There are two Showcase Cinema complexes in the Glasgow area. One is in Paisley (which I'm sure could be argued is not part of Glasgow but that's a different discussion) and the other is in the Coatbridge area (which is really Monklands and not Glasgow, confusing isn't it). The latter is my ... Read review
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Advantages: Comfortable seats and large choice of films Disadvantages: public transport and poor service
There are two Showcase Cinema complexes in the Glasgow area. One is in Paisley (which I'm sure could be argued is not part of Glasgow but that's a different discussion) and the other is in the Coatbridge area (which is really Monklands and not Glasgow, confusing isn't it). The latter is my nearest cinema and is the one I will discuss (having never visited the other.
The Showcase in Coatbridge is officially called the Glasgow East Showcase ... ...is the same for all Showcase cinemas. There are two ticket buying areas at each of the two entrances and there are only queues at the peak cinema going times but they go down quite quick. Ticket prices I assume are the same everywhere, I thinks it's either £4 or £4.50 for adults and £3.25 for concessions but I may be wrong (I'm embarrassed at forgetting this as I've been often enough, if I'm wrong it's only by 25p). Service here is normally quick. more
There are two Showcase Cinema complexes in the Glasgow area. One is in Paisley (which I'm sure could be argued is not part of Glasgow but that's a different discussion) and the other is in the Coatbridge area (which is really Monklands and not Glasgow, confusing isn't it). The latter is my nearest cinema and is the one I will discuss (having never visited the other.
The Showcase in Coatbridge is officially called the Glasgow East Showcase and that is how it appears in most listings. It is situated on the M8/A8, which is the busiest motorway in Scotland apparently, around 10 miles from Glasgow city centre (and about 35 miles from Edinburgh which is where the M8 goes). There are slip roads on both sides of the motorway which give easy access to the complex and believe me you can't miss the place due to the huge neon lighting which dominates the complex. One problem is however that public transport to the area is not great and I'm not sure how to get there other than by car.
OK so now you've found the place you need to park and believe me there are plenty of parking spaces. They are situated all around the actual building but the best places to park are the larger and more well lit areas (common sense really). There are a couple of car park security folk to make you feel the car park is secure and to be fair I've never heard of any break-ins.
When you enter the building (there are two entrances, front and back, which are exactly the same) you are confronted with a massive lobby area, which I presume is the same for all Showcase cinemas. There are two ticket buying areas at each of the two entrances and there are only queues at the peak cinema going times but they go down quite quick. Ticket prices I assume are the same everywhere, I thinks it's either £4 or £4.50 for adults and £3.25 for concessions but I may be wrong (I'm embarrassed at forgetting this as I've been often enough, if I'm wrong it's only by 25p). Service here is normally quick.
There is a large area in the centre of the lobby where you can purchase your drinks, hotdogs, popcorn, nachos, etc. Prices are reasonable but service is sometimes poor. This is really the only downside once your inside. Showcase seem to employ a large number of very young people and sometimes the lack of experience shows. There are plenty of food and drink buying areas though so queues don't really get that big. There are also two more food outlets in the aisles leading to the two sets of six cinemas but in my experience the queues here are much slower as there is normally only one person working at them.
As I say above, in a round about kind of way, there are twelve cinemas and they are of varying size depending on how popular the film showing in it is. There is no cinema to large though and no matter where you sit you'll get a great view. The seats are very comfortable, have plenty of leg room and swing back and forward which is the best bit. There is also a hole for your drink on the arm of your chair. Basically it's as comfortable as it could be. So it's time to enjoy your film.
I've never been with a person in a wheelchair but I've seen people in wheelchairs at this cinema. Access looks easy (there are no steps) and there are spaces provided in each cinema for wheelchairs. So it looks wheelchair friendly but I'm not certain of it.
Also in the same complex are a McDonalds (well isn't there one everywhere), a Frankie and Benny's and a larger building with a bar, bowling alley and another restaurant but the name escapes me.
So to round up. It's a good place to go and watch a film with the only downsides being poor transport and sometimes poor service but hey it's not a restaurant and you don't have to tip the staff. Enjoy the show.
Advantages: serving the East end of Glasgow Disadvantages: only accessible by road
This cinema doesn't really know whether it is Coatbridge, Bargeddie, or Glasgow...
In the newspapers it is advertised as Glasgow (East), but is closer to Coatbridge and its address is Bargeddie!
Located and visible at the A8 between Shawhead (A725) and Bailleston (M73).
Reduced "early bird" tickets are available to screenings before 13:00, and concessions at all other times. However, in Glasgow this is the most expensive Multiplex (in the area), ... ...£4.50 (prices correct at 01/06/02).
12 screens covering 16 films (varies). A central severy is available, and like the tickets, is priced higher than others available. You are permitted to bring your own food/beverages.
Even though this is another relatively new cinema the fixtures and seating are surprisingly worn. I have made several visits and had to change seats prior to a film commencing.
Adverts run at all times, with the main feature starting ...
MJKerr 03.06.2002 (04.06.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Showcase Cinemas (Glasgow)
Advantages: Large cinema, surrounded by restuarants, bars, bowling and arcades. Disadvantages: Awkward location.
...cinemas, and the Glasgow East Showcase is one I go to fairly often.
The name is fairly confusing, as it is probably nearer Coatbridge than Glasgow, but it is only part of a much larger park which contains a bowling alley, arcade, KFC, McDonald's, a couple of other eating places and a pub.
The cinema itself is fairly eye-catching as you drive by it on the motorway, with huge neon signs attracting your attention from the windows. However, it is quite ... ...it is larger.
The Showcase isn't the best cinema I've ever been to, but it certainly does the trick if you want a wee night out. The restuarants in the park are handy if you want to go for a meal or a drink and then follow it up with a film, although the location of the park is rather awkward to get to. I would recommend it, but I wouldn't advise someone to go out their way just to see a movie here, as it is a pretty average cinema. ...
Guru-On-A-Mountain 30.09.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Showcase Cinemas (Glasgow)
Advantages: Customer Service Disadvantages: High prices for drinks and snacks
...have only been to the showcase cinemas based in Leeds. I have been a few times and have been happy viewing movies there. I went to see one tonight with my partner and we found that the picture had all the black dots across the screen where dust had got on the reel and the sound kept on skipping, but it was watchable. We had paid £3.00 to view this movie each as it was a tuesday night. At the end of the night we decided to tell someone about the poor ... ...viewers. We did this and they gave us two tickets in compensations to see any movie at any time. Good service eh! The only bad thing about the cinema that I can think of is the price of their drinks and snacks. At £1.99 for a regular pepsi, it really is a rip off. £2.35 for a hot dog and £2.35 for the smallest pop-corn. the prices are sky high, so i would reccomend you take your own snacks, or you'll spend £10 on a couple of drinks and 2 hotdogs! ...
GR-Design 27.09.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Showcase Cinemas (Glasgow)
Advantages: Wide range of screens and times and the food is great Disadvantages: A bit extortionate but most can live with it
Very Americanized and attractive places to watch movies. A wide selection of snacks and times to see movies throughout the day. The one snag is that it is very expensive. The thing that balances it all out though is that it is by far the best cinemas around for, cleaness, friendliness, movie selection and food. I went to London once and a lot of the cinemas there are dedicated to one film which is utter pants. Scotland has buy far the best cinemas ...
djstu13 20.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Showcase Cinemas (Glasgow)
Advantages: Paisley Showcase is near to M8 motorway Disadvantages: Very Expensive and Appalling Staff
...aged 12 along to the Showcase Cinema in Paisley, I asked the girl on the desk for a film which would suit all of us I was directed to a film called The Haunted Mansion, in their revue it says " family entertainment Comedy" There was nothing funny about this film both of my children and myself were scared stiff so scared in fact we had to leave. The staff were completely unhelpful and we left completely upset that our once a fortnight trip to the ...
jillybean123 27.02.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Showcase Cinemas (Glasgow)
