ODEON cinema multiplex coming to Stafford.

[stafford-resident101]

I have heard that within the new M and S complex where the old Riverside use to be, an ODEON Multiplex has been bid for.

Personally I hate the Odeon brand, every one of their cinemas I have been in have tiny screens, non-stadium seating, awful sound systems, extremely uncomfortable seating, very expensive entry prices and equally expensive snacks to match. They have nothing going for them as a brand I would say.

But, on the other hand Cineworld are superb. If you've not been to the one on Broad Street in Birmingham (especially with the new IMAX there) you haven't experienced how a film should be viewed. The prices there are also really reasonable, new titles for a fiver...brilliant. VUE are good but very expensive generally.

I have emailed Cineowlrd management to ask if they are aware that the site is being planned and if they would consider a multiplex. Really hoping they will.

I know some people would say that the Appollo would lose out but let's face it, it has had its day. In the winter you literally freeze as there is no heating and the picture and sound systems leave a lot to be desired. The prices are expensive too.

If people agree, please email Cineworld with your support

 

[Gramaisc]

The Apollo was an Odeon.

 

[proactive]

every one of their cinemas I have been in have tiny screens, non-stadium seating, awful sound systems, extremely uncomfortable seating, very expensive entry prices and equally expensive snacks to match. They have nothing going for them as a brand I would say.

That could easily describe the Apollo.

Personally I have no problem with the Odeon brand, save the problems associated with multiplexes as a breed; no atmosphere, full of chavs etc etc. However, having one in Stafford would only serve to bring people into the town, so on balance it would be a good thing I believe.

 

[tek-monkey]

Install phone jammers and I'm interested, til that day I'll stay at home. Last time I went to the cinema in Stafford I had to fight the urge to choke a chav on his blackberry, as long as they're allowed to act like cocks throughout a film you'll also not get my custom.

TBH I've not enjoyed the cinema since the first LOTR film.

 

[Gramaisc]

The last film I saw in a cinema was True Lies. Probably '94/'95, then..

 

[tek-monkey]

At the picture house? I saw that one at the cinema too, but can't remember which.

 

[Floss]

Last time I went to the Apollo was the last time I said I would step foot in the place, waited and waited for the film to start, went to enquire several times only to be told on the fourth time apologies but the projectionist had gone home ill and failed to inform anyone, we were left in the cold and dark sat waiting and no one came to us to explain what had happened, I've heard of silent films but that was ridiculous !

 

[andy w]

Personally I quite like the Apollo, as whilst it's old and is a bit tatty, it has more character than the modern multiplex's that too often are small and with a flat floor. Saying that a suspect I hold a minority veiwpoint and that the majority of stafford cinema goer's either go to the Apollo under dueress or they travel to a neighbouring town.

 

[bpelectric]

There wasn't one on the plans last time i looked. Can't say i want one in the town anyway last 3 I've been to were full of very undesirable people.

 

[Alan B'Stard]

I go to Wolverhampton rather than suffer the sub standard service of both facilities and staff at The Apollo.

 

[andy w]

There wasn't one on the plans last time i looked. Can't say i want one in the town anyway last 3 I've been to were full of very undesirable people.

Maybe they mirror the local populace of the said town

 

[John Marwood]

Oscar Deutch Tango?

 

[bpelectric]

Maybe they mirror the local populace of the said town

Maybe they do ....but they do seem to be a magnet to certain people ....and you think those people won't travel to Stafford at some point if there's something on here they won't to see.

 

[wildwood]

I go to Wolverhampton rather than suffer the sub standard service of both facilities and staff at The Apollo.

Same here - Bentley Bridge is a nice clean place. At the Apollo can't be doing with the sticky carpets - antiquated toilets - signs at the desk apologising that the heating isn't working. Not really enjoyable when you have to keep your coat on to watch a film.

Star City is worth the trip too.

 

[Gramaisc]

when you have to keep your coat on to watch a film

I'm sure we've all been to cinemas like that...

 

[wildwood]

Haha - not over the lap

 

[rbellamy]

Who cares? If Odeon is so rubbish, no one will use it and it will be out of there. No need for anyone to email anyone.

 

[grumpystaffordguy]

I don't find the Apollo that bad these days. It did go through a period where the screen and sound were so bad that I refused to go though (about 10-15 years ago maybe?). I seem to recall Matsui midi system speakers on the wall! LOL
However a few years back it was upgraded and I think its OK now. I would still probably go to an out of town cinema for a big action movie, but if you have to suffer a rom-com then I think it will do just fine.
When stab city opened that seemed great, but with the traffic and fuel costs these days I would be reluctant to travel that distance now. There is the one at jct10 M6 that was OK (if you didn't mind your car being damaged), but I have found the Vue cinema in Newcastle to be better and its a similar distance.
I went to the Bentley Bridge one to watch Skyfall and it was OK. There is always the temptation to be dragged in to one of those chain restaurants though. Before you know it your simple night out to the cinema and a quick bite to eat has turned in to a near £100 evening out for a couple. Then the Apollo starts to make more sense as you have many options for eating out or having a beer, you don't need to drive and potentially you can save a wedge of cash.

 

[daz100]

I am all for it. Long over due as like people have said they travel to other towns and cities to watch a film!
The Odeon at the Trafford Centre is really nice and that is a fairly new one so if it does happen I think it will address all the OP concerns.

 

[Wormella]

To be honest - as long as there's a cinema in the town centre, so within walking distance and a half decent quality I don't mind who it is. I like the Apollo, but as the Odeon will be custom built I'm assuming they will think about screen size & seating etc - most ones I've been to have been in odd converted places.