OPINION: TOP 4 CINEMAS IN MELBOURNE

As Australia's central hub for the arts, Melbourne is home to some of the very best cinemas in the country. Whether it's our state-of-the-art projection technology, or our fondness for the forgotten, our range of options is endless. Here's a list of one man's very subjective look, at his favorite places to check out flicks in his city.

Australians are lucky enough to envision a very different beast when someone drops the word ‘IMAX’. We’re home to not only the biggest IMAX screen in the world (Darling Harbor, Sydney) at 117.2 feet wide and 96.5 feet high, but also the third-largest screen over-all in Melbourne. Along with a terrifying 32 x 23 meter screen, IMAX Melbourne is also home to the only 4K laser projection system in the country. This is really an event cinema. Anything that’s lucky enough to have a residency at this IMAX is worth checking out. It’s big, it’s loud, and it draws some of the best crowds in the city. Standing outside in the Carlton Cold at 11:45pm is a rite of passage for any midnight-release lover in Melbourne.

Rathdowne Street

Carlton Gardens

Carlton South VIC 3053

Phone: 9663 5454

info@imaxmelbourne.com.au

Liscenced. Proper bar eats. Rootop cinema. Neighbour to Huxtaburger. $10 Memberships.

If you're not already on your way to the Lido, you should be. This gem opened up along Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn in 2015. From their website:

"Lido Cinemas is a brand new eight screen artiplex showing both commercial and new release art house films in the heart of Hawthorn’s bustling Glenferrie Road. Our exciting new cinema hosts special events and ensures audiences enjoy an intimate and specialised cinematic experience with films that cater for everyone. Possessing a vibrant atmosphere and boutique, individually designed cinemas, Lido’s diverse program of films and events will appeal to the many different tastes of film aficionados in the local area of Hawthorn and of wider Melbourne.The Lido’s unique space has lost none of its grandeur since opening in 1912 when it first opened as a cinema. Innovative Architect Aidan Halloran has combined the building’s original structural features with contemporary design and technology. Preserving the building’s historic charm has been at the forefront of the design process and we hope you enjoy seeking out the cinema’s gorgeous original features. The Lido sees some of the world’s most cutting edge technology, including a 4K projector and Dolby Atmos, contrasted beautifully in our historic venue. If you look above you’ll also find Lido’s impressive rooftop cinema. Our rooftop forms as the first venue in mainland Australia to have a rooftop screen attached to the cinema."

Trying to catch up on ANY Oscar pics? This is the place for you.

The Lido's set the bar for the only cinema you should be taking your dates to.

Address: 1, 675 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122

Phone:(03) 8658 0000

I'm a huge Star Wars nut. Ask my family, the bank, my family's bank. So far, (as of two months past release) I've seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens sixteen times in cinema. During the four-year build up to TFA'S release, the question always lingered; where will I see it at midnight? It has become somewhat of a tradition to see every Star Wars film in the Village Cinemas Knox VMAX with my dad. Some of my best memories as a kid were formed in that cinema. With its enormous foyer, huge standees and posters, Knox has the capacity to hold the biggest and best midnight-releases in Melbourne. If IMAX proves a little too big, and a little too big for some of you, the VMAX is the next best thing, often providing even options for both 2D and 3D screenings. It's a fair hike for those of us living inner-city, but there's nothing quite like approaching the beaming lights and noise of Knox in the dead of the night, everyone cosplaying their hearts out. This is really a big-popcorn-bucket American experience.

Address: 435 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South VIC 3152

Phone:1300 555 400

What could I possibly say about The Astor that hasn't been said by every single film-fan/psuedo-hipster in Melbourne? It's an icon. With a rotating seasonal calander, the Astor works in a niche of double-features by theme, director, actor or release. Only playing one or two films a day in their single-auditorium theatre, the Astor always has a fine mix of the old and new. Newly acquired by Palace Cinemas, the Astor's had some well-needed maintenence work, and is in better shape then ever. They also have a painfully long, but satisfying annual Lord of the Rings marathon, if you need more convicing. This one talks for itself. It's the Astor.

Address: Chapel St & Dandenong Rd, Melbourne VIC 3182

Phone: (03) 9510 1414

What do you guys think? Where are your favorite film spots in Melbourne? Email us at paperclipnews@gmail.com, and we'll run your thoughts!