All Yours

About a million screens and nothing on...

by Harvey 11 months ago in group Film Club
Last updated 7 months ago.

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In Hull alone we now have Odeon (10 screens), Cineworld (9 screens), Reel (7 screens) and Vue (10 screens).

So why, with 36 screens in total, do many films like Control (the recent Joy Division biography) fail to get a theatrical release in Hull?

You can see the same mainstream stuff at each of these outlets, but a film like this, which has received great critical and public acclaim, is ignored. Presumably they think there is no call for it in Hull.

Hull screen used to offer a wide range of independent and foreign films, alternative to the mainstream blockbusters. After funding troubles they have tried to continue at the university building on George Street but is a far cry from the 7 days a week (and often 2 films a day) program that used to be on offer. And even then, the picture and sound quality, the comfort levels of the seating, and the other facilities on offer left a lot to be desired.

I like an all-action blockbuster with car chases and explosions and a hard-rocking soundtrack as much as anybody, but I would very much appreciate having the choice to see something a bit more intellectual as well.

There are some Bollywood and other foreign film showings at one of the cinemas (I forget which) but these are usually on a quiet afternoon instead of peak evening times.

I think that Hull cannot support 36 screens, and one of the cinemas (probably the Odeon) may have to close. Even then it would be a very competitive marketplace for the remaining three.

My message to the cinema operators is this: if you want to succeed, you must diversify the range of films you offer. Contact the current organisers of Hull Screen and propose to show their choice of programming in one of your modern theatres, with all the benefits that entails. It could also be a fantastic opportunity to promote local media students and film-makers by showing their work on the silver screen.

With the proper promotion, it could be a very good thing for your business and for the people of Hull.

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Replies

  1. IanGriffin Submitted 11 months ago Unsuitable Content? Report it!

    Yeah nice one mate I think you’re right. I never even heard of that film before but now I put it in google and now I want to see it! The cinemas should show a wider range of films as well as all the usual stuff. I heard Vue was all digital films showing off HD-DVDs and not actual film reels anymore so that would make it easier? How many times have you been to pictures and there’s been like 5 people watching the film. It’s cos the same film is playing on another screen 45 minutes later, and at the other cinemas across town aswell. Get some variety!

  2. Popcorn

    Red Submitted 11 months ago Unsuitable Content? Report it!

    I think it’s exciting to have all these cinemas – competition for them choice and variety for all! Poor Odeon may struggle to keep up with the new contendors, reel seems to be family based and vue I reserve judgement of until i’ve been although love their christmas line up of It’s a wonderful life and Wizard of oz. Kingswood is my usual and often go and watch older films that I may have missed first time round. Can’t wait to see how cinema wars plays out

  3. Harvey Submitted 11 months ago Unsuitable Content? Report it!

    hey guess what? its in the HDM today that Hull screen might be moving into Reel in st stephen’s. Your Mail really works!

  4. Red Submitted 11 months ago Unsuitable Content? Report it!

    Exciting, may bring a whole new audience to Hull Screen – hope so! Wish for better popcorn in Reel…

  5. Vicky Submitted 8 months ago Unsuitable Content? Report it!

    I hope this thing with Reel and Hull Screen pulls off.. I work for Reel and see this as a good opportunity to get different varieties of films showing…

  6. Red Submitted 8 months ago Unsuitable Content? Report it!

    Keep us up to date Vicky, it will be fantastic to have more films on offer.

  7. Harvey Submitted 8 months ago Unsuitable Content? Report it!

    Brilliant, an insider! Got any free tickets?! Make it happen with the Hull Screen thing, there really is a demand for some of the less-well-known, non-blockbuster films. And it’s not just the weird arthouse stuff that gets passed over. The latest one is Daniel Day-Lewis’s latest screen appearance in There Will Be Blood. Despite winning BAFTAs and receiving Oscar nominations and all sorts, it is not showing on any of the 30+ screens in Hull.

  8. Vicky Submitted 8 months ago Unsuitable Content? Report it!

    i think we are getting There Will Be Blood fingers crossed a week tomorrow so i believe, as soon as i see something concrete i will let you know… :)

  9. Vicky Submitted 8 months ago Unsuitable Content? Report it!

    Reel is getting There Will be blood on Friday 14th :) not sure on times etc yet though shouls know times by monday ~:D

  10. Red Submitted 7 months ago Unsuitable Content? Report it!

    Anybody know what’s going on with Hull film festival ‘Glimmer’ doesn’t seem to be much news about it anywhere?

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