Film fans flock to summer blockbusters

BELT-tightening among consumers does not seem to have extended to cinema going, figures from one of the UK's biggest operators suggest.

Vue Entertainment, which runs 68 sites, including picture houses in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Hamilton and Inverness, said it had enjoyed the busiest week in its nine-year history between 23 and 29 July.

In total, just over 1.3 million film fans visited the group's cinemas, filling all 137,920 seats almost ten times over, Vue said. More than 100,000 people visited the group's seven Scottish cinemas.

Big summer releases including the long-awaited Toy Story 3 in 3D, Twilight: Eclipse, Inception, The A-Team and a remake of the 80s' classic, Karate Kid, have all played their part in driving cash-strapped punters into their local multiplex.

Evidence from rival operators, including Cineworld, and restaurant chains such as Pizza Express, suggest consumers are opting to splash out on frequent, relatively low-cost treats at the expense of big-ticket items and expensive, foreign holidays.

Vue, which was established in 2001 with just two cinemas, said investment in new sites and technology such as 3D was also underpinning demand.

Chief executive Tim Richards said: "Our figures show that the nation's appetite for movie going is higher than ever.

"In line with big visitor numbers, we are seeing a big increase in demand for 3D films and new ways to view, such as VIP seats for a bit of luxury."