Vue Cinema Bolton — Attraction in Bolton

I've been going to Vue Cinema's for over 15 years, especially this location. However, due to being very busy person working 7 days a week running my own company, I struggle to take the time out of my day to get over to the cinema to catch the latest releases. Also, I felt the films on offer from last year and even to a certain point this year, not warranting enough effort for me to go and see anything due to the convenience of streaming.

Today, I wanted to go view the new 28 Years Later film; directed by Danny Boyle. Although, I've find out today that the gift card is expired, bearing in mind it has never been used. I'd understand if it had been used, and then there's a 12 months period to use the remaining amount on the gift card. I wouldn't agree with it, but there you go. As a result, I do find not only Vue's stance on this hypocritical, but the film industry as a whole.

As they say in a story; there's plot holes in their narrative. They moan and complain that not enough people go to the cinema due to the Marvelization, there being no real movie stars/poor offerings and the rise TV boxsets and home streaming. Yet, they are happy to con you when purchase a product from them, that can only be used in a limited timeframe. Not even Disney would pull a shameless trick like that for one of their theme park tickets!

I hope the head office of not only Vue, see this review but the other Cinema chains, film studios and the UK film industry. I was regardless if the gift card had any remaining balance, next week going to pay and watch the new F1 movie. Not anymore, as I have bitter taste in my mouth over this ordeal. I will wait till it is out on streaming and then eventually purchase used on Blu-Ray; if the films warrants me owning in a physical format.

In conclusion, I want movie theatres to survive, I want the choice to go and see a new release on the big screen. It's the occasion, ambience, escapism and the excitement of viewing a new release. But, you can't pull stunts like this; then complain and question why you're not getting the revenue. I've not even mentioned the prices of a ticket or even the ridiculous cost of beverages... I hope you recognise that you can't bite the hand that feeds you, because the inevitable...

Absolutely appalling service at VUE - Middlebrook this afternoon. We pre-booked two tickets for myself & partner for a 2PM showing. We attended the premises prior to this with the intention of buying some refreshments. The cinema seemed very busy which would be understandable for a weekend. Upon entering there seemed the be a "Corpse like body" lying in the middle of the floor having some form of "attack", which was puzzling at the very least. There were approximately 5 separate tills open, we joined the shortest one, 3 families of x2/3 ahead. It took a total of 30 minutes to be served, mainly down the snail like speed all staff members were displaying, along with their horrendous attitude. We finally were served 30 minutes later, to be given stone cold nacho's which cost the earth and 2 drinks cups which did not work on the machine, resulting in me having to have a lecture by a manager on how to operate a drink dispenser. The extremely slow service meant we missed the first part of the film, including all the adverts. Upon entering the screen this was visibly very busy, and we made our way to the rear of the screen. We spent the entirety of the film sat next to a strange male who deemed it acceptable to sit and play games/text/listen to videos for the entire duration of the screening, to top this off there was a family seated at the front of the cinema who found it acceptable to take pictures during the film with a flashing camera, and to then let her two little "brats" run along the front of the screen and up and down the stairs whilst wearing flashing shoes, I nearly had an epileptic fit all whilst singing and shouting. Upon exiting the film, the staff member who was changing the bins decided to huff and display a very frustrated image on his face, for us daring to use a bin for its designed purpose. I personally find £60 to be extremely steep for two tickets, two drinks, and two stone cold nacho's. We most certainly will not be coming back...

Worst experience I’ve ever had at any cinema. Me and my partner decided to go to the cinema as a date and this was ruined form the moment we walked in. On arrival there was a foul smells of urnie threw out the whole complex , no staff to greet us on arrival.The seats were covers in popcorn ,dirt and grime visible in the dark from the previous showing. I then had no choice but to go and ask a member of staff to clean the seats which I received a reluctant response. This should have already been done as part of standard hygiene & cleaning before allowing anyone into the room after the previous showing. Following on from this there were at least 4/5 people on there phones threw out the movie 5 pluses times each causing major distraction and glare on my glasses. After politely asking some other costumes to please not use there phone or shine it at me I received a very rude response, which forced me to have the leave the viewing room to asked a member of staff to please remind people not to use there phone for previous reason's & spoiling other peoples experience, I was then told me there was nothing they could do unless they see them there self this would be impossible as there is as not one member of staff monitoring the room to reenforce the rules. There was many costumers that looked suspiciously under age for a 18 film and my ID it’s self was not checked. Staff members need extra training on making sure that rules are being in-forced. It seams bright screens, talking, poor maintenance, poor cleaning, lights hanging off the ceiling and being made to feel under valued as a costumer is the norm form this cinema . I feel very let down and disappointed as I try to see the best In everything and try not to let small things get to me, however on this occasion it was impossible to enjoy and complete...