in Chiang Mai.
The Porch
(6/F, SFX Cinema Pattaya Beach, CentralFestival Pattaya Beach, Moo 9, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chon Buri; 033-003-555)
Setting: This resort-like theatre contains only 30 seats. And no, it isn’t missing a wall; it was designed that way to provide an outdoorsy feel. During the day or in case of rain, a curtain is pulled down allowing you to fully enjoy your movie. In the evenings, relax with the breeze and a view of the city.
Budget: B600 per person.
Seating: There are two types of seats: round-shaped Moon Beds are sold only in pairs, while sunloungers are sold individually. Warning: you may feel like you’re watching the movie near a swimming pool.
F&B: Tickets get you a cocktail and all-you-can-munch popcorn. The cocktail list is created by Benny Sorum, who has concocted cocktails for various five-star hotels.
Bonus Features: Although the theatre is somewhat vulnerable to the weather, air-con runs round the clock, so don’t worry too much about sweating buckets. If the movie is a flop, no big deal — enjoy your cocktail and the entertaining view of Pattaya City. Applying sunscreen beforehand is optional.
