Over 10 people in Choa Chu Kang shown Mario movie instead of HK thriller, thought it was long ad at first

Due to a "rare technical glitch", moviegoers who had bought tickets for a 10am screening of the Hong Kong crime thriller film Cold War 1994 were instead shown the animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at Shaw Theatres Lot One in Choa Chu Kang on May 1.

Speaking to The Straits Times (ST), Shaw Theatres said all affected patrons had been refunded and given additional complimentary movie passes for each ticket purchased.

The theatre added that the glitch has since been resolved.

Thought it was an extended advertisment

The mix-up was not immediately apparent.

Citing the Chinese-language daily Shin Min Daily News, ST reported that according to one of the moviegoers, advertisements played for the first 10 minutes before The Super Mario Galaxy Movie began rolling.

Those in the hall initially assumed it was part of an extended advertisement.

Patrons later realised something was amiss, and someone alerted the staff to the issue.

They were then asked to wait as staff attempted to screen Cold War 1994.

However, at around 10:45am, they were informed that the scheduled film could not be shown.

"Shaw Theatres arranged a full refund and provided a movie voucher so that affected viewers could watch another screening for free," said the moviegoer.

Compensation was issued at approximately 11:15am.

More than 10 viewers were affected by the incident, with some expressing frustration over the wasted time.

"I don’t think it was necessary to get angry," the moviegoer interviewed said in contrast. "Shaw Theatres responded politely and offered compensation."