FRESHERS GUIDE
TOP SOUTHAMPTON CINEMAS If you’re an avid film fan, then one of the places you’re likely to cherish most is your local cinema. Luckily, if you’re a film student or mainly a keen filmgoer situated in Southampton, then the city and the surrounding area has plenty to offer when it comes to cinemas. Here, our writers discuss their favourite ones.
UNION FILMS
Union Films is probably one of the most wellknown cinemas to students at the University of Southampton because it is on campus. It’s easily the most accessible, in both its location and its ticket prices. Why spend £15 a ticket at ODEON or other expensive chains, when you can see a film surrounded by all your pals for just £3 or £4? This cinema should be praised for its community spirit it holds as it’s collectively run by a variety of student volunteers. Showing both mainstream classics and independent darlings, Union Films gives a platform for many voices to be showcased. Alongside its convenient location, affordable ticket pricing and wide-ranging films, the seats at Union Films aren’t bad at all. Sure, they may not be as comfortable as the premium seats at ODEON, but for £3 or £4, you can’t go wrong.
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Union Films should be visited by every student at some point during their studies. Support the Union and its independent films, all for the price of a Tesco meal deal! GEORGIE HOLMES
SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX SOUTHAMPTON
Possibly the most expensive in regards to ticket price at face value, the Showcase Cinema De Lux is perfect if you’re looking to upgrade for a special occasion or watch your eagerly awaited film in bespoken luxury. Positioned just on the border of Westquay Shopping Centre, you can’t miss it with its distinctive architecture, or the fact that it reads Showcase on the building. Inside the complex there is a Nando’s, TGI Fridays and Five Guys downstairs for dining options, with the cinema upstairs containing a Costa and a refreshment kiosk (if you’re that kind of viewer). However, the real selling point is the recliner seats at no additional cost, which have user controls for both leg-rest and back-rest. It sounds pedantic but I promise that your mind will swiftly change once you experience the satisfying movement of your seat gently tilting backwards and your legs lifting into the air. It’s not the cheapest cinema outing, but if you haven’t experienced what cinema luxury would be like (apart from noisy viewers), then frankly you’re missing out! THEO SMITH
Image courtesy of. UNSPLASHED
