...
We were visiting Star City at Birmingham from Coventry and so it was simple to find, as you just drive along the M6 until you see a handy sign saying "For Star City Use A452". The Cinema is sign posted pretty well (with small brown road signs) and it really easy to find via the road. For ... Read review
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Leg Room, Surround Sound, Air Conditioning, Quick Box Office Service Disadvantages: £5.50 for an adult ticket!
...were visiting Star City at Birmingham from Coventry and so it was simple to find, as you just drive along the M6 until you see a handy sign saying "For Star City Use A452". The Cinema is sign posted pretty well (with small brown road signs) and it really easy to find via the road. For those of us that are auto-challenged (i.e Me, if I have to get anywhere without a lift from my darling boyfriend!) it's not as easy to get to.
...huge (2,979 places according to Birmingham City Council)and has quite possibly the biggest speed humps I've ever had the pleasure of driving over! If your car has poor suspension, then expect it to be a very uncomfortable ride trying to find a parking place. When you first enter the complex, you do via one of the pretty thin paved 'streets' which have restaurants and shops for you to spend your money in... ooopps.. that’s for the other op.. ... more
I wasn't too sure where to stick this op, as there are two categories on Ciao about StarCity as a shopping centre and Star City as a Cinema, and I wanted to write about both! So, being the mercenary that I am, this is the first in a two part series - two lots of 10p's!! - and deals with one of the most impressive multiplexes I've ever been to.
Star City was opened in July 2000 and was touted as the largest cinema in Europe - the Warner Bros website (www.warnervillage.co.uk) now says it's the largest in the UK so some dratted Europeans must have beaten us - but it is still huge. The Cinema boasts 30 - yes, you did read that right - screens and is pretty impressive on first sight. Anyway, I'll take you through everything you need to know, step-by-step.
We were visiting Star City at Birmingham from Coventry and so it was simple to find, as you just drive along the M6 until you see a handy sign saying "For Star City Use A452". The Cinema is sign posted pretty well (with small brown road signs) and it really easy to find via the road. For those of us that are auto-challenged (i.e Me, if I have to get anywhere without a lift from my darling boyfriend!) it's not as easy to get to.
Star City is situated well out of the town centre and so is no where near the main railway station (Birmingham New Street) however, there did seem to be lots of bus stops near by so I imagine, if you figure out Birmingham’s Bus system (something I've never managed!) you'll be able to reach it by bus. I guess if you are desperate to see the latest blockbuster, then a trip to the Odeon (which is situated near the Pallasades shopping centre) would be easier but not as impressive...
Anyway, back to the op. The car park is huge (2,979 places according to Birmingham City Council)and has quite possibly the biggest speed humps I've ever had the pleasure of driving over! If your car has poor suspension, then expect it to be a very uncomfortable ride trying to find a parking place. When you first enter the complex, you do via one of the pretty thin paved 'streets' which have restaurants and shops for you to spend your money in... ooopps.. that’s for the other op.. back to the Cinema...
The Cinema is situated upstairs and you go up a glowing blue escalator (which you can see the workings of through the clear sides - it impressed me anyway!) to find the cinema. For those Ciaoers with wheelchairs or prams there are also lifts available, so it's pretty decent for wheelchair access - there aren't any other stairs in the 'normal' screens and there are disabled places in each screen. As you walk around to the box office you should see a number of metal plates in the floor bearing the hand prints and signatures of many famous people - we spotted Denise Van Outen, Helen Mirren and Kenneth Branagh...
The box office is also pretty huge although when we went there was only one person serving - admittedly it was a Tuesday night and not busy so we didn't have to wait long. If you want to pay by credit card you can avoid the box office all together and use one of the automated machines that are situated all over the place. However if you're a scrounging student like me you have to visit the box office to get your NUS discount - and believe me you'll need it!
This is the major downside of Star City - prices....
Weekday Matinee (i.e before 5pm) Adults £4.00 Children £4.00
Weekday Evening, Weekend Matinee and Weekend Evening: Adults £5.50 Children £4.00 Students and Seniors £4.00 at all times
This is not cheap, to put it lightly. It can cost me as little as £3.00 to get into my local cinema (Cineworld, Chesterfield), but then it doesn't have a quarter of the facilities so I did expect to pay more. I'm glad I'm still a student though, because £5.50 for one ticket is VERY expensive, however I'm going out on a limb here, saying that it is actually worth it.... Why?
Well, the surround sound is fantastic. I'm used to local cinemas such as UCI Crystal Peaks in Sheffield who are lying through their back teeth when the claim to have surround sound. Star City is incredible, really breathtaking. For once I understood what the big deal about surround sound was - the fact that you felt completely enclosed in the film with noise from behind you and either side of you - it really does add to the cinema experience.
We were in number 30 of 30 and even that screen was huge - I don't know if all the screens are the same size or whether some seat more than others. Can anyone enlighten me? The seats were really comfortable with high backs and head support (something that’s really helpful when you want to watch an epic) but one of the best things was the leg room. We were sat on the slope (rather that the seats on the level at the bottom) and there was tons of room. I'm pretty short (5"4') so it doesn't matter too much to me, but for anyone taller it would have been a dream come true!
Another good factor about the cinema was the air conditioning. If anyone's visited the Warner cinema in Meadowhall then they'll know what I mean when I say cinemas can be way too cold! In Meadowhall you used to have to take a jumper with you to put on when you went into the cinema. Star City was cool but definitely not freezing and so you don't feel too hot or cold. Why's that such a big deal? Well, I find it can be really distracting if the temperature's wrong while watching films. Star City was perfect..
So what else is there to do in the cinema? Well, if you're feeling really flush with money, you can always splash out on the Gold Class ticket (£11.00!!!). This allows you into one of the 3 Gold Class screens where you get electronic reclining seats (!), side tables for the alcoholic drinks you can buy from the Casablanca themed bar and EVEN MORE leg room (any giants please take note!). However, I'll only be going in there when I win the lottery so I can't give you first hand experience about what it's like at the moment! You do have to be over 18 to get a Gold Class ticket however so no sneaking in under age....
They also play and number of Asian films each week - something that's pretty useful for Birmingham and nearby Coventry, as they both have large Asian communities. The week I went they were showing 6 different Asian films.
So would I go again....
Well, in one word YES! I know that multiplexes certainly aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I really enjoyed Star City. I admit that I miss the old 1-screen cinema I used to visit when I was little (the Regal in Chesterfield which is now the Zanzibar nightclub) but multiplexes are the way ahead, like it or not. As multiplexes go I found Star City very impressive and enjoyable. I do think it's quite expensive but it also has many benefits such as the increased leg room and surround sound to die for! If you're in the Birmingham area, it's really worth a visit.
Second part coming soon - shopping, shopping everywhere.....
Star City Watson Road off Cuckoo Road Nechells Birmingham B7 5TR Tel: 0121 326 0264
For an aerial view showing quite how huge it is see: www.birmingham.gov.uk/epislive/planning.nsf/ 437194deb01c293b802564d60047624b/c37cca412fb30cbf802567c80057b02f?OpenDocument
For booking tickets online see: www.warnervillage.co.uk
P.S I apologise for any typos - we are in the middle of changing hard disks so I don't have access to a spell checker (my worst nightmare!) - I will try and improve my spelling because my Mum will kill me....
UPDATE – just a quick bit of info! The seats are in pairs, so if you fancy cuddling up to your loved one, you can lift up the arm rest in the middle and snuggle (or whatever else you get up to in cinemas!!)
Advantages: great night out all under one roof Disadvantages: a long wait for taxis
Just over two weeks ago my boyfriend surprised me and took me to see Moulin Rouge at Star City in Birmingham. We didn`t just go to sit in any old cinema he splashed out and booked us into GOLD class yes thats right GOLD class!
Star City is a huge complex compromising of resturants, bars, a few shops,bowling alley, gym and of course the 30 screen cinema. The resturants range from fast food to quite pricey so there is something for everyone.
A great ... ...minimal as they have devised this great system to get your tickets conveniently and fast. All you have to do is pre book the tickets on the phone using a debit or credit card. Then the day you go to the cinema located all around the complex are machines you swipe your card in and your tickets just pop out! Good eh? You can also use this machine to purchase tickets on the nightor day.
I would really advise you booking tickets for gold class it makes ...
Anna145 21.09.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Birmingham Star City Complex
Advantages: Everything all in one place Disadvantages: Not in city centre
After a lot of hype the complex known as Star City opened it’s doors to the public not so long ago. With it’s 30-screen cinema it holds the title of largest cinema in the United Kingdom. (Six of these screens being dedicated to Bollywood movies) It is also home to a number of shops, restaurants and bars. On getting there I was very pleased with what I found, there has obviously been a lot of money spent in order to create one of the best entertainment ...
Sabrina_imogen 20.08.2000
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Birmingham Star City Complex
Advantages: Good location and great quality Disadvantages: Food is a bit pricey!
After waiting in anticipation of the Star City development I was really pleased. It is really friendly, loads of cool movie stuff around the foyer to look at and loads of places to eat and drink around the complex not in the actual cinema. This cinema is well worth the visit, it is only a tiny bit more expensive then the Odeon cinemas. Student prices are £4 and at the Odeon £3.50 and for that money you get a snazzy building, large cinema rooms, top ... ...in a scary movie! There are 30 screens and always something worth watching. The seating is great and the chairs are really comfy and huge compared to normal Odeon ones. You can even lift up the armrests to snuggle up with your partner! Sweet ;o)
It is just og the M6 and is easy to get to in the car but on the bus it is a bit more trouble. Best bet is to get one from the city centre.
It also does a wide range of Asian films.
The only bad thing ...
SamanthaM 04.03.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Birmingham Star City Complex
Advantages: Lots of choice, films, prices; shops, bars, eateries etc Disadvantages: only one cash till machine, difficult to reach/find, expensive for families
...many millions of pounds later, Birmingham can be very proud of its latest jewel in its entertainment crown.
Star City pays host to over 30 screens, one of which is the biggest in Britain and 2nd biggest in Europe. not only does it have big screens but the sound quality is absolutely top class and wipes the floor with other multiplexes in the city.
In addition the chairs are very comfy with plenty of leg room, which makes a change from the usual ... ...be a bit pricey for a family of four, but it is worth it. Plus the fact Star City isn't just a mini Hollywood, it also boasts a host of shops, bars, clubs, restaurants, coffee shops and other little useful nic-nacks, although a few more cash till machines wouldn't go a miss.
the only other quibble is its location, about 7 miles from the city centre near the Fort Dunlop industrial Estate in Perry Barr. Difficult to get to even by bus or car, and ...
Sonatine 14.09.2000
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Birmingham Star City Complex
Advantages: Big, bright, attractive, lots to do Disadvantages: not exactly cheap
...cinema is the best in Birmingham with maybe the AMC cinemas off broad street coming a close second.
The gold class is excellent, but does not justify the higher price tag in my view. Try the experience once though, you might enjoy it. I did!
THE RESTAURANTS - These are all fairly large size, and my favourites include Nandos, Burger King, La Tasca, That Mexican Place!, but there are much more, with probably something for everybody. You will usually ... ...the choice is excellent, and there are always new ones opening up. THE SHOPPING - NOT very good im afraid. Very limited choice of shops, not worth going if you just want to shop.
MEGABOWL - Bowling, pool, bar, arcades, a typical megabowl, that is pretty big, and always fun. You arent allowed in after 11pm some nights. Prices for bowling depend on what time of day you come, being more expensive in the evening. CLUBBING - There is one club which used ...
jamesbt 08.12.2005
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Birmingham Star City Complex
Prices
Is it worth visiting?
Transport links
Family Friendly
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "Birmingham Star City Complex"
Advantages: The Cinema and lots of Good food Shops Disadvantages: The Lack Of Any Other Shops
small, so you have to keep your eyes peeled! However, when you get up close, StarCity is pretty hard to miss as aside from being huge it's also lit up with a number of neon signs in variuous garish colours!
Point number 2 - big car park! It has 2,979 places apparently so the chances are that you'll have no problem parking at all. However, the car park also has speed humps the size of small mountains so be prepared for a VERY bumpy ride arround the car park - it amazed me quite how big they were! The StarCitycomplex does seem to be on a bus route but as I'm not a native of Birmingham I can't tell you which one. The whole thing does seem to be aimed at car users though, as most out-of-town shopping centres/cinemas are...
So SHOPPING (welcome back to those who left us!)! As you walk into StarCity along one of the small paved streets ...
eca99ajm 05.07.2001 (11.10.2001)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Star City
