Has anyone been to the cinema recently?

[Plussizejumpsuit]

I have an odeon limitless pass (which means I can go as much as I want for about £18 a month). So we're used to going to the cinema lots and I miss it. We haven't been charged since March and will pay half price in Sept and Oct. Anyway I'd like to go back to the cinema and have read out their covid safety measures. But just wondered what the actual experience of going to the cinema is like in covid times.

I'm not high risk but I am being careful and haven't eaten out etc.. Also there's just me and dh but we used to take my niece lots so I'm wondering about experiences with taking children too..

Sorry don't know where double full stops came from!

I have - to three different cinemas. Took child/children each time too. It was fine. All very empty, all with empty seats (in one case, a LOT of empty seats) built into the seating plan, so you’re not sitting next to anyone you haven’t gone with. It’s all a bit strange with one way systems, hand sanitising etc, but was still a nice experience. My kids thought so too (you could still get popcorn, which was their primary concern!)

I’ve been twice recently: last week with DD (9) to see The Greatest Showman. There was one other person in the screening, four rows ahead of us; then on my own on Wednesday to see Tenet. There screening was perhaps 20% full, if that. I wore my mask throughout, but some of the others didn’t (you’re allowed to keep it off if you’re eating or drinking).

It was lovely to be back at the cinema and I’m looking forward to going again.

I think the popcorn might be my primary concern too! It will certainly be my niece's! To be honest the cinema isn't hugely busy most of the time. But having said that I wonder if it might be busier because people are looking for stuff to do? Thanks for sharing

We went last weekend, it was fine as it was quite quiet, the seating had been done in a sensible way and they are still doing food / drink. Also going this weekend

I haven't - but I would if there were a decent film on.

There is a good thread here @Plussizejumpsuit

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/4003140-Woud-you-go-to-the-cinema-yet

I have posted some information on there about cinemas - dh works for a chain. Overall they are still very quiet although some of the tenet screenings are busier. For dh chain they block off the seats in front of and behind you and 2 seats either side so it basically impossible for a screen to be that full even if it technically sold out - the way they are blocking off seats means they are operating at roughly 25% capacity.

Do feel free to ask any questions you have and I will try to answer! I think for most cinemas food wise it is only pic n mix that is currently not available.

I wonder if it might be busier because people are looking for stuff to do?

One time I went (admittedly, on a baking hot day, but the air con was perfect in my book!), there were 8 people in the auditorium (including my 2 kids and me!). Went on Wednesday and there were maybe 20 people there. All very spaced out in any case.

We went yesterday to see Tenet. Worst film ever.

You had to wear a mask whilst paying and in the corridors. You could take it off inside the cinema. The seating was spaced out. It was fine.

I can definitely see how Tenet might be a bit of a marmite film but I absolutely LOVED it. Going back at the weekend to watch it again and hopefully understand it a bit better

Three times now in recent weeks. Never more than five people in the cinema (afternoon screening).

I've been. It was pretty quiet. We had to pre-book and they blocked out seats around those that had been chosen. There was three of us going so couldn't go to Showcase as they were only allowing two people to sit together

The 8 year old and I went last week.

Had to book online, so you could see which seats were already taken. They automatically block out the seat next to you so nobody else can book it. Tickets were also ridiculously cheap (£8 for both of us).

We had our temps taken when we went in, collected tickets via the machine thingy and bought popcorn!

There was a grand total of 3 other people on the screen, not anywhere near us, though that may be more due to the 8 year olds horrible taste in films 😂

This was an independent cinema though. Not one of the chains.

@ExclamationPerfume

We went yesterday to see Tenet. Worst film ever.

You had to wear a mask whilst paying and in the corridors. You could take it off inside the cinema. The seating was spaced out. It was fine.

Ahhh we are thinking of going to see this. I generally like Christopher Nolan films. But they're a bit men heavy! Will probs still go...

It's looking quite posi from the handful of replies might try it soon. @MarcelineMissouri thanks for the link to the other thread. I'm a bit concerned that alth people are put in allocated seats away from others they would move. I know that seems random but I'm sure your dh sees some bad behaviour in the cinema!? Have people been ok with doing as they're told?

@Plussizejumpsuit to be honest it’s all been going really smoothly so far. They haven’t had any problems really with guest behaviour. People are following the rules pretty well at the moment! I guess they’re glad to be back!

With regards to people not sitting in their allocated seat - I’m sure this will happen in the odd occasion but I wouldn’t worry too much about it right now because with the current sd requirements if you book 2 seats an additional 8 end up being blocked off - even if a screen was ‘sold out’ that’s still an awful lot of empty seats!! When I watched Tenet that showing was effectively sold out but you could clearly see that people were sitting in the right seats because you could see the pattern of spaces. I think by and large people are definitely trying to make sure they’re in the right place! In any event if you think there are people sat too close to you just have a word with a staff member who will be happy to check their tickets. Most showings will be nowhere near full though and you will more likely be amazed at how much space you have!

And I loved Tenet by the way. Really amazing film.

we have been. Very quiet. Nice

We went to see the Matrix last week.
It was fun. The only thing was that there was no assigned seating and people sat at both ends of our row so we had to squeeze past them to go to the loo.

I went to a Cineworld, I’d heard the rule was that masks were compulsory in the common areas but not in the seat, but there were signs up when we got there saying it was compulsory unless you were eating. Not actually sure if that was referring to the foyer etc but everyone in the screen itself did take their mask off during the film anyway.

I went to see Unhinged at a Showcase a fortnight ago. Only myself, daughter and another couple in the whole screen. We were greeted, directed, sanitised etc... There was one way system and we exited onto the car park (which was a PITA as I needed the loo)
Overall it was very pleasant and I can really recommend Unhinged if it's still on. A real butt clencher and Russell Crowe is a huge unit.