A Novocastrian Cinema Guide

By the time a person gets to university, they have likely grown out of using cinemas as a place to make-out where their parents won’t catch them. The expense, a lack of diversity and the availability of new release DVDs are all valid excuses for no longer patronising movie theatres. But going to the movies is about the experience. It’s about getting out of the house, seeing the flicks on a big screen with friends or strangers and eating (or throwing) whatever rubbish you want. So I say smuggle some food in and enjoy.

The prices and offers listed here were correct at the time of writing but could change at anytime.

Greater Union Glendale

Website: www.greaterunion.com.au
Location: Once you’re out west in the Glendale Super Centre you can’t miss it.
Price: $15 Adult, $11.50 Student, every ticket $8 on Tuesdays.
Glendale has the big screens, best sound and most comfortable seats. Films look and sound impressive in the two “Senstadium” theatres and the other six smaller theatres are more than adequate. There are also a couple of couches and a dwindling number arcade games, including air hockey, if you have some time to wait before the film. On the downside, Glendale lacks personality, doesn’t play movies that are outside the centre of the mainstream and it is stuck in the middle of Glendale Super Centre.

Greater Union Newcastle

Website: www.greaterunion.com.au
Location: It’s on King Street in town, past Civic Park but before DJ’s.
Price: $14.30 Adult, $11.50 Student, every ticket $8 on Tuesdays
It has older facilities and less screens than the Glendale Greater, but the location is close to restaurants and pubs, which is good if you’re going to make a night of it. Newcastle plays the occasional foreign or arthouse film. It’s also convenient if you’re travelling by public transport.

Hoyts Charlestown

Website: hoyts.ninemsn.com.au
Location: 244 Pacific Highway, there’s parking behind the Matara Pub.
Price: $13 Adult, $10.50 Student, every ticket $8.50 on Tuesdays.
Charlestown is like Glendale except older and crappier. Charlestown also plays the same films as Glendale. If the location’s good for you, and they’re playing something you want to see, you may as well go to Charlestown. Although, be forewarned that they have some of the least comfy seats in Newcastle.

Showcase City Cinema

Website: www.showcasecitycinemas.com
Location: 31 Wolfe St Newcastle, it’s near DJ’s.
Price: $12 Adult, $9 Student, but $12.50 / $10 after 4pm Friday, Saturday Sunday.
The Showcase is the cinema most likely to play current release foreign language films and other movies outside the norm. The cinema facilities are on the old side, but it has character and the location is good for public transport and for getting a meal before or after. You’ll be kicked out if you try to hang around in the foyer and chat after the movie.

The Regal

Website: www.regalcinema.com.au
Location: Moore St Birmingham Gardens, on the other side of the highway from the Uni’s multistory car park.
Price: $9 Adult, $7 Student, $2 for a second film seen on the same day.
The Regal is a cosy one-screen cinema. It plays a different selection of films than you’ll find at other cinemas, but tends to show them around the same time they come out in the video stores. The facilities aren’t any better than a really flash home cinema set up, but I like going there anyway. If you think you’ll be a repeat visitor, ask for a “Regal Regular’s” card and have it stamped - see five movies and the sixth is free.

Raymond Terrace Cinemas

Website: www.movieentertainemts.com (but it hasn’t been working lately)
Location: Corner of Adelaide St and Bourke St, Raymond Terrace.
Price: $10 Adult, $8 Student, every ticket $7 Friday Sunday, Tuesday
It’s a pretty good cinema and shows current releases, but it’s further away than most and getting there is too much trouble using public transport. They allocate seats when you purchase your ticket, so if you go in a group, tell the ticket seller you want to sit together. They also have a crying room for littlies and a café.

Reading Maitland

Website: www.readingcinemas.com.au
Location: Cinema Centre, south end of Ken Tubman Drive, Maitland.
Price: $13 Adult, $9.50 Student, Tuesdays $7.50 Adult, $6.50 Student.
I have to admit, I’ve never been to Reading. It’s a bit out of the way for someone like me who lives next to the uni, doesn’t have a car and doesn’t know anyone who lives in Maitland (or is willing to go there). The cinema plays current releases and seems like a good choice for anyone who lives out that way.

Lake Cinema Boolaroo

Website: www.lakecinema.net
Location: 62 Main Road Boolaroo, not far from the fire station.
Price: One film $5 (higher for more popular films), two films on same day Adult $8, Student $6.50
Boolaroo is a bit out of the way for most students, I’ve only been there once. They offer free tea and coffee. The cinema plays current cinema release, but mostly children’s or family movies. The location means this cinema is best suited to locals.

Heddon Greta Drive In

Website: www.drive-in.com.au
Location: off Heddon St, Heddon Greta (between Maitland and Kurri Kurri, bring a map).
Price: $20 per car, with up to 8 passengers, $30 for two films in a row.
Yes, I know this isn’t technically a cinema and I have heard that awful advertising slogan “if you don’t like the movie...slash the seats.” Despite this, if you have access to a car, the drive-in is pretty fun and a novelty. Films run Friday, Saturday and Sunday, check the website for details. They tend to play family-orientated current release films. They’ve gotten rid of the on-site speakers that play the films’ sound, so you need a FM radio to hear the movie. There’s a shop on-site that sells hot food too.

Shevaun O'Neill