Sorry about the double post above. There was a glitch in my system and I didn't think that the first post had worked.

For anyone with an Apple Movies $20 threshold. Project Hail Mary has been reduced by $10 to $19.99. This is the buy price. Rental price is still sitting at $24.99.

Project Hail Mary has been at the top of the Apple Movie charts since its release day. I have seen it twice and highly recommend it.

I have been perusing the web for information on the upcoming potential blockbuster movie event of 2026; The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, attempting a perilous journey home after the Trojan Wars.

Also starring; Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron, with an excellent supporting cast.

The film reportedly has a production cost of US$250M and is a Universal Studios movie. Shot totally on IMAX cameras, the film promises to be an exceptional viewing experience, which brings me to the point of this post... IMAX.

New Zealand has two dedicated IMAX theatres, both operated by Event Cinemas and featuring upgraded IMAX with Laser projection systems:-

Auckland: Metro Building, Level 3, 291-297 Queen Street, Auckland CBD. Wellington: Level 2, Queensgate Shopping Centre, 37A Bloomfield Terrace, Lower Hutt, Wellington.

Many films have sequences shot with IMAX cameras, but not many have been fully shot with them. Several movies available from Apple have "shifting aspect ratio's", where some scenes fill our screens and the majority of the film has the dreaded "black bars" at the top and bottom. The Odyssey will fill our screens from start to credits, with the quality viewing experience provided by the IMAX cameras. Unless the studio decides to change the aspect ratio for home viewing 🙄

Screening in New Zealand at both IMAX and other cinemas from July 16th, we can expect Apple to have the digital version late September, or early to mid October.

I know these prices will still be more than most people want to pay, but two recent releases have been reduced .

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come [$24.99 > $19.99] Dolby Vision-Atmos

GOAT [$29.99 > $24.99] Dolby Vision-Atmos

In The Bedroom (2001) has FINALLY dropped in price for the first time ever, and to that sweet-spot price of $4.99.

Great film, recommended viewing. Emotionally heavy, on par with 'Manchester by the sea'.

50 First Dates (2004) has been upgraded to Dolby Vision

There are stacks of bundles at great prices this week for a limited time.

The Expendables: 3-Movie Collection [$9.99]

Dreamworks: 15 Film Collection [$49.99]

X-Men: 9-Movie Collection [$49.99] 

Just three examples. Great time to add to your collections.

There are many individual movies also reduced. Lots of good titles priced from $4.99 - $9.99. For a limited time.

I picked up Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny for $7.99.

After a worldwide box-office take of over US$851M, the Michael Jackson biopic; Michael is expected to be available from the Apple Movie Store on Tuesday 9th June. Pre-order [$34.99]

BANDIDAS (2006, Action/Comedy, 92 mins. M) • HD 1080p/Dolby Digital 5.1/AAC • [Buy - $14.99: Rent - $4.99]

Summary: In 19th-century Mexico two women (Penélope Cruz, Salma Hayek) from vastly different backgrounds join forces against a ruthless U.S. bank magnate (Dwight Yoakam) who is stealing land from defenseless peasants so that he can build a railroad. A New York detective (Steve Zahn) arrives on the scene to bring the ladies in, but instead they win him over to their side.

Movieman:

 

There are many individual movies also reduced. Lots of good titles priced from $4.99 - $9.99. For a limited time.

 

I picked up Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny for $7.99.

 

Quite a large number of movies are also at their lowest ever price (denoted in the CheapCharts app by the yellow down arrow). I stopped counting after 25 of them.

HOKUM (2026. Horror/Thriller 107 mins. R13) • 4K SDR/Dolby Digital 5.1/AAC • [Buy - $24.99: Rent - $19.99]

Summary: When novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) retreats to a remote inn to scatter his parents' ashes, he is consumed by tales of a witch haunting the honeymoon suite. Disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance forces him to confront dark corners of his past.

SGT. HAANE (2026, Action/Adventure, 88 Mins. M) • HD 1080p/Dolby Audio 5.1/AAC • [Buy - $19.99: Rent - $14.99] NZ Film Commission

Summary: Directed by Tearepa Kahi, Sgt. Haane tells the story of L. Sgt. Haane Manahi DCM (Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa), whose extraordinary courage during a 1943 World War II battle at Takrouna, Tunisia, secured a critical victory for the Allies. Blending dramatic re‑enactment with the voices of descendants, the film explores legacy, whakapapa and remembrance.

No ratings available at Rotten Tomatoes.

TOW (2026, Comedy/Drama, 105 mins, M) • 4K HDR10+/Dolby Audio 5.1/AAC • [Buy - $14.99: Rent - $7.99]

Summary: Inspired by the true story of Amanda Ogle, TOW follows a homeless Seattle woman (Rose Byrne) living out of her car as she tries to rebuild her life and reconnect with her daughter. When her car is impounded and she’s hit with an outrageous $21,634 bill, Amanda’s fragile stability unravels. Forced into a women’s shelter, she finds strength in community and allies with a young attorney (Dominic Sessa) to take on the powerful towing company. With emotional honesty and grit, TOW explores the human cost of bureaucratic cruelty—and one woman’s fight to reclaim not just her car, but her dignity.