Cinema Nova

I had a fantastic time at Cinema Nova The screenings are always top, crystal‑clear picture, excellent sound, and lots of classic, indie and foreign‑film choices rather than just blockbusters. The atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming, comfy seats, a casual lobby vibe, and staff who genuinely seem to love movies as much as you do. Perfect for date nights or chilled solo screenings I walked in feeling ready to escape and walked out feeling refreshed and satisfied. Snacks and drinks are good quality, and they’ve got the small cinema charm that big chains just can’t match.

I do love this cinema and the films they screen. But today I went to see bugonia there were blue dots running horizontally across the middle band of the screen, very obvious and distracting in all the dark scenes. The Monday rush was packed and I had to run to an appointment so just letting you know here so you can fix it. It really should be fixed asap - however good the rest of the theatre is surely the core business is projection of beautiful cinema ?

Best cinema ever. Really welcoming with a retro community feel, great choc tops (even better when they’re the special custom ones for new releases), and amazing selection of films including some real whacky stuff. Love ya nova

Such a wonderful homage to a by-gone time. Get tickets to a wonderful movie at an afordable price and not have to watch at your home in the dark. Also, the ice cream spot downstairs is a great way to end your night as you walk home.

This old-school cinema is a hidden treasure for movie lovers. It's spacious, cozy, and full of charm — perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed, nostalgic movie experience. The tickets are very affordable, making it a great option for a casual night out. While the food selection isn’t very wide, what they do offer is delicious. You can grab a tasty sandwich, some fresh popcorn, and choose from a great variety of drinks to enjoy during the film. If you’re looking for a welcoming place to watch movies without the crowds and high prices, this cinema is the place to go.

We are regulars at Cinema Nova Lygon Street and love watching the movies on offer. We also absolutely love the service at the Cinema Nova bar. Matt always has a smile for us. He makes sure we are happy with our food and drinks orders. He is always courteous, polite and professional towards us and I notice that he has good rapport with all the customers he serves. Even if we are not going to watch a movie we will go to the bar for an excellent coffee made by Matt and staff.

absolutely my new favourite cinema, a hidden gem, so comfy, gorgeous bathrooms, lovely hidden little easter eggs like the reviews! surprisingly loads of screens but they’re really intimate, or our screen 7 was anyway. can’t wait to go back on a monday when they do the deals, although it’s absolutely worth paying whatever amount just for the experience! 🍿🎥🎞️

Easily one of the best cinemas I’ve ever been to with really good prices for tickets and has the best ice cream and snacks. With lots of good variety of films whether it’s both old or new or even independent. I always do have a great time whenever I come here as there’s a good line of great restaurants and cafes. Staff is always nice, but parking is nightmare and extremely expensive so you’re better off getting public transport. 10 out of 10 one of the cinemas Melbourne has to offer for any avid moviegoers.

The best cinema experience I have had in ages. My son goes here all the time and swore we would have a great time seeing a new film here, and he was absolutely right. We went to see "See How They Run" last year while in town and I had almost forgotten how enjoyable it is to experience a new film with an appreciative audience. Definitely plan to visit again. Plus, the neighborhood is delightful. You can't go wrong on Lygon Street.

Welcome to the art house complex for film! Do you feel like getting all dressed up as an ode to being artsy? In the mood to watch a widely reviewed festival film? How about catching that movie you've had on your radar and it just so happens that it's not showing anywhere else, but Cinema Nova? What about that moment you just wanted to watch a movie make it a little bit better with some vino and a homemade choc top? Yes, yes! You can do all this and more when you come on down to Cinema Nova! No, this isn't the type of theater that feels the need to keep with the times trying to impress the audience with the wows of modern cinema. This cinema is too cool to even care that others are competing with each other. Cinema Nova sits back and does it's own thing. The hipster of cinemas, if you will. It smirks at the idea of fancy reclining seats, shrugs off allocated seating, laughs in the face of extra leg room, and rolls it eyes to 567000 surround sound systems. All Cinema Nova calls for is simple, film goers and what going to movies used to be all about, film. It's a classic theater and will continue to stay that way and stand it's ground, the exact way cinemas should be, focusing all about what's on the screen.

The Nova is an independent cinema that has been around for almost 20 years, and I hope it never, ever goes away. What started as a humble two room arthouse cinema in 1992 has grown to become 15 auditoriums entertaining the public with commercial releases, film festivals, special screenings and events, and above all, a solid selection of quality arthouse films. Events like 'Meet the Fillmmaker' where Q&A with members of the film crew or cast follows the film screening, and 'Page Picture' involving discussions of book-to-film adaptations with industry professionals, firmly secure the Nova's place as Melbourne's most important cinema. Monday night is discount night at the Nova and tickets cost just $9 after 4pm, ($6 for screenings before 4pm). At all other times (except Saturday nights), concessions apply to pensioners, students, the unemployed, and members of certain organisations such as community radio stations, RRR and 3PBS. You can also become a Privilege member of the Nova and receive special discounts and invitations to events. The Nova has recently branched out to offer in-cinema dining, and features a recently added bar serving all number of alcoholic beverages, great coffee and tapas. There's free two hour parking in the underground car park (entry via Drummond St) with the presentation of your ticket stub to the car park attendant, or catch Trams 1 or 8, which stop at the corner of Elgin and Lygon Streets.

Cinema Nova is a fantastic place to choose for your cinema going. It opened as a two-screen arthouse cinema in 1992 and has expanded quite rapidly ever since. It still has the feel of a small and cosy cinema and stays close to its roots, which is reflected in the great diversity of movies it still shows. Here you'll find the latest blockbusters and arthouse movies alike and you'll also have special exclusive showings and other movies that you won't find in multiplex cinemas. They are also fully licensed which is another edge over the big boys. On Mondays you can go and watch movies on the cheap. If you go before 4pm it is $6. After that you can watch movies for $9. That's as cheap as it gets in Melbourne I think. A word of advice.... get your tickets early on Mondays because when there are big movies out they often sell out. The only time I wouldn't go to Nova would be for a 3d movie. Imax is just round the corner.

Cinema Nova is your best bet if you A. Love Arthouse films B. Love film C. Love foreign film D. Love docos E. Love to be surprised F. Love to drink wine whilst watching movies G. Love film fest but often misses out H. All of the above So have I covered just about most of us? I like that cinema nova is small and intimate and offer something different if you don't see anything that you fancy at the bigger cinemas. It can be pretty messhouse on busy days. Parking is free for the first 2 hours with your movie tix or $3 per hour. Or find street parking and bob's your uncle. Enjoy!

$7 tickets on a Monday!!! Literally unheard of when you realise that it is no longer 1995 and adult tickets cost around $22 to see a movie!!! I love this cinema for numerous reasons but main because: - they have a bar and you can bring your carafe of wine with you into the movie - they play ALOT of foreign and indie movies that aren't all blockbusters so you can get some culture in your day - the cinemas are small and intimate meaning babies, wannabes and dickheads aren't a plenty - they make their own homemade choc tops which come in a variety of quirky flavours and are delicious!

Cinema Nova is a small cinema on Lygon St, they screen 'some' popular movies but it's mostly art house or independent films here. The cinemas are nowhere near as big as the likes of Village or Hoyts, however the Nova also doesn't get anywhere as busy as those places either. The thing I like the most about cinema nova is its bar, prices and drinks are all standard- but it's just nice to be able to sit down for a drink while waiting for a cinema to open. The session times are pretty regular and they also seem to have a lot of different movies to chose from. This art house cinema is also in a very convenient location, however securing a parking spot on Lygon St can be hard at times.

As a self-confessed movie geek it comes as no surprise to anyone that gets to know me just how excited I am by films. Cinema Nova is arguably the best art house and foreign film cinema in Melbourne. The team has a terrific selection of brand new and recent release films playing from around the world. They are also well known for putting on exclusive screenings of films that you can not watch in any other cinema in Melbourne. Playing host to lots of pop-up movie festivals through the year, the team are very good to the industry. If you work in film you get industry rates on their already very competitive ticket prices. I also love their cheap day on Mondays where you can see a film for $7 before 4PM and only $9 afterwards. Easily the best movie deal in Melbourne. Choc tops, nice wine and a full bar add to the experience. You can even have a snack and a nice drink in their fancy bar (and beautiful balcony) before a film. The cinemas are all quite small but are very well maintained. It's rare to find any sticky seats or spilled pop-corn in the cinema. Some of the cinema rooms are even themed with giant golden egg speakers or have couches that fit two people at once for some movie and snuggling. The staff are as hipster as hipsters can get but all have a love of cinema and will be happy to let you know what you should be watching if you are a little unsure. The almost weekly film maker Q&A sessions, film premieres and advance movie previews make this one of my favourite places in Melbourne.

Wow. What a gorgeous little bar that, walking past, you wouldn't even realise was there. It is hidden away upstairs in this Lygon street complex, but fortunately anyone can go in - you don't need a movie ticket! I stopped by last night and enjoyed a delicious, imported cider out on their balcony. The balcony is tiny and rather narrow but if you are lucky enough to score yourself a seat hold on to it, enjoy the breeze and people-watch. The crowd here are what I would refer to as 'intellectuals', off to see the latest arthouse flick or just enjoying a tipple after a long day as they work on their blog. My point is, everyone is quiet, keeps to themselves and enjoys the relaxed atmosphere. This is NOT a place to get rowdy. Yes, it can be a little expensive, but the quality of the liquor available is very high and the service is outstanding, so the price is understandable. The best bit? You can take your drink IN TO THE CINEMA. I love it when a bar trusts you!

Cheap Mondays. Watch a movie for 9 bucks every Monday. Easy to book tickets online without exorbitant booking fees. Get mainstream movies and alternate films ie foreign films, docos and arthouse films Small cinema screens. Lots of cinema food options including alcohol Close to brunettis for a sweet treat or warm beverage This evening I watched the movie 'a bologram for the King' featuring Tom Hanks. A great film with lots of funny and absurd moments and some emotional ones. No allocated seating so get there on time.

This is seriously the best place in Melbourne to see a movie! The movies are generally not 'box office' however they do occasional offer more popular mainstream movies. It is more a foreign, art house type place. The cinemas range from small ones with maybe 30 seats to larger ones that seat 100 or more. Seriously though the reason to come here is the candy bar. Not only is it affordable and doesn't want to charge you $25 for a combo (you can basically get enough snacky goodness for 2 for under $15) but they offer awesome gourmet choc tops, which FYI will blow your mind! AND on Mondays it's like $10 per ticket. If you haven't been here, DO IT!!

The best thing on a hot summer evening is to plonk on the balcony, outside the bar at Nova, and suck down a cold beer before a film. You can even take a glass or bottle inside the cinema with you for further refreshment. Pretty sweet huh? This is hands down the best cinema in Melbourne... period. Not because they have the biggest screens, best projectors, amazing sound or for any technical reasons, but Nova show simply the best selection of limited release and short run films in town. Yes there are others, but Nova also cram in enough regular release stuff that it lacks the pomp and pretence of some of the other 'arthouse' cinemas. The bar at Nova is (predictably) overpriced, as are the icecreams and popcorn. Ticket prices are consistently better than most competitors, however, so you can make the adjustment yourself. Monday night specials are outrageously good and their afternoon deals are great too. The offer generous concessions for students and Triple R subscribers as well.

If, like me, you don't want to battle for a table at some over-rated Lygon Street restaurant before seeing a film, the bar inside Nova Cinema is a godsend. It's classy but chilled out. Think squishy cinema-complex carpet and Kartell chairs. They have a fantastic wine list (Innocent Bystander by the glass - yay) and a range of tasty savories and sweets. On my last visit I ordered what I guessed would be just a simple roast chicken baugette, but I got a beautifully presented roll on an adorable wooden panel with chicken and a light potato salad. Inspired! The only downside is the bar can get busy at peak times (Monday, Friday and Saturday nights), so even though you're saving time by eating in the Cinema complex, you may end up being late for the film. If you're cutting it fine it's best to get your food and drink as take aways so you can enjoy it in front of the film.

Quit your job if you need to, so that you can stroll in at 2pm on a monday and get a SEVEN DOLLAR ticket. At that price, you don't even have to be so discerning in movie selection, but luckily, they have a great range of films, nice character and vibe, smallish rooms. It's a bit of maze, so you could treat that as a free add-on experience.

A grownup cinema. An art house cinema with the occasional mainstream film shown. No talkative idiots and no babies / toddlers ruining a film that's not meant for children. And, because I'm an adult I can bring my gorgeous glass of Tempranillo in with me to watch the film. How all cinemas should be. Also, Monday is cheapskate night ($9 tix) :-)

I've gained some good movie memories from my trips to Nova. It's a little rough around the edges from all the traffic, but it's also got a comfortable, sit back and relax vibe. The seats are large and cushy! The theatre spaces aren't massive, but I'm happy with the intimate viewings. The films skew towards artistic, independent, or award-winning and also include some local Australian works with Q & A sessions with the film makers. The box office is around the corner on the ground floor. I always seem to forget to go there first and just make a mad dash straight up the stairs. Don't make the same mistake, unless you like the extra exercise.

I much prefer this cinema over something like a Hoyts - yes, the screen is smaller but the seats are comfy, snacks are good, and the staff is nice. I would give it 5 stars except you can't use international credit cards so I always have to stand in line and pay cash. We want on New Year's Day, and though the cinema was PACKED, they handled the crowds well and the lines moved quickly. Popcorn was freshly popped, wine comes in a proper wine glass, and as everyone else mentioned, the choice tops (chocolate-covered ice cream cones) were so good! (They have exotic flavors like salted caramel or chili chocolate). For $15 you can get a medium popcorn, drink and a chocolate top - not a bad price for a theatre. Assigned seating only happens at peak times so you'll need to go early if you have a strong preference. (Since the screens aren't overly massive, being in the center is key.) They have new releases and indie flicks. This is definitely my go-to theatre!

There's plenty to love about Nova, from the wide range of movie offerings, many of which you want find showing at many other cinemas, to the surprising size of the complex, with plenty of great features in between. There are fifteen cinemas here, ranging in sizes from larger ones that seat over a hundred, to smaller 40-seaters. The seats in the smaller cinemas are large, comfy and come with a little drinks table, so hopefully you find yourself in one of these! You can become a Cinema Nova member at the box office, which will allow you cheaper tickets, access to opening night specials and more. All of the cinemas are fully licensed here, so make sure you hit the bar before heading into your movie, and then swing by the candy bar for one of their delicious choc tops!

Big seats and even better range of choc tops! Actually I'm calling this- Cinema Nova has the best choc-tops in all of Victoria. I've been a patron of Cinema Nova since before I could legally drive myself down there. Our love affair started when we were introduced on a school field trip. There's so much to love about Nova, other than the choc-tops. The seats are roomy with ample leg room. It's as if you are in business class. The actual screens are smaller than the larger cinema companies but this just makes your session feel more intimate. Which is exceptionally easy to do as you sit there with a glass of wine or a sneaky beer as there is a full bar available. The only down side to here is parking. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to find a car park and get in for a salted caramel choc top.

Cannot believe after 2 years living in Brunswick, this was the first time we went to these cinemas. I feel ashamed. We went yesterday to escape the heat as nothing was showing at village. There was also a film playing I really wanted to see. They have like 13 cinemas and the one we were in was super comfortable, couch like chairs, drink tables and lots of legroom. You are also able to bring your beers into the cinema. Not BYO, but the beers you can buy from the bar. So good. They even have a really decent selection of craft beer. They also offer membership which is really cheap ($25) and this gets you discount tickets and special offers. I'm such a fan of this place I'm already planning my next trip!

For those used to huge movie cinemas, and sick of teenagers giggling or tattling in the aisles - cinema nova is the jam. Reeeallllyy hot during the session we saw because the aircon broke - as expected with older cinemas - who cares! The staff were lovely, you can take your cocktails inside, they have a CHILLI CHOC choc top and a "2 choc top and popcorn" special for $15. Yes!

While Melbourne has its choice of cinemas, many of them stick to the main Hollywood fare, which is why Cinema Nova is such a great cinema. Okay, you do get a few of the mainstream films here, though they tend to be the more artistic, just as you will find a few of the films that are played here in the mainstream cinema, however Nova is certainly not a mainstream cinema. I have been here a couple of times because I have recently discovered that occasionally they will show films from National Theatre Live, which is a pre-recorded stage production from England. Unfortunately, because I am not regularly checking the line up I end up missing most of them, but the ones that I have seen are nothing short of incredible. The last one I saw was a production of King Lear (one of my all time favourite Shakespearian plays). The cinema itself is pretty cool, with a balcony that overlooks Lygon Street, though the bar can get a little crowded, especially is there is a really popular film on (such as King Lear). Also it is a cash only affair, so you may land up a little stuck if you arrive with nothing more than a VISA card (and I had to run around Lygon Street looking for an autoteller that didn't charge me ridiculous fees when trying to withdrawal cash).

Hands down the best cinema in Melbourne. Fifteen screens, a choice of art-house and mainstream films, really comfy seats, awesome choc tops and the best yearly membership deal ever. Thirteen dollars a year gets you discounted entry, and invites to advance screenings. This place just can't be beaten.

Cinema Nova is the pre-eminent arthouse/indie theatre in Melbourne: It's where you go to see the latest French comedy/Aussie documentary/American indie sleeper and the selection is simply unrivalled Six dollar tickets before 4pm on Monday are also among the best ticket prices in town, with 9 dollar offerings after 4. Standard Melbourne prices the rest of the time. The sound can be quite low in some of the smaller theatres, so much so that my French partner is reticent to come here now: Even I have struggled to hear dialogue on my last three or four visits. Otherwise, this place is a true Melbourne gem.

I just love this cinema! It's in a great location, it has such nice later out cinemas and it hold amazing events! I have been here for many premiers and specials! I have met directors actors and seen some incredible films! Comfy seating and plenty of cinemas! I just love this place and had to sign up to there member privileged card for only $10 Giving you access to these kind of events and cheap movie tickets!

Always a decent selection films but the service is irritating at best.

Brilliant cinema for film buffs, this is the place to go if you are a fan of Arthouse/independent films. They always have a good selection of films, the seats are comfy, they have a pretty good bar if you have time to kill before the film, and of course, they have bargain Mondays! I also prefer an independent cinema to the big multiplexes, this place has got a bit of character unlike those soulless chains. The only criticism for me is that they only take cash for tickets - yet I'm pretty sure they accept cards when you go order your snacks and drinks. Hmmm.

The downstairs ticket area may as well be any shopping centre. Can't even tell its a cinema until you take the escalator upstairs, with ticket safely in hand. The cinemas are small seaters, under 100 most of the time and some with even less. Here you'll find a good mix between the popular releases and the more arthouse/independent variety of films. It's a good mix, and the smaller cinemas are a pluses and a minus. Good as it feels more intimate, bad as you can never get far enough away from that patron who chooses to open their ice cream half way through the film.

In my view this is Melbourne's premiere cinema. Cinema Nova may not have the largest screen or the biggest movies showing. But they sure do have the best selection. They always show a good mix of movies, including the latest release big time movies mixed with current documentaries and independent films. Cinema Nova also runs special events where they show movies of topical interest, have launches with the directors doing speeches as well as some great festivals. In fact I think if you checked out the programme at Cinema Nova of upcoming screenings I would be confident there would be something there of interest for most people.

This institution of quality cinema showcases a blend of art house independent films to Hollywood blockbusters. You can catch the latest Harry Potter in 3D or the adaption of Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood. If your budget is tight, get in there on a Monday when it's cheap, and before 4pm for super cheap. In recent years the cinema has expanded and now hosts a number of different sized cinemas from cosy to large. All have super comfy seats and have ample legroom (this coming from a six foot five guy). With the introduction of 3D, Nova have there own style of slick red glasses, which for me are a bit too small and don't quite allow for an amazing 3D experience. There is also a wine bar next to the snack bar, which has balcony seats over Lygon St and allows you to take your tipple into the cinema. I'm still confused by the choice of décor and colour combination in the bar, it's definitely not the coolest part of the Nova experience. I have always loved the choc-tops at Nova; the chilli-choc is the best.

With the happy scent of popcorn wafting through the plush interior of Nova Bar, diners and drinkers have plenty to get excited about in this cosy bar, which overlooks the hustle of Melbourne's Little Italy. A Spanish chef has created a menu that offers something a little different from the many Italian eateries on the street below, with a diverse offering of tapas and Spanish pizzas. Stick to a ham or grilled chicken baguette or branch out into a goat cheese lollipop with a spicy tomato fondue (delish). If nothing else Nova Bar warrants a visit for its drinks menu, with wines from Australia, New Zealand and Spain and a range of great value cocktails. For $11 you can enjoy the Oatmeal Cookie (Baileys, butterscotch, Jagermeister and cream). For $19, try a Knickerbocker (rum, Cointreau, raspberry, pineapple and lemon). Patrons can decide which movie of the moment they want to see while nestled in a comfy booth, and debrief afterwards over a Spanish- style dessert pizza, topped with chocolate, ricotta and spiced pear ($10). Nova Bar is well worth a visit for those who want to enjoy the very best of Melbourne's bar scene without substantial hip pocket damage.

An absolute must for film buffs in Melbourne. They always have the arthouse films no-one else has. Recently I've been to see Birdman and Citizen Four at Cinema Nova. The great thing is you can buy alcohol at the bar and bring it into the movie with you--something you can only do in a handful of Melbourne cinemas.

Nice little cinemas. Good for watching movies. Usually showing a good range of arthouse type movies. But, often very hard to park nearby. And, never ever ever come here on a hot day as it is today. They have major ongoing issues here with their aircon. Been here three times in the last three summers and each time it's been seriously stifling in whatever cinema I've been in. Last time we got our money back but only after we went through a serious rigmarole with the manager who'd obviously been told to give credits only not refunds. Don't ask for a coffee either or at least not early in the day as we were told they'd just gone out for milk! Conclusion: beware, there are real management issues here and this is definitely no hot day haven.

seems to me that the core of the nova clientele are probably 50+, which is sweet, grown-ups gotta live life. but why amongst this crowd are there always a handful of bozos insisting on guffawing too loud in between quaffs of their merlot? or repeating the punchlines to each other as if nobody else heard it? or just nattering audibly and endlessly? and why do they always sit right near me? WHY. i'm not a bad person, despite how this rant is coming across:/ i just wanna immerse myself in the film y'know? anyway, on to the positives. the nova is staffed by sweeties. the range of films is pretty solid. they have like a billion really small cinemas. mondays are cheap-as-heck, especially before 4pm ($6!!!). the semi-new cafe is fairly yum. but essentially the highlight of the experience comes down to three words... baileys. choc. top.

Easily my favourite cinema in Melbourne. Customer service is great, cinemas are clean, the films on offer are always excellent and you can't go past a Bailey's ice cream on a summers day. Highly recommend it.

The decor could do with a change, the purple carpet is very Marie from Breaking Bad, I know Nova had it first but it's never been good. Some of the cinemas are too small and have seating in places where you strain to see the screen. They do play a lot of Australian film, which is great but they need to show them for longer than just a couple of weeks and advertise them more. We all need to improve the availability to see Aussie films in the cinema to help the industry. There is about 15 cinemas, giving goers plenty of options. The staff could be much more friendlier.

great cinema hidden in between malls and boutiques on lygon street. they have a great monday discount offer on hand. very very cheap tickets before 4pm for $6 and $9 after 4pm and $13 for 3D. can't be booked online tough but that's fine fore the offered price. loved the seats in the cinema as well - super comfy and feels like you're sitting in your living room. lots of leg room too for tall people out there=)

Great location on Lygon St with Brunetti's downstairs for a pre or post sweet treat. It's a cosy cinema with a variety of movies - arthouse and a few blockbusters. They have a bar and the tastiest choc tops. Grab a wine, enjoy the show.

Great cinema with an excellent selection of independent movies. We came on Monday which was good, because tickets were only $7. However it was extremely busy. And as we could tell very understaffed. So understaffed, that they forgot to turn our movie on. Finally 30 mins later we finally tracked someone down, and the movie finally started. Everyone was really put off by the wait time. More staff and this place would be great.

Great for those who love movies and refuse to tolerate screaming kids. Finally a cinema for the movie buff, who appreciates eclectic movies and foreign film festivals. Large comfy seats are also cool. Loving the Japanese anime festival on at the moment. Just need a sake to make it a perfect moment. No sorry, no sake here, but great choc tops!!!

Best cinema in Melbourne by far. Not only is it nestled in the hipster enclave of Carlton surrounded by fab places like Tiamo, Trotters and Markov, it has artistic flicks and the best choc tops in Melbourne. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon session - don't forget to cross the road and delve into literary treats at Readings too.

Cinema Nova is a great place to see some great Art house and foreign movies you would not get the chance to see anywhere else. Located in the heart of Lygon street its a great place to see a movie and then enjoy a dinner along Lygon street. Over the years I have probably been in every different cinema which ranges from small intimate 12 seat cinema to big 200 seaters. If you want cheaper tickets then go on a Monday and they are even cheaper if you go before 4pm. They are also licensed so you can have a drink at there bar then take it into the cinema. Arrive early to buy your tickets on the wkd though cause tickets and candy bar lines are often quite long.

This is my favourite cinema to come to alone. I'm not nearly cool enough to pull of lonely cinema going, but everyone else there is cool enough to not notice me. They often show the block busters but I've also seen some of my favourite indie flicks here. It's lovely during the day when it's a little bit quite and they do amazing choc tops! Amazing! ;)

So, I'm new-ish to Melbourne and usually work in the CBD until 6pm (mon-fri). Plus: I have never been to Nova. Movie session times usually don't work for me as they're normally 6pm or 9pm starts. I can't make the 6pm on time and 9pm is too late during the week. But then I realise that 'Elle' is on at Nova at 6:55pm. Perfect! I can make that! Plus after today's session, the film is delegated to those awkward 10am and 4pm screenings. This is my final chance to see the new Verhoeven film that I can't take the misso too. I get there at 6:30pm. The ticket inspector tells me to take a seat in the foyer and that she'll call out the film when ready. Ok. It's now 6:50pm. I ignore her and head for the theatre and find that the previous sessions credits are rolling. Uh! It's not ready. The inspector has now followed me into the theatre. "Sorry sir. We will call you when it's ready. Head back down to the foyer and take a seat." Touché, I think. So I retake my position. The lady has too at the ticket inspection spot. It's now 7:15pm and she hasn't called it out. I think "maybe it's running late." She's now been replaced by another ticket inspector. I ask him if it's ready. He points to the monitor and tells me it started 15 minutes ago. What?! I protest and he tells me they called the film out! When I protest, he says sorry and that I can get a refund. To make matters worse, I'm confident I was the only person seeing the film. Surely, the previous ticket inspector knew I was there waiting for 'Elle' to start. And now I've missed my opportunity. Thanks. I know people have real problems and this is a first world one but I felt that customer service was really lacking on this one.

A second home, and a cultural treasure. Only let down by queuing and some old seats.

Nova is the premier independent cinema in Australia, and even has a great bar/bistro with very reasonably prices.

Attended the Derek Landy Q&A and book signing today and while Derek was fantastic, genuine and generous with his time, it was disappointing that the event was oversold. Not sure who is to blame but a number of fans were left sitting on the stairs without an actual seat although we had all purchased tickets. If you weren't there in time to get a seat, then you also missed out on a Showbag. So be it, but didn't appreciate the rude attitude of one of the women hosting the event when I asked if there were any bags for those that missed out on a seat. If I paid for a ticket I should have had a seat, late or not, or at least there should have been enough bags to match the number of tickets sold.

Oh Cinema Nova, how I adore thee. Independent cinema at its finest, a lovely little place is at the end of cityside Lygon street. There is a lot on offer here, from latest releases, to opera screenings, to premieres, talks, and cult classic hits, all available to see in small, comfortable cinema rooms, and very cheap tickets. One cult classic that is worth a mention is the Room, which sceens every Saturday night at 11pm. If you haven't heard of the Room, I suggest you check out the wikipedia page. It is possibly the worst film ever made, with acting that would make the cast of Days of Our Lives look positively Shakespearean. Director/writer/producer/star Tommy Wiseau originally billed it as a drama, but now tries to market it as a subversive interactive comedy. Well, it is VERY funny, and the audience does participate. Nova is the only place to screen the Room with any kind of regularity, and for this I thank it with all my heart. The lovely staff even provide a bucket full of plastic spoons at the door, just in case you forgot to bring your own (don't ask).

The Nova is a local institution that doesn't put on graces. It shows art, foreign and independent films, but doesn't get too high-brow about it. It's a great little cinema.