Home Entertainment Nu Metro are upgrading their cinemas… Say hello to Scene and Auro

Nu Metro are upgrading their cinemas… Say hello to Scene and Auro

4 min read
43

NuMetro-Logo-on-block-background_Page_2

As you may have surmised, I spend a lot of time in cinemas, and surprisingly, I still have not lost my will to live. I know though that a lot of people have not been as lucky (or thick-skinned) as I am, and due to increasingly more commonplace technical issues and unruly audiences, have chosen to just watch all their movies at home.

But the folks at Nu Metro have been busy upgrading, trying to offer folks a reason to get back into the cinema.

According to the press release I received last night, come the end of November 2013, the cinema chain will have replaced all 149 projectors in their various establishments, with brand new 100% digital projectors, ensuring the crispest displays possible. These projectors are being supplied by digital projection giant Barco, and as part of the upgrade package, they will also be fitting 3 cinemas with their new 3D surround sound system, called Auro, in January 2014.

Auro is an 11.1 “immersive sound” system that offers top class audio not only in the traditional surround sound layout of speakers in front, next to and behind you, but also 3 different layers of sound at different height intervals – including directly above you in the roof – to simulate natural 3D acoustics.

And the cinemas that will be getting this aural upgrade – 3 of only 150 in the world to boast it – will be Hyde Park Johannesburg, Pavilion in Durban and at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town.

On top of this audio-visual level up, Nu Metro will also looking to improve their comfort factor by quite a bit, when they introduce Scene, a new “supreme luxury cinema and lounge” concept, at Nu Metro V&A and Pavillion. These cinemas will now boast their very own relaxing lounge for patrons to enjoy a drink or light meal, but more importantly, inside the cinema you’ll find “luxurious  fully reclining leather chairs, offering plenty of space to watch your movie in ultimate comfort“.

While having something to nibble and sip on outside the cinema is not such a big deal to me, as a gentleman of a larger than normal stature, I could certainly do with some luxurious seating arrangements.

There’s been no indication as to what the cost of all of this will be to the consumer, but you can probably expect to pay a premium price for this premium service.

Here’s the full press release.

NU METRO CINEMAS MAKES BIG CHANGES TO THE BIG SCREEN EXPERIENCE  

JOHANNESBURG, NOVEMBER 11th 2013 – Exciting changes have been happening at Nu Metro Cinemas that will bring a world class cinema experience to all its complexes in time for the December holidays.

By the end of November 2013 all 149 of the projectors at Nu Metro will be 100% digital, meaning their customers will now get the latest world class sound and visual experience as provided by their Belgium equipment partners Barco – the world leaders in cinema projection.

As part of this digital conversion Barco has also offered the use of three 3D sound systems. Called Auro, these 3 systems are 3 of only 150 in the world and give you the most unparalleled immersive sound experience. Auro is due for installation at the Nu Metro complexes in Hyde Park Johannesburg, Pavilion in Durban and at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town in January 2014.

As part of this roll out process, Nu Metro is installing another 50 x 3D screens, equipped with RealD 3D technology, to its circuit across the country.

In addition to these exciting technology changes, Nu Metro launched a new VIP cinema concept called Scene. Customers at both Nu Metro V&A and Pavillion can enjoy this luxurious offering from today.

Scene – Nu Metro Cinemas’ new supreme luxury cinema and lounge. 

Selected screens in these complexes have been refurbished with luxurious  fully reclining leather chairs, offering plenty of space to watch your movie in ultimate comfort. 

Scene also boasts its own exclusive lounge where you can relax and enjoy a drink from the bar ranging from alcoholic beverages to fresh fruit juice, tea’s or coffee’s. Delicious light meals are also available from our exclusive menu, offering specialised, freshly prepared gourmet sandwiches, burgers platters and decadent desserts. For those with a sweet tooth and an eye on tradition, a wide range of confectionary popcorn and soda is still available. 

“Nu Metro Cinemas is a progressive cinema business with a true focus on delivering a premium entertainment experience. We will continue to innovate our offering so that South Africans get the world class cinema offering they deserve.” says Luke Roberts the Nu Metro Cinemas General Manager . “Our VIP offering, Scene, is the first of its kind in South Africa and a concept that has worked extremely well overseas.

Last Updated: November 12, 2013

43 Comments

  1. It’s an easy decision for me. Drive to Tygervalley in 5/10 minutes & spend R30 on a movie OR drive to the Waterfront in 30 minutes & spend R70/80 on a movie. Yeah.

    Reply

    • RinceandRepeat

      November 12, 2013 at 11:12

      I think it depends on the movie. Would you spend an extra R40 on Gravity to watch it with amazing sound? I would.

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        November 12, 2013 at 11:17

        It’s not really the price, it’s the drive.

        Reply

        • RinceandRepeat

          November 12, 2013 at 11:23

          Ah, okay.

          Reply

        • SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad

          November 12, 2013 at 11:26

          But the scenery! Like.. in Tygervalley you see.. nothing. In the waterfront you’ll see the water.. and uh.. seals? And stuffs. That’s an “immersive” environment, that is. TOTALLY worth it.

          Reply

      • SaintsRowNigri

        November 12, 2013 at 11:41

        Here in the Vaal, I would just love to watch Gravity

        Reply

        • RinceandRepeat

          November 12, 2013 at 11:43

          You have my sympathy. Would arranging a flight, accommodation and food for yourself in Durban be a bit ‘over kill’?

          Reply

          • SaintsRowNigri

            November 12, 2013 at 11:45

            For a movie, a bit. Yes.

          • RinceandRepeat

            November 12, 2013 at 11:46

            Gravity isn’t a movie, it’s a life changer!

          • SaintsRowNigri

            November 12, 2013 at 11:51

            I could just drive up to Joburg and watch it there…

          • RinceandRepeat

            November 12, 2013 at 11:51

            Ah, that would work too 🙂 Worth watching at the cinema!

    • DrKiller

      November 12, 2013 at 11:17

      Dont drive there on weekends.. Clicks card during the week (including Fridays) is the way to watch movies 😉

      Reply

    • Matthew Holliday

      November 12, 2013 at 11:37

      One does not simply spend R30 at a movie.

      Reply

  2. RinceandRepeat

    November 12, 2013 at 11:11

    I didn’t get this media release! You have me on no lists!

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      November 12, 2013 at 11:29

      Are you… listless? 😀

      Reply

      • RinceandRepeat

        November 12, 2013 at 11:30

        Yes 🙁

        Reply

    • Kervyn Cloete

      November 12, 2013 at 11:38

      Calm down, calm down. I only asked them to add you today, so it will take a few days.

      Reply

      • RinceandRepeat

        November 12, 2013 at 11:42

        Just kidding man 🙂 I was more worried you would come back any tell me I am on a ‘special’ list…

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          November 12, 2013 at 11:44

          Thpethul. *fixed

          Reply

          • RinceandRepeat

            November 12, 2013 at 11:46

            CARROT!

  3. John Fuller

    November 12, 2013 at 11:44

    5/10 min drive to Eikestad Mall and spend R15 for a movie ticket via Discovery Vitality!

    Reply

  4. RinceandRepeat

    November 12, 2013 at 11:45

    I have to say it is good they are doing this. The V&A does not have the best cinema’s, not to mention Cinema #1 which has become a bit of a legend… Nice one Nu Metro.

    Reply

  5. Kromas

    November 12, 2013 at 12:00

    I read up on a cinema that has first class recliner style seats and you can order stuff from waiters while enjoying your movie. I want that more than this. Nevermind 😛

    Reply

    • RinceandRepeat

      November 12, 2013 at 12:01

      I don’t know man. That would just distract me. A whole bunch of waiters bringing drinks in? Uh uh, NEVA! Bad enough with people stuffing their faces 🙂

      Reply

      • Kromas

        November 12, 2013 at 12:03

        13 or so years ago me and a friend went to go watch the Star Wars premiere at Monte Casino. They had waiters and it was awesome. Also we got so drunk that we had to watch it twice and that is good business for them. 😛

        Reply

        • RinceandRepeat

          November 12, 2013 at 12:03

          For them yes, but I don’t want to be sat next to your drunk ass when I am trying to watch a movie! lol

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            November 12, 2013 at 12:04

            He could say the same about you…. BOOM!

          • RinceandRepeat

            November 12, 2013 at 12:05

            Eh? I was just saying I DON’T want the ability to order food in the cinema! Catch up Tim!

          • TiMsTeR1033

            November 12, 2013 at 12:06

            Neither do I… would ruin the movie!

          • RinceandRepeat

            November 12, 2013 at 12:07

            Hehe. I remember when I was young, I watched Marks Attack while wasted on cider. Was funny at the time… But I really feel bad for the others! I had 5 friends sitting at the front, and we were in the middle, and we spent the whole movie shouting at each other. BAD!

          • Kromas

            November 12, 2013 at 12:12

            Okay then scrap all that (and here comes the hate) and design a smokers cinema.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            November 12, 2013 at 12:16

            I read a funny thing a while back about how the air quality on planes was better when they still allowed smoking because they were required by law to change the air more often.

          • RinceandRepeat

            November 12, 2013 at 12:18

            HAHAH! I am with you on that. I enjoy a drink and smoke while watching movies 😉 Only I do that at home.

  6. James Francis

    November 12, 2013 at 12:00

    The problem isn’t that cinemas aren’t good enough. It’s that they charge too much. And before someone says it, I don’t want a discount because I’m a member of this or that. I want to show up and watch a semi-decent movie at a cheap price. Charge me R15 straight and I’d happily watch just about anything. But no amount of great sound systems and visual clarity can compete with my couch, a huddle of friends and an inventive selection of refreshments. So try to appeal to my wallet instead.

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      November 12, 2013 at 12:03

      Well said, but the movie industry will only continue to escalate prices more and more… esp due to pirating,bluray and DVD’s. I mean why go to the cinema when download latest movie at home.

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        November 12, 2013 at 12:08

        There’s tons of reasons for me not to go to the cinema, and mostly I don’t. But sometimes I just want to watch my explosions on a gigantic screen.

        Reply

      • James Francis

        November 12, 2013 at 12:31

        That is true. Those platforms, alongside Netflix, cable and even humble old vanilla television have been changing the culture of viewers. DVD was just the biggest nail in an old coffin.

        But the movie business model has always been one styled on a viewing monopoly – it was the sole source for such entertainment. That explains why Big Hollywood still cares so much about box office performance and so little for everything else. And over the past decade it has lost the war for creativity and storytelling, which now belongs with TV.

        All it has left is the blockbuster and it is gambling big on these. So the improved cinemas make sense, but they are designed for a single purpose: to make blockbusters look awesome and rake in the cash. The downside – this does nothing for dramas, comedies or anything else that isn’t a showcase of sorts. 3D’s success is turning the cinema experience into a narrow, specific one.

        But here’s the thing – it’s not that they can covert every screen to that full experience, so why not put the smaller movies there and charge us less?

        Reply

    • Kervyn Cloete

      November 12, 2013 at 12:20

      This is totally true, but I’m just going to quickly play Devil’s Advocate for a bit here: While the price of the confectionery is ridiculous no matter where you go, when it comes to movie ticket prices, we actually get off surprisingly light in comparison to some of the rest of the world.

      Current average normal ticket price in USA is fluctuating around the $8 mark. That’s R83 for just a ticket! In places like Japan, it’s even worse, when you pay 1650 Yen. That’s about R170!

      Reply

      • James Francis

        November 12, 2013 at 12:40

        You know you just used the same argument that the likes of Telkom and Vodacom have to defend their prices 🙂

        You’re right – we do pay less. But that’s still cold comfort. And don’t the Americans also whine about high ticket prices?

        Reply

        • DarthofZA

          November 12, 2013 at 12:47

          Living in sA it is cheaper for me to take my lady out for dinner, enjoy a movie with our discount cards, and then go out for coffee afterwards than it was to just see the movie in the UK. I no longer complain about our ticket prices.

          Reply

        • Kervyn Cloete

          November 12, 2013 at 12:52

          Yeah, I do realize that. Hence the “Devil’s advocate” disclaimer beforehand 😀

          Reply

  7. fusion01

    November 12, 2013 at 22:39

    I have watched all my movies, bar one at home for the last 3-4 years. I did go to see Django Unchained at a NuMetro in the Waterfront, CT, a year or so ago and was disgusted. The picture was out of the focus, I could hardly hear any of the sound clearly. I put up with 2 + hours of this. I’ve just been to London for 2 months and taken to quite a few films by my brother and no wonder he watches a lot – in digital it was a gigantic improvement, although very pricey at – on average – 11 GBP per ticket. I also went to see Gravity at an IMAX cinema in 3D with a soundsystem as loud as a rock gig, that was 20 GBP but since we don’t have one anymore in Cape Town it was worth it. Good to see we’re keeping up with the first world and I will certainly see more films now that the quality is to improve.

    Reply

  8. MonCam

    January 26, 2014 at 13:11

    I had my first Scene experience at the Waterfront last night (Don Jon – loved it!) and now that I have been spoiled in this way there can be no other way. It was simply the best way to watch a movie. Ever. Worth the drive from Bellville any day of the week. And R85 for the ticket? Bargain.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Nu Metro will only be open on weekends as part of its level 2 reopening plan

Nu Metro has published its new rules and regulations for reopening to movie fans, followin…