Showcase Cinemas - Bluewater (Showcase Cinema)

Member Name: dyllymoo

Product:	Showcase Cinema
Date:	10/10/08 (4626 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comfy seats great cinema

Disadvantages: Expensive - but then where isnt nowadays!

** A Bit of Background**

Showcase Cinemas is owned by National Amusements, a privately held company that supports community activities. Showcase Cinemas develops promotions and events to raise money and awareness for both local and regional organisations.

National Amusements is based in the United States and operates more than 1,354 indoor screens in the United States, United Kingdom and Latin America. It is the parent company of Viacom which includes Paramount Communications, MTV Networks, Nickeldodeon, VH1, Blockbuster Video and many more. As you can see entertainment is what they do best.

Showcase Cinemas feature state of the art Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby Stereo SR and Dolby Ex sound systems; custom designed, deep-cushioned rocking recliner seats with cup-holder arm resents, wall to wall screens and seats that elevate you above the row in front so you can get the maximum effect from the screen.

**Show Times & Tickets**

It is very easy to look at show times and book tickets for the Showcase Cinemas. All you need to do is access their website: wwww.showcase.co.uk and find your nearest cinema. In my case it is the one at Bluewater Shopping Centre, which is where my review will be based.

You can book tickets in advance of around 1 week, which is always good if you want to go at a busy time.

The tickets can be booked online, or you can phone them up. I always book online as I find it easy and you can also pick out where you would like to seat on the plan, which is great. Booking online is also great as you can choose whether you want to print out your tickets there and then, or pick them up when you arrive at the cinema. Generally, I print my tickets out as then you know the only queue you will be in, is the one for the obligatory popcorn.

**The Gallery - Bluewater**

If you want to make your trip to the cinema extra special then I suggest trying the exclusive Gallery. The Gallery's luxury lounge offers complimentary snacks, tea and coffee. Gallery auditoriums are furnished with extra comfortable sofas-for-two and luxury chairs. I have only been to the Gallery twice, but I do love it and laying on the sofas (if you so wish!) does make you feel very comfortable. It does cost a bit more than the normal seats, but I definitely recommend trying it at least once.

**Showcase Insider **

Showcase Cinemas offers an exclusive "club" called "Showcase Insider". You can join simply by registering your details, and they will send you a membership card. You should receive emails that allow you to go to preview screenings of some films and also some special discounts on tickets and selected competitions.

I am a member of this and I have been for over 6 months, however I have only had 1 email relating to a preview, but on the other hand it is free to join!


**Baby Pictures**

Showcase Cinemas offers something called "Baby Pictures". It is a bi-weekly programme offering new parents a chance to see the latest movies at the theatre in a baby-friendly setting. The programme makes available special conveniences necessary for new parents to enjoy a movie and care for their baby at the same time. This includes baby changing stations, an area for prams, extra lighting and lowered movie volume. It takes place Tuesdays at 10am.


**Prices**

An adult ticket for a normal show time costs £8.00 (plus £0.60p booking fee), child ticket costs £5.50 (plus £0.60p booking fee).

Gallery tickets cost £15.75 (plus £0.60p booking fee).

Sweets, popcorn and drinks are expensive at Showcase Cinemas, but then I find that they are at most cinemas, and if you come prepared its not too much of a shock!


**Bluewater Showcase Cinema**

I have always enjoyed going to the Showcase Cinema at Bluewater, not least because it does feel slightly more luxurious then most cinemas I have been too.

The seats are nice a large, and very comfortable, which is obviously important if you are sat in it for over 2 hours. Even the distance between your seat and the row in front is a decent size, and you don't feel as if everyone is sat on top of you.

I have never had a bad experience at Showcase Cinemas, they have always been very accommodating to me.

All in all there are a couple of cinemas located near me, however I do prefer Showcase as it allows me to have a more enjoyable experience.

Summary: For an enjoyable cinematic experience!