Cinema

Image by Roddy Cunningham

You are advised during the introduction to each film to simply look away and take a deep breath if you are experiencing any motion sickness during the film. This is good advice to keep in mind, and certainly came in handy the first time I visited the Imax cinema. I can remember watching a documentary about fish and actually feeling like I was at sea.

The screen which is huge (something silly like the size of 2 double-decker buses) makes watching any regular film pretty spectacular and the convex screen technology creates an experience of motion.

Most of the big-screen blockbusters are shown, some are even adapted to the new format, and there are also smaller productions designed specifically for the Imax screen. These are shown later on and I often go along because I know the screen will be really quiet and I like having the entire cinema almost entirely to myself.

The Cinema was part of the regeneration of the old shipyards along with the science centre and tower next door and is stunning. The contrast of the old sandstone tenement buildings in the city to the sleek stainless steel is really interesting and it does all look rather futuristic.

If you like, you can combine a visit to the Imax with the science centre and tower (when it is open) and save a little money, but I would save your time as the science centre I feel is aimed a little too much towards children.

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Imax Cinema | Cinemas | Ticket £ 9.95
50 Pacific Quay | South-West | +441414205000
10:00 – 00:00 daily

5

Image by Gill Davies

A comfortable alternative to the cavernous, soulless multiplexes in the city, The Grosvenor is more like a private viewing cinema. The two small screening rooms are fitted out with huge leather armchairs and there’s loads of leg room. If you fancy stretching out or snuggling up, book one of the leather couches at the back. They’re a bit dearer than the other seats, but it’s worth paying the extra if you can get one.

I like the fact you can take drinks from the bar next door into the cinema with you. Very civilised.

Films shown are a mix of the latest blockbusters, old classics and cult movies. There are usually four or five daily screenings of the main films. Check the website for details.

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 10.30, they run ‘Watch With Baby’ screenings for parents with children under 18 months. Cost is £5 and includes free tea and coffee and a 20% discount in The Loft restaurant upstairs.

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Grosvenor Cinema | Cinemas
Ashton Lane | West End | +441413398444
Check website for details

5

Image by Stuart Crawford

Not only the tallest cinema in the world but also the busiest in the UK by customer base, Cineworld is the only multiplex in Glasgow city centre. It’s closest competitors are the Odeon at Springfield Quay and the IMAX (check the IMAX cinema article) down by the Science Centre, both a long trek from the main shopping districts. With a whopping 18 screens Cineworld offers a good selection of blockbusters and kids’ films, though little in the way of arthouse, independent or world cinema (if that’s more your style check out the GFT just down the road).

Tickets are expensive, but discounts are available for students as well as for screenings before 5pm Monday to Thursday. The snacks are also overpriced, but the food in the licensed bar is cheap and cheerful. The selection isn’t huge, but if you’re after some chicken wings or curly fries to munch before your movie, they’ll see you right.

A spectacular panoramic vista awaits you on the 6th floor, looking out over most of the north of the city. There are three elevators to take you to the top, one made of glass and giving an excellent view on the way up, though the sensation can be rather vertiginous.

Sound and picture quality are what you would expect of a modern multiplex: excellent (with 3D on offer at an additional £2.10 per adult ticket and £1.50 per student or child, with glasses priced at 80p per pair). Be warned that Cineworld does get superbusy at weekends.

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Cineworld | Cinemas | Adult ticket £ 7.50
Renfrew street | City Centre | +448712002000
Sun – Thu 10:00 – 21:45 (last show), Fri – Sat 10:00 – 23:45 (last show)