Feast of films spells box office boom

Interest in movies is predicted to rise even more when this year’s Oscar winners are announced on Sunday.

Cineworld’s 2008 box office revenues climbed 6.4 per cent on the previous year, with movies such as Mamma Mia, The Dark Knight, Indy 4 and James Bond feature Quantum Of Solace proving big draws.

Cineworld West India Quay’s general manager David Spence said Sex In The City was also hugely popular among Wharfers. More than half of its weekend visitors also use its Unlimited card, which allows them to watch as many films as they please for a set monthly fee.

He said: “Cinemas are doing incredibly well. With all the stories of banks and bars shutting down, it’s good to see that we’re bucking the trend.

“So far it’s been a fantastic year. Diversity is the key in West India Quay. We’re trying to get variety and choice into our screens and so far it’s paying off.�

Odeon invested £1.5million into digital Imax screens in Greenwich and Wimbledon in December, and Greenwich manager Sean Mahabir is looking forward to a “huge� response when cult comic book adaptation Watchmen hits the big screen next month.

He said: “Business is flying at the moment. We’re doing considerably better than this time last year.

“Our screenings of My Bloody Valentine 3D are storming along, while Slumdog and Role Models are also playing well.

“February can be busy because of all the award-friendly films on offer, but for us to be doing as well as we are is very promising.

“It’s difficult to gauge how the credit crunch is hitting, but it does seem to be helping us.

“Maybe people are going to the cinema instead of some of the more expensive leisure pursuits. But there’s no doubt that films such as Slumdog Millionaire are bringing in a lot of people.�

Gabriel Swartland of Picturehouse, which has cinemas in Greenwich and Stratford, has reported a good response to films such as Sean Penn’s Milk and Rachel Getting Married.

He revealed cinemas have enjoyed an embarrassment of riches so far in 2009, and it’s often hard for smaller venues to juggle them all.

He said: “It’s a purple patch for film.

“We’ve had a good January, which is up on last year by quite some way. We started this year strongly with some really popular and good films.

“When we get a period when these great films are spread out a bit more, we’ll start to see whether there’s an upturn in people choosing the cinema over other forms of entertainment.

“We like to think that you can make an evening out of cinema. You can go to the bar, have a meal, have a conversation and watch a film. And our customers seem to be responding to that.�