Skycity Cinemas Open The Ultimate Cinema

SKYCITY Cinemas will open the Wellington region’s largest integrated cinema entertainment complex this week at Westfield Queensgate (open to the public from 10 August 2006).

The opening of SKYCITY Cinemas’ new nine-screen multiplex completes the final stage of the Westfield Queensgate retail centre development in Hutt City.

There will be a glitzy launch event attended by the Prime Minister and other celebrities and dignitaries at Westfield Queensgate on Wednesday 9 August.

Set to revolutionise the big screen experience for Lower Hutt and Wellington movie-goers, the multiplex will offer nine screens and 1543 seats in total. It features a 350-seat “Megascreen” (giant screen) and two premium Gold Class Cinemas.

SKYCITY Cinemas Chief Executive, Joe Moodabe, says the state-of-the-art Lower Hutt movie complex is an exciting development which sets the blueprint for a number of other SKYCITY Cinema complexes, currently in development with Westfield Shopping Centre destinations. Rollout of new retail entertainment complexes incorporating new SKYCITY Cinemas, are expected over the next few years (already in development - Albany, Hamilton and Manukau).

“As the country’s leading movie exhibitor, we’re thrilled to be able to offer the latest cinema experience to the Hutt Valley region and provide a much broader range of movie options at the same time,” says Mr Moodabe.

"With nine screens it will give us the opportunity of not only featuring the best of mainstream and "blockbuster" titles, but also to develop an audience for the more "boutique" style of movie which is a growth area."

SKYCITY Cinemas at Westfield Queensgate will offer the latest in high-technology projection, sound, screens and comfort levels with stadium seating and deluxe seats with double arm-rests.

In addition, movie-goers will experience unique new entertainment options. These include the larger format “Megascreen” which will predominantly screen blockbuster and special event movies, as well as the more luxurious cinema option - Gold Class Cinemas.

“The Gold Class Cinema experience is unique, with a private lounge area and two dedicated boutique auditoriums which seat up to 30 and 40 people. These offer reclining armchairs, footrests, personal pull-out tables, a call button for in-session service calls, diverse meal and snack menu and fully licensed bar with waiting staff on call to provide service direct to movie-goers seats,” says Mr Moodabe.

The main foyer of the SKYCITY Cinemas complex will be complete with an interactive Stages Time Out games area, café and bar, and a large function space with up to three different break out rooms.

Also unique to SKYCITY Cinemas is the online booking system (www.skycitycinemas.co.nz) which means movie fans can check session times and movie information, book and pay for their tickets in advance and for select sessions, it also allows them to secure their own seats.

SKYCITY Cinemas are currently located in Hamilton and Auckland (Broadway Newmarket, Highland Park Pakuranga, Manukau, WestCity Henderson, Westgate, St Lukes and Queen Street – Auckland City).

In addition, SKYCITY Cinemas operates the historic Embassy Theatre in Wellington. SKYCITY Cinemas is owned by SKYCITY Entertainment Group.

For further information

Vanessa Regan or Lisa Chambers
SKYCITY Entertainment Group SKYCITY Cinemas
Communications Executive Phone 09 309 9137
Phone 09 363 6017 mobile 027 271 7719

Background to follow – and film release schedule for SKYCITY Cinemas at Westfield Queensgate.

BACKGROUND

SKYCITY Cinemas Queensgate features offers the total entertainment experience. The nine-screen multiplex, features a total of 1543 seats, with seven mainstream movie auditoria, including a 350-seat “MegaScreen” and two premium Gold Class cinemas, one with 30 seats, and the other with 40.

SKYCITY Cinemas offers the latest in state of the art projection, sound, screens and comfort levels, with stadium seating and deluxe seats with double width arm-rests. In addition moviegoers will experience unique new entertainment options with the larger format “MegaScreen” which will predominantly screen blockbuster and special event movies. The more luxurious cinema option of two Gold Class Cinemas will also be offered, providing the only dedicated luxury cinema experience Wellington with the only other located in the Queen St, Auckland complex.

Online Ticket booking and Purchases
Our online booking system, which is unique to SKYCITY cinemas, allows our customers to book their tickets online, check session times and movie information at www.skycitycinemas.co.nz. For select sessions they can also choose their own seat. This system enables customer to book and pay and also reserve seats with their cash point card.

Functions Area
With private function facilities, organisations can host their own private functions ranging from 20 to 200 people. Successfully used by corporates to treat staff, clients, social clubs or community groups. A private function can be followed by an exclusive private screening of the latest blockbuster movie! Auditoria sizes provide the flexibility required. Private screenings are also a great way of fundraising for worthy causes.

Private Screenings
SKYCITY Cinemas provides an ideal venue for a product launch or small conference. It can cater for groups of 30 to 350 in its comfortable seats.

In addition to the traditional services SKYCITY Cinemas offer a number of services to groups within the community:

Seniors R60 Club
Exclusive to senior citizens the R60 Seniors Club members receive: 2 Complimentary tickets upon subscription and complimentary tea or filtered coffee. Membership also entitles members to a bimonthly newsletter with special offers and discounts. All these exclusive benefits for a $10 annual membership fee.

Baby On Board
For all the parents and caregivers there are Baby On Board movie sessions. Held every Wednesday at 10am, the parent/child friendly sessions are a dedicated session where it doesn't matter if the baby is crying or the children are restless during your movie. Every adult ticket is $6.50 and children under 5yrs are free and $1 of every ticket goes to Plunket.

Movie Club – The Film Squad
Exclusive to SKYCITY Cinemas is the Film Squad movie club, free to join members receive benefits over and above the standard. As a member, they receive a weekly e-mail newsletter packed with exclusive offers and movie news. Once issued with a Film Squad membership card, members scan it each time they see a movie at SKYCITY Cinemas, giving them access to more value adds.

Film Squad members can take advantage of:
• Ticket and candy bar offers
• Invites to preview screenings
• Exclusive competitions for FILM SQUAD members only
• Monthly Scan incentive draws

Time Out Game Zone
One of the largest to be fitted in a cinema to date the Time Out game zone features video games and simulated rides for all audiences. This is a safe environment within the cinema complex.

Pricing
SKYCITY Cinemas offer a range of ticket prices from the $8.50 Telecom Tuesday special through to $15.00 Blockbuster ticket price. There are special ticket prices available for senior citizens, community card holders and off-peak discounts.

Gold Class tickets reflect the premium experience and range from $25 to $35 depending on which day of the week and time attending.

In addition to this there are Gift Vouchers and Movie Money packages available which give customers the opportunity to save on their movie going experience.

Gift vouchers offer no saving but rather are an excellent gift or treat.

Gold Class – the Luxury Cinema Experience
Luxurious comfort. Fine food and refreshments. State of the art technology. Watching a film doesn’t get any better than Gold Class at SKYCITY Cinemas. Gold Class provides an exclusive cinema experience that takes your enjoyment to a whole new level. Gold Class is a truly unique experience, the first of its kind in New Zealand. Two dedicated boutique cinemas seat up to 70 patrons in absolute comfort, and the luxurious Gold Class Lounge is yours to enjoy before and after your movie. A carefully selected menu and wine list brings you fine food and drinks, while our hospitable Gold Class staff will treat you like a star throughout your visit.

The Gold Class Lounge
When you purchase a ticket to our Gold Class Cinemas, you’re also entitled to enjoy our exclusive Gold Class Lounge. It’s the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy a drink before your movie, or to relax and discuss the film later over coffee and a fine dessert.

The Cinemas
At SKYCITY Cinemas Gold Class, every seat is literally the best in the house. Every guest enjoys the comfort of a plush, fully reclining armchair with an adjustable footrest. Each pair of seats shares a personal table. Our two exclusive full-sized cinemas boast wall to wall screens and state of the art digital sound. And, with only 30 to 40 seats in each, you can settle back and enjoy the most luxurious and intimate movie experience on offer in New Zealand.

The Menu
There’s so much more than the usual cinema fare at Gold Class. We offer a broad selection of light meals, snacks and desserts, along with a fully licensed bar featuring a selection of fine wines, beers, soft drinks, juices and coffee. Our attentive, specially trained Gold Class staff can serve you refreshments on arrival in the Gold Class Lounge. They are also on call, bringing food and drinks directly to your seat throughout the movie.

Our Gold Class Lounge and Cinemas may be booked for special events and functions, with full catering and bar facilities available. Feel free to enquire about holding your next function at Gold Class.

Functions
For all your function needs, Gold Class provides service with a difference for all your function needs, from corporate functions and conferences, to birthday parties, product launches and private screenings of your favourite new and old movies, Gold Class is the ultimate way to excite, reward and impress your guests with screenings of your favourite new and old movies.

Gift Vouchers
Give the gift of luxury with a Gold Class gift voucher. Perfect for all ages and occasions, our range of gift vouchers are the perfect way to provide your friends, families and colleagues with the ultimate in cinema experience. A gift they will truly enjoy. Gift Vouchers are available in $30 and $50 denominations and can be purchased online or at any SKYCITY Cinema.

FILM RELEASE SCHEDULE – SKYCITY CINEMAS QUEENSGATE
*subject to change – correct at 28 July 2006

10-Aug-06 Miami Vice
17-Aug-06 United 93
17-Aug-06 The New World
24-Aug-06 Fearless
24-Aug-06 Maxx Powers
24-Aug-06 Fearless
24-Aug-06 Super Ex-Girlfriend
24-Aug-06 Snakes On A Plane
31-Aug-06 Silent Hill
31-Aug-06 Little Man
7-Sep-05 Lady In The Water
7-Sep-05 Clerks 2
7-Sep-05 DOA: Dead Or Alive
14-Sep-06 Garfield 2
14-Sep-06 (Nacho Libre
14-Sep-06 An Inconvenient Truth
21-Sep-06 Stormbreaker
21-Sep-06 The Wild (preview 16/17)
21-Sep-06 Ant Bully
21-Sep-06 Monster House (preview 16/17)
21-Sep-06 Pathfinder
21-Sep-06 Barnyard: The Original Party
28-Sep-06 Stick It
28-Sep-06 Talladega Nights
5-Oct-06 Nascar Project
5-Oct-06 Brick
5-Oct-06 Beerfest
5-Oct-06 World Trade Centre
5-Oct-06 Eagle V's Shark

Ends

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