IT is about time the residents in and around Ampang have a Cineplex to call their own instead of having to travel down to the city to catch the latest movies.

The MBO Cineplex at the Galaxy Ampang Shopping Centre opened its doors on May 17 and is now screening the latest shows in town like Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Madagascar, Kingdom of Heaven, House of Wax, Scenario XX, Lady Boss and Chandramukhi.

"This 10-screen Cineplex has the latest Dolby CP650 sound processor with an ultra high frequency four way loudspeaker facility which provides world-class sound system," said Mcat Box Office Sdn Bhd managing director Toh Kim Hock.

The prime hall is rich with its regal setting and posh interior.

He claims that MBO is the first cineplex to use a four-way speaker system in Malaysia.

Toh said the absence of cinemas in Ampang and its surrounding areas, such as Hulu Kelang and Wangsa Maju and the area's large population, made it a good market for a cineplex business.

"We prefer to be tagged as a neighbourhood cinema as we do not wish to clash with existing establishments in town," he said adding that MBO offered the same facilities as other cinemas.

The cineplex also has an additional feature, which is said to be the first in Malaysia with its membership card that comes with a personal pin number.

Moviegoers just have to pay RM110 for a card and they can then use it to buy tickets from a ticket dispenser, which looks like an ATM machine.

Toh said RM10 was the membership fee while RM100 was the stored-value amount, which could be reloaded.

"Each ticket purchased with the card is RM1cheaper. The card makes a good gift and there is no deadline on its usage," he said.

Toh said the membership system would help to cut the queue at the ticketing counter.

Moviegoers are also encouraged to keep the counter-foil of their tickets as these can be redeemed for gifts like popcorn or free drinks.

"Each ticket-stub carries points , the amount of which varies according to the type of movie seen. One gets higher points if it's a new release and a blockbuster," he said.

The movies screened here cater to all races and there are also international movies.

The cineplex's hallway relates to the shopping mall's galaxy theme hence the fun inspired spaceship lights, reflected on panels at the entrance to the halls.

"Each hall is designed with a different theme to suit the mood of the movie shown at the hall," Toh said.

For example, Cine 1,2 and 6 carries the contemporary mood for all types of films while Cine 4 and 5 have a calm interior design, setting a balance for sci-fi and horror movies.

"Cine 7 takes on a disco look and this is where we show adventure movies and those for the young while Cine 3 and 8 are rich in red for blockbuster releases like Star Wars," Toh explained.

Cine 9 takes on a distinguished medieval look with the Chesterfield design, suited for dramas and epic movies like Kingdom of Heaven.

Cine 10 on the other hand has a cultural touch to it with the batik and songket motif, for the screening of Asian movies, dramas and comedy.

The bigger halls have 206 and 220 seats while the smaller halls can seat 136.

The cineplex also has an extra plus point as the car park is just outside its main entrance.

So, there's no need to walk down alleys and dark hallways to reach your car as it is a short walk to the car park.

Upcoming movies to be shown at MBO Cineplex include Batman Begins, War of World, Initial D, Unleashed and many more.

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