Best cinema in the area (VUE Cinema Leeds)

Member Name: Gav86

Product:	VUE Cinema Leeds
Date:	17/09/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Screen sizes, seating, location, staff

Disadvantages: Costs of food & non discounted tickets

I have been visiting the VUE at The Light in Leeds for a good few years now. I now live in Leeds City Centre, therefore its my local cinema and very easy to get to. Even when i lived outside the city with another cinema much closer, most of the time i ended up at the VUE due to it being that much better.

Entry is through the shopping centre 'The Light' itself. The Light is airy, open, spacious with plenty of other outlets. Very often we head for a drink before or after the movie, and there are plenty of places here such as Browns and Tiger Tiger. There are plenty of restuarants, snack places and a good few shops too.

But wait! You came here to go to the cinema? Remember?
Climbing up the escalators you can hear the music from the dance mat machine. You then join the queue directly in front of you which in my experience is never too bad. The only time to make sure you get there very early is on a Wednesday evening due to the massive success of 2 for 1 Orange Wednesdays.

The staff have a big part to play in keeping the queue down and they do well. They are all usually friendly, helpful and know exactly what they are doing. Buying food and drinks is also done at this point. This is a little bit of a negative as if you had bought your tickets before, the queue can be fairly large.
They have the usual cinema selection going on. Popcorn, chocolate, hot dogs, fizzy drinks etc. plus they also sell plastic bottles of beer and alcopops which is quite a good idea... although pricey along with everything else they sell. I have been known, however, to swear im not buying cinema food, to only get a craving in the queue and end up paying the money.
Beside this main ticket desk is a Ben & Jerrys counter selling some amazing flavours of ice cream and some awesome sundaes. Again these are quite pricey, but we normally end up buying some as its that good (and the queue is only occasionally very long!)
Tip: You can actually buy tickets at this desk, even without buying ice cream. If its empty here and busy at the main desk, just buy from here!

There are ticket machines in the main lobby area too, which means you can buy your tickets online beforehand and not have to queue up. Although this means you miss out on any potential voucher offers or Orange Wednesdays. Its good for premier nights and new opening films as you can buy days in advance without having to go to the cinema.

So, to the actual cinema screen themselves! Theres 13 in total, spread over the 1st and 3rd floors of the Light. All are very large, with some being bigger than others. Wherever i have sat though, i havent had much to complain about. (Although front row in the bigger screens can do your neck in a bit after 2 hours!)

The seats are all arranged in stadium set up, meaning they are all raised higher than those in front of them. Means youill never struggle to see if someone very tall or with massive hair sits down in front of you! All the seats are large, comfortable, have tons of legroom and have a drinks holder.

The screens are all excellent quality, with great picture and amazing sound. Outside of the IMax, possibly the best cinema setup i have been to, which is one of the main reasons why i keep going back. For big movies such as District 9 or Star Trek, there isnt much better.
They have also recently installed a digital 3D setup meaning 3D movies such as Pixars Up will be shown in Leeds. Very excited!

The screens are always well cleaned after each showing, and the rest of the cinema is well kept and always looks clean and tidy.

The location is good, right in the city centre, so its ideal for getting food or drinks before or after, and therefore its obviously right by all the shops too!
Another disadvantage though is the parking if you dont live nearby. After about 6pm on an evening, much of the parking in Leeds is free. However, before this it will cost, and the parking in the Light complex itself can get even more expensive, starting at £2.70 per hour!

Overall, its my favourite cinema in the area, with fantastic facilities and plenty to do round and about. Its just the costs of food, tickets and parking that can make it an expensive trip.

Summary: Definitely recommended for a visit if you have never been.