Having been kept relatively under wraps until recently, it has now been confirmed that Loughborough’s institutionalised and well-loved cinema, REEL Loughborough, has now been taken over by the cinema super-chain Odeon.
The cinema, which prided itself on its vintage style, such as its 1940’s-style paper tickets, will now be taken over by a company who are dominant in the film theatre industry and donning the Odeon blue while Orange Wednesdays are here to stay too.
REEL was one a delightful hidden treasure, which set Loughborough apart from other university towns. It had been independently run for almost a century and has only got better since the addition of Yumi-Yumi last year. It leaves just one independent cinema in Leicestershire and owner, Kailesh Suri, admitted that it was a difficult decision for him.
Many students will be concerned by the potential a hike in ticket prices; however it is likely that the cinema will be given a much needed revamp which will provide better facilities for customers. Odeon plan to upgrade the current six screens which will mean new digital screens will be installed and up to date technology will be available to the customers. Most significantly, there will be the addition of technology which will be capable of screening 3D films, which are currently an increasing part of the cinema world.
A spokeswoman for Odeon said that cinema-goers will now have a “varied choice of the best films and exciting alternative content”, which means that things are only going to get better for the cinema in Loughborough’s Cattle Market.
