Cinemas in the Far North are preparing for big crowds today as some of the year's biggest releases hit the screen.

And with the temperature tipped to reach 33C, the airconditioned comfort of movie theatres will be a big drawcard for those looking to escape the heat.

Cinemas are anticipating one of the biggest box offices in Boxing Day history with some long-awaited blockbusters set to open, including The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Les Miserables.

Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit has already broken box office records in the US while Les Miserables has earnt stars Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway Golden Globe nominations.

Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph is also set to be a popular pick for families.

Cairns Event Cinemas general manager Andrew McNicol said staff were expecting a big turnout thanks to the range of films on offer.

‘‘It’s a magic day for us and this is the biggest line-up since Avatar came out,’’ he said.

Film fans will also have the chance to watch The Hobbit in a special 3D format which presents the film at 48 frames per  second, twice the rate of standard movies.

But with tickets close to selling out, moviegoers are encouraged to book tickets online beforehand.

Mr McNicol said going to the movies on Boxing Day was beginning to rival watching the MCG Boxing Day Test or heading to the sales.

Event Cinemas Cairns City: Boxing Day openings include Les Miserables in Vmax, Quartet, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 3D (as shot in all-new 48 frames a second), The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 2D. High demand for tickets and highest pre-sales are for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 3D and Les Miserables in Vmax.

Event Cinemas Cairns Central: Boxing Day openings include The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 3D (as shot in all-new 48 frames a second) in Vmax, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 2D, Wreck-It Ralph in 3D, Wreck-it Ralph in 2D and Parental Guidance. Greatest demand for tickets and highest pre-sales are for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 3D in Vmax.

Birch Carroll & Coyle Cairns Earlville: Boxing Day openings include The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 3D, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 2D, Wreck-It Ralph in 3D, Wreck-It Ralph in 2D, Parental Guidance and Les Miserables. Greatest demand for tickets and highest pre-sales are for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 3D.

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