Can't access Ciao through Uni (ARRGGGHH!) so that's why it's been quiet around these parts - when I ...
Can't access Ciao through Uni (ARRGGGHH!) so that's why it's been quiet around these parts - when I get home I'm too knackered to Ciao!
Member since:04.04.2001
Reviews:75
Members who trust:85
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 UCICrystal 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
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!!)
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Good review(-: ....................................................Darko
yhwman 05.07.2001 21:27
You'd think that going to Uni in Brum would mean that I had been there, but no - just seem to end up at the Odeon everytime!
LICARUS 05.07.2001 14:30
I didnt realise Chesterfield still had a cinema!! Shows how long it is since I lived there!! I didn't spot any typos :o) An excellant op, prices are similar to the local cinema to me £5.50. It is a big of a way to go for the flicks though, for me anyway - and I am definately AUTO challenged!
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: Lots of choice, films, prices; shops, bars, eateries etc Disadvantages: only one cash till machine, difficult to reach/find, expensive for families
Jul 5th, 2001
(Oct 11th, 2001)
very helpful by (100%):
