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Caths Visits Village Twin Cinemas, Doncaster Shoppingtown

By Brian Miller

When twin cinemas were Special seats which fit over
the vogue in Melbourne in the the standard seat to elevate
1970s and 1980s, new screens tiny tots for a better view of
opened at Frankston, North the screen were an innovation.
Brighton, Middle Brighton, An interesting comment on
Knox City, Boronia, changing notions of public
Reservoir, Greensborough and safety is that the exterior
Waverley Gardens, amongst illuminated program sign had
others. Twin cinemas were to be removed from its
also built in regional centres. elevated position.
The Village Doncaster The cinemas’ current
Twin complex opened on 10 policy includes screenings for
December 1981 with the special interests groups, which
celebrated Australian film, include the Chinese
Gallipoli and two other community. Films from other
forgotten epics. sources have also proved
Now managed for Village successful.
by the experienced Mr. Warren The projection room at
Carter, CATHS inspected the Doncaster houses Bauer U4
complex on Sunday 28 May projectors and light sources,
2006. platters and a sound system
Entry is from the main offering DTS Digital/ SR and
Williamson’s Road area. Stairs Dolby reproduction.
lead to a rectangular, first A short film demonstration
floor foyer in which is set a included a vintage Australian
long ticket and refreshments newsreel and a variety of
service bar. Brown brick forthcoming trailers with
walls, a dark rose ceiling, red varying sound options and
carpeting and computer game screen ratios.
units complete a well- Plans to expand Doncaster
maintained area. Auditorium Shoppingtown are well
entries are at the far end of the advanced. These plans might
foyer, to the left and right. include the cinemas, possibly
Cinema One has 330 red- a complex with up to 16
upholstered stadium-style screens.
seats which have been The hardy group who
upgraded in recent years. Red braved the early morning chill
carpets and full stage curtains received a warm welcome
are off-set by brown brick from Mr. Carter, who gave
walls, a treatment also used in them the opportunity to ‘take
the original Frankston Twin, over’ the theatre.
the Brighton Bay One, and in
CATHS extends a special
the former Bendigo and
thank you to Mr. Carter for his
current Morwell versions.
cooperation, and also thanks
A Twin often had one CATHS’ own Phil O'Kane for
cinema larger than the other, the film presentation and
but at Doncaster, Cinema Two committee member Shane
also has 330 seats. It is in an Moore for co-ordinating the
all-red décor, including fully- visit. ★
curtained walls in lieu of
brown bricks. Solid timber From the top: A sleek exterior.
balustrades, the hand-rails and
Manager Warren Carter (left) talks with organiser Shane
doors throughout are finished
Moore and CATHS President Gerry Kennedy.
in a matching red gloss paint.
Stadium seating offers excellent sight lines in Cinema One.
Ceilings are the standard
white-panelled suspension Looking like a car restraint pod, elevated seats can be
fittings. placed on the standard seat to give children a better view.
The unadorned stage area of Cinema Two.
Images by Mel Elliott.
CINEMARECORD 2006 5