Leave a Review Smart Cinema USA
Problems after problems
With Covid all film festivals have gone virtual. I have attended other film festivals be a different platform earlier this year with no issues. The NYAFF chose this platform. First problem is you cannot cast from your iPhone to the computer to watch the movies. In order to watch from a TV do you need to meet very specific requirements such as certain smart TVs, Apple TV, certain generation Chromecast. Watching 52 films on my iPhone is not the most enjoyable experience.
There are tons of technical issues. I purchase it all access VIP past. It work for day one and then disappeared on day two wherein all films stated I need to make a purchase. The app freezes a lot so watching a movie means multiple interruptions while the data download. Another problem is the film festival host watch parties. But the watch parties are not available until the day after it actually occurs. That makes no sense. There has to be a better way.Show lessITGIRLNYC
Room for improvement
They have an interesting selection of Asian movies, and the New York Asian Film Festival is streaming this year’s offerings through them (because COVID), but the software has some areas for improvement. The log-on process is often glitchy (missing e-mails, erratic phone log-ins, erratic sign-ups through other means). The app has an airplay function to cast the stream to an Apple TV, but it does not seem to work. This could be a great app filling an important niche, but the software still seems a bit half-baked.Show less葛雷先生
Unsatisfied
You can only view movies on your phone, which really kills the joy. Can’t connect the app to computers or TV. Guess I’m sticking to watching Chinese dramas on Netflixk8h5d3
A Pleasant Surprise！
I thoroughly enjoy the selection of movies, especially several Chinese blockbusters just heightens my experience. Despite this, the developers have plenty of work to do with the app itself. I can't fast-forward or rewind the film. Also hope you can add the AirPlay option.yanghu@tigerY
Have to paid for the movies
Movies are not free you have to paid for it in order to watch it.Ksf368
Good attempt, but needs work
I love Chinese cinema, but as an app that has the purpose of being a bridge for bringing current Chinese cinema to folks in the US, the interface is sorely lacking.
While the top title selections are fairly current, there are no audio or subtitle options available. A majority of the films I’ve looked at so far feature only Chinese subtitles. The app itself is also formatted for phones, but not for tablets.
With ‘tickets’ (aka rentals) costing US$4.99 each, the app, in its current form, is unlikely to appeal to any but a marginal audience in the states who are Mandarin fluent or Chinese literate. And for those same folks options such as YouKu and iQIY currently provide better cinematic bang for the buck. Here’s hoping that the Smart Cinema USA app can implement more options and features in future updates.Show lessCantonkid
Brilliant concept
I always wanted to watch movies currently in theaters without the hassle of the crowd. Now I carry a theater in my pocket. This app is convenient, culturally-expansive and future-oriented. I only wish I thought of it first.NolanMoon
Simply the best!!
Smart Cinema has made it SO easy for me to watch my favorite Chinese shows while on the road. The interface is so user-friendly and honestly, it’s a GAME CHANGING app! Highly recommend this over anything else. I’M IN LOVE! Thank you Smart Cinema! My Chinese has also improved now :)AlyssaWee
BEST APP I’ve downloaded in a long time.
I am so happy this is finally coming to the USA!!! Now my kids can watch movies in the car during our long road trips as well. Thank you thank you thank you.Tanya Zako
Amazing app for watching awesome movies
Really love the concept- we should be able to watch movies during the theatrical release. I happen to be a big fan of Chinese cinemas and have been enjoying the movie selections on Smart Cinema. Can’t wait to see them add more movie selections!!Socr3tes
