One thing I’ve decided to do this year is to make an effort to visit more of many different cinemas we have here in Sydney. I’ve already been to quite a few, so I’ve got a head start on my goals to eventually visit all of them. It feels like quite an achievable goal – I love going to the cinema and see a number of films each year, so why not just add a bit more variety to the experience. So to that end, in this recurring column I’ll just try to give a few thoughts on each venue and provide a simple star rating out of five.

Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace at Cremorne

This is one of the best – a place with a great vibe and tonnes of character. Originally built in 1935, it was lovingly restored to a new era of glory in the 1980’s. With an Art Deco / Modern design, and each of its six cinemas with it’s own unique design style, it certainly appeals to me on many levels. Because it isn’t part of massive chain you get the feeling of attention and passion from every inch of the place. The Cinema Bar is great, and the walls are lined with classic posters and memorabilia. They even have a Wurlitzer! With a great mix of mainstream and independent films, there is something for everyone. The Orpheum gets tops marks for having that magic quality that makes the whole experience special. I lived more locally, I’d be there all the time.   *****

Hoyts Entertainment Quarter

The flagship cinema of the Hoyts brand in Australia, it is certainly impressive and on a grand scale. Everything feels big, from the entrance foyer to the buckets of popcorn. It has a range of different formats, from the premium LUX to IMAX with stadium seating. Another example of classical Art Dec theatre design, but with a decidedly ‘surface only’ sensibility to that element as it is a thoroughly modern location. With 12 screens they can show quite a lot, so as long as you are after something fairly mainstream you can’t go wrong with this location.   ****

Dendy Opera Quays

With possibly the most stunning location for a cinema in Australia, this delightful and small venue is located on the promenade leading to the Sydney Opera House and overlooks the harbour. With only 3 screens there is obviously going to limited selections, but this isn’t an issue as the Dendy brand caters mainly to an art-house/independent audience. There is a nice design aesthetic, the smaller theatres create a good vibe and as they are full licensed it’s nice to chill out with a wine or a beer as you watch.   ****

Hoyts Penrith

It’s basically your typical shopping-centre multiplex, with no discernable character apart from the standard corporate branding – but as this is my local cinema it has that strange feeling of ‘home’. I’ve a multitude of films here over the years, and it was always have a place in my heart. It has the modern state-of-the-art tech, but no premium / gold class options. It probably gets extra points just for being my local, and I’m a bit of a sentimentalist.   ***