For soccer fans, the possibility of watching the World Cup in 3-D in cinemas is still in doubt. But opera buffs can rest assured there will be plenty of viewing on the big screen this month to interest them.
Chain operators UA Cinemas and MCL will be showing performances of Carmen, Aida, Les Contes d'Hoffmann and Turandot, captured live in high-definition format from the Metropolitan Opera of New York - and known as The Met: Live in HD.
It is the first time live opera has been shown in Hong Kong cinemas. The screenings began at the Bethanie in Pok Fu Lam in January. Now, organisers and cinemas want to bring the highbrow art form to the masses.
While one ticket at The Met costs up to US$375, cinemas will charge HK$150 per person for each three- to four-hour show - less than the price of a ticket to see Avatar. Tickets for students and seniors cost HK$100. The cinemas have scheduled 10 screenings from June 19.
MCL's general manager, June Wong, said the high-definition digital technology now available at cinemas made it possible to screen entertainment other than films - and showing operas was just the first step.
She noted that cinemas in Japan were already screening Noh, or Japanese opera. 'This will be a major trend,' she said.