In April 2006 the fledgling MegaStar Cineplex circuit opened its first complex in Hanoi, Vietnam. With 8 screens and 1,100 seats the cinema quickly established itself as Vietnam’s most successful cineplex.

The brainchild of industry veteran (Columbia Tri-Star International, Loews Cineplex International) J. Edward Shugrue, MegaStar is co-owned by Shugrue’s Envoy Media Partners (80%) and local publishing company Phuong Nam Corporation (20%). From its start in Hanoi the company now boasts 4 complexes and 30 screens, as well as a successful distribution business handling releases from Sony, Buena Vista and UIP.

A key component of MegaStar’s distribution plan has been to bring major releases into the territory quicker than had historically been the case, and to release nationally rather than first in the south and then, many weeks later, in the north. With Vietnam’s rampant piracy, which has new releases on the street for less than $1.00 often within days of the US opening, the company regards it as vital to get movies onto the country’s screens as soon as possible.

MegaStar’s exhibition philosophy has been to bring the international cinema experience to Vietnam in terms of building design, construction and operations. This includes stadium seating with imported chairs, digital sound in all cinemas, computer ticketing, a Highlands Coffee counter and Heineken beer bar, as well as the obligatory freshly popped popcorn and ice cold Coca-Cola. MegaStar also runs a popular website, MegaStarmedia.net.

The latest cinema complex to open is in Ho Chi Minh City’s (and Vietnam's) largest shopping centre, Hung Vuong Plaza, which is situated in the city’s densely populated district 5. With 8 screens and 1,450 seats it offers a much wider choice of movies than Saigon’s existing 3-plexes, and looks set to become the city’s premier house.

In addition to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, MegaStar also operates an 8-screen complex in Hai Phong and 6 screens in Bien Hoa, Dong Nai Province.

In 2008 the company plans to open at least 2 more complexes in Ho Chi Minh City, including one currently under construction in the rapidly developing Phu My Hung district, as well as one in the central coastal city of Da Nang. With several other projects on the drawing board MegaStar expects to have some 12 complexes with about 90 screens by 2010.

For further information please contact Ian Riches at the address below, or email to ian@megastarmedia.net