Bookings open to see Supergirl early in South African cinemas

Forget load shedding ruining movie night – South Africans get to see *Supergirl* a full 24 hours before the rest of the world, but is a superhero flick really worth rearranging your weekend? Because let’s be real, a Saturday braai with the boys is a national treasure, and a new DC movie…well, that’s a DC movie. ## So, What's the Deal? SA Gets First Dibs Jislaaik, Ster-Kinekor is playing games, and we're not mad about it. Thanks to their ‘Fan F1rst Premieres’, we’re getting *Supergirl* on **25th June**, a whole day before the global launch on **26th June**. Apparently, this isn't a one-off. Sometimes, we’re getting movies a *full week* early! It’s a lekker perk, bru, and proof that South Africa isn’t always last in line for the good stuff. Ster-Kinekor’s newsletter is buzzing: “Get ready to soar into an epic new adventure when SUPERGIRL lands in IMAX at Ster-Kinekor from 25 June. Be among the first to witness the next thrilling chapter of the DC Universe on the biggest SKreen possible!” They're really leaning into the hype, aren't they? It’s a smart move; South Africans are passionate about their entertainment, and being first to see something is a major draw. ## R240 for a Movie? Let's Talk Ticket Prices Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. Early access is cool, but at what cost? The prices, let’s be honest, are a jol. According to recent checks in Johannesburg, you’re looking at: * **IMAX 3D:** Around R239.90 * **Cine Prestige 2D:** R259.90 (which is…befok, right?) * **Normal 3D:** R189.90 That’s a serious chunk of change. You could get a decent fillet at Checkers for that kind of money, or a few six-packs. And that's before you factor in petrol to get to the cinema, or a popcorn and Coke combo. ## Kara Zor-El's Journey: What's *Supergirl* Actually About? So, what are you even paying to see? *Supergirl* follows Kara Zor-El (played by Milly Alcock) as she embarks on a “dangerous interstellar journey” after a devastating attack. The blurb says she’s “in pursuit of vengeance, justice, and the truth behind a growing threat.” Sounds intense. But here's the kicker: "She can fly across galaxies, lift impossible weights and save the day before breakfast. But figuring out who you are? That’s the real challenge.” Okay, okay, now they're speaking my language. Finding your place in the universe? That’s relatable, even if you’re just trying to figure out the Gautrain schedule on a Monday morning. ## 2D or Not 2D? The Struggle is Real Here's a proper frustration: the lack of standard 2D screenings. As one frustrated moviegoer (read: me) pointed out, “we didn’t see any local options for a normal 2D screening, which is our preferred way to watch movies as we wear glasses.” Seriously, Ster-Kinekor, get it together. It's 2024, not the Stone Age. For those of us who rely on corrective lenses, 3D is just a blurry, headache-inducing mess. Hopefully, more 2D options will open up after these "advanced Fan F1rst Premieres". ## Is It Worth the Petrol Money & Effort? This is the big question, isn't it? Is *Supergirl* worth ditching the braai for? Is it worth the R260 IMAX ticket, the potential for 3D-induced eyestrain, and the hassle of navigating Sandton traffic? Honestly…probably not for most of us. Unless you’re a die-hard DC fan who *needs* to be the first to see it, you're probably better off firing up the braai, cracking a Castle Lite, and catching the movie next week when the hype dies down and the prices (hopefully) come down a bit. A weekend is precious, bru. Don't waste it on something that isn't truly worth it. ## Beyond the Blockbuster: What Else is Happening in SA Tech & Entertainment? While we're obsessing over *Supergirl*, there's a whole lot else happening. The Gautrain is teaming up with the Beer Festival and Main Street Sundays in June – now *that's* a combo I can get behind. And good news for those of us battling dodgy internet: there are "promising improvements from Starlink in Africa." Finally! Maybe we can stream without buffering during the Bokke games. Gamers, take note: X-Men ’97 is shaping up to have another killer season, and there’s even talk of South African pricing for Elden Ring on Switch 2 being revealed. Plus, if you're looking for a Youth Day bargain, there are 5 movies you can see for 50% off. ## The Bigger Picture: Why SA Gets the Good Stuff Sometimes Why do we sometimes get early access to these big releases? It's a good question. My take? South Africa has a dedicated and growing entertainment market. We’re passionate about movies, music, and gaming. Ster-Kinekor knows this, and they’re leveraging it. Giving us early access creates buzz, drives ticket sales, and keeps us coming back for more. It’s a smart business move, and frankly, we’re here for it. **The Verdict:** Look, *Supergirl* might be a lekker movie, but the early access isn’t worth the premium price tag for most. Save your rands for biltong, a braai, and maybe a new pair of sunglasses (you’ll need them if you’re forced to watch in 3D). But this begs the question: with streaming services becoming increasingly popular, is the future of the cinema experience even sustainable? Find out in our next article, where we unpack the battle between the big screen and your couch.