Sometimes too much choice can be overwhelming. Let’s say there is a brand-new film that you cannot wait to see on the best possible screen, but you are new to the city and don’t know which cinema to go to, or what each one offers. That’s where I can help! As someone who has spent far too much time at the five cinemas around Sheffield’s city centre, I believe I have a pretty good insight into each movie theatre and can definitively tell you why you should visit them all!
Light Cinema
Located in the Moor, this cinema is difficult to miss due to its sheer size and noticeably block-like architecture. Going up the escalators will place you into a film buff’s dream as, not only is there plenty of film memorabilia, posters, hand-drawn artwork and (of course) a place to get popcorn, but there is also a bar and a restaurant for those choosing to get to the cinema a little early. The Light has plenty of screens in varying sizes with their biggest being the place to watch the best blockbusters. From an assortment of refreshments and affordable tickets to comfy, reclinable chairs, choosing this cinema may be a BRIGHT idea (get it? Light cinema? Whatever I’m moving on…)
Check out The Light Cinema Sheffield here!
Odeon Luxe
If you want to treat yourself to a bit of luxury, then look no further than the Odeon Luxe. Located near Sheffield Hallam University, this cinema is immediately noticeable due to its pyramid-like structure and futuristic style. Once inside, you can choose your drinks on a touch screen monitor before collecting your order almost immediately on the desk in front of you. Your movie experience continues with the luxury seating as you’re essentially watching a movie on a reclinable sofa that you control yourself. This place transforms a trip to the cinema, into a luxury (yet affordable) experience, and is the perfect venue for a date, a night out with friends or just if you fancy treating yourself. LUXE no further! (I’m not sorry)
Check out the Odeon Luxe here!
Curzon Cinema
You may find this cinema a little difficult to find at first but trust me, it is worth it. Located on a side street near Sheffield’s McDonalds, the Curzon cinema is a delight immediately due to its Georgian architecture, as it is housed in a former bank building. The inside of this cinema is cosy and indie with a more personal feel the second you walk in. Instead of being offered popcorn and a drink, you have the option of a restaurant to eat at prior to the film or homemade cakes and cookies served on plates which you can take into the screens. Though the screens are smaller it really works, emphasising the cosy atmosphere the cinema is evidently trying to achieve. It is a consistently cute and fun experience from start to finish.
Check out the Curzon Cinema here!
Showroom Cinema
Ever wanted to see a film yet been unable to find it in the bigger cinemas? Then you might want to try this 1930s car showroom turned independent cinema, located near Sheffield’s Train Station. Showroom described themselves as “giving a more community-based experience to watching movies” due to their “monthly quizzes, themed weeks and movies shown in both digital and 35/16mm film.” Home to the “cheapest cinema in town” this cinema shows not only new releases but also “exclusive documentaries and events” whilst occasionally playing some “throwback films” which is the perfect opportunity to see some fantastic classics on their variety of screens which range from having 26 seats to a whopping 280!
Check out the Showroom Cinema here!
Film Unit Cinema
If you want the proper student cinema experience, then Sheffield University’s Student Union has you covered. Based in the Sheffield Students’ Union Nelson Mandela Auditorium, the Film Unit cinema is run by a team of volunteers “working in collaboration to learn the skills of film exhibition in order to produce the cinema experience that they feel is missing from the mainstream British model,” as stated by a Film Unit representative. Anyone can get cheap tickets to see a variety of films from new blockbusters, to celebrated classics, to underground indie flicks, on “one of the largest screens in Sheffield.” For me, the most special thing about the Film Unit Cinema is that (if you want) “you can run it yourself!” They offer free training in front-of-house management, box office staffing and cinema projection which is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to see what goes on behind the scenes!