If you’re new in town but keen to stay up to date with all the latest cinema, these are the local screens you’ll need to be heading to in Exeter.
EXETER PHOENIX
The phoenix is described as a ‘multi-artform venue’ and therefore hosts a mix of film, art, music, theatre and comedy. The Phoenix’s film programme is less frequent, but shows carefully selected films on certain nights and will be hosting a Short Film Festival in November. If you want different, challenging, arthouse cinema, then this is the place to go. Studio 74 is also set to open, which you can read about here. Conveniently located in the city centre on Gandy Street, the Phoenix is worth a look. Tickets are a flat £6.00, so it won’t break the bank. All in all, a solid choice.
Location: Four stars
Pricing: Four stars
Choice: Three stars
Comfort: Two stars
VUE
Vue, a large cinema chain which refers to itself as a ‘modern state-of-the-art multiplex cinema circuit in the UK’ demands attention. With a ton more screens and variety than Odeon, it would seem a better choice, especially with the capacity for 4K resolution screenings. The seating is far superior to most venues in Exeter, so you can watch the latest Bond movie in style. Though Vue is located on Belgrave Road, slightly further away than Odeon, the extra few minutes are probably worth it. Vue’s Achilles Heel is undoubtedly it’s cost, in the regions of a pricey £8.99. Students on a budget beware.
Location: Three stars
Pricing: One stars
Choice: Four stars
Comfort: Four stars
ODEON
Fancy a blockbuster? Odeon, one of the largest cinema chains in Europe, has remained a reliable place for the biggest and baddest new flicks on the scene. Though it boasts less screens than Vue, it is closer to town and campus, located towards the end of Sidwell Street. A peak student ticket will set you back £6.45, cheaper than Vue, but more dear than other cinemas near campus. The seats are fairly comfortable, though tentpole movies should be enjoyed on Premier seating. However, be wary; annoying kids behind you and adults loudly stuffing their faces in front could ruin your cinema experience!
Location: Four stars
Pricing: Two stars
Choice: Three stars
Comfort: Two stars
PICTUREHOUSE
The Picturehouse is liked by many students due to it’s reputable student membership, which gives you two free tickets and other discounts for £15.00. This lovely cinema, whilst being part of a chain, offers a personal and luxurious touch. With two screens showing both the mainstream and the arthouse, the Picturehouse offers a great programme, as well as a bar. A peak student ticket without membership costs £9.00, or £7.00 with membership. Look out for their stall at the Fresher’s fair to grab a free student ticket and see for yourself! It’s located on Bartholomew Street West.
Location: Three stars
Pricing: Two stars
Choice: Three stars
Comfort: Four stars
CAMPUS CINEMA
Located on Campus in the M&D Room, run by students, for students, for over 60 years. Campus Cinema is the cheapest cinema experience you can get whilst being a student in Exeter, with tickets costing £3.00 for non-members and £2.00 for members. Do not fear about quality as the cinema is equipped with digital projection and Dolby Surround Sound, bringing you a decent cinema going experience on your doorstep. Films run on Tuesdays and Sundays, showcasing a variety of cinema, from new releases to much-loved classics. Definitely worth a group trip with your flatmates.
Location: Five stars
Pricing: Five stars
Choice: Two stars
Comfort: Three stars
