Independent Cinemas

SteveAWOL

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Inspired by these articles, I'm curious as to which hidden gems are frequented by AVForumers...

51 brilliant independent cinemas in the UK | Den of Geek
The defining narrative about cinemas in this country is that they’re overpriced chain monstrosities beholden to showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster and nothing else. But that doesn’t really tell the whole story.

While they may be a little harder to find, there are incredible indie cinemas all across the country. Many are part of larger arts centres, some are beloved local institutions saved from closure by campaigns. A few are even owned and operated by the civic authorities. All though, are unique places to enjoy a wide variety of films.

Coolest Cinemas In The UK | ShortList Magazine
For all the pleasures of slurping down a soft drink the size of the moon, or injuring your neck staring upwards at an IMAX screen, you just can't beat a classic, old-school cinema, can you?

Especially with the rise of independent and boutique venues, offering a mix of foreign and indie cinema as well as the chance to take a wine or ice cold brewskie into the room without fear of being thrown out. Then there's the comfort: some screening rooms are so snug it's like you're sharing a sofa with 100 strangers, and not in a weird way.

So whether you're after the next place to seek out some obscure subtitled documentary about Eastern European tractors during World War One, or just want somewhere a bit s****ier to watch the next big Hollywood release, here are the UK cinemas you need to know about.
 
I've got 2 indie cinemas within a reasonable drive of my home which I like to visit for comedies or less mainstream titles, as the audiences are usually a tad more appreciative than at the local multiplex plus the seating is much more comfortable.

Is this Britain's most beautiful cinema? - Telegraph

Cine-files: The Rex, Berkhamsted | Film | The Guardian

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Restored Odyssey art-deco cinema in St Albans reopens - BBC News

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Britain's best outdoor cinemas to visit this summer from Somerset House to Luna Cinema - Features - Films - The Independent
Going to the cinema may be one of our favourite rainy day activities, but there's nothing to stop you from enjoying a moonlit movie night this summer.

A whole range of companies have tapped into the trend for open-air film events and some have even gone so far as to offer themed and unique experiences - think Hot Tub Cinema on a Shoreditch rooftop and Film 4 Summer Screen in the beautiful courtyard at Somerset House.

It's not all London-based either. Floating Cinema is touring a barge around the locks from Brentford to Bristol at the moment, while Burghley House in Lincolnshire hosts a five-day film festival at the end of this month.

Here's our pick of ten of the best outdoor cinemas in Britain:
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Britain's best outdoor theatres, cinemas and concerts - Telegraph
The disused Charing Cross tube station is being transformed into an underground cinema today. Unfortunately, its four-night run is already sold out. But there are other options for anyone hope to catch film or play somewhere a little more exciting the the local multiplex. These are the 17 coolest places to watch a film or play this summer...
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Top 10 outdoor cinema and theatre events in the UK | Travel | The Guardian
Fancy a fix of open-air film or theatre this summer? Across the country there are great arts events and festivals ready to serve up culture in superb, characterful settings. Here we pick 10 that will be perfect with a Pimm’s (or a brolly)
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I've got 2 indie cinemas within a reasonable drive of my home which I like to visit for comedies or less mainstream titles, as the audiences are usually a tad more appreciative than at the local multiplex plus the seating is much more comfortable.

Is this Britain's most beautiful cinema? - Telegraph

Cine-files: The Rex, Berkhamsted | Film | The Guardian

10750191_724128320996804_1952138978314598915_o.jpg


Restored Odyssey art-deco cinema in St Albans reopens - BBC News

10856514_698746836887256_4054346398159215828_o.jpg


10945828_946496358717983_2999362836130722459_o.jpg


10916306_946496442051308_8663114033767861302_o.jpg
With the tables at the front why do they have chairs with their backs to the screen?
 
My Local Cinema is an Independent, http://mwldan.co.uk/about-us
I enjoy a visit there and appreciate what they do for our small town, nice friendly staff too, and it means i don't have to drive a 60 mile trip for a multiplex nightmare
 
Wish I had an Indi near me.

There's the Broadway in Notts but i'm not sure if that's classed as an Indi.

Bit to Arty farty for me that anyway.

Long been a dream that if i won the Euro Millions, i'd open my own Independent Cinema showing all the classics of years gone by.
 
Sounds like good news (and at the moment is), although it's only October and if this lasts through to next Spring and beyond then I'm not sure they will all survive.

Being creative can only get you so far. At the end of the day it's an industry that needs a product, and that product isn't being delivered.
 


Here is my dilemma. I am a CineWorld Unlimited member and always made sure that I saw the blockbusters on the bigger screens.

In my town we have a couple of smaller cinemas, the Theatre and an Everyman. Both of these have handled social distancing much better and have remained open. My wife loves the Everyman because she values the sofas over the screen size, video and sound technology. On the other hand, I look at it and say “tiny screens, it like watching my TV at home”.

So my obstacle to independents is that it costs more to watch a film on a tiny screen.

Cheers,

Nigel
 

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