Belfast
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Cinemas and Film
Modern and independent cinemas screening blockbuster movies, indie films, and cultural events around the city.
Sections
1. Popular Cinemas in Belfast
a. Odeon Belfast
- Location: Victoria Square Shopping Centre, 1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG
- Overview: A modern multiplex cinema located in the heart of Belfast's shopping district. It offers a premium movie-going experience with state-of-the-art screens and sound systems.
- Films Shown: Blockbusters, family films, and occasional special screenings of classic films.
- Special Features: IMAX screen for an immersive experience, Dolby Atmos sound, and luxury seating options.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access, hearing assistance devices, and autism-friendly screenings.
- Ticket Costs: Standard tickets range from ยฃ8-ยฃ12, with discounts for children, students, and seniors.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online via the Odeon website or app, or purchased at the box office.
- Membership: Odeon Limitless membership (ยฃ14.99/month) allows unlimited standard screenings.
b. Queenโs Film Theatre (QFT)
- Location: 20 University Square, Belfast BT7 1PA
- Overview: A beloved independent cinema located near Queenโs University Belfast. Known for its focus on arthouse, independent, and international films.
- Films Shown: Independent films, foreign-language cinema, documentaries, and special film festivals.
- Special Features: Regular Q&A sessions with filmmakers, themed film seasons, and cultural events.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access and subtitled screenings for the hearing impaired.
- Ticket Costs: Standard tickets are around ยฃ7.50-ยฃ10, with discounts for students, seniors, and QFT members.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online via the QFT website or purchased at the box office.
- Membership: QFT membership (ยฃ30/year) offers discounted tickets, priority booking, and invitations to exclusive events.
c. Movie House Cinemas
- Locations:
- Dublin Road (central location, though note that this site is currently closed for redevelopment)
- Glengormley (Movie House Cityside, 100-150 York Street, Belfast BT15 1WA)
- Overview: A local chain of cinemas offering a mix of mainstream and family-friendly films.
- Films Shown: Blockbusters, family films, and occasional live-streamed events (e.g., theatre productions, concerts).
- Special Features: Comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access and autism-friendly screenings.
- Ticket Costs: Standard tickets range from ยฃ6-ยฃ10, with discounts for children, students, and seniors.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online via the Movie House website or purchased at the box office.
d. Strand Arts Centre
- Location: 152-154 Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 1NY
- Overview: A historic art deco cinema that doubles as a community arts centre. Itโs a cultural gem in East Belfast.
- Films Shown: A mix of classic films, family-friendly screenings, and occasional new releases.
- Special Features: Themed film nights, live performances, and workshops.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access and subtitled screenings.
- Ticket Costs: Tickets are generally affordable, around ยฃ5-ยฃ8.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online via the Strand Arts Centre website or purchased at the box office.
e. Cineworld Belfast
- Location: Odyssey Pavilion, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ
- Overview: A large multiplex cinema located in the Titanic Quarter, offering a wide range of films and premium viewing experiences.
- Films Shown: Blockbusters, family films, and live-streamed events.
- Special Features: 4DX screenings (motion seats and environmental effects), ScreenX (270-degree viewing), and VIP seating.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access, hearing assistance devices, and autism-friendly screenings.
- Ticket Costs: Standard tickets range from ยฃ8-ยฃ12, with discounts for children, students, and seniors.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online via the Cineworld website or app, or purchased at the box office.
- Membership: Cineworld Unlimited membership (ยฃ15.99/month) offers unlimited standard screenings and discounts on food and drink.
2. Types of Films Shown
- Mainstream Blockbusters: Popular Hollywood films dominate the screens at larger cinemas like Odeon and Cineworld.
- Independent and Arthouse Films: QFT is the go-to venue for cinephiles seeking independent, international, and experimental films.
- Family Films: Most cinemas offer family-friendly screenings, especially during weekends and school holidays.
- Special Screenings: Many cinemas host live-streamed events, such as theatre productions (e.g., National Theatre Live), opera, and concerts.
- Classic Films: Venues like Strand Arts Centre often screen classic films, providing a nostalgic experience.
3. Ticket Costs and Discounts
- Standard Prices: ยฃ6-ยฃ12 depending on the cinema and type of screening (e.g., IMAX, 4DX).
- Discounts:
- Children, students, and seniors typically receive reduced rates.
- Family tickets (for 2 adults and 2 children) are often available at a discounted price.
- Midweek discounts or "Saver Days" are common at some cinemas.
- Memberships: Most cinemas offer membership schemes that provide discounted or unlimited tickets, as well as other perks.
4. Booking Procedures
- Online Booking: Most cinemas have user-friendly websites and apps for booking tickets in advance. This is recommended for popular films and premium screenings.
- Box Office: Tickets can also be purchased in person at the cinema, though availability may be limited for popular screenings.
- Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, and some cinemas also accept cash.
5. Accessibility Features
- Wheelchair Access: All major cinemas in Belfast are wheelchair accessible, with designated seating areas.
- Hearing Assistance: Many cinemas offer hearing assistance devices or subtitled screenings.
- Autism-Friendly Screenings: These screenings feature reduced sound levels, dimmed lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Companion Tickets: Some cinemas offer free tickets for carers accompanying disabled patrons (check with individual cinemas for details).
6. Unique Local Considerations and Cultural Aspects
- Community Spirit: Belfast has a strong sense of community, and this is reflected in its cinemas. Venues like QFT and Strand Arts Centre often host events that bring people together, such as film festivals and themed nights.
- Film Festivals: Belfast hosts several film festivals throughout the year, including the Belfast Film Festival (April) and Cinemagic (a childrenโs film festival held in autumn).
- Cultural Diversity: The cityโs cinemas reflect its growing cultural diversity, with screenings of foreign-language films and events celebrating global cinema.
- Historic Venues: Strand Arts Centre is a must-visit for its art deco architecture and historical significance.
7. Tips for Visitors
- Plan Ahead: Popular screenings, especially on weekends, can sell out quickly. Book tickets in advance to secure your spot.
- Explore Local Events: Check out QFT and Strand Arts Centre for unique cultural events and film festivals.
- Use Memberships: If youโre staying in Belfast for an extended period, consider a cinema membership to save money and enjoy perks.
- Public Transport: Most cinemas are easily accessible by public transport. For example, the Glider bus service connects the city centre to East Belfast (Strand Arts Centre) and the Titanic Quarter (Cineworld).
Belfastโs cinema scene offers something for everyone, whether youโre a fan of Hollywood blockbusters, indie gems, or cultural events. Enjoy your time exploring the cityโs film culture!