Last night, the current Mrs. Masher and I visited our local picturehouse.
And by ‘local’, I mean we drove for three-quarters of an hour, to get there.
And by ‘picturehouse’, I mean a proper, old-fashioned, single screen cinema.
Originally built in 1938, The Rex cinema in Berkhampstead fell into disrepair and closed down after 50 years’ service.
It re-opened – refurbished and restored to it’s former art-deco glory – in 2004 and has played to a full auditorium ever since.
Whilst we had the option of sitting in the ‘stalls’ – seated in swivel armchairs, with tableclothed tables on which to place our alcoholic drinks – we opted for the front row of the circle, which gave us a better viewing distance, we felt… I don’t like being too close to the screen. The seats were undoubtably the most comfortable cinema seats I have ever sat in!
Before the film started, some old geezer came out on to the stage and introduced the film, which was a nice touch. I assumed he was the manager. He chatted amiably and humorously for a few minutes and then the house lights dimmed and the film started.
I was startled by the quality of the screen and the audio – I think the old-fashioned ambience tricked me into expecting something less, but they are obviously using modern projectors and speakers. It was a superb audio/visual experience.
The film we chose to see, was John Wick 4 – a totally ridiculous piece of hokum, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.
The people of Berko are lucky to have such a treasure on their high street, but I hope they don’t mind a couple of out-of-towners visiting every so often, because I’m sure Mrs. M and I will be visiting again, sometime soon.
Very much into the John Wick franchise. I hear that #4 is as good as #1 which puts it high on the excellent scale. Your not local cinema sounds terrific. It would take us a good many hours to get to it, but that’s offset by the fact that we don’t go to the cinema at all for reasons too many to number. But it still sounds terrific.
So, you’ve not seen or heard the ridiculous amount of violence that is a John Wick film, on the big screen? You are missing out, dear chap.
Have you been to the Odyssey in St. Albans? Same style as Berko and same owners I think. Only been once as not really a cinema goer. We saw ” A United Kingdom” some years ago. An excellent film, probably available on one of the many TV services these days!
Not heard of the Odyssey, Frances. Thanks for the tip.
That sounds wonderful! I hope it keeps busy and people support the venue. Out of towners are always welcome if they bring the readies!
Well, it was a packed house when we went, Jules, and from what I gather, it always is.
And, the ticket prices were actually slightly cheaper than the multiplex chain that we usually go to.
The nearby Wetherspoons didn’t do too badly out of us, either. 🙂