Went to see Avengers on the IMAX screen. As f1ame mentioned, the layout couldn't be more poorly-planned. The entrance staircase is in the middle of the room, taking away all the best seats. What's more, there was no need for this, as the room could easily have been designed for entry from one or both sides.
There are only two rows in the front that span the entire width, and
although the second row was a perfect location for me, I imagine most
people would think it too close to the screen confirmed by the fact that there was only one other person in a section of 40+ seats. The screen itself was big enough to enjoy, but hardly IMAX-sized. Some of the screens at Vue Islington seem bigger.
The real issue I encountered was that the house lights were left on at half power during the entire screening. When I ran out to complain, I was told in a patronising tone that this was for health & safety. Apparently, these safety lights are left on because people need to be able to find the exit. Tell me, how could anyone fail to find the exit with the film
playing, especially when the exit is a huge tunnel in the middle of the
room? After watching the film (using my hand to cover my eyes from the
glare during key dark scenes), I complained to the manager. She told me that they are required by law to keep safety lights on during the film. I informed her that these lights were way too bright, impeding enjoyment of the film. I
was again told it was a legal requirement, but that she'd have her technician look into it. I've seen thousands
of films in hundreds of cinemas around the globe, including many in the
UK, and I have never been to a cinema that left bright halogen spots on
during the entire screening. I think it's safe to say this was not mandated by law, but by Odeon's own inane policy. (So far, experience has shown that Odeon's primary policy seems to be to annoy customers until they never return.)
Otherwise,
the seats were relatively comfortable, the sound was ok (best heard in
the center of the room, where the stairs are located), and the bar
outside looked trendy and inviting. Too bad I'm unlikely to return. At £13.50 for a student ticket (plus card-handling fee), it was more expensive than the BFI IMAX in Waterloo, which has a screen at least twice as big, and none of the aforementioned issues. My money is better spent elsewhere. read more