PALACE CENTRO CINEMA

39 James Street, Fortitude Valley

Please note that the following info is current as of April 2008.  The next update will be in April 2009.

Click here to find a list of all Brisbane cinemas with a link to their respective websites.

Overview

Palace used to operate the Village Twin cinemas at New Farm but opened their posh new cinemas on James Street at the end of 2000.  I can remember going to the cinema opening to see Meet The Parents.  The cinema features four cinemas of varying styles and sizes.

Movie Quality & Range - 9 out of 10

The Palace is a leader in showing great art-house films and are lucky to have four screens on which to show them.  On top of this, they host foreign-language film festivals at varying times throughout the year where you get the one-off chance to see films you might not otherwise see.

Cinema Quality & Service - 8 out of 10

They’re only a few years old and the cinemas still have a new, trendy feel.  I like how each cinema is different in terms of look and style (although the back seats in cinema 1 are not my favourite).  There’s ample leg-room, beverage holders, easy access and comfy seats.  Like the Dendy, the staff are knowledgeable and willing to assist.  I also like the old-fashioned touch of pulling back the curtain for the main show.  My only major qualm would be some of the queues that result from squeezing too many films in together.  It’s not good when you’re still waiting in the foyer and the film’s due to start in 5 minutes. 

The Valley is a happening area and car parking is becoming more of an inconvenience (particularly on weekends).  Be prepared for a small walk as you’re unlikely to secure one of those “golden” car parks outside the front entrance.  If you’re looking to socialize, there aren’t many better locations.  Lux Restaurant and the James Street Bistro are right outside (and I’ve been there many a time).

Price - 7 out of 10

Ticket price

·     Adults: $14.00, Students $10.50, Pensioners & Children: $10.50, Seniors: $8.50.

Candy bar

·     Small coke: $3.50, medium coke: $4.40, large coke: $4.90.

·     Small popcorn: $3.50, medium popcorn: $4.50, large popcorn: $6.50.

·     A medium popcorn and medium coke combo is available for $8.00.

Clubs

·     For $18.00 a year you can join the Palace Movie Club which gets you $9.50 entry to all films.  The deal is even better if you're a student, pensioner or senior.

·     The Club provides a free double pass on your birthday so it’s paid for itself right there!

·     The Club also gets you invites to special advance screenings (around one per month) with discounted ticket prices.  Sometimes, the filmmakers and stars are able to make it along for a post-movie question & answer session.

Other comments

·     The best movie club in Brisbane without question.

·     Cost of a full-price ticket, medium popcorn and medium coke: $22.00 (or $17.50 for Palace Movie Club members).