Cinema Man
Latest Reviews
Plaza Indonesia XXI
Plaza Indonesia XXI has four regular studios and one premiere. It is located on the 6th floor of the high-end mall in M.H. Thamrin area Central Jakarta. For first timers, the place could be quite difficult to find. I've been here only once for an evening show of John Wick Chapter 4 in April 2023, so my review is only for Studio 2.
How's the lobby?
Entering it, you find the concessions right in front of you, the self-ticketing machines and the box office on your right. Quite spacious but feels rather old and dim, probably caused by the lighting. Not grand, but still quite classy.
Walking past the corridor on the left of the concessions, you see a mini cafe with a big screen on one side of the walls and around fifteen tables for patrons to enjoy drinks and light meals while waiting for a movie. You find all the five studios after passing the cafe.
What are the facilities?
Self-ticketing machines, limited number of padded benches and diner tables, a mini cafe and toilets.
How's the seat layout?
Studio 2 is a small-sized cinema that accommodates 230+ viewers. The entrance has a corridor that cuts through the rear left row leading toward the left of the screen wall. The white masked scope screen has wall-to-wall width and maximum ceiling height. The exit is at the end of the left wall.
Studio 2 has a three block (left, middle, right) seating layout with a floor slope of approximately 25-30 degree, giving audiences unblocked sightlines and viewing proximity to the screen. The middle seats of rows B to G are the sweetest spots. Other than those spots, choosing a seat in any block of the last four rows is a bad idea as you are sitting too close to the screen.
How's the picture and sound quality?
The picture has balanced brightness and contrast, and it is detailed. Good.
Studio 2 is powered by Dolby Atmos sound system that is channeled via 30 surround speakers. Hearing John Wick blasting his guns at his foes couldn't sound more explosive than what was heard from the front speakers and subwoofers throughout the action sequences. Excellent!
Unlike the Atmos in Studios 1 and 2 at Kelapa Gading XXI which were set too loud and at times cause an earsore, the Atmos setup in Studio 2 Plaza Indonesia XXI sounds just right.
Overall?
With its three block seating layout that offers good sightlines, clear picture and explosive yet comfortable Dolby Atmos sound, and not to mention the affordable ticket price, Studio 2 is one of the best movie theaters in Central Jakarta. Very recommended.
How's the lobby?
Entering it, you find the concessions right in front of you, the self-ticketing machines and the box office on your right. Quite spacious but feels rather old and dim, probably caused by the lighting. Not grand, but still quite classy.
Walking past the corridor on the left of the concessions, you see a mini cafe with a big screen on one side of the walls and around fifteen tables for patrons to enjoy drinks and light meals while waiting for a movie. You find all the five studios after passing the cafe.
What are the facilities?
Self-ticketing machines, limited number of padded benches and diner tables, a mini cafe and toilets.
How's the seat layout?
Studio 2 is a small-sized cinema that accommodates 230+ viewers. The entrance has a corridor that cuts through the rear left row leading toward the left of the screen wall. The white masked scope screen has wall-to-wall width and maximum ceiling height. The exit is at the end of the left wall.
Studio 2 has a three block (left, middle, right) seating layout with a floor slope of approximately 25-30 degree, giving audiences unblocked sightlines and viewing proximity to the screen. The middle seats of rows B to G are the sweetest spots. Other than those spots, choosing a seat in any block of the last four rows is a bad idea as you are sitting too close to the screen.
How's the picture and sound quality?
The picture has balanced brightness and contrast, and it is detailed. Good.
Studio 2 is powered by Dolby Atmos sound system that is channeled via 30 surround speakers. Hearing John Wick blasting his guns at his foes couldn't sound more explosive than what was heard from the front speakers and subwoofers throughout the action sequences. Excellent!
Unlike the Atmos in Studios 1 and 2 at Kelapa Gading XXI which were set too loud and at times cause an earsore, the Atmos setup in Studio 2 Plaza Indonesia XXI sounds just right.
Overall?
With its three block seating layout that offers good sightlines, clear picture and explosive yet comfortable Dolby Atmos sound, and not to mention the affordable ticket price, Studio 2 is one of the best movie theaters in Central Jakarta. Very recommended.
CGV Cinemas Pacific Place
Located on the 6th floor of the mall, close to the escalator, CGV Pacific Place has eight small-sized cinemas. Four are regular ones, two are gold class and two velvet class. Having been here only twice in March and September 2023, my review is only for Audi 3 and 4.
What's the lobby like?
The main entrance is flanked by two ceramic walls, embellished with movie posters, on opposite sides. When you enter the main lobby, you're greeted by the crew at the concessions and ticket box. You find the self-ticketing machines to the right of the lobby. Spaciousness isn't really felt. The lobby with its open ceilings will be packed during blockbuster shows.
Moving to the left of the lobby, you see a huge Polytron screen displaying movie previews and ads. Walking further past a narrow corridor beside the screen, you'll locate all four regular audis chronologically situated. The layout of these four audis is unique, each of which is separated from one another, which prevents sound leaking through the walls of the adjacent cinema.
Turning to the right of the lobby, you find CGV Kitchen -- a mini diner that offers simple, popular Indonesian and western fare. Walking past it, you enter the exclusive area for the Gold and Velvet classes.
How's Audi 3 and 4?
Audi 3 has 180+ seats while Audi 4 has around 130. The entrance cuts through the rear left side and faces the screen like that which you find in most Indonesian multiplexes.
The screen
Audi 3 and 4 have unmasked silver/grey screen with a wall-to-wall width and an almost ceiling height. Picture quality in Audi 3 was clear but I've seen better. However, the same couldn't be said about that of Audi 4 which was COMPLETELY DIM. I could not believe they let it slide!
The sound system
Standard 7.1 sound system. Audi 3 has four surround speakers mounted on each side of the three walls. The sound of the front speakers was clear and the surround was quite enveloping. But truth be told, I was not impressed considering this is a flagship CGV branch.
Audi 4 has three surround speakers, if I saw it right, on each wall. When the Dolby 7.1 trailer played before the feature started, the first two words in the voiceover "All Around You" was not heard at all. Bad.
The seating layout and seats
Audi 3 has a single block stadium seating layout with 11 rows, each of which comprises 18-22 comfy seats with adequate legroom. What excels in the layout is the floor elevation that provides unblocked sightline for the viewers. As for the best seats, they are in the center of rows D and E.
Audi 4 is smaller comprising 10 rows with 13 seats in each. Layout is identical to that of Audi 3. Good sightline.
How's the staff?
Trained concession staff, but not the ticket taker as there wasn't any at the entrance when the showtime started. A few patrons, including me, just went inside without any checking. CGV Pacific Place seemed to be deliberately understaffed.
What other facilities are there?
Four self-ticketing machines, clean toilets, a number of chairs with mini tables and also padded square stools placed in the waiting area of the regular cinemas, dining tables and chairs in the CGV Kitchen area and waiting lobby in the Gold and Velvet class area.
Overall?
I must admit that CGV cinemas are outdoing XXI in terms of their cool creative design. Sitting in the lobby of their cinemas sometimes gives you a unique homey ambiance. From my experience, no two CGV lobby designs are alike.
That said, being located in an upper-class mall, CGV Pacific Place must up its ante with 4K laser projectors and Dolby Atmos sound system or Onyx Cinema that defines its class. The current ticket price on weekends is quite steep considering the standard to sub-par picture and sound quality.
CGV Pacific Place has a comfortable and uncrowded small-sized lobby. For casual viewers who enjoy seeing a movie with clear picture and sound quality while sitting in seats with completely unblocked sightline, Audi 3 comes recommended. As for Audi 4 in its present condition, consider it non-existent.
What's the lobby like?
The main entrance is flanked by two ceramic walls, embellished with movie posters, on opposite sides. When you enter the main lobby, you're greeted by the crew at the concessions and ticket box. You find the self-ticketing machines to the right of the lobby. Spaciousness isn't really felt. The lobby with its open ceilings will be packed during blockbuster shows.
Moving to the left of the lobby, you see a huge Polytron screen displaying movie previews and ads. Walking further past a narrow corridor beside the screen, you'll locate all four regular audis chronologically situated. The layout of these four audis is unique, each of which is separated from one another, which prevents sound leaking through the walls of the adjacent cinema.
Turning to the right of the lobby, you find CGV Kitchen -- a mini diner that offers simple, popular Indonesian and western fare. Walking past it, you enter the exclusive area for the Gold and Velvet classes.
How's Audi 3 and 4?
Audi 3 has 180+ seats while Audi 4 has around 130. The entrance cuts through the rear left side and faces the screen like that which you find in most Indonesian multiplexes.
The screen
Audi 3 and 4 have unmasked silver/grey screen with a wall-to-wall width and an almost ceiling height. Picture quality in Audi 3 was clear but I've seen better. However, the same couldn't be said about that of Audi 4 which was COMPLETELY DIM. I could not believe they let it slide!
The sound system
Standard 7.1 sound system. Audi 3 has four surround speakers mounted on each side of the three walls. The sound of the front speakers was clear and the surround was quite enveloping. But truth be told, I was not impressed considering this is a flagship CGV branch.
Audi 4 has three surround speakers, if I saw it right, on each wall. When the Dolby 7.1 trailer played before the feature started, the first two words in the voiceover "All Around You" was not heard at all. Bad.
The seating layout and seats
Audi 3 has a single block stadium seating layout with 11 rows, each of which comprises 18-22 comfy seats with adequate legroom. What excels in the layout is the floor elevation that provides unblocked sightline for the viewers. As for the best seats, they are in the center of rows D and E.
Audi 4 is smaller comprising 10 rows with 13 seats in each. Layout is identical to that of Audi 3. Good sightline.
How's the staff?
Trained concession staff, but not the ticket taker as there wasn't any at the entrance when the showtime started. A few patrons, including me, just went inside without any checking. CGV Pacific Place seemed to be deliberately understaffed.
What other facilities are there?
Four self-ticketing machines, clean toilets, a number of chairs with mini tables and also padded square stools placed in the waiting area of the regular cinemas, dining tables and chairs in the CGV Kitchen area and waiting lobby in the Gold and Velvet class area.
Overall?
I must admit that CGV cinemas are outdoing XXI in terms of their cool creative design. Sitting in the lobby of their cinemas sometimes gives you a unique homey ambiance. From my experience, no two CGV lobby designs are alike.
That said, being located in an upper-class mall, CGV Pacific Place must up its ante with 4K laser projectors and Dolby Atmos sound system or Onyx Cinema that defines its class. The current ticket price on weekends is quite steep considering the standard to sub-par picture and sound quality.
CGV Pacific Place has a comfortable and uncrowded small-sized lobby. For casual viewers who enjoy seeing a movie with clear picture and sound quality while sitting in seats with completely unblocked sightline, Audi 3 comes recommended. As for Audi 4 in its present condition, consider it non-existent.
CGV Cinemas Sunter Mall
I've been in all four auditoriums for evening shows more than ten times. Here's my overall review:
Where is it located?
The four cinemas are located on the third floor of Sunter Mall North Jakarta, a subsidiary of the MAP group, which has been fully revamped and upgraded as of November 2018. The location used to be that of Sunter 21 for 24 years (1994 - 2018). It is close to those living near Sunter, Kelapa Gading, Kemayoran, and Ancol vicinity.
How is the lobby?
Everything has been completely refurbished to display the CGV ambiance. The light-colored walls and the exposed ceilings create a more spacious feel to the otherwise limited area.
What are the facilities?
Ticket box, self-ticketing machine, concession stand, limited number of tables and chairs, small toilets for gents, ladies and the disabled, in-wall widescreen TVs for playing trailers of upcoming movies, booster seats for child audiences, and space for two wheelchair audiences in cinema 1 and 2 - it's a good idea; the only downside is its location at the front row that is just a few meters away from the screen.
How professional are the staffs?
No complaints as yet.
How are the auditoriums?
I used to frequent this cinema between 1994 to 1998 when it was operated by the XXI cinema chain. All four studios had identical designs and seat layouts. As expected, the new small-sized theaters have been completely given new designs of seats, seat layout, screen, floor slope, soundproofing and entrance corridor.
1. Seats and Seating Layout
You enter from the rear of the auditorium and walk up a flight of blue lit stairs that lead you to row A and the not-exactly-middle aisle-way. Each new auditorium accommodates 150 viewers and offers comfy seats and adequate legroom for most Asian viewers. If you are tall, however, your knees will touch people's legs passing by you when you are seated, so you'll have to pull your body and sit upright to give way for them.
The rows that provide the most comfortable leg clearance are row A and B or the Sweet Box rows whereas the most ideal seats are those positioned approximately 2/3 of the distance from the screen in the center of row B, C and D.
The less steeply sloped floors (approx. 15 degrees) on which the seats are set and the asymmetrical two-section seating layout (4 seats on one side and 12 on the other) may not be a preferred design for some viewers, but rest assured it doesn't affect your viewing experience unless you are unlucky for getting a seat close to an annoying audience!
2. Screen
Whereas the defunct Sunter 21 had smaller white masked scope screens, the new perforated 3D-compatible silver scope screens are unmasked, slightly taller and wider that fills almost 80% of the wall. An emergency exit is situated at one lower side of it.
3. Projector
No problem with the picture quality, which is sharp and comfortable. Judging by the size of the theater, they must be using a 2K projector. If CGV aim to gain and satisfy more patrons, they should install 4K laser projectors in select screens.
4. Sound System
Dolby 7.1 setup with 12 surround speakers that often reproduce quite strong gusting low frequency sound every time a loud action sequence kicks in. Here's hoping they'll upgrade the amplifiers with Dolby Atmos or DTS-X processor for reproducing more powerful and detailed sound effects.
5. Air-conditioning System
It's quite cold inside, no complaint as yet.
To sum up, out of a total score of 5:
1. Seats and seating arrangement - 4
2. Screen - 4
3. Projector - 4
4. Sound system - 4*
5. Air-conditioning system - 5
6. Lobby - 3
7. Facilities - 4
8. Staff - 5
Bottom line, a recommended movie theater for family and moviegoers.
*Update: Saw It - Chapter Two, War, Joker (in 2019), Top Gun: Maverick (in 2022), Black Adam, Pathaan and Shazam: Fury of the Gods, I could hear the front and surround speakers produce significantly more powerful and more detailed sounds.
Where is it located?
The four cinemas are located on the third floor of Sunter Mall North Jakarta, a subsidiary of the MAP group, which has been fully revamped and upgraded as of November 2018. The location used to be that of Sunter 21 for 24 years (1994 - 2018). It is close to those living near Sunter, Kelapa Gading, Kemayoran, and Ancol vicinity.
How is the lobby?
Everything has been completely refurbished to display the CGV ambiance. The light-colored walls and the exposed ceilings create a more spacious feel to the otherwise limited area.
What are the facilities?
Ticket box, self-ticketing machine, concession stand, limited number of tables and chairs, small toilets for gents, ladies and the disabled, in-wall widescreen TVs for playing trailers of upcoming movies, booster seats for child audiences, and space for two wheelchair audiences in cinema 1 and 2 - it's a good idea; the only downside is its location at the front row that is just a few meters away from the screen.
How professional are the staffs?
No complaints as yet.
How are the auditoriums?
I used to frequent this cinema between 1994 to 1998 when it was operated by the XXI cinema chain. All four studios had identical designs and seat layouts. As expected, the new small-sized theaters have been completely given new designs of seats, seat layout, screen, floor slope, soundproofing and entrance corridor.
1. Seats and Seating Layout
You enter from the rear of the auditorium and walk up a flight of blue lit stairs that lead you to row A and the not-exactly-middle aisle-way. Each new auditorium accommodates 150 viewers and offers comfy seats and adequate legroom for most Asian viewers. If you are tall, however, your knees will touch people's legs passing by you when you are seated, so you'll have to pull your body and sit upright to give way for them.
The rows that provide the most comfortable leg clearance are row A and B or the Sweet Box rows whereas the most ideal seats are those positioned approximately 2/3 of the distance from the screen in the center of row B, C and D.
The less steeply sloped floors (approx. 15 degrees) on which the seats are set and the asymmetrical two-section seating layout (4 seats on one side and 12 on the other) may not be a preferred design for some viewers, but rest assured it doesn't affect your viewing experience unless you are unlucky for getting a seat close to an annoying audience!
2. Screen
Whereas the defunct Sunter 21 had smaller white masked scope screens, the new perforated 3D-compatible silver scope screens are unmasked, slightly taller and wider that fills almost 80% of the wall. An emergency exit is situated at one lower side of it.
3. Projector
No problem with the picture quality, which is sharp and comfortable. Judging by the size of the theater, they must be using a 2K projector. If CGV aim to gain and satisfy more patrons, they should install 4K laser projectors in select screens.
4. Sound System
Dolby 7.1 setup with 12 surround speakers that often reproduce quite strong gusting low frequency sound every time a loud action sequence kicks in. Here's hoping they'll upgrade the amplifiers with Dolby Atmos or DTS-X processor for reproducing more powerful and detailed sound effects.
5. Air-conditioning System
It's quite cold inside, no complaint as yet.
To sum up, out of a total score of 5:
1. Seats and seating arrangement - 4
2. Screen - 4
3. Projector - 4
4. Sound system - 4*
5. Air-conditioning system - 5
6. Lobby - 3
7. Facilities - 4
8. Staff - 5
Bottom line, a recommended movie theater for family and moviegoers.
*Update: Saw It - Chapter Two, War, Joker (in 2019), Top Gun: Maverick (in 2022), Black Adam, Pathaan and Shazam: Fury of the Gods, I could hear the front and surround speakers produce significantly more powerful and more detailed sounds.
Kelapa Gading XXI
I've been here often. The flagship XXI cinema occupies the uppermost level of a multistory carpark of Mal Kelapa Gading 3 North Jakarta and is connected to the third floor of the mall via a skybridge escalator. With thirteen screens: ten regular, two premiere, and an IMAX, the cinema offers good quality movie-going experience. My review is for Studios 1-4, 6-7, 9 and the IMAX studio.
What are the facilities?
The main box office is situated in a spacious main foyer across the main concession. An IMAX box office and concession and two cafes are also found when you walk past the winding hallways. Self-ticketing machines, limited padded benches placed along the corridors, a premiere studio lounge, a number of toilets, and an open-air terrace for smokers are also available.
How are the theaters?
Studios 1-2 accommodate 280+ viewers. The mid-sized studios have a three-section (left, center, right) seating layout separated into upper and lower block-rows with approximately 20-25 degree floor slope and a rear entrance that cuts through one of the side rows. The best viewing area is the upper rows of the middle section from row B to H seat number 7 to 17. Rows J to L of the middle section are your second best options.
Both adjoining studios have clear picture quality and are equipped with Dolby Atmos sound system. The front speakers reproduce natural vocals and distinct L-C-R separation with robust solid thick bass. That said, I must knock one star off as you can hear low frequency sound from the adjoining studio leaking through the walls whenever a loud film is playing next door over a quiet film, which is very distracting. Sometimes, the volume during their Atmos show is also uncomfortably loud.
Studios 3-4, 6-7 and 9 are small-sized theaters with Dolby 7.1 audio setup that accommodate about 150+ viewers. No complaint about the picture and sound quality. However, the two-section (left and right) seating layout only offers a few sweet spots for getting the best viewing experience as the center area is used for the aisle-way.
The IMAX theater with its two entrances and approximately 40 degree floor slope is the bigger of the only two IMAX screens in Jakarta and accommodates 500+ viewers. It's not the biggest IMAX screen like that which you find in some US IMAX theaters but it is huge! Equipped with the latest IMAX laser projector and two mammoth speakers looming at the rear corner that function as rear surround, the theater offers an immersive viewing experience for moviegoers who love seeing gigantic detailed picture and hearing deep rumbling low effects bass sound. The best seats are in the middle section of row D to K from number 7 to 29. Don't ever try any seats in row L to R unless you enjoy experiencing a headache after leaving the theater.
Overall, provided you get the best spot, the IMAX theater gets my highest recommendation whereas Studios 1-2 with their three-section seating layout and usually solid Atmos sound are my second choice.
What are the facilities?
The main box office is situated in a spacious main foyer across the main concession. An IMAX box office and concession and two cafes are also found when you walk past the winding hallways. Self-ticketing machines, limited padded benches placed along the corridors, a premiere studio lounge, a number of toilets, and an open-air terrace for smokers are also available.
How are the theaters?
Studios 1-2 accommodate 280+ viewers. The mid-sized studios have a three-section (left, center, right) seating layout separated into upper and lower block-rows with approximately 20-25 degree floor slope and a rear entrance that cuts through one of the side rows. The best viewing area is the upper rows of the middle section from row B to H seat number 7 to 17. Rows J to L of the middle section are your second best options.
Both adjoining studios have clear picture quality and are equipped with Dolby Atmos sound system. The front speakers reproduce natural vocals and distinct L-C-R separation with robust solid thick bass. That said, I must knock one star off as you can hear low frequency sound from the adjoining studio leaking through the walls whenever a loud film is playing next door over a quiet film, which is very distracting. Sometimes, the volume during their Atmos show is also uncomfortably loud.
Studios 3-4, 6-7 and 9 are small-sized theaters with Dolby 7.1 audio setup that accommodate about 150+ viewers. No complaint about the picture and sound quality. However, the two-section (left and right) seating layout only offers a few sweet spots for getting the best viewing experience as the center area is used for the aisle-way.
The IMAX theater with its two entrances and approximately 40 degree floor slope is the bigger of the only two IMAX screens in Jakarta and accommodates 500+ viewers. It's not the biggest IMAX screen like that which you find in some US IMAX theaters but it is huge! Equipped with the latest IMAX laser projector and two mammoth speakers looming at the rear corner that function as rear surround, the theater offers an immersive viewing experience for moviegoers who love seeing gigantic detailed picture and hearing deep rumbling low effects bass sound. The best seats are in the middle section of row D to K from number 7 to 29. Don't ever try any seats in row L to R unless you enjoy experiencing a headache after leaving the theater.
Overall, provided you get the best spot, the IMAX theater gets my highest recommendation whereas Studios 1-2 with their three-section seating layout and usually solid Atmos sound are my second choice.