Lets see whats the difference?

Building - Stand alone compared to multiplex in malls. Stand alone building has few side exit doors. Toilets was usually at the side of the main screen covered by curtains.

Tickets - Comes in classes of seats. Tickets also different color. Paper is like tissue and will bleed color if got wet. Attendant use pens or puncher or stamp to mark the tickets.

Seats - The really old ones had wooden seats. During the movie you could hear squeaks and creaks. When the movie is over, the whole cinema will be ringing sounds of booming chairs folding down. Much like some continuous items falling down from stairs.

Food - Traditional. You could buy kuih even. Kuaci is very common. So is hanging packets of drinks on the arm rest or the corner of the seat itself.

Environment - The sound are usually loud. The more nearer u seat the more louder it is. Unlike today where the place is designed to spread sound evenly. Smoking was allowed. Some cinema have fans in them. Some have air conds. Some a combo of both.

Ticket price? That time I remember RM1.50 per entry. Kids was like 70 cents or or something. Baby comes in free. Some cinema only shows certain type of movies.

Its not heard. It is allowed. Can drink beer and stuff also. But then they make half section smoking and the other half not. Then later ban altogether.