The Movie Masters Cinema Group

The Movie Masters
Grand Cinemas
Ace Cinemas
Subsidiary
Industry Cinema
Founded 1990
Headquarters Australia
Products Cinemas
Slogan See it First!
Website www.moviemasters.com.au

Grand Cinemas and Ace Cinemas are a Western Australian chain of cinema multiplexes. The chain is operated by The Movie Masters cinema group.

History

The Movie Masters Cinema Group was formed in the 1990s as a co-operative initiative between the locally owned and operated WA cinema companies, Ace and Grand Cinemas. The organisation is based solely in Western Australia.[1]

Ace Cinemas, a Western Australian owned company, was founded as one of Australia’s first drive-in operators in the 1950s. Grand Cinemas (formerly the Grand Theatre Company) was originally formed as a family business in 1928, with a group of cinemas in the city. During the drive-in era, the company relocated to the suburbs, as people no longer wanted to drive in to the city just to see a movie. Grand Cinemas was responsible for the construction of the Cinema City opposite the Perth Town Hall (later operated by Hoyts before its demolition).

In 1994, Grand Cinemas further developed the cinema scene with the launch of their megaplex at Warwick in Western Australia, offering the fist suburban cinema complex in Perth's Northern Suburbs (prior to that patrons had to travel to the Innaloo Greater Union complex.[2]

The Movie Masters brand was initially formed to allow Ace Cinemas and Grand Cinemas to effectively compete against the multi-national exhibition chains, such as Greater Union and Hoyts.[3]

The group currently operates 10 locations.

Cine Gold Lounge

The Ace Cine Gold Lounge is a luxury cinema located in the two biggest auditoriums at Midland and Rockingham. The concept was revealed in the 1990s when the Midland complex was first opened. The two seating areas are accessed via a private lounge containing a fully licensed bar. Patrons can order food and drinks during a screening. Due to WA law stating that people under 18 years of age cannot enter a licensed area without a parent and/or guardian present, the company does not allow anyone under the specified age access to the Gold Lounge.

Locations

Grand Cinemas

Ace Cinemas

Regional locations

Ace previously operated cinemas in the regional cities of Kalgoorlie and Busselton, but these were sold in 2007 and 2010 respectively. As of 2011, they are operated by the Orana Cinemas group.[4]

Event Cinemas Sub-lease

Event Cinemas (formerly Greater Union) had previously ran the cinemas at Lakeside Joondalup and Westfield Whitford City however these have been sub-leased to Grand Cinemas [5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "DAVID AND GOLIATH: THE GRAND THEATRE COMPANY AND THE NATIONAL EXHIBITION CHAINS". Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  2. ↑ "Grand About Us". Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  3. ↑ "History of Grand Cinemas". Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  4. ↑ "Orana Cinemas". Retrieved 12 October 2011.
  5. ↑ "ACCC approves Hoyts - GU divorce".

External links