Photo credit: telegraph.co.uk
ASTANA – Capital movie-goers can choose among six cinemas that show a combination of foreign and locally-produced films.
Kinopark, the country’s biggest chain, has theatres in three malls. The chain is the largest in Central Asia, according to its website.
Kinopark 6 is on the third floor of Mega Mall. The number in its name indicates the number of screens, one of which is the VIP room with extra-comfortable armchairs and fewer seats. The complex occupies more than 2,000 square metres and can accommodate 630 people at the same time.
The price depends on the time of day and varies from 1,000 tenge (US$2.91) in the morning to 1,900 tenge (US$5.53) in the evening. After midnight, admission is usually 1,200 tenge (US$3.50). The range for children is 800-1,000 tenge (US$2.33-$2.91).
Kinopark 7 in Keruen Mall has the only IMAX screen in the city in addition to five regular screens and a 3-D hall. Opened in 2009, it measures 4,300 square metres and has seating for 1,518. All theatres in the Kinopark chain charge the same admission, although IMAX tickets are a little pricier. Those who wish to see one of the spring’s most anticipated films, “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” on the bigger screen will have to pay minimum of 1,400 tenge (US$4) before noon and maximum of 3,500 tenge (US$10) in the evening.
Situated on the highest floor of Sary-Arka Shopping Centre, Kinopark 8 offers the most screens in the city. Its eight halls can accommodate 120-350 people and admission to the VIP room ranges from 1,500-2,500 tenge (US$4.36-$7.28). Kinopark 8 was the only theatre showing films in their original version without Russian dubbing, but the service is no longer available.
All the theatres in the chain have special offers such as Super Tuesday (except for public holidays), when all adult tickets are 800 tenge (US$2.33); children, 400 tenge (US$1.17). As expected, it is a busy time. Those who wish to watch several films in one day opt for Boundless Monday when one ticket for all movies can be purchased for 1,500 tenge (US$4.37).
Khan Shatyr Mall is home to Star Cinema, with six screens, including a special 3-D hall for children and VIP room, in its second-floor location. Prices for adults are 900–3,000 tenge (US$2.62–$8.74) and 600–1,200 tenge (US$1.75–$3.56) for children. VIP seats are always 4,000 tenge (US$11.65).
Arman Movie Theatre in Asia Park Mall has five 3-D halls with 497 seats. It is part of the Arman chain, which also has three theatres in Almaty and one in Kostanai. Ticket prices vary from 800-1,400 tenge (US$2.33-$4.07) for adults and 600–900 tenge (US$1.75–2.62) for children.
Arsenal Cinema is the only theatre on the city’s right bank, not far from the railway station. Prices for adults are 600–1,400 tenge (US$1.75–4.07); children can enter for 400–600 tenge (US$1.16–2.04). The cinema is also known for a popular bowling centre in the same location.
