Showcase Cinemas

Hidden in the dark depths of Gorton, this huge cinema complex isn’t very well known. Which is great for those who do know of it because it’s almost always empty. The seats are a bit grotty and extremely uncomfortable but the tickets are well priced and you’re almost always guaranteed a seat.
You can get scoops of Ben and Jerry’s too. Awesome.

Been here a couple times before in the past, both times happened to be for preview screenings. The only reason really being that I live in the city centre so there are 2 closer cinemas.
And since I only went on preview screenings, I don’t know how much the ticket prices are and how they compare.
The seats in the cinema are those type which was very springy/​bouncy — as in when you lean back you can easily rock back and forward. Quite comfy in a way but you can’t do it too much or it probably will drive the people sat behind you mad!

As old school as it gets. My first ever cinema experience took place here many moons ago. Glad to report that it hasn’t changed much in a good way.
I recently became «An insider» because, well, it was economically viable. What’s that? For no cost whatsoever, after registering online, a card will be mailed out to you. Upon producing this card at the cinema, a reasonable sum of £6.25 (£8.25 for 3D films) gets you admission after 7pm on Sunday and all day Monday/​Tuesday. That’s a pretty good deal. Add to that this cinema isn’t as busy as other cinemas in Manchester due to its odd location.
So if you have a car, this is a more than viable cinema option.

Every time I see a Showcase cinema, I’m transported back to my youth. My father and I used to visit one in Merseyside. The deal would be stop off at Martin McColl’s, splash out on a ton of sweets and a few soft drinks (our rule was nothing chocolatey as that tends to melt) and head over to a very traditional, almost 1950s-​looking cinema. That’s what I love about Showcases. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the Odeons and AMCs of this world but there’s something about a Showcase that smacks of times gone by.
So occasionally I’ll take the trip out of town to find myself here. It is a wonderful little secret as Imogen states, but unfortunately it must come out of the closet. Showcase is an American company, and one thing I must say is the Yanks know how to do cinema. (If only we could follow their lead with drive-​ins and peanut butter M&Ms, we’d be a very happy country.) It was one of the first companies to open multiplexes in the UK as well, back in the 1980s. Hence the traditional aspect. While you’ll see all the latest films you’ll definitely get a sense of wistfulness being here, it almost takes you back to a simpler time because despite the obvious technological developments not much has changed in the world of Showcase.
And that’s the way it should stay. Long may Showcases rule on the edges of motorways and within entertainment complexes. You’re hardly likely to find one in a city centre, and that’s just the way we like them.

I almost don’t want to write this review, I want to keep Showcase my own little Secret. This cinema complex close to Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium is as old as the hills and it is the antithesis of other cinemas. No there is no hassle parking your car, no there is no queue to buy your tickets and you never see the annoying sign on the screen «sold out». This alone can create a riot. No, there isn’t a queue to bag some popcorn, hotdogs are warm, toilets are clean.
Okay, the seats may not be made from the finest Italian leather and they don’t have little cup holders (I can never work out which one to use anyway) but this cinema is great. Ticket prices are cheaper than anywhere else in Manchester and you always get to see the film you want. In fact, Showcase always seems to be pretty much empty, its a wonder it stays open, but I will be at the front of the picket line should any one try to close this fine venue. I would surely miss this 14 screen trusty picture house and its friendly staff.
Well, my secret is out now, so please Unilocalers pay it a visit, just not when I am going because I like to choose my parking space and I don’t do queues.

One of my favourite cinemas, its just on the outskirts of the city centre and easy to get to via car or public transport.
It has a huge car park which is well lit, so it offers that little extra peace of mind, when parking the car.
The cinema is Well priced compared to cinemas in the city centre. A good selection of Current films ensure you are never going to miss the latest films.
As with all cinemas the refreshments are very expensive, but tha taside I would highly recommend a visit

Cheap and cheerful is the best way to describe this cinema.
It’s always quiet compared to other cinemas and they have a good selection of late showings — it’s a regular occurance to go to one of the late night showings and there is no-​one else there!
The screens are good and the seats are comfortable — the floors are always sticky!
It’s also cheaper than most other cinemas.
The only problem is sometimes, you get kids or just jokers in general in here who haven’t really come to watch the film but to chat or mess about — with a lack of staff presence it’s difficult to do anything about this.
There have been occasional problems with the screen or sound here, but the staff quickly sort it out when notified, provide a refund and let you watch the rest of the film.
You can’t say fairer than that!

Not much to say about Showcase, the screens are a nice size but some people may have trouble with the seats, they are very springy and if you put your feet under the chair in front and someone sits on it, you’ll end up with a bruised foot! (I know from experience). Also the floor doesn’t slope as steep as other cinemas so if you get a tall person in front of you, you might not see the screen clearly.
On the plus side, its very clean, competitively priced and there’s a wide range of sweets and hot and cold snacks to take in to the films.