Since the opening of the first air conditioned movie theatre, managers unremittingly improved the HVAC-installations, not only to grade up the comfort, but also to minimise the energy consumption. Generally, air handling units are used to maintain the indoor air quality and the thermal comfort. The energy use strongly depends on the ventilation concept and the control algorithms. This paper discusses possible interventions to reduce the energy consumption of movie theatres. First, the performance of two existing cinema rooms, identical except for the ventilation concept and the heat recovery system, is analysed. Based on the results of the analysis, a simulation model is set up in order to predict the energy saving potential of different setups and controls. The results indicate that the introduction of carbon dioxide based demand controlled ventilation reduces to a great extent the conditioned flow rate. In addition, a new control algorithm has been developed to control the inflow of fresh air in accordance with the CO2 level and the indoor temperature. Furthermore, the investment in a recovery system is unjustifiable, if the fans run continuously. However, most savings are obtained by switching off the fans when the comfort criteria are fulfilled, combined with displacement ventilation and the installation of a plate heat exchanger.