Today we went to the cinema as a family to see the kids animated comedy film ‘The Queen’s Corgi’.
I’ve nothing to say about the film other than the kids enjoyed it, which is what really matters.
We went as part of a film festival here in the UK where selected films at participating cinemas are free to home-Ed families and schools. As long as you sign up before hand, you’re in.
So today was rammed with hundreds of snotty school kids out with their coloured tabards on.
There was a time when the cinema was a premium experience.
Not particularly expensive, but not cheap enough to do a couple of times a week.
Plus the popcorn and snacks are ridiculously expensive (we always take our own)
Tickets in the past, in my experience at the very least, have been £9.50 per ticket to see the latest release on the big screen.
Now, I’m not sure what has happened in the cinema industry over the last few years, but my local Odeon cinema which has 8 screens, have dropped their prices to an incredible £5.
£5 to watch ANY of the films, any time of day, on any day, no matter your age. Children, teens, adults.
No gimmicks or offers. Just £5.
Which I think is an absolutely amazing price and offers incredible value for money.
But I wonder what’s happening.
Is this a sign that the cinema is struggling and needs to attract more people?
If I’m honest, I’ve never seen the place particularly busy.
Although one of the staff members said that screenings of Frozen 2 have sold out a week in advance and in one day made more money than Toy Story 4 in pre-sales than in Toy Story 4’s first pre-sale week.
Is this something that’s happened nation wide? Possibly because of the rise of more premium refurbished complexes like Everyman and Showcase Cinemas that offer a better experience?
The Odeon is a bit run down to be fair.
Maybe it’s a reflection of the quality of experience you get. Maybe £9.50 was putting folk off and sending them elsewhere for a better time.
Anyway, I’m not trying to grumble, honest.
£5 is great - and I’m going to make the most of it whilst it lasts.
I really want to see Chris Morris’ new film The Day Shall Come. I love Chris Morris’ work, right back from Brass Eye to Jam, to Nathan Barley, through to Four Lions.
He’s a visionary comic genius, so I’ll expect the unexpected with his first film about FBI dealings with suspected (non)terrorists.
If only I can get 90 minutes away from the kids to go and see it..
Dammit, I’ve seen Joker yet either.
I need to do that before Frozen 2 takes over the cinema!
