State Cinema, Devonport [private film club]
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Address: Devonport, Auckland
Contact Person: Murray Thompson, murray@statetheatre,co.nz Phone: 09 4451400 Mobile: 021 800086 Website: www.friendsoffilm.co.nz Facebook: facebook.com/friendsoffilm |
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Details
Capacity: 12
Screen: single. Wall to wall curved 150" Cinemascope screen (ensuring all films are screened in correct ratio)
Sound: 11.4 Dolby Atmos & DTS-X with 7000 watts of amplication
Seating: Luxurious armchair style. Air conditioning.
Snackbar: Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits (Tues afterrnoon); complimentary glass of wine and nibbles (Thurs eve)
Accessibility: Good
Capacity: 12
Screen: single. Wall to wall curved 150" Cinemascope screen (ensuring all films are screened in correct ratio)
Sound: 11.4 Dolby Atmos & DTS-X with 7000 watts of amplication
Seating: Luxurious armchair style. Air conditioning.
Snackbar: Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits (Tues afterrnoon); complimentary glass of wine and nibbles (Thurs eve)
Accessibility: Good
Geoff's Review
If you ever have a yearning to have your own private cinema, the State in Devonport will fill you with envy. It is a beautiful little cinema in a beautiful setting in the lovely harbour village of Devonport, a ferry trip across the Auckland harbour (all these superlatives are justified). The State is a short 12 minute walk from the ferry terminal.
It is the creation of Murray Thompson who has had a long career in the cinema industry. Hs knowledge of the exhibition sector is formidable.
Murray has combined his expertise with a deep love of film (across a great range of genres) and has poured it into this venue.
The State operates as a private film club; you need to join the Friends of Film Club (the website is very helpful) with an annual subscription of $25. Regular screenings are on alternative Tuesday afternoons at 1.30pm and Thursday evenings at 7pm, with a modest entry fee, introductions and refreshments. Murray calls on his seemingly-inexhaustible film library, and classic or important films of past decades, together with recent releases in screenings.
The State is a unique experience and Devonport residents (and those who travel there) treasure it. There are other private cinemas scattered around New Zealand but no other which quite matches the care and attention bestowed on the State. It has been described as a re-creation of the grandeur and drama of the cinema palace (such as the Civic in Auckland), albeit it on a smaller scale. It is also homage to the original State Theatre in Devonport, which was demolished in 1994.
A recent addition to the State is a illuminated ceiling, with stars that twinkle.
Take a look at this video for a close-up of the State: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgVwB7MXBzw&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1OpkMRcp_E62pVPTYvM73rZ385q9W2lc6qBH_x3-zwLDsSaIUwvvf0GoI