SM Southmall IMAX Opens July 14, 2011

IMAX! The World's Most Immersive Movie Experience!

Moviegoers in the southern part of Metro Manila are in for an ultimate movie experience as SM Cinema opened its latest IMAX Theatre at SM Southmall, Las Pinas on July 14, 2011.  The IMAX Theatre features crystal clear, larger than life three-dimensional images and state-of-the-art surround sound, allowing moviegoers to have a truly immersive cinematic experience.

On July 13, 2011, Wednesday, SM Cinema held a private event to launch the IMAX Theatre at SM Southmall, which was attended by VIPs, members of the press, brand partners, and other special guests.  The event, which was held at the new theater's lobby, started with the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a press conference that was led by Asia Pacific IMAX Corp. executive Jessie Chou and West Ave. Theatres Corp. senior vice president Edgar Tejerero.  The two executives addressed questions asked by the media, explaining the unique features of the IMAX Theatre, its difference from other digital theaters, and the reason behind the decision of SM Cinema to establish an IMAX Theatre at SM Southmall.

Asia Pacific IMAX Corp. executive Jessie Chou and
 West Ave. Theatres Corp. senior vice president Edgar Tejerero

At the press conference

After the press conference, everyone was treated to cocktails that lasted for an hour.  Guests were then ushered back to the lobby for an audio-visual presentation about the IMAX technology and for the closing remarks delivered by Chou.  The entire program was hosted by disc jockey John Boncan.

At about 7:30 P.M., the doors of the IMAX Theatre were opened to the guests for the very first time for the special screening of the film "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2."  3D glasses were, of course, provided for the complete IMAX Experience.  Free snacks were also provided to all guests.

Holding a special screening of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" in conjunction with the launching of SM Southmall IMAX indeed made the entire event a very successful one.  Congratulations, SM Cinema!


Announcements & acknowledgment:

- The upcoming films to be released in SM Southmall IMAX include:

Cars 2  in August 2011

Real Steel in October 2011

Puss in Boots in November 2011

Happy Feet 2 in November 2011

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
in December 2011

-Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero for the invites.

-Special thanks to Pinoy Bloggers Nica, Trish, and Sef for their participation.

-More photos at http://valveecaptureonlineworkerscorner.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-pictures-taken-during-sm-southmall.html.

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  She may be e-mailed at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com or valve.ecapture@gmail.com.

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"Transformers: Dark of the Moon": My Ultimate IMAX Experience

Ok, so I had to digress from the usual format I use in writing articles about films.  I was so excited to watch the advance screening of "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" yesterday that I decided to take pictures of my travel from Las Pinas City to SM Mall of Asia with my husband.  It wasn't our first time to watch at the IMAX Theater but it was indeed our first time to watch a "Transformers" film in 3D.  So, to all you readers, sit back, relax, and may you enjoy your travel with me!





One fine day. June 28, 2011...

Along Roxas Boulevard.  Yay! The COASTal is clear!  SM MOA, See you in a few!

At the stop light along Macapagal Avenue.

That building is the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs along Macapagal Avenue.  This was taken while waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

That building is...  you guessed that right! A Metrobank office!  This was taken while waiting for the second traffic light to turn green.

Finally, the SM Mall of Asia!  That is the famous huge bronze globe  resembling that of the Universal Studios Theme Parks and the Unisphere in New York.

    
Not satisfied with merely taking pictures, I took a short video of the travel going to the IMAX Theater:

Hello, IMAX!

While waiting for our turn to enter the car park.

As soon as we stepped inside the IMAX Theater lobby, we saw Optimus Prime in real flesh, er, metal, and the other robots starring in the film.  I immediately hauled my smartphone from my purse to take pictures.  I was so exhilarated, I totally forgot that I still had to meet a friend for our movie passes.

At the IMAX Theater lobby before the cocktails.

Finally!  My movie pass!

And my husband's!

My husband and I were totally famished but we chose to take pictures first before proceeding to the cocktails, which were served at the lobby at 5:00 PM.  Ironically, we forgot to take photos of the food.

My husband with Bumblebee

That's me with Bumblebee!

I bumped into Optimus Prime!

After my "pictorial" with Optimus Prime, my husband and I headed to the cinema.  At the entrance, we were given 3D glasses and were then guided by the friendly staff of SM Cinema to our seats.  Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero for reserving perfect seats for us.

Once ensconced inside the cinema, I wanted so badly to take pictures and videos of everyone wearing 3D glasses but using cameras inside the movie house is strictly prohibited.  Lest SM Cinema guards would drag me out of the theater, I decided not to violate the Anti-Camcording Law of 2010 and to just deplete the free pastries I grabbed from the lobby.

As soon as the film started, everyone inside the cinema simultaneously wore the 3D glasses.  There were several "whoa's" and "wow's" and "cool!" and hands clapping in the background during the screening -- an indication that I wasn't the only one in awe.

So, what can I say about "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"?  Great plot, great action, great cinematography.  Everything is indeed AWESOME!  I highly recommend it, and it is undeniably best watched at the IMAX Theater.

Watch the trailer:

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This photo blog is dedicated to Mrs. Glai Pace and Mrs. Michelle Renner.

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The author may be e-mailed at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com and valve.ecapture@gmail.com.

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Source Code

"Source Code" is a film about a time loop program wherein Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) is tasked, without his knowledge, to be part of a mission to discover the bomber (Michael Arden) responsible for a train explosion.

Directed by Duncan Jones, the story of "Source Code" begins one sunny day when Stevens wakes up and finds himself riding in a train and sitting across a woman named Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan), who addresses him not as Stevens but as Sean Fentress.  After eight minutes, the train explodes and Stevens finds himself in a small geodesic dome.  While strapped inside the dome, he finds himself talking to U.S. Air Force captain Colleen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga) who explains to him the need to go back to the scene using the identity of Fentress, through the Source Code program, in order to locate the bomber and prevent the occurrence of  a second bomb explosion.  Goodwin tells him that he is to go back in time to relive the last eight minutes of his life over and over again until he is able to find the bomber.

Jones succeeded in creating a great American science fiction-techno-thriller film.  Aside from the great plot, Jones and his team also did a good job in choosing its cast members.

"Source Code" was released in April 2011 by Summit Entertainment.

Watch the trailer:

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  You may e-mail her at valve.ecapture@gmail.com or valve.ecapture@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

Limitless

"Limitless" is a film about a nootropic drug called NZT-48 offered to writer Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) by Vernon Gant (Johnny Whitworth), the brother of his ex-wife Melissa, played by Anna Friel.  Morra begins to take the drug which allows him to access 100% of his brain.  The drug indeed works, allowing him to finish the long-overdue book that his employer has been asking him to submit.

Morra goes back to Gant's place to ask for more of the drug until one day, he finds his former brother-in-law murdered.  Before the police arrives in the murder scene, Morra succeeds in finding and keeping the stash of the drug including a wad of cash.  He uses both to improve his life.  Despite the start of a flourishing career as a writer, he decides to venture into stock trading.  With the help of NZT, he undoubtedly succeeds in such field but also stumbles into several obstacles as he meets several people including a Russian thug named Gennady (Andrew Howard), a businessman named Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro), and a man wearing a tan coat (Tomas Arana).

Melissa warns Morra of the brutal side effects of NZT but his success and wealth enable him to hire a private scientist whom he commissions to work on a reverse engineering drug.  Hiring a private scientist has allowed him to have a limitless supply of the drug and to continue being a successful man.

Directed by Neil Burger, "Limitless" is an action-thriller film based on the novel "The Dark Fields," by Alan Glynn, which was released in 2001.  The film was released in March 2011.

Watch the trailer:

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  You may e-mail her at valve.ecapture@gmail.com and valve.ecapture@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

Hangover II

"Hangover II" is a film for adults who simply want to laugh and take time off from their busy lives.  Directed by Todd Phillips, "Hangover II" focuses on friends Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis), and Doug (Justin Bartha) who fly to Thailand for Stu's wedding.  One night in Thailand, the four guys and Stu's soon-to-be-brother-in-law Teddy (Mason Lee) spend the night by the beach drinking beer and toasting marshmallows.  Similar to "Hangover I," they wake up the next morning not knowing what happened the night before.  Phil, Stu, and Alan do not have a single idea why they are in a squalid apartment in Bangkok while Doug is back at the resort for the wedding.  As the three men try to recall everything, they discover that Teddy is missing, that the severed finger held by a monkey resembles Teddy's, that Stu has a face tattoo, and many others.

"Hangover II" definitely brings fun and laughter to moviegoers despite some continuity issues.  Read more about it at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411697/goofs.  One of the major highlights of the film is the cameo role of Mike Tyson wherein he performs his own rendition of the song "One Night in Bangkok" at Stu's wedding, courtesy of Alan.  It was reported that Tyson even took voice lessons in preparation for such role.  Read more trivia about "Hangover II" at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411697/trivia.

Watch the trailer:

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  You may reach her at valve.ecapture@gmail.com or valve.ecapture@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

Super 8, Director's Club, SM Mall of Asia: A Different Movie Experience

 Synopsis

Written and directed by J.J. Abrams, “Super 8” is an American science fiction film focusing on a group of friends living in Ohio who witness a destructive train crash while making a low budget zombie movie using a Super 8 film.  Produced by Steven Spielberg, the setting of “Super 8” is in the summer of 1979.

After the train crash, inexplicable events begin to transpire such as the unusual disappearances of people, pets, and appliances. Such occurrences give the children enough reason to suspect that the train crash is not an accident.  The children in the cast include Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills, Riley Griffiths, and Gabriel Basso.

The crash involves biology teacher Dr. Woodward (Glynn Turman) whose intention for driving towards an oncoming train is to release an extraterrestrial that has been imprisoned and tortured by the U.S. Air Force since 1958.  The case is handled by the deputy, portrayed by Kyle Chandler.

Abrams succeeds in incorporating humor, drama, and love triangle in this sci-fi flick.

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Special Screening

A special screening of the film was held at the Director’s Club of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) on June 9, 2011.  The event, which began at 7:30 PM, was organized by Paramount Pictures in cooperation with SM Cinema.  The attendees included VIPs, theater industry partners, and members of the press.  “Super 8” opened on  June 10, 2011 in all SM Cinemas nationwide.

Director's Club Lobby

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Director’s Club

The Director’s Club used to be available for private functions only until the SM Cinema management decided to open it to the public for regular film showings.  Priced at Php350.00 per movie ticket, moviegoers are guaranteed to have an ultimate movie experience with the state-of-the-art screen, digital surround sound system, and La-Z Boy armchairs with side tables.  One movie ticket also includes free popcorn and drinks.

With 30 luxurious La-Z Boy armchairs, the extraordinary venue and intimate setting make the Director's Club an ideal place to hold various types of events such as corporate seminars, product launches, and conferences. Aside from corporate events, the Director's Club may also be used to conduct birthdays and other types of parties and celebrations. Parents may even use the venue to hold a "film-showing" event for their children instead of organizing a typical children's party for them. The Director's Club owns a wide library of movie titles from action to comedy to drama. Private functions may be conducted for a minimum of four hours. For more information, please call the MOA Cinema Office at 556-0104 to 05 / 556-2314 or e-mail at directorsclub@smsupermalls.com or sales@smcinema.com.

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Click on the image to visit www.smcinema.com

CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket

SM Cinema offers convenience to moviegoers in terms of availing tickets through the CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket program.  Log on to www.smcinema.com for more details.

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Acknowledgement and Announcement

- Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero.

- Please watch out for the opening of IMAX at SM Southmall, Las Pinas in July 2011.

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture. You may reach her at valve.ecapture@gmail.com or valve.ecapture@yahoo.com. Thank you.

Experience "Fast Five" at the SM IMAX Theatre

Synopsis

“Fast and Furious 5: Rio Heist”  is a film directed by Justin Lin, focusing on the plan of street racer and ex-convict Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel), former FBI agent Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker), and O’Connor’s love interest Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) to steal millions of U.S. dollars from corrupt businessman Hernan Reyes, played by Joaquim de Almeida.  The trio believe that their plan will help them gain their freedom if executed successfully. Knowing that such plan is arduous to accomplish, they form a team that will help them perform the heist, which includes actors Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Gal Gadot, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, and Sung Kang.

Most of the astounding scenes involve the team led by U.S. Diplomatic Security Service agent Luke Hobbs, played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and the team composed of Reyes’ men that are both chasing Toretto’s group. Among the highlights of the film are the scene at a prison transport bus, the scene where Hobbs and local officer Elena Neves (Elsa Pataky) decide to join the heist team, and the scene where two cars being driven by O’Connor and Toretto are dragging a vault where Reyes’ money is stored.

Just like the previous Fast & Furious films, “Fast and Furious 5: Rio Heist” is packed with a stellar cast, impressive cars, and death-defying scenes.  However, Lin and writer Chris Morgan have done a great job in making the film better than the previous ones.

“Fast and Furious 5: Rio Heist” is released by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment.

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Special Screening

An exclusive advance screening of the film was organized by United International Pictures, in cooperation with SM Cinema, at the IMAX Theatre of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) on May 2, 2011.  Cocktails were served at the ground floor of the IMAX lobby an hour before the special movie premiere.  The attendees included VIPs, brand partners, and the press.  “Fast and Furious 5: Rio Heist” opened on May 4, 2011 in all SM Cinemas nationwide.

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IMAX Theatre

The IMAX Theatre offers an ultra-modern setting and features a gigantic screen, state-of-the-art surround sound, and three-dimensional images.  Aside from SM Mall of Asia, moviegoers may also enjoy IMAX theaters at SM City North Edsa and SM City Cebu.  Please also watch out for the opening of the IMAX Theatre at SM Southmall Las Pinas in July 2011.

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CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket

SM Cinema offers convenience to moviegoers in terms of availing tickets through the CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket program.  Log on to www.smcinema.com for more details, or you may click the image below.

Click the image to go to www.smcinema.com

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Acknowledgement

- Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero.

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture. You may reach her at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com and valve.ecapture@gmail.com. Thank you.

Experience "X-Men: First Class" at the SM Cinema

Synopsis

“X-Men: First Class” is a film directed by Matthew Vaughn, focusing on the lives of Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) before becoming Professor X and Magneto, respectively.  The first class of young mutants are recruited by Charles to join the Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, and trained by him and Erik. Alliances are established and conflicts occur, leading to the existence of war between heroes and villains in the world of X-Men.

Viewers who were not able to watch other X-Men films will nonethelesss appreciate “X-Men: First Class” as it allows them to understand the beginning of the X-Men saga.  The cast also includes Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw, Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, and Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique.  “X-Men: First Class” is brought to us by 20th Century Fox.

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Special Screening

An exclusive advance screening of the film was organized by 20th Century Fox, in cooperation with SM Cinema, at Cinema 1 of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) on June 1, 2011.  Cocktails were served at the second level of the IMAX lobby an hour before the special movie premiere.  The attendees included VIPs, brand partners, and the press.  “X-Men: First Class” opened on June 2, 2011 in all SM Cinemas nationwide.

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Cinema 1

Cinema 1 is one of the movie theaters featuring 400 to 1,000 seats where movie screenings and other major events may be conducted.  SM Cinema is currently operating more than 200 theaters of such type in 36 SM malls nationwide.  Other offerings from SM Cinema include SM Digital Theaters, the IMAX Theatre, the Centerstage, and the Director’s Club.

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CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket


SM Cinema offers convenience to moviegoers in terms of availing tickets through the CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket program.  Log on to www.smcinema.com for more details, or you may click the image below.

Click the image to visit www.smcinema.com

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Acknowledgement and Announcement

- Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero.

- Please watch out for the opening of IMAX at SM Southmall, Las Pinas in July 2011.

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The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture. You may reach her at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com or valve.ecapture@gmail.com