Action ... Roll the film ... A guide to Croydon’s Cinemas

Activcroydon’s cameras are rolling ... Take 1 ... Here is Activcroydon’s guide to Croydon’s cinemas.  Let us start with Croydon’s Clocktower which is a majestic and arty building set within the same building as Croydon Library.  The Clocktower is home to the David Lean Cinema and is a very stylish place to view films. The David Lean cinema is one of the best by miles; screening a great mix of contemporary independent films from around the world, the most interesting mainstream hits and the odd cult classic. This is a fine old style cinema shows good quality independent films from various film makers from around the world.  However, take note, if a film looks like it may be popular you should book in advance as the theatres are tiny. It is also a good idea to pick up a copy of their pre-printed monthly schedule beforehand in order to plan ahead. Another advantage of the Clocktower is the environment which provides relaxing or stimulating areas of interest whilst you wait for your movie to start. Why not take a look at the Clocktowers other fantastic buildings while you are there or check out Croydon Central Library, Museum of Croydon, or just enjoy Croydon itself. The choice is yours.

Activcroydon ... Scene 2 ... Take 2 ...  We now head over to the Vue Multiplex (Warner Brothers) located in Purley Way. This very large multi screen cinema shows all the latest movies and has free parking, as well as great places for eating and drinking. Each screen has good quality seats and amazing visual and sound systems; which makes it a great venue for the entire family. Its location, set within the Valley Park area means it can keep the kids entertained whilst you take a stroll around B&Q or IKEA or maybe look further around Purley Way with its huge choice of retailers. Or maybe take the time to just relax, alone or with your special person, and have a bite to eat or drink in the vast array of eating places surrounding the cinema.

Cue the stunt men ... Up next is the New Addington Cinema which has the most up-to-date 30 screen superplex with over 30 massive screens, superb dynamic THX surround sound system – a truly multi-million pound cinema! As would be expected with all this latest technology this cinema has the full capacity to show 3D movies too. The New Addington Cinema caters for everyone’s taste and reports claim that kid’s parties there are a must! Being a new complex it has well thought-out food courts and it has lots of knowledgeable and attentive staff who help keep the queuing system on track. This is definitely one to visit - A mega star blockbuster!

Another new breed of cinemas with state of the art technologies everywhere - including 3D films (3D glasses extra cost) is the Warner Bros in Croydon. This cinema is for those of you who prefer to visit smaller establishments as it is nowhere as big as the New Addington Superplex. Nevertheless it is still a first class family friendly venue in which to watch a good movie. It is recommend you buy food and drink before entering as it is very expensive here and there have been suggestions that queuing can be very long at times. An additional thing to consider if visiting this Croydon Cinema is the seats which are comfortable but do not have much leg room for taller customers. The screens can get very busy at times, particularly on a Saturday and Sunday.                                                                                                                                   

Thornton Heath was once a star cinema but, sadly, has since gone into the sunset. Some reinvestment and new marketing strategies would improve it greatly and a refit could turn it in to a blockbuster once again - possibly creating a happy ending after all.

Yee haa ...!  Activcroydon rides into Warner Village - an all American, in your face apple pie, style multiplex in the middle of Croydon.  It has an exciting atmosphere, impressive technology and big comfy seats.  Warner Village Croydon has a mind-blowing eardrum splitting sound system, big screens, and huge indoor spaces. All facilities are very clean (toilets include baby changing suites) and are very well maintained.  Also 3D movies are shown here (3D glasses are an extra cost, so if you can - take your own). This multiplex has become a top venue for film goers and for hosting party events. The food there is well presented and they have a large choice for everyone to pick from.   There is also a choice of restaurants and fast food outlets right outside.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Deleted Deleted footage ...  All good movies have to come to an end. Unfortunately, that is  what happened to the ABC cinema in Purley. This silver screen of days gone by, which was a golden gem from the early days of the 50’s in now only a memory.

Going back to the future ... What can we expect, in the next five years, from our visits to the movies? Activcroydon has the inside details and here are some of the amazing technologies we will be seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, touching in the coming years:

Philips Electronics will be enhancing the way we view movies by installing the latest Xenon lamps the new XDC-3000S and the XDC-4200S lamps to be used in all Sony SRX digital- cinema projectors worldwide. These advanced lamps meet the requirements of the increasing number of 2D & 3D digital cinemas heading our way. How about visor style 3D glasses just like in the star trek /star wars movies with vibrating effect just like the wii remotes so you can feel the action on the screen?

How about robotic Pick and Mix machines with touch screen interfaces? Just type in how much you want to spend and  pick your items from the drop down menu - the robotic arm grabs the sweets, pops them in a bag and then its just ‘pay and go’. Each machine will have 4-6 service bays - Activcroydon thinks that’s cool Tec.

So now you are in the cinema, you have your snacks and drinks and the movie is about to start ... Take a good look at your seats new glow in the dark drink holders (How many times have you missed the cup holder and tipped the drink over yourself or others? It happens!). In addition to these you will find new fold down trays with raised edges for your food (no more dropping it in your lap or sitting on it!) And best of all, touch screen gadget lockers under the folding trays - great for keys, phones, wallets and any other stuff that makes you uncomfortable while watching your movie. When the movie ends the lockers light up as a reminder to pick up your gadgets.

So the future of Croydon Cinema continues to look exciting for all you film buffs and movie lovers out there.

That’s all for now folks!