Cinemas in Australia

Most of the 137 cinemas here are chain multiplexes, and among the busiest the recliner is the deciding factor. HOYTS Melbourne Central has reclining seats as standard plus an IMAX screen worth booking for action films, while regulars rate the IMAX at Event Cinemas Innaloo the best in Perth and say staff will adjust the lights for mums-and-bubs sessions. HOYTS Tea Tree Plaza in Modbury adds birthday party packages and a 3D XtraSupreme format suited to animated releases. The caution is with standard screens at some Event venues: seats at Event Cinemas George Street are described as uncomfortable for anyone tall, and Event Cinemas Parramatta has odour complaints in at least one standard auditorium, so Gold Class is the safer pick there.

For toddlers, the format matters more than the chain. Best Cinemas in Melbourne for Kids & Families names Village Cinemas Sunshine its top pick for young kids because VJunior keeps the lights on, lets children move about and includes a play area with a slide; the same source says to book ahead. Event Cinemas Burwood sells a double daybed that lets a parent lie down with a child who drifts off, and it sells out for popular family releases.

The independents suit different ages. Sun Theatre in Yarraville runs baby sessions, which the Melbourne source says are offered day and evening, and reviewers warn against Row A in the Lyric. Ritz Cinemas and Lido Cinemas both run dedicated junior weekend screenings alongside arthouse programming that suits older kids and teens, and Lido's rooftop mainly operates in warmer months. The Astor Theatre shows double features that run long, and reviewers advise checking ratings since repertory titles vary. For budget or novelty, Cineplex South Bank pairs cheap tickets with Cinema 5, the former IMAX screen, and Event Cinemas - Drive-in Blacktown allows BYO food and lets restless toddlers move without disturbing anyone.