The last time you went to the cinema | Deon G

Loading player...
Remember those epic pre-pandemic movie nights? Apparently, things have gotten a bit more lit... expensive, that is.

Ster-Kinekor and Nu-Metro, the cinema kings of SA, have jacked up their prices. We're talking double, even triple what they were charging back in 2014!

Some folks blame the pandemic for this box office bummer, but streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime have been stealing the show for years. These services offer blockbusters for a fraction of the price.

There's a plot twist though! Big-budget flicks like 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' are making a comeback, raking in serious dough at the box office. Even 'Dune: Part Two' is crushing it globally.

Apple and Amazon are looking at things differently, releasing some of their biggest hits in cinemas first. However, our local cinemas know a blockbuster a month isn't enough to keep the popcorn machine churning. They're switching things up, planning to screen live music and sporting events to fill those seats.

MyBroadband revealed how much these price hikes hurt our movie nights. It turns out that ticket prices have skyrocketed way faster than the inflation monster. On top of that, the rand has gotten weaker, making those dollar-priced movies even more expensive.

For example, a regular ticket in 2014 would set you back R21, but now you're looking at R64.90 and up! Those VIP cinemas? Yeah, they'll charge you a whopping R220 - more than double what it used to cost!
18 Apr 2024 English South Africa Entertainment News · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Craig Lucas talks Joyride, new music and creative freedom

On Play Local, Sam Cele chats to Craig Lucas about the inspiration behind his new single, Joyride. The singer reflects on embracing vulnerability, finding creative freedom as an independent artist, and why choosing happiness has redefined success for him.
19 Jul 5 min

Yandani on his debut EP, About You and chasing his music dream

On Play Local, Sam Cele sits down with rising South African pop and R&B artist Yandani to chat about his debut EP, About You. The 20-year-old opens up about working with international songwriters, creating a catchy anthem for fans, and why this is only the beginning of his music journey.
19 Jul 4 min

Wouter Kellerman on Ungana, unity through music and his Grammy winning journey

On Play Local, Sam Cele chats to Grammy Award winning flautist Wouter Kellerman about his inspiring journey from engineer to international music star. He also unpacks the meaning behind his new single Ungana, his collaboration with David Arkenstone and Mbuso Khoza, and why music has the power to bring people…
12 Jul 6 min

Apple Gule opens up about the meaning behind 'WAKE UP SING'

On this edition of Play Local, Sam Cele chats to singer-songwriter and producer Apple Gule about the inspiration behind his uplifting single, WAKE UP SING. He also reflects on his journey from Eswatini to South Africa, why authenticity is at the heart of his music, and the message he hopes…
12 Jul 4 min