New Farm Cinemas

The New Farm Cinemas are the 21st century boutique incarnation of the iconic Village Twin and the other historic picture theatres – the original open-air Merthyr and The Astor – that have occupied this corner of Brunswick St since 1921.

Centrepiece to the six state of the art theatres that comprise the New Farm Cinemas is the famous Purple Room beloved by 1970s theatregoers, who enjoyed classic blockbusters like Jaws and Grease from within its purple-hued walls.

Fully restored to its former glory, this heritage-listed theatre seats 205 in modern comfort, with up-to-the-minute luxuries like The Christie’s Vive Audio surround sound and screen channel speakers, subwoofers and Class D amplifiers.

The other main auditorium is the premium 70 seat Bronze Room, which also features the latest projection technology and, along with the Purple Room, has rows of bean bags added to the front for an added dimension in casual movie viewing and as a treat seat for kids. The foyer outside these 2 cinemas features another relic: the spectacular 1970s glass chandelier that has been restored to its former glory.

As well as The Purple Room and the Bronze Room, there are 2 small gold class style 30 seat theatrettes upstairs and at the rear Blue and Red Rooms (100 patrons each).

Throughout the cinema complex are retro carpets (remade to the original 1970 patterns), arcade games and vintage film posters and memorabilia such as the 1901 silent film projector paying homage to the golden age of cinema. Another noteworthy feature to look out for in one of the staircases is the original timber trusses from the 1920s that still provide part of the roof support. And while the famous Blue Room is no longer part of it, its entry doors have been refashioned into tables at the bar.

Before or after a film, movie-goers can hang out in the Purple Lounge and enjoy a movie-inspired cocktail (think James Bond, Psycho or The Godfather) and pizza from nearby Majo, order a gelato (by Teneriffe's La Macelleria) from the Scoop Station or a cup of boutique coffee from Artisan Roasters and a Dello Mano brownie.