Hong Kong to Hollywood actor Jet Li was one of the celebrity guests when Galaxy Macau opened the territory’s first modern multi-screen cinema this week.
Given that Macau likes to market itself as a world-class, all-round tourism destination, the lack of a modern cinema complex was a glaring omission from the territory’s amenities.
That’s now been addressed by Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), the operator of the Galaxy Macau casino resort on Cotai. GEG has done a deal with UA Cinemas to bring in a facility capable of showing the latest 3D films. It opened on Wednesday with the premiere of Chinese director Tsui Hark’s latest film, The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate 3D starring Jet Li.
“We’re continuing to provide attractions and facilities that have never been available in Macau before,” said Dr Lui Che-woo, Chairman of GEG; at a press conference before the opening ceremony.
The nine-screen UA Galaxy Cinemas facility adjoins a 2,100 square metre multi-purpose leisure and entertainment zone at Galaxy Macau known as East Square. The latter also has a 19-metre high atrium that can accommodate a stage and red carpet activities; multiple LED walls; a state-of-the-art Galaxy Broadcast Studio; and a covered limousine drop-off area at the main entrance.
UA Galaxy Cinemas occupies nearly 16,000 sq. ms at Galaxy Macau, with a total capacity of approximately 1,000 luxury cinema seats. It includes The Grand Theatre with 400 seats and four balcony boxes. There are also four small luxury theatres, known as Director’s Clubs, offering five-star dining and service, a lounge with waiting staff, and adjustable reclining sofa seats. There are also four more theatres. All of the screens a equipped to show 3D films.
Galaxy Macau opened in May at a cost of HK$16.5 billion (US$2.1 billion) and attracts more than 30,000 visitors per day according to GEG. UA Cinemas also has facilities in major China cities including Shanghai, Chongqing, Wuhan (under the “Studio City Cinemas” brand), Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
