Attention movie fans!
If you’re sick of the normal way of watching movies (i.e. pay for expensive tickets, rush to your seat, tolerate all the noisy people who love to not put the handphones to silent mode or the crazy crunchers who love to ear ever so loudly) & you’re almost at the point of giving up going to the cinema altogether, then this one’s for you!
There are really plenty of offbeat places for you to enjoy good films / movies without all the hassle of others. In fact, some of these places have a really intimate setting that helps you to get a satisfying screening experience.
And because it’s indoors, these are also places you can go should the rain ruin your plans!
Location ONE: Library@Esplanade
Do you know that you can choose a DVD from the library at Esplanade, rent a movie room & watch a movie right in the library?
There’s rooms that is made available for the public, each equipped with a big TV, couches & a DVD player. Private and really comfortable, the rooms can fit 2 to 5 people.
- Opening Hours: 11.00am – 9.00pm daily. (Closed on public holidays)
What’s the fuss: The library has an extensive DVD collection, from local films, to foreign films, to rated films and documentaries, concerts – you name it, they’ve probably got it. The room comes equipped with remote controls, a security card so that only you & your friends can enter & leave as and when you please.
There’s also a small table inside the room if you need to discuss or do some work. There’s a strictly no-food policy (it is a library after all) so you cannot bring in snacks while watching a movie.
The best time to go: Anytime in the afternoon or evening before it closes! You can even come earlier to book a room first. There are only 3 rooms up for rent!
Cost & How to book:
- $5.50 per hour, maximum of 3 hours per booking. Only a maximum of 4 people are allowed in each room
- Booking can be made at the front-desk of the library.
Things you can do (in & around the library):
- Read & browse some books!
- Borrow some DVDs (each library card holder can borrow 2 DVDs)
- Grab a magazine & plant yourself at the couches, overlooking the city skyline
- Take a look at some movie scripts, film stuffs in the library
- Chill out at the Esplanade cafe
- On special days, they have performances at the library entrance
- Walk around Esplanade
- Get some chow at Makansutra Gluttons Bay
- Watch live performances at Esplanade Concourse or Outdoor Theatre (during weekends)
Location TWO: Sinema Old School
One of the most best kept secret in the film industry, Sinema Old School is a combination of Sinema (a platform for localfilmmakers to showcase their work) & Old School (a hip creative arts hub).
Housed at the old Methodist Girls School ontop of Mount Sophia, Sinema Old School is a physical amphitheatre that screens local & Asian films.
- Address: 11B Mount Sophia
- Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays – 11.00am – 7.00pm, Fridays – 11.00am – 9.00pm, Saturdays – according to film schedule
What’s the fuss: Think of it as a small private movie theatre!
Sinema Old School has plush red couches that can seat 136 people, a big screen and a snack shop that sells all sorts of childhood favourite snacks. You can also buy local music / local paraphernalia that you cannot find at normal movie shops.
The movies that are screened are really interesting & ranges from comedy to documentaries. Some of the movies you watch here, you won’t get to view it anywhere else!
Sinema Old School also has a special monthly programme called Sinema ShowOff! – a free short films screening held on the first Tuesday of every month. Food & drinks are also allowed in the theatre.
The best time to go: Afternoon to evening, although the timings are all dependent on the movies.
Cost & how to book:
- $4.00 – $10.00 (depending on films)
- Booking can be made online – http://tix.sinema.sg/
Things you can do:
- Enjoy good ol’ childhood snacks like Hiro and Pocky
- Read through the magazines available
- Browse the shop & check out the cool local paraphernalia available
- Chow down on cup noodles!
- Explore the premises and the art gallery at Old School
- Stage a photoshoot on the premises
Location THREE: E2Max at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard (Level 9)
E2Max has always been popular & been known as the gaming hub for game lovers. Besides specializing in gaming, E2Max houses a couple of rooms dedicated to movie fans!
- Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday -12 noon to 12 midnight, Friday, Saturday, eve of public holiday & public holiday - 12 noon to 3.00 am
What’s the fuss: Each room is filled with colour, comfortable couches, tables & lots of floor space for you & your friends to lounge around. Food and drinks are permitted here and there are also tables if you wish to open up your laptops & do some online gaming.
Private, closed off from the rest of the noise happening outside, the rooms can accommodate 3 – 10 people depending on how big the rooms you chose is. There’s also a dedicated person in charge of the rooms. It makes the whole experience pleasant and fuss-free.
The best time to go: Weekday nights, Afternoons to midnight. The rooms might be fully booked after 6.00pm. You might want to give them a call to book first.
Cost & how to book:
- $8.00 – $20.00 per hour (depending on rooms), $6.00 for movies
- Booking is done over the counter or through phone-booking (6235 9249)
Things you can do:
- Gather your friends and have a movie marathon
- Do some online gaming / card gaming
- Watch other gamers show off their skills
- Buy some food / potluck food & eat while you watch a movie
- Chill out and people-watch while waiting for your booking slot
- Go shopping / window shopping while waiting for your booking slot
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Editor’s note: I’ve tried all 3 places & while there are pros & cons for each, the best experience for me so far : Sinema Old School – because really, you get to watch cool (& sometimes) local films in a truly relaxing setting! Go try!
