I had the chance to catch the premiere of Transformers One at the newly refurbished IMAX Theater in SM Aura on September 17, 2024.
Saying I was blown away would be an understatement.
Read: REVIEW: Transformers One kicks life into the beloved franchise
WATCHING TRANSFORMERS AT IMAX
There’s nothing like the big-screen experience.
Every detail was crystal clear, and I was in awe as the two miners transformed into Optimus Prime and Megatron.
The entire theater, myself included, erupted in applause.
The same thing happened when Bumblebee discovered the full extent of his powers. Even my 10-year-old daughter was amazed, saying, “Mom, those robots are like human actors.”
The visuals were so sharp, you could see the sadness in Orion Pax’s eyes as his close friend betrayed him.
For nearly three hours, I was completely glued to the screen, unable to look away.
It was a truly immersive experience—this is what sets the magic of cinema apart from watching at home.
CINEMA INNOVATIONS
The sad reality is, there’s been a struggle to draw people back to cinemas.
While a few films have been exceptions, they haven’t been enough to regain momentum.
The silver lining is that producers continue to create quality films, and cinema owners haven’t given up on the medium.
In July, Opus Mall opened the country’s first and only family cinema, featuring a kid-friendly design and setup.
In August, Ayala Malls held a Thrill Fest, a rerun of blockbuster horror movies.
Read: Ayala Malls cinemas bring scare to August this Ghost Month
More recently, SM Aura reopened its cinemas.
It also launched its Wine Lounge beside Cinema 1, offering a private viewing experience.
With the press of a buzzer, a butler will serve wine, priced between PHP185 and PHP310 per glass or PHP55 to PHP2,790 per bottle.
There are also snack options, starting at PHP185.
Post-pandemic, I’ve seen some cinema spaces converted into retail shops, but it’s encouraging to see that the remaining theaters are being renovated to enhance the viewing experience.
Is it worth spending the same amount of money on one film in the cinema versus watching multiple films on streaming apps?
For someone like me, who doesn’t have time to watch daily, the answer is a resounding yes.
When I need a few hours to disconnect and turn off my gadgets, the cinema is my go-to place.
Plus, the comfy seat and a glass of wine make it a total escape.