Film lovers in Farnham (UK) had eagerly anticipated the grand opening of the new REEL Cinema on Friday, 2 February. The bespoke six-screen miniplex, located at the heart of the Brightwells Yard development, promises to deliver an exceptional cinematic experience with advanced sound and projection features and a community-friendly focus. CinemaNext is proud to continue to work with REEL to help spread cinema joy to audiences across the UK.
Farnham's last dedicated cinema, the Regal in East Street, closed its doors abruptly in September 1985, leaving movie buffs without a local dedicated cinema. Now, almost 40 years later, REEL Cinema is filling that void. When its doors opened on the Brightwells Yard development, the cinema marked a significant milestone, becoming the first commercial unit to begin trading in the long-anticipated Brightwells scheme.
The REEL Cinema opening signals a turning point for the Brightwells development, ending a 21-year wait for Crest Nicholson to open the area's first non-residential unit. The complex economic recovery of Farnham's eastern end is now in motion, with restaurants, cafes, shops, a gym, and more set to follow the cinema's lead.
REEL Cinema offers a diverse range of seating options and pricing to cater to various audiences. With tickets priced at £3.99 for screenings before 1 pm during "REEL Movie Madness," the cinema ensures affordable entertainment. And for those seeking a touch of luxury, the REEL Lounge offers signature sofas, armchairs, and foot stalls for £11.99, with pre-order options for food and drinks.
Each of the six screens features top-of-the-range Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound and energy-efficient laser projectors. The cinema provides 523 comfortable faux leather seats in its standard screens and 106 plush Lounge chairs in the upscale REEL Lounge. Wheelchair users can enjoy the cinema experience with a registered carer free-of-charge. There is also a Changing Place. This is the only Changing Places in Farnham but more importantly the only Changing Places in a cinema within a 50 mile radius, providing total accessibility for not only those that can benefit from such a room to visit a cinema but also their families and loved ones.
The cinemas have been designed to operate efficiently with full automation, the latest in sound and projection technology, facilities for disabled visitors, and an easy on-line booking system. The projectors are the latest Series 4 Barco laser projectors with the largest screen boasting a 4K projector. The audio is MAG speakers and amplifiers coupled to Dolby sound processors. Hearing assistance and audio description is provided by the Dolby DAS system, for full accessibility.
A REEL Cinema by and For the Local Community
Ahead of its opening, REEL Cinema had already generated 30 new jobs, providing an economic boost to the local community. The cinema's emphasis on competitively priced entertainment and a family-friendly atmosphere aims to attract film-lovers not only from Farnham but also from neighbouring towns and villages, saving them a longer drive to access to other nearby multiplexes.
REEL Cinema is also actively engaging with the community, inviting dozens of local charities to free screenings during its opening week, as well as free screenings for local primary schools and u3A members. The cinema is forging connections with local entities such as the University of Creative Arts, schools, and the Farnham Business Improvement District board, showcasing its commitment to becoming a cultural hub for the town.
REEL Cinema has already set itself apart by releasing its opening week listings well in advance, showcasing blockbuster titles such as "Argylle," "Migration," and "Mean Girls." This unique move, requiring special permission from film companies, allows eager moviegoers to plan their visits ahead of time. The cinema's commitment to transparency has garnered significant attention, with ticket sales already exceeding expectations and an expected opening weekend sell-out.
As the red carpet was being prepared for the opening, which local MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt attended, Farnham's REEL Cinema emerged not only as a cinematic revival for the town but also as a catalyst for economic growth, community engagement, and a diverse range of cinematic experiences. When the doors swung open on 2 February and the smell of fresh popcorn greeted the visitors, a new era in Farnham's entertainment landscape began.
Farnham's REEL Cinema: A Cinematic Renaissance and Community Hub