Discover A New Evolution In Cinema

5 June 2007 Press release

Vue Entertainment, one of the UK's leading developers and operators of state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas, unveils the latest in cinema innovations at the re-opening of its newly refurbished multiplex in Thurrock, Essex on 15th June. The £4.1m refit, part of the new Boardwalk leisure and dining development at Lakeside, boasts an impressive selection of the most up-to-date facilities and advanced concepts that could signal the future for cinema and the leisure industry.

Having served the local community of Thurrock for over 20 years, the tired, sloped-floor, seven screen cinema closed its doors to the public in December 2006. When those doors re-open, Vue's customers can expect to be dazzled by a complete transformation - a brand new, nine screen, all stadium seated multiplex, with luxury seating and massive screens. The state-of-the-art auditoria provide the ultimate cinema experience, enhanced by the most progressive projection technology and the introduction of new 2K digital projectors that will enable Vue to show a wider range of movies including 3D, with a superior viewing quality. Team this versatility with wi-fi technology in screen and foyer areas, and Vue Thurrock is destined to be an ideal venue for conferencing and interactive gaming.

The originality of Vue's thinking has also given birth to a brand new concept screen called "Vue Evolution" which promises to set a new benchmark in cinemagoing. Enormous beanbags, two- or four-seater sofa pods for couples or families and individual deluxe recliners play a leading role in creating a unique environment for Vue customers to enjoy an outstanding leisure experience. A satellite link to this screen will also enable unique screenings of music and sporting events. Vue Evolution is the first screen of its kind in the UK and promises to continue to progress and evolve to meet the needs and expectations of both its customers and the leisure industry alike.

Not to be overlooked, is the addition to Vue's family of "Gold Class" screens, which Vue have taken the opportunity to install at Thurrock. This unrivalled screen boasts Club-class style reclining seats with low level tables on which to place drinks and snacks - not to mention the "Bottomless Popcorn" - an unlimited tub of popcorn that Gold Class ticket holders are entitled to.

In another UK industry first, to improve customer service and reduce queue levels, bar coding and a reserved seating option have been introduced to the cinema. This will allow Vue to accept mobile phone ticketing and will enable customers ordering online to choose and reserve their seats in advance, as well as print their tickets at home. Once at the cinema, the customer experience is further enhanced by an extensive café area with outside seating and licensed bar both of which will serve an extended menu of hot and cold snacks and healthy drinks, which can be taken into the auditoriums as well as eaten at tables.

Vue Entertainment's CEO Tim Richards said: "This is a hugely exciting milestone not just for Vue but for the cinema industry internationally. We are dedicated to making a visit to the cinema into a total leisure experience and through our continuing research and development we remain committed to evolving these innovative concepts for years to come. Vue Thurrock is just one part of this process."

For further information about Vue Entertainment, please contact

Melissa Varcoe or Adam Murray at freud communications

T: 020 7580 2626 / E-mail: melissa.varcoe@freud.com / adam.murray@freud.com

Notes for editors

About Vue Entertainment

Vue Entertainment is one of the UK's leading multiplex developers and operators of state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas. Formed in May 2003, Vue is one of the fastest growing cinema companies in the country. Having acquired the Ster Century cinema chain at the end of April 2005, Vue announced a management buyout in June 2006 in partnership with Bank of Scotland Corporate, through its Integrated Finance Team in a deal valued in the region of £350 million. Vue now owns 59 multiplexes across the UK and Ireland, with over 570 screens - Vue Thurrock is the first to open in 2007 following Lancaster, Cleveleys, Swansea and Exeter which all opened in 2006. It continues its expansion in 2007 with a programme of building new multiplexes across the UK to include The O2 at Greenwich, Sterling, Hull and Thanet. Another 15 to 20 new sites are planned for the next two to three years. The company has the most modern cinemas in the UK, with over 90% stadium seating and as a result it won the prestigious award for International Exhibitor of the Year at Cinema Expo 2005.

CEO Tim Richards was awarded the title of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2006 and he also won the Leisure Report Individual of the Year award.