5 Jul – Cinema exhibitor MBO Cinemas unveils a new look and since acquiring nine BIG Cinemas cineplexes last year, plans to open 20 more cinema locations by 2016. For 2014, MBO plans to open cinemas at two more undisclosed locations and revealed that up to 20 more locations are targeted to be added to their repertoire by 2016. Apart from their new logo, which now also features a cinema seat equipped with a popcorn and drink, the chain has also fully digitalised all their 185 screens strewn across their current standing of 26 cinema locations nationwide.
The digitalisation involved the upgrading of projectors, new screens and sound system which cost the chain approximately RM30 million as disclosed by the CEO of MBO Cinemas Mr. Eh Lim. "Since the industry is changing and we are keeping up with the times, we want to offer our patrons a new MBO and the best movie going experience possible, hence the digitalisation. Therefore this year, we have no new cinemas opening up as our efforts are completely towards digitalising and rebranding all of our locations." said Mr. Lim.
In addition to the digitalisation, a new loyalty programme has also recently been launched by the name of Starclub. "This MBO loyalty programme is even better than the one before, as it offers more benefits and moviegoers can collect points to redeem items." Membership for MBO's Starclub is free and its benefits include a priority ticketing lane, free movie tickets during members' birthday month and opportunities to collect points for free movie passes and merchandise.
Last year, the sale of BIG Cinemas which has nine cineplexes strewn across the country, was part of owner's Reliance MediaWorks' efforts in putting more focus towards its business interests in India and other BIG Cinemas establishments located in India, US, Nepal and Netherlands. The sale was made by private equity fund, Navis Capital Partners who previously owned 17 MBO Cinemas locations.