On a whim, I decided to cough up RM18 and test out the GSC Signature cinemas at The Gardens. I’ll talk a lot here about the cinema first before I get to the movie so those who haven’t seen Forbidden Kingdom and who don’t like spoilers, can then leave before reading further. Aren’t I considerate?
Yes, no kidding. RM18 for a movie. It’d better be good 
The GSC Signature cinema at The Gardens is GSC’s premier line of cinemas for those who don’t want to mingle with the masses and who want more comfort and are willing to pay for it. Each cinema is very small with only about 10 rows of seats. Each row only has 6 seats in pairs of 2 so you have 3 rows of seats. What this means is larger more comfortable seats. There is even a little table attached to the side of the chairs for your popcorn or snacks. However, because its so small, I felt that the screen was too small to do justice to a truly epic movie. It might be good for some light fun but not if you want to enjoy and truly appreciate the full effects of the movies.
I could curl up in the chair so yes, its a large comfy chair. The back can recline if you are heavy enough to cause it to. I can only make it recline if I physically push against it which makes for an uncomfortable time. But I’m ok with it even sitting upright.
The exterior of the cinema is kept dim. Perhaps, its to keep with the “premier” theme. After all, expensive and privileged places are always kept dim with low lighting. The ticket queue is practically non-existent which of course is great if you don’t want to stand in queue for hours to buy the usual RM11 ticket. Downstairs is a bar/cafe for drinks and snacks and the cinema halls are upstairs. There are only 5 premier halls and 1 Gold Class. Gold class tickets are RM60 each. I’d pay those prices if they run the Lord of The Rings trilogy back to back! Otherwise, forget it!
When you go upstairs, you’ll see your cinema hall number and the words “Now Seating” which will light up when its time to seat you. If its dim, its not ready. I’m not sure how that helps anything, but everyone there quietly waited until the light came on before approaching the ushers.
Even the popcorn is different. It comes in a black cup instead of the usual yellow box. Unfortunately, the popcorn was either not caramel coated, or not fresh. It tasted bland and musty. You know how cardboard tastes? No? Go pop some corn, don’t mix it with anything and chew on it. Now, you know how cardboard tastes. Awful! I don’t recommend the popcorn at GSC Signature.
For all the extra cost and air of exclusivity, I noticed that the place was subtly crowded. Yes even the crowds are classy No, its because the cinema halls are so small, that the crowds won’t overwhelm, no matter how crowded it gets. It makes going to the movies fun but a pricey affair.
GSC Signature premier cinemas at The Gardens are at the end near Robinsons. Take the escalators all the way up right to the top of the building, and you’ll see it… or maybe not. Its so “classy” and dim, its easy to miss, but for the subtle touches of some movie posters on the walls.
Now, read on for my take on Forbidden Kingdom the movie. Please leave now if you don’t like spoilers. Continue reading →
