It's a lovely older style cinema and has a nice little bar attached. However, the cinemas are always dirty and have not been cleaned after each session, so they may be understaffed. I have experienced this a few times though, as well as some cinemas being without air conditioning.
Super cheap movies on Mondays. Although there is almost no parking in the area. The staff were reluctant to accept student cards, to get student admission prices. I thought this was very odd. They did accept my transport concession card, but wouldn't accept my university student card. Other than that the staff were quite friendly.
good and bad location in that it's central but super hard to find a park
popular movies are usually showing, with the occasional indie film every now and then, located next to brunettis so great for dates where you can have coffee before or after
I have absolute praise for all the people working at Nova who helped me out of a bad situation. I had booked (so I thought) to see a special screening and Q and A of 'In Bob We trust'. I had realised I couldn't find my booking to print out the tickets. So I rang them up at nearly 4.30 pm mind you- and the film was starting at 6.40. They could not find my booking at all. Emma who I talked to was very nice though and told me to check my credit card transactions to see if the charge had gone through. I couldn't find a charge either, I couldn't believe it as I know I booked and was sure that it came up as booked on the screen. But didn't know what to do I called back Nova and asked to speak to Emma again. And even though I was frantic she was so calm and understanding to me, probably more than most would be as I wasn't in the best of moods because of the situation. But she told me (despite that the event was booked out) she was putting aside 2 tickets for me anyway. I would just need to pick them up and pay for them at the box office. Not only that but she also said that if I did finally find that a charge had taken place that they would refund me the money.
Now that could have been the end of the story and good service but it isn't. Turns out the my hubby who was going to accompany me was not feeling well and decided not to go at the last minute. So I got to the box office with just 5 minutes to spare even though I was asked if I could get there about a half an hour before. I had to go up to the front of a line with people waiting and ask the women there if she had tickets for me. Instead of telling me to both wait in line or not knowing anything about it, which would happen at so many other venues and events, she asked my name and said yes I have your tickets. I was so pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to ask her to contact Emma etc. She also knew what was going on which means communication is working well between staff there. And now I had to also tell them after all they have done that now I only need 1 ticket. Again that was no problem for her and treated me with utmost respect. I just cannot believe how wonderful everyone from the phone to in person treated someone so well, when something was probably not their fault, instead of just saying -which so many places would- sorry 'nothing we can do for you'. They went out of their way to solve my problem instead. First class place!
Approximate cost: $12
My favourite place to go to the movies. With cheap Monday's it makes seeing films much easier on a budget. Also good that you can take a beer or wine into your movie. They also have their own version of 'gold class' which you can buy vouchers for - great for presents!
Great cinema to see movies not often shown at other cinemas. Clean, friendly staff. Off street parking available in surrounding streets if you are willing to walk.
great snack bar and location (at lygon court) which made it easily accessible and convenient, hard to find a park though, but still okay given that it's at lygon it was easy finding a place for dinner after movies
They also have a good seniors day on Mondays.
Agreed. Especially about the parking!
This is a great theatre. There are about eight theatres in all and they are all really intimate theatres. There are only about 50-60 seats in each theatre and the acoustics are really good. There are lots of little coffee places nearby and they have really good concessional rates. Overall a great place to visit.
I like going to smaller independent cinemas and Nova always has a great range of films to choose from and many sessions so easy to organize to go there. I like to park downstairs which is very convenient. The staff are pleasant and the velvet seats are comfy. The smaller theatres somehow make the experience of seeing a movie more enjoyable than in the big cinema chains.
My wife and I went Cinema Nova last weeks. We sat in comfortable chairs and enjoyed the movie we saw.Small theater. But great movie selection. Friendly staff.
I have been to this old cinema a couple of times to see Art House type movies and previews. The cinema is much smaller than the bigger ones and the seats are more comfortable.
The first time we went unfortunately the movie was having technical problems and after waiting for 40 minutes or so and nothing happened we were told to come back another day. This was quite disappointing as we live at least 45 minutes away. We were given free tickets and we came back and this time the movie did work. Thank goodness. Also, because we had problems the previous time they also gave us two more free tickets to come back another time.
This was good of them. I haven't used the tickets but better soon. Thanks.
Sure its a small cinema, unlike the main stream ones like village, but its a nice venue and handy location in Lygon Street, so you can go for dinner and a movie.
I enjoy going to Nova to see independent, art house movies which it features often.
Glad that there is a cinema in Carlton, but it is rather small and the sound quality isn't so great either. Staff seem like they don't want to be there. This cinema is quaint, but would not be my first choice to watch a movie.
These guys have the best range of movies, and it's a great location - handy to the city and lots of great venues for eating and drinking and socialising pre/post-movie. People seem to love the tiny cinemas and cosy/intimate feel, but in some of the smaller cinemas (or when with a larger group) the size has seemed a bit small to me. But it's not a big deal. Overall it's a nice friendly relaxed feel and a nice change from the noisy crowded mainstream cinemas.
I think the Nova is one of the best cinemas in melbourne. They have a great range of movies, both blockbuster and more arthouse and intenational. The cinemas are comfortable and have great sound.
A good selection of mainstream, arthouse and documentary pictures. The cinema boxes are slightly smaller than your village & hoyts boxes. However this does not seem to detract from the actual movie experience.
Mondays are great value @ $5 for any movie pre 4pm.
beats the multiplex cinemas anyday! Super cheap specials on Mondays and I love the almost "lounge room" feel of some of the smaller cinemas inside it. Would still go to see some movies on the bigger screens elsewhere but love the selection of great obscure films they show here
A great cinema. Cheapest tickets in town on Monday before 4 pm for $6 & after 4 pm $8 (except public holidays). Great array of snacks at the kiosk & excellent movies.
They offer a little bit different variety of movies than your regular cinema, I'd suggest coming here if you like quirky movies that you have never heard of before. Simply buy your tickets and then head upstairs to the candy bar and cinema rooms.
Consistently great value, always great film selection of mainstream, international and arthouse, and so convenient to get to! Also monday movie prices are excellent.
This is the best cinema in Victoria. For one reason: the quality of the movies. Ok, two reasons: also the location!
Nova always features the latest international films and is guaranteed to be right on the cutting edge of art-house screenings.
The cinema itself mightn't be your usual 'Hollywood' glitz and glamour - there's no polystyrene displays or flashing lightbulbs to be seen. It's just your normal, run of the mill theatre - but it is licensed, so you can have some bubbly with your movie too.
After you've watched a fabulous french film, the likes of Amelie or Micmacs, then treat yourself by going downstairs and dining in any number of the awesome restaurants below.
Approximate cost: $15
WOW. I love this place. Great comfy chairs. Different movies and I give the range of choc tops top marks. This takes movie going to the next level. I love the location as you can see a great movie and then have a great dinner. This cinema is my absolute favourite.
I love their discount Mondays, although sometimes they cram you into a small theatre. Art house films are another drawcard, although mainstream films are shown here too.
The Nova is a brilliant arthouse cinema, offering a terrific range of movies. The premises are always clean and it always feels like a special night out when I come here to see a movie.
Approximate cost: $16
I like this for the intimacy . The Nova was known for playing the movies that others wold n't show, but that's changed and fine by me. it was also close to home
Approximate cost: $20
I love the range of mainstream and alternative movies shown here. There are many cinemas allowing a wide range of films, so you can always find something you like. There are pretty good deals on tickets. Sometimes the ticket lines are pretty long, but only during peak times.
I like this for the intimacy and lack of hype surrounding an enjoyable night out. The Nova was known for playing the movies that others wold n't show, but that's changed and fine by me. I like the extra comfy seats and smaller size theatres. And its on the door steps of several good coffee houses.
Approximate cost: $12
With a funky atmosphere and comfy seats this theatre is the ultimate for anyone interested in more independent films. I love their Q & A nights for new Aussie films. Their Choc Tops are out of this world ... Cherry Ripe, Tiramisu, Raspberry Yoghurt and White Chocolate. Mmmm ....
Great cinema, I love that it shows arthouse films that you cant see at other places. Spotlessly clean and comfortable, great location, friendly staff. love the Baily's choc-tops too! And fantastic value if you get the cheap tickets on Monday nights.
Approximate cost: $15
My favourite cinema. I've seen so many of my favourite movies here, and a lot of the time I probably wouldn't have been able to see them anywhere else. Good movies, comfy seats in nice, clean cinemas and cheap sessions on Mondays -- I wish I could see all the movies I want to see at Nova.