Five reasons Pentridge Open-Air Cinema is unlike any cinema you've ever experienced

Have you ever watched a film in the courtyard of a historic bluestone prison? We haven't, either, but we're pretty excited about Pentridge Open-Air Cinema. The space is steeped in history, being a landmark in Melbourne for more than 170 years. It's also a beautiful location for an open-air cinema, in a grassy courtyard surrounded by imposing bluestone walls. The historic prison belltower clock chimes every hour, including during the film, so you won't be quick to forget where you are. 

A very special location requires a very special program of films, and that's what Pentridge Open-Air Cinema is delivering. The season includes quite a few prison-themed films, which dovetail perfectly with the locale, including one filmed largely at Pentridge itself, Chopper. The biopic of infamous Pentridge resident Chopper Reed stars Eric Bana as the notorious crim and was filmed inside H Division, which housed the highest-security prisoners. Other famous prison films including The Rock, The Shawshank Redemption, Shutter Island and Escape from Alcatraz are also on the bill. 

But it's not all prison movies, with family favourites like Paddington 2, The Princess Bride and Spirited Away also featuring. There are also plenty of other cult classics and popular releases on the program, such as Call Me by Your Name, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Big Lebowski, Clueless and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

No matter which film you choose, you're guaranteed to see it in a new light under the stars at Pentridge. Every film was hand-selected to fit in with its unusual surroundings and hot summer nights.

If there's anything that could improve a beloved movie under the stars in a historic bluestone courtyard, it's a cocktail or two, a gourmet meal, live music and a cheese platter. On Saturdays and Sundays, 20 lucky people will get just that as part of Aperol Sundown Sessions, which run from 6 to 7.30pm. Each person will get two Aperol Spritzes, as well as a meal from a Melbourne restaurant at Co/Lab Pantry, a cheese platter from That's Amore and freshly made cannoli for dessert from Cannoleria.

The exclusive sessions also include live music with dinner, and at 7.30pm Aperol Sundown Sessions guests will join the main session to watch the film. Level up your movie-watching experience, but be quick, because spots are extremely limited. Tickets are $85 each, including the film screening.

Everyone loves snacks at the movies, right? It's just not the same without a selection of things to munch on during the film. Pentridge Open-Air Cinema has doubled down on the snack front, with a luxe twist on your favourite movie treats. Olive oil popcorn, handmade choc tops and gourmet snacks are on the menu, to make for a perfect moviegoing experience. The venue is licensed, so you can sit back with a glass of wine or a beer as you enjoy the film. 

Gates open at 7.30 at Pentridge Open-Air Cinema, and the movie doesn't start until the sun goes down, around 9pm. Between arrival and the start of the film, you can enjoy live music from local Melbourne musicians, many of whom have been unable to work during much of 2020. It's been a while since we've been able to enjoy live music, so this is the perfect opportunity to sit back and listen to music in a safe, outdoors and socially distant environment.