In April 2006 the fledgling MegaStar Cineplex circuit opened its first complex in Hanoi, Vietnam. With then 8 screens and 1,100 seats the cinema quickly established itself as Vietnam’s most successful cineplex - so much so that in early 2009 another 2 screens and 258 seats were added.

Originally the brainchild of industry veteran (Columbia Tri-Star International, Loews Cineplex International) J. Edward Shugrue, MegaStar is co-owned by Envoy Media Partners (90%) and local publishing company Phuong Nam Corporation (10%). From its start in Hanoi the company now boasts 7 complexes and 53 screens, as well as a successful distribution business handling releases from Buena Vista,  UIP (Paramount, Universal and DreamWorks) and Summit.

A key component of MegaStar’s distribution plan has been to bring major releases into the territory quicker than had historically been the case, and to release nationally rather than first in the south and then, many weeks later, in the north. With Vietnam’s rampant piracy, which has new releases on the street for less than $1.00 often within days of the US opening, the company regards it as vital to get movies onto the country’s screens as soon as possible.

MegaStar’s exhibition philosophy has been to bring the international cinema experience to Vietnam in terms of building design, construction and operations. This includes stadium seating with imported chairs, digital sound in all cinemas, computer ticketing, a Highlands Coffee counter and Heineken beer bar, as well as the obligatory freshly popped popcorn and ice cold Coca-Cola. MegaStar also runs a popular website, MegaStarmedia.net.

MegaStar's 7 cinema locations are:-

Hanoi, Vincom City Towers - 10 screens;  Hai Phong, TD Plaza - 8 screens; Da Nang, VT Plaza - 6 screens; Bien Hoa, Saigon Co-Op - 6 screens, Ho Chi Minh City (1) Hung Vuong Plaza - 8 screens; (2) CT Plaza - 7 screens; (3) Saigon Paragon - 8 screens.