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Event Cinemas

From Alfawiki
Greater Union Organisation Pty Ltd
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryFilm exhibition, Entertainment
PredecessorThe General Film Company of Australasia, The Combine
Founded1912
Headquarters
Australia
,
Australia
Area served
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji
Key people
Alan Rydge (Chairman of Amalgamated Holdings Limited)
ProductsCinema exhibition, Premium cinema experiences (Gold Class, V-Max)
ParentEVT Limited
Websitewww.eventcinemas.com.au

Greater Union Organisation Pty Ltd, operating under the names Event Cinemas, Greater Union, Moonlight Cinema, and Birch Carroll & Coyle (BCC Cinemas), stands as the foremost film exhibitor across Australia and New Zealand, managing more than 140 cinema venues globally.

As a subsidiary of EVT Limited (previously known as Event Hospitality and Entertainment), a publicly traded company on the Australian Securities Exchange, Greater Union oversees various brands within the entertainment, hospitality, and leisure industries, primarily throughout Australasia.

History

With a legacy shaped by numerous mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructures spanning over 100 years, Event Cinemas has played a pivotal role in shaping both Australian culture and its film sector.

Early 20th century

During the silent film period between 1906 and 1911, Australia led the world in feature film production, including producing the first-ever feature-length movie, The Kelly Gang. This achievement was fueled by rivalry among West's Pictures, Spencer's Pictures, and Amalgamated Pictures. On 4 May 1912, these entities combined to establish The General Film Company of Australasia. Less than a year later, on 4 January 1913, it merged with The Greater J.D. Williams Amusement Co to form The Combine, integrating exhibition through Union Theatres with production and distribution via Australasian Films.

Although The Combine held significant influence over early Australian cinema, it attracted criticism for favoring imported films over local productions and limiting opportunities for independent Australian filmmakers. Industry leaders such as director Raymond Longford contended that this dominance hindered domestic filmmaking growth. Scholars attribute the steep decline in Australian film output post-1913 to these consolidations. According to industry analyst James Sabine, The Combine’s control led to the closure of numerous local production companies.

In the 1920s, amid Hollywood's ascendancy, The Combine expanded its operations with an emphasis on American films. The economic downturn during the Great Depression caused Union Theatres to enter liquidation in 1931; its assets were subsequently acquired by Greater Union Theatres. This new company separated from Australasian Films, launched a Hollywood-style subsidiary named Cinesound Productions, diversified into radio broadcasting and newspaper publishing, and focused on cinema management. During this era, Greater Union merged with competitor Hoyts—which had Fox Film as a stakeholder—but was later separated under managing director Norman Rydge in 1937.

1945–present: post-war expansion

In 1945, amidst a surge in box office revenues following World War II, the British Rank Organisation secured a 50% stake in Greater Union Theatres. Greater Union grew by purchasing numerous cinemas across Australia, including Sydney’s Phoenician Club on Broadway (originally McIntyre's Broadway Theatres established in 1911). In March 1947, it acquired Adelaide’s Clifford Theatre Circuit for £300,000—a record cinema transaction at that time—maintaining the Clifford brand and staff as an homage to founder Dan Clifford.

By 1958, the four holding companies under Greater Union Theatres consolidated into Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL), controlled by the Rydge family. In 1965, Greater Union Theatres was rebranded as Greater Union Organisation (GUO). Alan Rydge became AHL Chairman in 1980, recognized as Australia's youngest individual to lead a publicly listed company.

In 1971, GUO merged its assets with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s Australian cinema division; its B.E.F. subsidiary handled MGM film distribution until 1973 when this responsibility transitioned to Cinema International Corporation. GUO’s British Empire Films unit was renamed GUO Film Distributors in 1976 and later became Greater Union Film Distributors in 1982.

Greater Union enhanced its presence in Adelaide by acquiring and refurbishing the Metro Theatre on Hindley Street into a four-screen venue (Hindley Cinemas 1–4) in 1975. In 1980, it purchased West's Olympia building on Hindley Street and reopened it after renovations in 1982 as Hindley Cinemas 5–6.

By 1984, AHL had regained full ownership by purchasing Rank Organisation’s half share. In 1987, GUO combined forces with Village Roadshow’s distribution division to form Roadshow Film Distributors and collaborated on a $100 million expansion plan aimed at establishing 200 cinema circuits by 1990. GUO acquired Birch, Carroll & Coyle in 1991; that same year saw the closure of Hindley Cinemas locations 1–4 and 5–6.

21st century

In 2003, the merger between AHL and Village Roadshow resulted in the creation of Australian Theatres. Starting in 2009, numerous cinemas transitioned from the Greater Union Cinemas brand to Event Cinemas. On 22 December 2015, AHL underwent a rebranding to become Event Hospitality and Entertainment.

Event Cinemas broadened its presence in June 2016 by acquiring New Zealand's Downtown Cinemas.

In 2019, Birch Carroll & Coyle received recognition through induction into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame for its distinguished role as Australia's leading provincial film distributor for over eight decades.


Australia

Event Cinemas manages a wide array of venues throughout Australia, predominantly located within major shopping centres and equipped with multiplex screens. This excludes locations operated under the joint venture Australian Theatres alongside Village Roadshow.


New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Western Australia

Confronted with a general decline in cinema attendance across the sector, Event Cinemas has maintained growth by raising ticket prices and focusing on enhanced "premium experiences." These include "Gold Class" luxury seating accompanied by dining options, "Vmax" large-format screens, and a broad selection of alternative content such as Bollywood productions, live sports transmissions, gaming events, film festivals, opera performances, and stand-up comedy shows.

Fiji

In Fiji, Damodar Event Cinemas represents a collaborative venture between Village Cinemas and the local Damodar Brothers, who have operated the two-theatre chain under licence since 2010. The brand has been rebranded as "Damodar Cinemas."



New Zealand

Event Cinemas serves New Zealand’s primary metropolitan areas, including notable venues such as the distinguished Embassy Theatre in Wellington and the iconic Rialto Cinema in Dunedin. The chain showcases a mix of Hollywood blockbusters and independent films, while also hosting special occasions like the New Zealand International Film Festival.





Gold Class

Gold Class is a premium cinema format available at selected Event Cinemas in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. This offering includes personalized butler service for refreshments, à la carte dining options, and reclining seating within intimate screening rooms. Originally created by Village Cinemas, Gold Class has been incorporated into the Event Group to elevate luxury movie-going experiences.

Gold Class auditoriums are situated within exclusive sections of larger cinema complexes. Prominent Event Gold Class venues include:

Australia:


  • Bondi Junction
  • Broadbeach (Pacific Fair)
  • Campbelltown
  • Carindale
  • Castle Hill
  • Chermside
  • Coomera
  • Mt Gravatt (Garden City)
  • Indooroopilly
  • Innaloo
  • Kawana
  • Kotara
  • Loganholme
  • Macquarie
  • Marion
  • Miranda
  • North Lakes
  • Parramatta
  • Robina
  • Southport (Australia Fair)
  • Springfield
  • Sydney CBD (George St)
  • Whitford



Fiji:


  • Damodar Event Cinemas



New Zealand:


  • Albany
  • Auckland (Queen St)



V-Max

V-Max cinemas provide an enhanced viewing experience featuring larger screens with superior image clarity and immersive surround sound. Initially requiring screens at least 25 meters wide, this minimum was adjusted to 20 meters in 2010. Auditoriums include spacious seating with stadium-style arrangements and broader armrests. Some locations are equipped with advanced sound technology such as Dolby Atmos. V-Max is available across various Event Cinemas sites throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Typically housed separately from standard complexes like Gold Class, V-Max venues with Dolby Atmos include:

Australia:


  • Bondi Junction
  • Brisbane City Myer Centre
  • Burwood
  • Cairns Central
  • Cairns Smithfield (Dolby Atmos)
  • Cairns Earlville
  • Campbelltown
  • Carindale
  • Castle Hill
  • Chermside
  • Coomera (Dolby Atmos)
  • Ed Square (Dolby Atmos)
  • Garden City Mt Gravatt
  • George Street (Sydney CBD) (Dolby Atmos)
  • Glendale
  • Hornsby
  • Hurstville (Dolby Atmos)
  • Indooroopilly
  • Innaloo
  • Kawana (Dolby Atmos)
  • Kotara (Dolby Atmos)
  • Liverpool
  • Loganholme
  • Marion
  • Miranda (Dolby Atmos)
  • North Lakes (Dolby Atmos)
  • Palmerston (Dolby Atmos)
  • Parramatta
  • Robina
  • Springfield (Dolby Atmos)
  • Toowoomba Grand Central (Dolby Atmos)
  • Top Ryde City
  • Tuggerah
  • Whitford (Dolby Atmos)



New Zealand:


  • Queensgate Shopping Centre (Dolby Atmos)
  • Westfield St Lukes
  • Westfield Manukau
  • Westfield Albany
  • Westfield Newmarket (Dolby Atmos)
  • Tauranga Crossing (Dolby Atmos)

IMAX

IMAX utilizes advanced laser technology to deliver images with enhanced brightness and clarity. This system is installed at Event Cinemas Auckland (Queen St), Event Cinemas Queensgate (Wellington), Event Cinemas Pacific Fair (Broadbeach), and IMAX Sydney.

Digital 3D

GUO has upgraded the majority of Australian cinemas and flagship venues with digital projectors, enabling RealD 3D presentations. These sites include Albany, Queen St Auckland, St Lukes, Henderson West City, Mt Wellington Sylvia Park, Broadway Newmarket, Glenfield Mall level 5 Entertainment, Manukau Amersham Way, Highland Park, John Goulter Mangere, New Lynn, and Crosstown Lakewood Court.

4DX

The Event Group debuted its first 4DX auditorium in late 2018 at George Street (Sydney CBD). This format enhances the movie experience by incorporating motion seats and environmental effects such as wind, fog, water sprays, and scents that are synchronized with the film’s action.

Boutique

EVENT Boutique cinemas provide luxurious recliner chairs with footrests and offer in-theater food and beverage service. Patrons gain access to Boutique auditoriums 30 minutes prior to showtime. Currently, Boutique is available at Event Cinemas George Street (Sydney CBD).

ScreenX

Event Cinemas launched ScreenX technology in Australia on August 15, 2023, beginning at Event Cinemas Robina on August 17. The format expanded to Event Cinemas Campbelltown on December 14 to coincide with the Australian debut of Wonka.

Moonlight Cinema

Moonlight Cinema operates as a seasonal outdoor film exhibitor in key Australian metropolitan areas. Purchased by EVENT in 2010 from Prime Media Group for $1.75 million, Moonlight has since secured three additional venue agreements. Present locations include:

New South Wales

  • Centennial Parklands, Sydney
  • Western Sydney Parklands, Sydney

Queensland

  • Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane

South Australia

  • Botanic Park, Adelaide

Victoria

  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

Western Australia

  • Kings Park, Perth

Each site features 'Gold Grass,' a premium outdoor cinema experience comparable to Event Cinemas’ 'Gold Class.'

Cinebuzz Rewards

All EVENT-owned cinema brands such as Greater Union and BCC participate in the Cinebuzz Rewards Program, a complimentary loyalty scheme. Members benefit from early access screenings, discounted tickets, the Cinebuzz video-on-demand service, and earn a complimentary movie ticket for every six films watched at EVENT venues. The program aims to enhance customer loyalty and currently exceeds 3 million members throughout Australia.

Controversy

The parent company of Event Cinemas has faced scrutiny for its role in the decline of early Australian cinema once regarded among the best globally.

In 2005, an attempt by Event Cinemas to prohibit outside food and beverages triggered public criticism due to high concession prices and limited options. The policy was quickly abandoned after potential investigation threats from NSW Fair Trading.

During a 2012 screening of Skyfall, technical difficulties resulted in audience removal and a manager confronting a journalist recording the event.

Prior to the 2016 Australian Federal Election, Chairman Alan Rydge was reported to have contributed financially to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's political fund known as the Wentworth Forum.

Event Cinemas has also encountered several popcorn machine fires at locations including Top Ryde (2011), Adelaide and Rockhampton (2015), Perth (2015), and Sydney (2016), leading to evacuations and raising safety concerns.

See also

External links

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